[Ira500]

I am interested in finding an artsy, tolerant, and attractive place to retire to, and in many ways Eureka Springs has it's appeal. I'm not uncomfortable around artists, old hippies, and gay folk, but my question is this:
I've read that Eureka Springs also has a history of radical, antisemitic Christians, and well, I'm Jewish. I'd like to live in a place where that would be considered acceptable, where crosses won't be burned on my front lawn, and where people won't be trying to convert me on a daily basis.
I've got friends of all persuasions including Right Wing Christian fundamentalist,
so I don't need to be surrounded by left wing socialist Jews, but...
I'm kind of a "live and let live" kind of guy. Would I have any reason to worry about Eureka?

[Sam I Am]

If you want to be who you are, I'd say Eureka is the place for you. No one is going to burn a cross....conversion - well, I can't promise you - everyone here is trying to convert each other - the Baptists try to "convert" the Catholics, every which way you can think of :-) It's Bible belt.....but do I think your Judaism is a player in the equation? Not hardly. I think that's the 1930's you are referring to.....long forgotten. I'm sure there's a pocketful of idiots hiding somewhere, there always is - but really, I can't see why people stress over these things that are simply not true.

[Ira500]

Thanks! I wasn't really stressing, and was assuming that Eureka would be a nice, welcoming place.

[Sam I Am]

If you go up there, visit the cemetary - yes, that's right, the cemetary, and anyone in town can tell you which one - the graves are all decorated, there's an Indian "princess" buried there....it's one of the more interesting places, I think. I am a HUGE ES fan - I don't know that I could live there because of the tourists, but it's one of my favorite places for an extended visit. Do a search in the Arkansas thread - tons of info - I think you will be pleased!

[arkie]

I agree with Sam. Eureka is totally full of diverse folks, an eclectic population, many people who came as tourists and fell in love with the place and decided to stay, many others just like yourself--looking for a place that is unique, artsy, full of history, eccentric, fun, etc. Better hurry though b/c real estate prices are on the rise there as was told to me just last week by a couple who are currently looking for a home there.

[Ira500]

I'm not unfamiliar with Arkansas, just Eureka Springs. I've spent a lot of time in the Hot Springs area and like it very much.
At this point, i haven't met an Arkansan I didn't like, but I'm sure they're out there.

[arkie]

Eureka Springs is cooler (temp) than Hot Springs in the summer, and the humidity seems to be a bit lower, more comfortable. Good luck.

[brucep]

Ira500,

I grew up near Harrison and lived in Eureka for 17 years. I think the worries/concerns you have are not in the least an issue of today. Eureka is a melting pot of people, cultures, and lifestyles and I think you'll love it. It is a very political little town with lots of bickering and disagreements (like many tourist towns) and you can choose how deep, if at all, you want to wade into that political fray. I don't think anyone will try and convert you--yes, it's still in the bible belt but Eureka is not like other small towns in the bible belt; Eureka is not like anywhere you've ever been. And since you'd be retiring there you won't have the work related and economic stresses of living in a seasonal town. You'll just get to enjoy it! It's a great walking town with meandering paths and side streets. And If you like small town parades this is your town. It does have lots of tourists because...it's a tourist town...and getting around town can be frustrating during tourist season but this is a small trade off for getting to live there. There are some very interesting, very talented, very wonderful people living there as I'm sure there are some jerks still living there. But I have no doubt that you'll make many friends and be accepted there. You might want to check out a local paper on-line, the lovely county citizen. It has a wonderful photo section, scenes around town. Good luck!

[anjoe]

We just spent some time in Eureka Springs and loved its charm and appeal. If you're the artist type of person, you will love living there. We saw victorian homes for sale right in downtown Eureka Springs area. We didn't see a Wal-mart and we saw 1 grocery store. Berryville is not far away and has most everything you could need. We did see a hospital and clinic there in Eureka Springs.

[cabs1982]

ES is a nice place... except for diversity week. Lived there (actually, Berryville) growing up and enjoyed it very much. Most of the people there are VERY friendly and the town itself is beautiful. ES is certainly a place to consider.