$209,756Average Value$140Average Price per Sq Ft68Homes For Sale
Riverside living in Van Buren
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
Linda Chambers,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Van Buren, AR sell after 57 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Van Buren, AR over the last 12 months is $225,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Move-in ready 4-bedroom, 2-bath home in Van Buren! This charming home features numerous updates, including an open floor plan with hardwood flooring, newer carpet, and fresh paint. Large windows with plantation shutters bring in natural light and offer views of the spacious, fenced-in backyard.
Step into space, style, and flexibility with this beautifully updated 5-bedroom home designed for the way you live today. The main level welcomes you with a bright, open feel and a comfortable living area that’s perfect for hosting friends or enjoying quiet evenings at home. You’ll find two bedrooms on this level, including a spacious primary suite featuring a private bath and ample closet space.
C-1 commercial lot located directly across from Prime Medical Imaging and just one block from Broadway Street with an average daily traffic count of 11,000 vehicles, this parcel offers easy access — ideal for medical, retail, office, service use, sspecialty retail, professional services, drive-up or mixed-use concepts. Utilities at street.
This well-maintained 3 bedroom home offers a large living room with gas log fireplace and tall ceiling, spacious kitchen with roll-out shelving in the cabinets. Newer large stainless steel refrigerator negotiable. Large primary bedroom bath offers two walk-in closets, double sinks and walk-in shower. HVAC less than 10 years old and roof 3 years old. Call today for your private showing.
Welcome home! This charming 3-bed, 2-bath property has vaulted ceilings that create an open, airy feel, and a cozy gas-log fireplace for those chilly nights. It has a two-car garage, and a tornado shelter for added peace of mind from those Arkansas storms. The fully fenced backyard provides the perfect space for pets, cookouts and gatherings, and relaxing outdoors. New Roof in 2025!! Professional
Motivated Sellers! Welcome home to this spacious 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom residence featuring a desirable split floor plan and tall ceilings that create an open, airy feel throughout. The wood-look tile flooring is both stylish and durable—perfect for kids and pets. The heart of the home is the open-concept living area, seamlessly connecting to the kitchen, which boasts granite countertops, a large
Check out this move in ready, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms home. So much new for peace of mind including a new roof (July 2025), paint, and durable LVP flooring throughout. The oversized two-car garage is insulated and perfect for your vehicles or a workshop.Not in a floodplain. The kitchen is a chef’s delight with custom butcher block countertops, an Elkay farmhouse sink, a new Frigidaire electric
Spacious and full of potential, this 5 bedroom, 3 bath home sits in a well established neighborhood within walking distance to schools. This house features 2 primary rooms 2 HVACS and even 2 water heaters! The layout is ideal for entertaining while being functioning and inviting. Whether you need space for a home gym, office or enough space for a large family this home offers many possibilities!
Step into your own private retreat with this stunning 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offering 2,361 sq ft of thoughtfully designed living space. Inside, you’re welcomed by a spacious living area featuring soaring ceilings, a cozy gas fireplace, and large windows that fill the space with natural light. The formal dining area flows seamlessly into the living room, creating a great setup for both everyday
This beautifully reimagined 1,998 sq. ft. home has been completely renovated to the studs and showcases touches of superior craftsmanship throughout. With a spacious layout and a large bonus room perfect as a second living space, game room, or whatever your heart could imagine, this home offers a comfortable, yet luxury living experience with style in every detail. Conveniently located just three
MOTAVITED SELLER!Bring your Animals! This home is nestled on 3.23 Acres in the Kibler Area. Outdoors you'll find a two-car carport, Property is wire fenced on 3 sides and the barn has new side doors. Three of the outbuildings have electric. Lots of fruit trees and berries in the Garden Area. Raised beds for vegetables. A new roof (2023), Inside--updated flooring and carpet (excluding kitchen
Don't miss this opportunity to own a home in the fast-growing community of Van Buren. This home is just down the road from Northridge Middle School, Oliver Springs Elementary, shopping and dining. Located within minutes of I-40, you have easy access to the local Military Base, Arkansas Colleges of Health Education and the I-49 Corridor. Home is being sold "AS IS". Brand NEW ROOF!
NEW CONSTRUCTION ! Lots to love in this great new home with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. The kitchen has lots of cabinets and granite countertops, a large bar and a walk in pantry. All the rooms are spacious with vinyl plank flooring. There is a nice covered front porch as well as a covered back porch. Stop by and check it out for yourselves. The listing agent is related to the seller.
Set on 10 secluded acres in a park-like setting, this quality home offers peace and solitude just minutes from I-40 and Fort Smith amenities. Built by a detail-minded contractor for his family, the home reflects a higher standard of construction with hardwood floors, elevated ceilings, and heated tile floors, with craftsmanship and detail evident throughout. Safety and security were thoughtfully
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!***NEW MOVE-IN SPECIALS!!*** CALL TO INQUIRE!!
Welcome to Cedar Creek Village Apartments & Townhomes - a community with a variety of 1 & 2 bedroom apartments plus spacious 2 bedroom townhomes. Choose from 1 or 1.5 bath layouts designed for comfort and convenience in Van Buren. Each unit includes a refrigerator, stove/oven, dishwasher, disposal, and in-unit washer/dryer. Enjoy community amenities like a pool and basketball court, along with
306 Elfen Glen is offered for rent by Real Property Management First Choice. This charming 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home features a kitchen with fridge, stove/oven, dishwasher, and microwave, a cozy fireplace in the living area, a 2 car garage, washer/dryer in unit, and a fenced backyard. Tenant is responsible for utilities (electric/water) and lawncare. Give us a call todayRent:
This is a cute 2 bedroom 1 bath upstairs unit. This unit has ceiling fans in both bedrooms and a walk-in closet in master bedroom. It has designated parking and is in a great location. There is no laundry on site. Pets allowed with weight limit and non-refundable pet deposit. There is also a $25 non-refundable application fee.
* Move-In Special - $150 Off First Month's Rent *Welcome to your home sweet home! This 2 bed, 1 bath apartment offers a comfortable and secure living experience, within a very close distance to Van Buren Schools, shopping, restaurants, and so much more! Enjoy the convenience of an on-site laundry facility! Whether you're relaxing in the inviting living space or unwinding in the bedrooms,
Tenants pay Electric onlyDon't miss Unit #5 at Avilla! This inviting 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment features brand new flooring and a clean, comfortable space you'll love coming home to. Convenient downstairs access makes everyday living easy, plus on-site coin-operated laundry adds extra convenience. Tenant only pays electric—keeping things simple and affordable.
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