Info on Clarksville, AR (Fort Smith, Fayetteville: real estate, showing, job)

[RUsmilin2]

Have possible job in Clarksville. Any information on area:housing, entertainment, safety, education, distances to other location of interest, would be greatly needed!

[undertheironsea]

Mississippi eh?

I'm originally from Brookhaven, myself.

I've lived in Clarksville for two and 1/2 years now, so I can give you a lowdown. I don't want to sound overly negative about it, because different people like different things, but I haven't been impressed.

Clarksville is very small, around 8,000 people. Basically there is a Wal-Mart Supercenter, a Wendy's, a McDonalds, gas stations, one other grocery store, and a few mom and pop stores, and that's almost literally it. It's growing little by little.

There are a lot of people from the north that come here to retire, and we have a 800-1000 student university that attracts many people from many areas. The hispanic population is somewhere in the mid-20's in 04, but I'd estimate that it's somewhere in the 30's now. Not that it's a problem, though.

There are good people and bad people just like in any other town, but be forewarned that there are many of the stereotypical small-town good ole boys here.

The elementary schools look very nice, I'm not sure about the High School. I'm going to school to be an Elementary Teacher (a 21 year old male future teacher too, so hopefully that helps me in the job search, haha), but I honestly would teach in Russellville quicker than Clarksville.

Russellville is about 30 miles away, and has somewhere around 30K people. There you'll find a few more places to eat, a larger university, etc, etc. Fort Smith and Fayetteville are about 60 and 70+ miles away, and they're larger places, anywhere from the 100-200K+ range (with Springdale and Bentonville added in.)

Oxford is a very nice place (although my Dad went to Mississippi State! haha) and it will be a bit of a shock to you if you're not used to things being very rural and some closed-minded people. Not everyone is like that here of course, I've met some nice folks, but it's not a place I'd raise a family.

There is a pretty nice lake here, two of them I think, but Russellville has both the Arkansas River and Lake Dardanelle (I think the ESPN Women's Bassmaster Tour just came through). I don't drink or do the night life, so I couldn't tell you about anything in that vein.

Avoid the small outlying towns if you want to live outside of Clarksville. Lamar especially. There are some nicer houses here around town, though. But if you don't mind a commute (I do it every day to go to college) of 28-30 miles or so, Russellville may be a better place. It's all according to what you do, what you like, and what you're used to. Just because I see things a certain way doesn't mean it's consensus opinion.

Oh, and the crime rate isn't bad at all, just make sure you pick your spots, as in any place in America.

Well, I hope I was able to provide some help in some way. Let me know if you need any other assistance, I'd be glad to help a fellow Mississippian.

[RUsmilin2]

I am also a young and have just finish Ole Miss a couple years back so it is good to get a view from someone in my age range. I can use all the advice I can get. I have gotten lots of opinions on Clarksville and alot of them seem to be painting the same picture. I also have career possiblity in Hot Springs were I have spent much time so I am looking there as well. This might fit my social scene life a little better but you did mention that it is not a bad drive from neighboring cities so that might have potential as well. Thanks again for the advice, it is very much appreciated.

David

[undertheironsea]

No problem at all.

And just a personal opinion, but Hot Springs would be a lot better. A bit more expensive, but it's a nice place.

[RUsmilin2]

Yeah I have spent a lot of time in Hot Springs and really enjoy spending time there. CAn you tell me a little about Russellville. I might be interested in staying there and doing the commute!

[undertheironsea]

Hmmmm...well, Russellville is pretty much the typical town between 20K and 30K. The standard places to eat are there...I spend more time there than Clarksville since I go to college there, and it's a bit classier there. Still, there's a great deal of the good 'ol boys and stereotypes. The real estate isn't too bad now but it's going up a little.

It's your typical mid-size town in the South, a lot like Clarksville if tripled in size and added onto. It's a lot better than some of the area, so you may be better off commuting.

I still think Hot Springs would be better than Russellville, but it'd be best for you to visit, take a look around, and see what you think. My family and I are trying to move out of the area into Fayetteville, AR or Oklahoma, so my representation of the area is probably a little biased. But after living here for two years, it just ain't my cup 'o tea.

[ArkansasTraveler]

Originally Posted by RUsmilin2

Have possible job in Clarksville. Any information on area:housing, entertainment, safety, education, distances to other location of interest, would be greatly needed!

I lived in Clarksville in 1941 - other than taking my little red wagon to the icehouse for a 50 pounder, I don't remember squat about the place. Doing sight seeing and showing off in 1975, I did a touch and go on the runway in my twin CamAir.

[Urbane1]

I don't live there, but I know a lady from New York who retired to Clarksville and loved it. It's a very pretty, small, college town.

[undertheironsea]

College town? There's maybe 800 kids in that school. That's less than most high schools.

[comman]

Clarksville is small but dont't judge it by the number of fast food and business establishments. With the Internet, who needs the big mall anyway? It has a good medical facility and the outstanding University of the Ozarks. One of the largest Sams/Walmart warehouses is located just outside Clarksville. Within a few miles of Clarksville there is an abdunance of recreational opportunities. Like anyplace, one usually recieves in proportion to what one gives.