Sheridan School District attracts buyers to this small-town community
The quiet community of Sheridan, Arkansas, is often sought for its school district, which is why Realtor Merri Thompson with Southern Homes Realty moved there 25 years ago. The quality of the Sheridan School District has led to the development of several new home communities. “There’s lots of growth in our school system and lots of growth in housing,” Thompson says. Despite building a bypass in 2014, the town retains an active downtown with lots of local businesses on its charming Courthouse Square. People move to Sheridan for a simple, small-town lifestyle. “We’ve got church, and we’ve got sports,” Thompson says. “We’re big time into those types of things.”
New home communities and well-maintained older homes
Thompson says about 500 acres are under development now, with new homes accounting for a lot of the area’s more recent sales. Most of the newer options are New Traditional and farmhouse-inspired styles that range in price from about $200,000 to $435,000. “There’s a lot of new housing to take care of the capacity of people moving here for the school district, but we’re serious about maintaining our existing housing, too,” Thompson says. Older housing options include ranch-style homes and bungalows, typically ranging in price from around $140,000 to $370,000, depending on size, location and condition.
Learning in Sheridan School District
Sheridan School District serves the region with two elementary schools, two intermediate schools, two middle schools and one high school. The district gets an overall B grade from Niche, and its highest rated schools are the B-minus-rated Sheridan Elementary and the B-rated East End Intermediate School, Sheridan Middle School and Sheridan High School. Students at Sheridan High School can take AP classes and CTE courses such as automotive service, construction and cybersecurity.
Sheridan Parks & Recreation Center and a ladies-only gym
The Sheridan Parks & Recreation Center has a playground, splash pad, swimming pool, and a skate park. Across the street, the Sheridan Ball Fields has youth baseball, softball and soccer fields. Pink Gym is a ladies-only fitness center in downtown Sheridan with workout equipment and exercise classes such as barre, yoga and pilates.
Local businesses and a farmers’ market on the Courthouse Square
Thompson said concerns that the bypass opened in 2014 would hurt downtown business has proven to be unfounded. “People are choosing to put their businesses on the square,” she says. Boutiques and local restaurants continue to pop up, including a recent hit called Lady Birds Café, which serves a mix of cuisines, including Mexican and Southern fare. “Usually, at night, there’s a line outside,” she says.
The town has several fast-food restaurants, including Taco Bell, Sonic Drive-In and Hardee’s. There is also a Walmart for home goods and groceries. On summer Saturdays, the Sheridan Farmers’ Market sets up on the Courthouse Square to sell fresh produce and artisan groceries from local vendors.
Timberfest, an annual lumberjack competition
Timberfest is an annual event held each October in downtown Sheridan. Organized by the Grant County Chamber of Commerce, this two-day event includes a parade, a pageant, a 5K and a lumberjack competition.
About 35 miles from Little Rock
Sheridan is about 35 miles from Little Rock. While there is an urgent care and two primary care clinics here, the closest hospital – Saline Memorial Hospital – is in Bentonville, 24 miles away. To travel out of town, residents can fly out of Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, 34 miles away.
