A fast-growing and increasingly contemporary Northwest Arkansas city
Springdale has long been a significant industrial hub for one of the country’s fastest-growing regions. Tyson Foods has been an anchor of the city’s manufacturing economy since 1935. But these days, there’s a whole lot more to Springdale than chicken. During a 20-year growth spurt beginning in the 1990s, the population increased by 133%. As a result, more commercial and residential development led to many new restaurants, bars and local shops popping up to serve a populace that will soon exceed 89,000. Springdale is the second-largest city in Northwest Arkansas and the fourth-largest in the state. Growth and development have spurred a renewed sense of innovation within the community, evidenced by the increase in grassroots projects, cultural attractions and schools. Residents have access to all the perks of contemporary living, while still enjoying a cost of living significantly below the national average.
Springdale homes in the Har-Ber Meadows area sit alongside beautiful ponds.
Beaver Lake spans from Rogers all the way south to Springdale.
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Springdale school district is the largest in the state
Springdale Public Schools is the largest district in the state, serving more than 22,000 students across Benton and Washington counties. It earns an A-minus from Niche, which ranks it as the fourth-most diverse district in the state. Don Tyson School of Innovation, a K-12 charter institution, and Har-Ber High School are among the city’s A-rated schools.
J.O. Kelly Middle School is a public middle school located in Springdale.
Springdale High School has 2,041 students in ninth through twelfth grade.
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Razorback Greenway, city parks are recreational highlights
Recreational opportunities abound among Springdale’s gently rolling hills and surrounding lakes. Springdale sits at the midpoint of the Razorback Greenway, a 40-mile stretch of paved, multi-use trails that extends from Fayetteville to Bella Vista. Fitzgerald Mountain is a highlight of city spaces dedicated to mountain biking trails. Northeast of the city is Beaver Lake, a premier regional destination for boaters and anglers that offers 28,000 acres of water and almost 500 miles of shoreline. Lake Fayetteville offers similar activities on a smaller scale. The development of accessible parks, especially downtown, has significantly increased in recent years. These additions add more green space and increase citywide engagement. “You have to have a place to gather to have community,” says Dabbs, who highlighted Walter Turnbow Park and Luther George Park, which celebrated its grand re-opening in the fall of 2024. Turnbow Park features walking trails and open spaces along Spring Creek. It hosts several regular events, including the Live at Turnbow concert series and the Christmas on the Creek holiday celebration. George Park was redesigned to connect downtown’s recreational spaces to the activity along Emma Avenue. “Luther George Park will be the Central Park of Arkansas right along the Greenway,” Dabbs says. The park features a 3,000-seat pavilion. Other popular destinations include Parsons Stadium, where the annual four-day Rodeo of the Ozarks takes place; and Arvest Ballpark, home of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. The Kansas City Royals’ Double-A affiliate plays 70 home games there each year.
Springdale is a dog friendly city with parks and paths for all sizes.
The paths around Murphy Park in Springdale are popular with the locals.
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U.S. Route 412, I-49 are convenient regional highways
U.S. Route 412, which runs through downtown Springdale, connects to Interstate 49. I-49 provides quick and easy access to surrounding cities, including Bentonville to the north and Fayetteville to the south. The Ozark Regional Transit Authority provides weekday public transportation to local destinations of note, including the Springdale Public Library and Northwest Medical Center. The city has a municipal airport, and Northwest Arkansas National Airport is a 25-minute drive.
History and culture converge
The heart of Springdale’s modern makeover is its downtown district, which blends years of history with a forward-thinking aesthetic. “Springdale is a welcoming community with a real small-town feel, but our diversity is Springdale’s superpower,” says Jill Dabbs, who recently stepped down as executive director of Downtown Springdale Alliance after six years. “The community is very proud of what we have here, and so much of the vibrancy is coming back to downtown through commerce and art.”
The Arkansas-Missouri Railroad is a tourist attraction that offers daylong trips through the picturesque region. The nearby Shiloh Museum of Ozark History tells the story of Northwest Arkansas through Native American exhibits. “It’s like stepping back in time,” Dabbs says. “You walk onto the grounds and experience the history of the Ozarks.” The downtown Arts District is a cultural hotspot for performance venues, art galleries and educational organizations. Vibrant murals add a splash to buildings along Emma Avenue. Bi-annual, weekend-long Art Walks showcase local artists. The Medium is a collaborative arts center that provides access to studio, gallery and performance spaces and hosts year-round events.
The historic downtown Springdale has a vintage feel.
Shiloh Museum of Ozark History has six buildings to visit in Springdale.
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Downtown's Outdoor Dining District will soon be expanding
Local shopping options are concentrated along Emma Avenue and Thompson Street, where residents will find an eclectic mix of boutiques and specialty shops. Local dining options are also concentrated downtown. The city council recently approved an expansion of the Outdoor Dining District, which was established in 2020 during the COVID pandemic. Restaurants range from casual bakeries and specialty cafes to bustling taprooms and authentic Mexican taquerias. Big-box retailers and additional dining destinations can be found at shopping centers along commercial corridors throughout the city and surrounding areas.
Susan's Restaurant has been serving Springdale for almost 30 years.
Trailside Coffee Company is located inside the Phat Tire Bike Shop in downtown Springdale.
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The lowest median home price among the region's largest cities
Residential options range from spacious homes on large lots to modern condos in the heart of downtown. Ranch homes are prominent, while midcentury-modern and craftsman styles also stand out among the older housing in neighborhood settings. “Springdale is an older town with well-established neighborhoods,” says local Realtor Brent Farmer of EXP Realty. “It has a good value for homes, based on neighboring cities.” Springdale’s median home price of $325,000 is the lowest of Northwest Arkansas’ four major cities. Newer housing is concentrated in amenities-filled, master-planned communities such as Har-Ber Meadows. The city offers a temperate climate with all four seasons. Extreme temperatures are rare.
Newer single family homes are currently under development in Springdale.
There are many craftsman homes in Springdale.
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Crime in Springdale
With a rate of 32 incidents per 1,000 residents, overall crime in Springdale is comparable to that of other cities its size. Crime tends to be more common in the central and southwest portions of the city, with theft the most common offense. The northwest part of the city is considered the safest. The Springdale Police Department is active in the community and has programs to prioritize residents' safety, including an online reporting tool and extra patrol requests.
On average, homes in Springdale, AR sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Springdale, AR over the last 12 months is $339,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
I've been a realtor in NWA for almost six years & I genuinely enjoy helping each and every one of my clients. I've lived in Northwest Arkansas my entire life and I've loved watching it grow into the thriving area that it is now. If you're looking to buy or sell, I'd love to help. I offer free buyer & seller consultations, as well as free market analyses for people looking to sell. Give me a call and let's see what opportunities are available!
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
