Fort Smith

Fort Smith, Arkansas, otherwise known as the place “where the new south meets the old west,” was established as a western frontier military post in 1817. It lies in a flat valley along the Arkansas River and the border with Oklahoma. Today, most of its 68.2 square miles sit on a grid pattern. Its median age is 36.7 (2022), and its main industries include manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and education.

Older homes in Italianate, Second Empire, Queen Anne, Gothic Revival, Craftsman, and American Foursquare styles reflect Fort Smith’s history. Homebuyers can also choose from more modern townhomes and single-family homes. The city’s typical home value is $156,495, which is up 9.9% over the past year (Zillow, 2022). Adding to the city’s appeal are annual events such as the Fort Smith Fall Festival, the Fort Smith International Film Festival, and the Riverfront Blues Festival.

Fort Smith sits at the crossroads of I-540, which runs through the city, and I-49, which cuts across its southeast. Fort Chafee, just east of I-540, offers a variety of dwellings: condos, apartments, and single-family homes. The Hillcrest and Park Hill neighborhoods, just outside downtown, feature cottages and bungalows on tree-lined streets.

There’s room to grow both families and businesses in welcoming Fort Smith, and the opportunity to enjoy a warm climate and relatively low cost of living.