[kiwirn]

Hi, we fulltime in our RV and are looking for somewhere to finally settle down and buy our own place. We are looking for a place where we can purchase a property with acreage and have access to good schools. I am a nurse and am looking at positions around the Springdale area. Our daughter in going to be starting high school and I am looking for somewhere with a good band program too as she has been in band for 5 years. Our son will be in 7th grade and he is involved in choir. I have also been looking at the Bentonville & Eureka Springs areas. Any comments would be appreciated.

[DC at the Ridge]

If you are looking for work in Springdale, Eureka Springs will be a significant commute. Johnson is close by, but I'm not sure what's available there in terms of acreage. A multi-acre lot in Bentonville is going to be expensive. If it were me and I was planning on working in Springdale, I think I'd include Hindsville or Huntsville in my search. Since 412 has been widened and improved, it's an easier commute. I don't know about the band or choir programs in those schools, but I'm sure they do have programs.

If you are considering working in Eureka Springs, as a tourist community land is pretty expensive there as well. But Berryville nearby is more affordable. Eureka Springs tends to be pretty quiet in the winter, many of the stores close from October to March, and if there are any ice storms the roads become pretty treacherous. When the tourists do flock to town, traffic on the main roads is a nightmare.

If you choose to work in Bentonville, you might want to consider purchasing property in Missouri. Pineville or Anderson are 15-20 minutes away by interstate, multi-acre properties are more available and much cheaper.