Set on a bend of the Arkansas River just across from Fort Smith, the city of Van Buren continues to build on its rich history. The quaint downtown, filled with turn-of-the-century buildings, has been revitalized as a destination for tourists and locals, with restaurants and shops. More improvements to downtown’s sidewalks and streetscapes are on the way. The port, which originated in the mid-1800s, will expand with the multimillion-dollar intermodal slackwater harbor project that combines barge and rail traffic. "Van Buren is so fast-growing,” says Rebecca Morter, a Realtor with Weichert Realtors living in nearby Fort Smith. “[The city] does a good job of standing out; it's got unique events and a healthy job market." Its roughly 24,000 residents work locally in manufacturing, healthcare and education. Van Buren is the seat of Crawford County, so there are also positions in government services.
The Arkansas River runs along the East side of Van Buren.
Downtown Van Buren has many historic buildings and exciting shopping.
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Vintage homes downtown, new-builds on outskirts
The median home price in Van Buren is $218,000, on par with nearby Fort Smith but far lower than the national median. The downtown area is filled with midcentury homes, many of which have been renovated or bought as investment properties. "Most of what you'll see on the market is a little bit on the older side, but you'll notice that they all have good-sized yards," Morter says. Farther from the city center, subdivisions become more common, with ranch-style and contemporary homes dating from the 1990s and 2000s. There is also some new construction, mostly on the outskirts, featuring modern Craftsman designs in the $275,000 to $400,000 range.
There are many different styles of homes to choose from in Van Buren.
Residents can choose from the many new construction homes available in Van Buren.
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Shopping, attractions in historic downtown
The heart of Van Buren's historic downtown is Main Street, with six walkable blocks of specialty stores, galleries and local restaurants housed in restored late 19th- and early 20th-century buildings. On Second Saturdays, participating downtown merchants host sales and giveaways. Main Street is also home to the Victorian King Opera House, which still holds performances, and Arts on Main, hosting community art and culinary classes. A trolley runs regularly around the downtown area from The Old Frisco Depot, which dates back a century. More shopping, including big-box stores and supermarkets, and chain restaurants are north of downtown near Interstate 40 and to the west along Route 71.
There are many big box stores available for residents to choose from in Van Buren.
Van Buren has many unique boutiques for residents to shop at.
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Celebrations for all seasons along Main Street
Most events take place downtown, on and around Main Street. Spring and summer bring about the unique Old Timer's Day Steampunk Festival, a fantastical celebration of Victorian times, along with the Summer Street Eats Food Truck Festival. The second half of the year brings the family-friendly fall festival, open-air holiday markets and the well-attended Christmas parade. The Annual Christmas at the Parks, from November to January 1, includes a light and music show, Christmas tree and ice-skating in downtown’s Freedom Park.
Activities along the Arkansas River
The Van Buren Parks and Recreation Department maintains nine parks within the city. There are local sports leagues at the Field of Dreams Sports Complex, which was repaired following the devastating 2019 flood. A skate park and pickleball court are newer additions to the parks system. Along the Arkansas River and Lee Creek is Lee Creek Park, which includes several boat ramps, kayak/canoe launches and designated fishing areas.
There are many walking trails in Van Buren that parallel the Arkansas river.
Field of Dreams park in Van Buren offers many sports to residents to play.
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Well-rated Van Buren School District
The city is served by the Van Buren School District, which scores an A-minus on Niche and is the largest district in Crawford County. Joshua Academy, a faith-based private school that is unrated on Niche, is located in the city proper. In nearby Fort Smith, the A-rated Union Christian Academy is one of Arkansas's highest-rated private high schools.
The schools in Van Buren offer many sports programs for children that attend.
The schools in Van Buren are known for their top notch education.
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Nearby interstates include I-40
Van Buren is at the juncture of Interstate 40 and I-540 and close to the Arkansas-Oklahoma state line. It's also intersected by several state highways. The Fort Smith Regional Airport is 12 miles south and has direct flights to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport via American Airlines. About 75 miles away is the Northwest Arkansas National Airport with several more airlines. The main medical facility in the city is Baptist Health-Van Buren, while the larger Mercy Hospital Fort Smith is about a 12-mile drive. Van Buren Public Transit offers on-demand transportation.
Flooding and prone to tornadoes
The city experiences hot summers and mild winters. Van Buren sits on the eastern edge of Tornado Alley, so high winds and tornados are possible. Flooding is also a possibility, especially in low-lying areas near the Arkansas River. In 2019, the river flooded, leading to historic water levels and damage throughout the city and nearby Fort Smith.
Crime statistics are not readily available.
Written By
Kaitie Lamb
Photography Contributed By
Justin Prokop
Video By
Jarrod Bock
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Cynthia Yarbrough,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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Looking for a rental property in the heart of Van Buren? This single family home is just minutes from the interstate, making commuting a breeze, and within easy reach of local restaurants and shops. Whether you're looking for convenience, comfort, or a central location, this property offers it all.
Luxury 2 and 3 bedroom condos in Van Buren, Arkansas. Scenic views surrounding Lee Creek and the Arkansas River. Clean and quiet place to call home. Contact us today to schedule a tour!
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