Tontitown

Wheeler is a growing area in the southern hills of the Ozark Mountain range with country lanes, rolling greenery and new residential developments. Named after the curving roadway that runs across it, the community was once populated mostly by farms and rural houses, but that is changing. "As you trek north on Wheeler Road, you'll find a lot of cattle farms and large estates that are gated and private. There's also a lot of growth heading here as you see suburban sprawl," says Stacey McSpadden, the owner of SoHo NWA brokered by exp Realty, who also lives in the community. Wheeler is also close to major employers, such as the University of Arkansas, Tyson Foods and the Washington Regional Medical Center. While rural homes can still be found here, the expansion of the suburbs west of Fayetteville has brought new homes and planned communities. However, buyers can still purchase lots over 20 acres in size. Many yards reach out towards dense woodlands and rolling meadows. Most real estate listings are new traditional homes built in the last two decades. "Hughmont Village subdivision is fantastic. It's built by Riggens Construction, which is very well-known around here. I was the fourth house in that subdivision. They have extensions going on now with another 20 acres. It was annexed into the city right after development started," McSpadden says. Older houses needing improvements can list for as low as $150,000, while new homes are available across a wide range of prices. Homes inside subdivisions generally enter the market between $275,000 and $575,000. But some of the community's largest residences sitting on over an acre can sell between $550,000 and $1.2 million. Homes near Clear Creek and its tributaries have a mild chance of flooding. Students can attend highly-ranked public schools in the Fayetteville School District. Holcomb Elementary School holds an A-minus rating from Niche, Holt Middle receives a B-plus and Ramay Junior High earns a B. Fayetteville High ranks as one of the best high schools in Arkansas with an A from Niche. Wheeler might feel remote and rural, but it's only 5 miles from Interstate 49, a major regional freeway. However, commuters must head closer to the city to hop on a public bus route. It's also within 10 miles of downtown Fayetteville and the University of Arkansas. Residents can also visit the small town of Siloam Springs, just 23 miles west of the neighborhood. There's no dining or shopping to be had within Wheeler, but residents will find everything they need just about 5 miles away in Fayetteville's west side. An array of big box stores and grocers are also within a 10-mile drive, including Target, Sam's Club, Walmart, The Home Depot and Whole Foods Market. For a night out, breweries, bars, upscale restaurants and boutique shops can be found along the walkable streets of downtown Fayetteville. To the south is El Matador, a popular Tex-Mex restaurant serving jumbo, 44-ounce margaritas. Gary Hampton Field is the place to be for youth league baseball, while Bryce Davis Park offers grassy meadows, a playground and a dog park. But the area is also close to a popular golfing destination. "You also butt up against the Blessings Golf Course," McSpadden says. "It's home of the University of Arkansas Razorbacks, but it is also a pit stop for PGA qualifying events." According to Golf Digest, the course is considered one of the top in the state and was designed by Marlon Blackwell, a prominent architect in the region. "He is well-known for his use of natural elements around Arkansas. So the stone and the wood are all very local," McSpadden says. "There's a fabulous barn, called the Red Barn, that was built by a Tyson Foods executive," McSpadden says. "It's a hotspot for weddings and events. It's really pretty, and the grounds and pond are stunning." Many enjoy University of Arkansans football games at Razorback Stadium as well as basketball games and concerts at Bud Walton Arena.