[jmfnme]

Moving from out of state and will be renting home. Should I be focusing on one area over another? Avoiding any areas? I have seen a few very nice rentals in SW Springdale, but wary of schools and the area. The homes are 2000 sq ft and new, very nice looking on the internet at least. We have 3 kids, ages 4-12.

[NOEM1226]

All of these areas are family friendly with good schools.Really-all of them. It might be easier to guide you to one town vs another if you could list some things you enjoy or what kind of "feel" you are seeking in your new town. You could easily commute between all of these.

[jmfnme]

Originally Posted by NOEM1226

All of these areas are family friendly with good schools.Really-all of them. It might be easier to guide you to one town vs another if you could list some things you enjoy or what kind of "feel" you are seeking in your new town. You could easily commute between all of these.

I guess that would be easier if I was buying vs renting, but, I am from a college town (Missoula Montana) and probably would prefer Fayetteville, but I haven't seen to many nice rentals there. I'd prefer a place similar to our current home, 2000 or sq ft, nice neighborhood, new, high ceilings, all the upgrades, yada yada. Don't want to spend much over $1200 a month though. We're not buying as we bought when we moved last time, and we haven't even owned our current home a year, so don't want to do THAT again! My kids would like a community pool, and schools are a concern. My husband has been there a week and didn't like what he saw of Springdale, but he's only been at Tyson headquarters. He is in an apartment in Fayetteville and likes the area. I'm a Northwesterner all the way, and live for my espresso, and I like a little nightlife now and then, etc. If I had my way I would be on acreage with a horse, but that will have to wait.

[The A-Team]

I think Fayetteville would be the best fit for you from what you described.

[NOEM1226]

Originally Posted by jmfnme

I guess that would be easier if I was buying vs renting, but, I am from a college town (Missoula Montana) and probably would prefer Fayetteville, but I haven't seen to many nice rentals there. I'd prefer a place similar to our current home, 2000 or sq ft, nice neighborhood, new, high ceilings, all the upgrades, yada yada. Don't want to spend much over $1200 a month though. We're not buying as we bought when we moved last time, and we haven't even owned our current home a year, so don't want to do THAT again! My kids would like a community pool, and schools are a concern. My husband has been there a week and didn't like what he saw of Springdale, but he's only been at Tyson headquarters. He is in an apartment in Fayetteville and likes the area. I'm a Northwesterner all the way, and live for my espresso, and I like a little nightlife now and then, etc. If I had my way I would be on acreage with a horse, but that will have to wait.

If you are from a college town, Fayetteville would be less of a transition.I think a rental house here in Fayetteville would be "doable". You could find what you are looking for (right around the price you set).As far as community pools-Fay has Wilson Park Pool (old but cozy) and the Boys & Girls club (one of the Nation's nicest clubs) has a great pool.I have been pleased with Fayetteville schools. My kids have gone to a couple and I would send them to any of them if needed.
Springdale school are great from what I hear, but although the towns are very close- they feel totally different. (IMO)
Espresso- You can find it here,although not in the every third door sense-like larger cities. Nightlife is pretty much limited to Fayetteville.
As far as acreage with a horse- I am clueless. I prefer city life(sometimes this place is too small for me) but it is a possibility for you with all these smaller towns in close proximity to what we call our metro area.

[kirbyjack]

You could also choose a smaller town that is close to any of these. Centerton, Gentry, Siloam Springs are all within 10-20 minutes of the major cities. Centerton and Siloam have very nice school districts, and I believe Centerton is actually part of the Bentonville district (for middle school and high school). Siloam has a community pool.

[jmfnme]

My 12 yr old (going on 13) is concerned that he wouldn't have as many friends in Fayetteville because it's a college town and there might be less families with kids in the homes.

[Mulerider93]

There are few "bad" places in the NW Arkansas area and $1000-1200 a month will separate you from them very easily. But...

From a schools standpoint, I'd rank them in the following order: First is Bentonville (by a long shot), then Rogers, Springdale, and Fayetteville.

Centerton (as mentioned, part of the Bentonville school district) is very convenient to all the ammenities of the area and includes a neighborhood called Sienna that includes a nice community pool and club house. We have friends that live there and really, really like it. Prices in the lower end of the rate you mentioned.

Rental houses are all over the place here with all of the transient vendors and folks like yourself who want to learn the area before buying.

--jcd

[boulder]

Originally Posted by jmfnme

My 12 yr old (going on 13) is concerned that he wouldn't have as many friends in Fayetteville because it's a college town and there might be less families with kids in the homes.

Just the opposite ... Fayetteville is a family town.

Fayetteville and Bentonville have the best school districts in NWA - both are regularly being recognized for their accomplishments. Be very selective of school district(s) if choosing to live in Rogers or Springdale.

[NOEM1226]

Although, Fay is a college town, there are families with children everywhere. Something I enjoy about the town is the is the nice mixture of people even within one street. My street for example is made up of single family homes. Some people own them some people rent. There are single moms, college students, young families, and retirees all on my street.