Every new resident to Arkansas is prepared with the knowledge of the state’s natural beauty–but are these newcomers aware of how much of this beauty covers the entire state? Are they prepared to marvel with joy at the characteristics that outsiders likely don’t consider when expounding upon the glory of Arkansas? No, they aren’t ready. It takes moving here and living here a while to let it sink in; you’re in God’s country, and life can be absolutely wonderful in Arkansas when you live it to the fullest.

  1. The Diversity In Residency

Wikipedia If you’re moving here from out of town and heard the myth that ’they’re all the same down there’, well, they’re wrong. Arkansas’s larger cities have incredibly diverse populations.

  1. The Hours of Operation

Flickr/Mike Mozart Don’t think that the majority of the Natural State shuts down at sundown. In addition to the usual late night staple of shopping at Walmart, a number of convenience stores, fitness centers, and restaurants around Arkansas are open past midnight or even run 24-7.

  1. The Attention to History

Wikipedia Arkansas culture and history are important to its residents. Don’t be surprised if an interesting street name in an Arkansas town happens to be the name of a groundbreaking politician. There are numerous locations dedicated to the preservation of Old Arkansas. Historic Washington State Park is an excellent example of bearing the historic torch.

  1. The Pop Culture Scene

Facebook/Konsplosion Don’t feel left out if you’re a gamer, a cosplayer, or a comic book aficianado when you move to Arkansas! Such great gatherings such as Konsplosion in Fort Smith unite all fandoms and is a great way to meet like-minded individuals.

  1. The Weather

Flickr/MRHSfan If anyone hasn’t given you fair warning about the weather in Arkansas, our apologies. To say the least, it’s changeable here. Many find themselves carrying umbrellas, galoshes, ice scrapers, and jackets/sweaters all in their car. You just never know what you’ll need.

  1. The Great Shopping

Facebook/The Promenade At Chenal All around the state of Arkansas there are a number of awesome malls (both standard and open air) that feature some of the best brands available. Central and Northwest Arkansas are constantly expanding on their shopping options for those who enjoy retail therapy.

  1. The Food Options

Facebook/Fred Bingham A plethora of international food options are available around the Natural State! From the European style cuisine at the popular Wiederkehr Wine Cellar in Altus to the variety of Asian, Mediterranean, and Mexican cuisine offered at restaurants around Arkansas will never leave you bored and always craving a new flavor.

  1. The Awesome Schools

Facebook/Fayetteville Public Schools Arkansas schools still believe in putting the students first! In addition to the strong educational bonds created in the classroom, Arkansas students are very well versed in community service and the importance of assisting others. Education in Arkansas is geared towards the whole individual.

  1. The Arts and Crafts Scene

Facebook/Arkansas Arts Center Nearly every city and town around Arkansas has an art gallery or offers painting classes for beginners. If you arrive to the Natural State with a desire to create, you’ll be very satisfied with the available amount of places to learn and hone your artistic skills.

  1. The Number of State Parks

Facebook/State Parks of Arkansas There are 52 state parks in Arkansas; meaning for every state in America, we have at least one or two parks that are just as good if not better! You can’t beat the activities you can do at an Arkansas state park, either. Camping, swimming, hiking, and fishing are all awesome - but don’t forget you can dig for actual diamonds down in Murfreesboro, too.

If you were born in Arkansas, you already knew the magnificence our great state had to offer. However, if you’re a transplant from elsewhere, how did the Natural State first capture your attention when you arrived? Sound off in the comments, Arkies who found their way here from locations around the nation. What surprised you about Arkansas when you settled into the new homestead?

Wikipedia

If you’re moving here from out of town and heard the myth that ’they’re all the same down there’, well, they’re wrong. Arkansas’s larger cities have incredibly diverse populations.

Flickr/Mike Mozart

Don’t think that the majority of the Natural State shuts down at sundown. In addition to the usual late night staple of shopping at Walmart, a number of convenience stores, fitness centers, and restaurants around Arkansas are open past midnight or even run 24-7.

Arkansas culture and history are important to its residents. Don’t be surprised if an interesting street name in an Arkansas town happens to be the name of a groundbreaking politician. There are numerous locations dedicated to the preservation of Old Arkansas. Historic Washington State Park is an excellent example of bearing the historic torch.

Facebook/Konsplosion

Don’t feel left out if you’re a gamer, a cosplayer, or a comic book aficianado when you move to Arkansas! Such great gatherings such as Konsplosion in Fort Smith unite all fandoms and is a great way to meet like-minded individuals.

Flickr/MRHSfan

If anyone hasn’t given you fair warning about the weather in Arkansas, our apologies. To say the least, it’s changeable here. Many find themselves carrying umbrellas, galoshes, ice scrapers, and jackets/sweaters all in their car. You just never know what you’ll need.

Facebook/The Promenade At Chenal

All around the state of Arkansas there are a number of awesome malls (both standard and open air) that feature some of the best brands available. Central and Northwest Arkansas are constantly expanding on their shopping options for those who enjoy retail therapy.

Facebook/Fred Bingham

A plethora of international food options are available around the Natural State! From the European style cuisine at the popular Wiederkehr Wine Cellar in Altus to the variety of Asian, Mediterranean, and Mexican cuisine offered at restaurants around Arkansas will never leave you bored and always craving a new flavor.

Facebook/Fayetteville Public Schools

Arkansas schools still believe in putting the students first! In addition to the strong educational bonds created in the classroom, Arkansas students are very well versed in community service and the importance of assisting others. Education in Arkansas is geared towards the whole individual.

Facebook/Arkansas Arts Center

Nearly every city and town around Arkansas has an art gallery or offers painting classes for beginners. If you arrive to the Natural State with a desire to create, you’ll be very satisfied with the available amount of places to learn and hone your artistic skills.

Facebook/State Parks of Arkansas

There are 52 state parks in Arkansas; meaning for every state in America, we have at least one or two parks that are just as good if not better! You can’t beat the activities you can do at an Arkansas state park, either. Camping, swimming, hiking, and fishing are all awesome - but don’t forget you can dig for actual diamonds down in Murfreesboro, too.

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