[katmark2008]

My husband has been approached with a possible job offer in the Bentonville / Springdale area (more specifically Lowell) or in Jonesboro. We are from SW arkansas. I have heard good things about the Lowell area, but housing seems so expensive . I know next to nothing about Jonesboro. If anyone has any insight into real estate (affordable!) and good school systems ( we have 2 elementary age children ) and job opportunities for me. I have been working in retail lower management. We will be looking for a house, no apartments or duplexes. We will probably rent to start off with, while we get a 'feel' for the area. If you know anything helpful about any of these areas we'd appreciate it. Thanks!

[Aporkalypse]

In terms of entertainment options and quality of life I'd definitely rate NWA over Jonesboro. Affordability seems to be a key for you so from that standpoint Jonesboro might be better. Median home prices there are at $117,000 vs $132,000 in Springdale and $135,000 in Bentonville. You can get better prices in both areas by living in surrounding communities but often that puts you in a different school district. Both areas have excellent schools though Bentonville is generally considered a bit better than Springdale and Jonesboro.

If I had the choice I'd opt for NWA - either Rogers/Bentonville or Fayetteville.

[katmark2008]

Thanks for the input. School systems are important to us. I think I would prefer the NWA area too. We dont mind a short commute from a smaller community and would prefer to live more country or suburban area than city, it's just that all the housing we've looked at is high. And we're looking to rent at least a 3bdr to begin with.

[Aporkalypse]

I also think some of the NWA housing figures are too low. There is a lot of bare bones siding-heavy tract housing on tiny lots in NWA (particularly Springdale and Rogers) which factors into this. I think the real cost of living gap between NWA and Jonesboro is probably much greater.

[TWB]

I grew up in SW Arkansas many years ago, and lived in Jonesboro for nearly 16 years, just moving out of state last year. NW Arkansas will look a little more like SW Ark, but the Jonesboro area will feel a little more rural. I will tell you that the Jonesboro area is really growing. It has the newest shopping mall in the state.

Since I've never lived in NW Arkansas, I'm not an expert here. We loved the Jonesboro area and probably would have retired there eventually. However, a job opportunity moved us elsewhere..... I would encourage you to look at both. You can look on the web and ask people, but the best thing to do is visit both and get a feel for it. BTW, the schools in the Jonesboro area are quite good, particularly Jonesboro and Valley View.