[RandalThor]

I am moving to Northwest Arkansas for a new job at Wal-Mart. Does anyone have any suggestions on some nice areas to live around there? I hear the Bentonville and Rogers school districts are both great SD's as well. Any thoughts? This is my first time in the area so I really need some help.

Thank you everyone.

[luv2gofishn]

If you move to Rogers, make sure it is SW side of town. Bellview elementary school district. I used to live in Rogers and moved to west Bentonville to get my child out of rogers schools and the growing crime they have. Bentonville schools are MUCH better.There are decent houses from $125K on up to $400k depending on your budget. Last year I bought on west outskirts and got 1850sf on 2 acres for $160K. Iv'e lived here in NW Ark. for the last 18 yrs. so if you have any questions, just ask.

[Patsy99]

My only response to that is --- you're working for the wrong place! WAL-MARTIAN!! I live in Fayetteville just down the road, and quit a job i had in Bentonville because i couldn't deal with all the idiots in Bentonville. Horrible town. Can't find a decent lunch anywhere, and if you do go out and try, you have a pretty high chance of getting in an accident. i had two people hit me in less than a year in Bentonville. (they both had wal-mart name tags.) The surrounding communities don't think too hightly of the whole "walmart crowd"

[Dublin]

Patsy99 ~ I have to disagree about the drivers in NWA, they aren't nearly as bad as most cities (IE Tulsa, OK!). I just play it safe by trying to run my errands and take lunch early.

RandalThor ~ Do be prepared to sit in traffic for a while, as most of our roads are being redone and widened because of the sudden burst of building going on. My advice is to scout out on mapquest were your work is and then look for the back roads, as this will save you a lot of time if there is a traffic jam.

Bentonville's schools are pretty nice, the highschool is very huge, and is expanding even more. There is also a new elementary school in Bentonville. This city has grown so much and is continuing to grow. Every day it seems new apartments and subdivisions are popping up!! I like bentonville because it's almost the middle "hub" of Bella Vista, Lowell, and Rogers.

I don't know if you checked out Harber Meadows is a very nice community near springdale's edge. http://harbermeadows.org/ They have two schools right there, one elementary and a highschool. It is a very quiet, safe, and friendly neighborhood with great local restaurants, grocery stores, movie galleries, etc. The people are also safe and friendly drivers. Harber meadows (in the "community) is a little pricey, but there are other houses and subdivisions near by, and you can still attend their school even if you don't live in the community.

Downtown springdale has been dubbed "little Mexico" by many and often avoided by the non-Hispanics. (Big culture difference). Some parts of the town are nice, and there a few good schools, but get ready to learn Spanish.

Rogers is good in most parts (mostly the newer, recently built areas) and would be an easy commute if you plan on working at the Walmart head offices in bentonville. "Village on the creeks" and "Pinnacle" is considered the rich upscale area of Rodgers were you have Champions and Pinnacle a very pricey gated community. There a lot of shops, a very nice gym, doctors offices and the huge Pinnacle Point Church (Recently built), there are several new hotels, apartments, and tons of restaurants. Across the way is our brand new Promenade Mall. This mall is all outside entrance shops that goes for about four-five blocks. There are parking spaces outside all the shops, and cobblestone roads which makes it feel like whole different town!

Bella Vista is a beautiful place to live and would be a very easy commute to the Walmart headquarters. Most the people living in Bella Vista are retired so the neighborhoods are quiet and friendly. There are some really great parks, golf courses, and sporting activities around the city. Most of the area houses are tucked up into the mountains, giving their owners stunning views of the valley. There are several great schools in the area.

Many wishes on your move, let me know if you have any questions!

[RandalThor]

Thank you everyone for taking the time to comment. I really do appreciate it. I hope to take some time this weekend and respond with some more questions for all of you I'm really looking forward to this move.

Rand

[GrayMatters]

You should ask Wal-Mart to send you a NWA Newcomer's Guide. I work for the publishing company that produces that publication and I know Wal-Mart purchases them for their relocation packets. It has lots of helpful info.

good luck.

[ironside1954]

You will probably want to be in Bentonville or west Rogers for convenience to work, but I did want to reply about Rogers. We have lived in Rogers for several years. Our 2 children graduated from Rogers schools in the last 5 years. In reference to which side of town in Rogers I wanted to offer a slightly different view. We live in historic downtown Rogers a wonderful, slower paced alternative to the west side. My children have blonde hair and blue eyes and walked to the neighborhood school. There is more cultural diversity on the east side and I considered this a plus. The world is diverse now and I think our oldest daughter especially benefited from being in this atmosphere. She is currently passionate about her job in international business. Both Bentonville and Rogers schools are excellent and none are dangerous. I think you will enjoy the quality of life in this area wherever you locate.

[jcolon]

Originally Posted by luv2gofishn

If you move to Rogers, make sure it is SW side of town. Bellview elementary school district. I used to live in Rogers and moved to west Bentonville to get my child out of rogers schools and the growing crime they have. Bentonville schools are MUCH better.There are decent houses from $125K on up to $400k depending on your budget. Last year I bought on west outskirts and got 1850sf on 2 acres for $160K. Iv'e lived here in NW Ark. for the last 18 yrs. so if you have any questions, just ask.

I am also relocating to the area with 3 kids, but will work in Springdale. I have picked Bentonville and Centerton as possible areas to live. SO far this opinions seems to help out...