We can all agree Arkansas is a fantastic place to grow up, but settling on which town in particular is a different story entirely. Besides knowing why our towns listed today are great for anyone, we also focused on what educational qualities made them the best. We looked at school quality ratings from Niche: Explore Schools and Neighborhoods and sports stats from MaxPreps: High School Sports to compile a list of eight of the best small towns in Arkansas. Take a look, and let us know if you call any of these wonderful places home!

1. Charleston

Charleston, AR 72933, USA
Facebook/Charleston School District
Our first small town goes beyond everyone knowing your name; the folks of Charleston genuinely take care of each other. Any band nerd will flourish in Charleston schools since they continually build success each year. Their high school band earned superior ratings in the Arkansas School Band and Orchestra Association marching contest and concert contest too.

2. Pottsville

Pottsville, AR, USA
Facebook/Pottsville Elementary
The strong support of family-owned businesses contribute to the positive atmosphere of Pottsville. Not only does the community want their local businesses to succeed, but the focus on student success takes priority as well. Pottsville is ranked number one in the state for places to teach. Anyone growing up in the town is sure to benefit from the outstanding dedication of their teachers. One of the best small towns in Arkansas, Pottsville is also one of the safest places to live in the Natural State.

3. Morrilton

Morrilton, AR 72110, USA
Facebook/University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton
Having the endless beauty of Petit Jean State Park right in your backyard would inspire anyone to take on challenges. Perhaps beginning with a difficult hike but then applying that same determination to the arduous task of higher education, the folks of Morrilton will take on any challenge. Their hard work pays off since the town holds the title of best community college in the state.

4. White Hall

White Hall, AR 71602, USA
Facebook/FBC Kids - White Hall, Arkansas
Anyone in White Hall can benefit from the town's particular notoriety; they're the happiest small town in all of Arkansas. Those growing up learn the importance of leading a service life since White Hall has a large percentage of volunteers. This is a town where everyone can come together to continuously improve the city. The City of White Hall prides itself on being a "Quality of Life" community. See why White Hill has been called the "Happiest Town in Arkansas" in this article.

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5. Greenbrier

Greenbrier, AR 72058, USA
Facebook/Greenbrier Fire Department
Greenbrier is another small town with a state recognized rank. It's the most peaceful town in Arkansas. Those growing up in Greenbrier can benefit from their incredibly low crime rate and the town's focus on prioritizing education. Whether it's contributing to the town's higher-than-state-average graduation rate or just taking in the sun at Woolly Hollow State Park, growing up in Greenbrier has some definite benefits.

6. Prairie Grove

Prairie Grove, AR, USA
Facebook/Prairie Grove High School
One thing that sets these particular towns apart from others is their dedication to improving the lives of its youngest citizens. Prairie Grove provides the best college prep in a public school setting in the entire state. Whether it's done in a fun way, like through their award-winning quiz bowl team or just having higher test scores, anyone growing up in Prairie Grove can reap the benefits of higher education opportunities.

7. Dardanelle

Dardanelle, AR 72834, USA
Facebook/Dardanelle Area Chamber of Commerce
Dardanelle is top ranked for quality teachers as well as organization and diversity. Those growing up can find their strengths whether it be through music, JROTC, or even forensics. This is one town that cheers on its young people for diverse interests in addition to a solid education. It's also home to a beautiful, wondrous lake.

8. Mount Ida

Mount Ida, Mt Ida, AR 71957, USA
Facebook/Mount Ida Schools-K-6: Bobby Barrett Elementary
Some of the towns we've looked at have incredible community support while others focus on the importance of education. The small town that best combines these qualities is Mount Ida. This town has the best school spirit which can be seen at any Friday night football game. Mount Ida has bragging rights for being the best football in their class but beyond that, it's the solidarity of the town that benefits those growing individuals.

So, do you agree that these are the best small towns in Arkansas? Do you live in any of these winsome little towns? Share your thoughts and experiences of growing up in the Natural State in the comments below!

For more small-town fun in Arkansas, definitely plan on visiting this unique treasure of a town, which is one of the coolest places in the South!

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More to Explore

Best Small Towns In Arkansas

Sarah | July 21, 2021

What's the best small town in Arkansas?

Eureka Springs might just be the best small town in Arkansas.

It's difficult for us to play favorites, so instead we will share one of the coolest small towns not just in Arkansas, but in the entire South: Eureka Springs. What makes it so unique and wonderful? Well, for starters, the whole town is on the National Register of Historic Places. When folks call Eureka Springs a "Victorian village," they’re not wrong. Everything inside the city limits is on the national historic registry. How many places can say that? Natural beauty abounds here; its location in the Ozarks makes Eureka Springs the perfect staging ground for trips out into nature. The town is a haven for the arts, not to mention one of the most charming downtowns in Arkansas! There is an abundance of must-visit attractions, eateries, and shops in Eureka Springs, making it one of the best small towns in Arkansas for a wonderful day trip or weekend getaway!

What are the most charming small towns in Arkansas?

Some of the most most charming small towns in Arkansas include:

  • Alma
  • Eagle Crest
  • Jasper

 

If you’re craving a slice of small-town life in the Natural State, read on. These small towns across Arkansas provide privacy along with a little scenic flair so you can get maximum enjoyment out of your escape from the urban sprawl. On this list you'll find some of the most charming small towns in Arkansas, including Alma, a place that is enjoyed by many active outdoors enthusiasts who get out and about here on their, bikes (standard or motorcycle), or go boating/swimming. Alma is also home to Eagle Crest, one of Arkansas's finest golf courses! Another glorious small town in Arkansas that we love is Jasper. If you miss small-town living, then Jasper is exactly where you belong to catch up on the good old days. Surrounded by scenic locations and the beautiful Buffalo River, Jasper is chock full of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as camping, caving, rock climbing, hiking, canoeing, hunting, mountain biking, horseback riding, and fishing. 

Where are the best places to live in Arkansas?

It really depends on what you're looking for. If you're into history, these 10 towns offer that in spades! If you're looking for a quiet escape, these towns offer lots of peace and quiet. And Rogers, Arkansas, has been named one of the best places to live in the U.S., so it's definitely worth checking out, too!

 

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Charleston, AR 72933, USA
Pottsville, AR, USA
Morrilton, AR 72110, USA
White Hall, AR 71602, USA
Greenbrier, AR 72058, USA
Prairie Grove, AR, USA
Dardanelle, AR 72834, USA
Mount Ida, Mt Ida, AR 71957, USA