[JGAngel97]

We visited BV in August and were we surprised. It is just beautiful. Everyone here in Vegas told us we would not like it in August as the humidity, bugs, etc were just awful. Wrong! Very little humidity (compared to what was expected) and very few bugs. No more than here in LV. The locusts are much louder, however.

It is so much like the central and northern coasts of California. Even around inland Santa Barbara looks like NWA and SWM. We stayed at Big Cedar Logde in Rigedale. What a spectacular place! Driving in from NWA airport we were just awed by the scenery. The humidity was about the same as a hot day at the beach in CA.

The people were very nice. People in gas stations and restaurants. People everywhere were just different than here in LV. Course you all know already how much I like it here

As you all also know, our goal is not to turn NWA into another California. Rogers is already like every other fairly large city and we don't want to live there. We are looking for a quiet community where we can meet our neighbors and be safe. We think we have found it in Bella Vista.

[GetmeoutofAR]

BV is a manufactured retirement settlement, no core or character, if you want a real town i reccomend Pea Ridge

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by GetmeoutofAR

BV is a manufactured retirement settlement, no core or character, if you want a real town i reccomend Pea Ridge

that is so far from true. How long has it been since you lived in BV or have you? The demographics are changing with young families moving in every day, it does have character and so much beauty. I am not knocking Pea Ridge as I haven't lived there or even visited yet, to be honest. But I have never lived anywhere that felt so much like home as in Bella Vista.

NIta

[Sam I Am]

JGAngel, welcome to Arkansas! I'm sure you will find most everyone is as friendly as theones you met on your visit. We look forward to having you in our state and please keep us posted on your move!

[GetmeoutofAR]

how many country homes have you seen in Bella Vista? have you ever even seen a place in Bella Vista with more than 3 acres? have you seen any historic homes? have you seen any downtown? Its a glorified wooded leafy subdivision, a very large sprawling one at that. There are no neighborhoods....now, having said all of that.......It may be great for some people. I personally don't like it. I'm a big fan of the concept of New Urbanism.....but to each they're own, it does have lots of trees for the fall etc.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by GetmeoutofAR

how many country homes have you seen in Bella Vista? have you ever even seen a place in Bella Vista with more than 3 acres? have you seen any historic homes? have you seen any downtown? Its a glorified wooded leafy subdivision, a very large sprawling one at that. There are no neighborhoods....now, having said all of that.......It may be great for some people. I personally don't like it. I'm a big fan of the concept of New Urbanism.....but to each they're own, it does have lots of trees for the fall etc.

you don't like it, that is your choice but to say it has no character is false and no neighborhoods, is that why every neighborhood has breakfasts and bar b Qs and well as neighborhood watches? Historic, that I will agree with, but historic isn't the same as core or character. As I said, you do not have to like it or feel it is a place for you, like anyplace, nothing is for everyone, but we do have a strong feeling of community. Yes it is large and sprawling, that is part of what makes it so special... If you haven't lived here you can't really judge can you?

Nita

[GetmeoutofAR]

I havent lived in BV, perhaps I spoke too soon, again it was just my opinion

[DC at the Ridge]

Just a bit of info, Bella Vista existed well before Cooper Homes decided to develop it. There is a section of Bella Vista, in fact, that technically isn't part of the city because it pre-dated Cooper but is in the heart of Bella Vista. While there may not be a neighborhood of historical homes, the row of houses on the west of 71 just north of Bentonville actually do have historical significance to the area, even though it would be nice to see them refurbished. Across the way, on the other side of the lake is the cave that used to be a nightclub. If you go up the hill behind there, a neighborhood of mobile homes perches on the hillside. These aren't the hillbilly mobile homes people picture in Arkansas, rather some of them date back to the 50's and there's a whole retro coolness that typifies the neighborhood. History doesn't just reside in antebellum mansions or around town squares, it's all around us waiting to be seen and appreciated.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by DC at the Ridge

Just a bit of info, Bella Vista existed well before Cooper Homes decided to develop it. There is a section of Bella Vista, in fact, that technically isn't part of the city because it pre-dated Cooper but is in the heart of Bella Vista. While there may not be a neighborhood of historical homes, the row of houses on the west of 71 just north of Bentonville actually do have historical significance to the area, even though it would be nice to see them refurbished. Across the way, on the other side of the lake is the cave that used to be a nightclub. If you go up the hill behind there, a neighborhood of mobile homes perches on the hillside. These aren't the hillbilly mobile homes people picture in Arkansas, rather some of them date back to the 50's and there's a whole retro coolness that typifies the neighborhood. History doesn't just reside in antebellum mansions or around town squares, it's all around us waiting to be seen and appreciated.

Thanks DC for clearning this up. I know we all have opinions but sometimes we express them without totally knowing details. It would like my saying, I wouldn't move to HSV, but I know very little about HSV.

Nita

[joebaldknobber]

CNN Money just rated Bella Vista one of the best places in America to live.
.com/galleries/2008/moneymag/0809/gallery.bpretire_affhomes.moneymag/22.html