[nmnita]

Did I say anything about Springdale? I believe I mentioned Bella Vista and Bentonville as well as Fayetteville.

Nita

[boulder]

This thread has to a degree gotten of topic - then again maybe it hasn't because we are discussing the four major towns of the "NW Territory" .....

Nmnita - I agree that Bella Vista, Bentonville and Fayetteville have much smaller percentages of Hispanics than Springdale or Rogers (or Siloam Springs). I believe both Fayetteville and Bentonville are approximately 3-5% Hispanic. Spingdale and Rogers are the two main towns that provide the jobs and the neighborhoods that are attractive to the Hispanic population. The reason we got on this side subject was that the original poster asked us about Rogers. And one of the issues discussed locally amongst the adults I associate with when it comes to the growing population in NWA, is the concern over quality of education, primarily in Springdale and Rogers - where many I work with reside (or used to), in the public schools with so many non English speaking students.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by boulder

This thread has to a degree gotten of topic - then again maybe it hasn't because we are discussing the four major towns of the "NW Territory" .....

Nmnita - I agree that Bella Vista, Bentonville and Fayetteville have much smaller percentages of Hispanics than Springdale or Rogers (or Siloam Springs). I believe both Fayetteville and Bentonville are approximately 3-5% Hispanic. Spingdale and Rogers are the two main towns that provide the jobs and the neighborhoods that are attractive to the Hispanic population. The reason we got on this side subject was that the original poster asked us about Rogers. And one of the issues discussed locally amongst the adults I associate with when it comes to the growing population in NWA, is the concern over quality of education, primarily in Springdale and Rogers - where many I work with reside (or used to), in the public schools with so many non English speaking students.

boulder, I agree with you. I think that is why I mentioned the other areas. We will be leaving NM, for several reasons and I have to admit one is the high percentage of Hispanics that either do not speak English or do, but won't let anything in our area chance and grow. They want everything to stay the same, do have trouble accepting people from other areas that are not Hispanic and even those who agree with another view bow down and say "we have to give in". Do I want to move to an area that is going to be so progressive that the "little town" feeling becomes a major city in 5 years? Absolutely no. If I wanted that we would return to the city. Actually we love the small town atmosphere we have here, but some progress is necessary as well as everyone speaking English even if it is with a southern accent.

[Spence&Kim]

Ok, ok. yes we did get a little off thread there. But that's fine. It still gives me a good idea of what I'll find in certain towns so I welcome the side-track. Just a quick follow up, then back to topic. Yes, the hispanic pop. has grown at an alarming rate in recent years. I have lived in darn near every part of this country and have really seen a change in the imigration patterns. I also used to have a HUGE probplem w/having to "press 1 for english, 2 para espanol" but we all need to move on from the prejudice while making damn sure that everyone pays their fair share and learns to communicate in one language. Spanglish?

But seriously, I do truly appreciate everyones' insight. It explaines why the housing is a bit on the cheaper side in those towns and why we'll probably stray towards Fayetteville. Imported or not, those hard working blue collar folks are my bread and butter, but it can be a real drag not being able to understand what everyone around you is saying. What about waterfront props. within commuting distance of Fayetteville. I always wanted to live on Lake Hamilton growing up. I'm wondering if Beaver Lake would be worth looking at.

Keep the comments coming, I'm enjoying the feedback.

[boulder]

Puede-usted explicarlo, por favor!

IMO Beaver Lake is a lot more secluded (ie. less accessible, less developed around the perimeter) than Lake Hamilton. When out on Beaver Lake I don't see that many homes with shoreline property. Some of the best lake living in this area to me would be living on one of the lakes in Bella Vista. Even those these lakes are much smaller than Lake Hamilton, they still all have homes backed up to the shoreline with incredible views of the lake. Most also have private boat docks. Plus the fishing on all the Bella Vista lakes is great!

[Spence&Kim]

Moochos Grassy-ass Signor.

[matto]

Unfortunately with fast growing areas you have a fast growing illegal immigration problem. This is evident by both Rogers and Springdale having to start gang unit/crime suppresion units just to keep up with the violence and criminal element being poured in.

If I were moving to the area I'd probably stay in Fayetteville, nice area, but a little pricey.