[New Retiree]

Can anyone tell me anything about Dermott? I lived there more than 40 years ago and now would like to retire there. I saw a fixer-upper house there that I would like to buy and renovate. Also, how are the utility costs in summer (air conditioner) and winter (heating) ? Any information would be helpful. Thanks.
Michelle

[Robert_J]

Dermott has changed drastically since I graduated high school and left in '87. The population has dropped from about 5,200 to 3,300. Most of the ones who are still there are stuck with no way out. The town is not dieing, it is dead and slowing rotting away.

My parents are still there in the same house down the street from the swimming pool. They will never leave. They have their little group of friends who have always lived in Dermott. That small, core group of old-timers will be there until forever.

-Robert

[New Retiree]

Thanks Robert for your comments. I was told by a family member that people (several families) from California and Chicago have bought property in Dermott and are building new homes there. I was thinking this might be a new burst of growth. I am just looking to retire and live peaceably in a small town, preferably Dermott since I grew up there.

Can you address the "gang" problems there in Dermott? Is it as serious as say maybe Little Rock or elsewhere? Thanks alot.

[Robert_J]

I don't follow the crime much except for the news I get from my parents. There was one robbery/murder last year which is rare. I think most of the crime is petty theft and burglary to trade for drugs. As with most of rural AR, the meth problem is still pretty bad. My father-in-law is a farmer in Portland and has had people ask him to fill up an ice chest with ammonia. That is a major meth ingredient and extremely deadly to anyone handling it especially in an open container. If there are gangs, its nothing more than wanna be's. There's nothing to profit from down there.

I have heard nothing of the any people moving in or new building going on and my parents live beside a real estate agent. Not that it isn't happening. They may not get much info outside of their small circle of friends.

If I were you, I'd at least make an extended visit back before buying anything. I have trouble staying for an overnight visit but I was never attached to the place. I got away and started college in Monticello a week after high school graduation. If you want to stay in the area Monticello and Lake Village are both growing at least compared to other SE Ark towns.

-Robert

[New Retiree]

I am planning a trip there next month and will spend about 5 days looking around. Hopefully, I will be able to make a better judgement and get a real feel for the area. Thanks, Robert for your comments. They have been very helpful especially regarding the "gang" situation.

Michelle

[Robert_J]

When you do go, check out the Dermott museum. My mother was one of the people who helped set it up.

-Robert