[nolimits76]

Currently I am located up near Tulsa, OK but have interviewed with an AR company in the nearby area of Jonesboro/Paragould. After 2 phone interviews, they have requested I come to AR for an in-person interview. I anticipate an offer will be made while I am there. For these reasons, I am trying to learn as much about these 2 cities as possible as I would likely be moving to one.

I've looked at some statistics on CityData.com and numerically the stats are similar to Tulsa. I actually live in a smaller town near Tulsa and the stats are about 20-30% better here. But I currently don't have a job here, so I must look elsewhere.

I am very realistic and understand there is a difference between numerical data and actual conditions. For instance, if I go into Tulsa I know there are places I need to avoid to remain safe. Those areas are small and the good outweighs the bad. I feel very safe here; however, by the numbers Tulsa doesn't seem that great.

So tell me what these cities are really like. Good or bad, it doesn't matter. Just don't sugar coat it either way. I am moving with a fiance and 13 year old daughter and we are looking to make a home and be here awhile.

1. While there next week, is there any particular area I need to visit?

2. Has anyone actually been to or lived in Tulsa or surrounding area and can provide a good comparison?

3. I would guess a smaller town would have a sense of community and everyone is everyone's business, so to speak. Is it true? Will I not have any privacy?

4. Also I saw where crime rates took a DRAMATIC increase around 2006. What happened?

5. What is there to do in these towns? Do people get stir crazy?

6. Are restuarant choices good? I love a good burger, probably my favorite, but I also like great italian, excellent steaks, good mexican, etc. We have a steak house here called Mahogany's....it's to die for, and while expensive ($100-$150/couple) it is absolutely great. We don't go there very often, maybe once or twice a year to celebrate special occassions.

7. What is the downtown area like in Jonesboro? We saw a very charming home for sale down on Matthews street I believe.

8. Being from Oklahoma I doubt there will be much of an accent difference, if any. But how are the people with outsiders? Myself, I am a friendly and outgoing person. I typically don't have problems starting conversations with people in Tulsa or other areas I've visited.

9. I have a truck, but the fiance has a nice sports sedan. Both are imports. Being rural, I imagine American made vehicles, moreso trucks is the norm. Are people judgemental about vehicle types? One day I hope add one of the new 2010 Camaro's or a Porsche in the garage.

10. What about job opportunities for LPN's? My fiance has looked online and opportunities do not seem overly abundant. Do they offer "agency work"? It's big here in Tulsa and really boosts the per hour rate.

11. What about television cable and high speed internet? We really need the high speed so we can continue video chats with family & friends that are out of state.

[northbound74]

I would avoid Paragould all together.
Jonesboro might be an easier adjustment. It has historically been more progressive. Even way back when, Paragould turned down what would become Arkansas State, and Jonesboro got it. That pretty much set the tone for the direction both towns would take.
Either town will probably feel as safe as Tulsa. Crime is an issue, though I'm not sure of the reason behind the spike in '06. I think it probably does have something to do with the way crimes are reported. Both towns have plenty of drug problems.
I've always known Paragould to have a very nosey, small-town mentality. Everybody thinks they know everything about everybody. They don't hesitate to judge a person for it, either.
It is a dirty, poorly laid-out town. Most of the houses are cheap, and are cheaply built. The jobs pay practically nothing.
Some people might give you flack for a Japanese truck, but that wouldn't be my biggest worry.
You'd have to order an awful lot of food for a meal to be over $70. Jonesboro has much more in the way of dining, though I never think of good food when I think of northeast Arkansas. There's a handful of decent places, though.
Cable internet is available.
There's little to do in the towns. People tend to hunt and fish for recreation. They also play sports some, but that's on a smaller scale.
Memphis isn't too far, if you need a little sanity. Watch out for the drivers there.
Come to think of it, watch out for the drivers in Paragould and Jonesboro, too. Driver's ed isn't required, and it shows.
If you're super-friendly, you probably can make some friends.

[nolimits76]

I think you're right about Jonesboro...the more research I've done, the more I think it would be a better fit too so maybe any further comments could be more towards Jonesboro than Paragould.

Can you elaborate on the drug problems? Is 50% or more of the town addicted? Or is a relatively small problem but concerning? There are plenty of crackheads in Tulsa, but it's fairly easy to isolate yourself from their presence for the most part. I don't understand why people waste their life doing drugs, but each to their own I guess.

Back on entertainment, we do like to fish and camp. I haven't hunted in years, but do enjoy target shooting quite a bit. I have a few pistols and even a few assault rifles. My 13 year old enjoys playing softball on local community leagues as well as school leagues. What about shopping? Movie theaters? Bowling alleys? Pool halls? Comedy clubs? I did see where there is a Turtle Creek Mall so shopping may not be a problem for the girls. I do understand this is a "dry county"...what exactly does that mean? Is it illegal to have booze in Jonesboro, or just illegal to sell it there? Not that I'm an alcoholic but occasionally a good cold beer just hits the spot. And sometimes having drinks with the buds or business clients is needed. What about if we want to go dancing?

Got the crazy driving part covered. Well more fast than crazy in my older years. Speaking of driving, how is the traffic from Paragould to Jonesboro? Very busy? Gridlocked?

Oh yeah, what time do all the businesses close down? I've been in some towns where 8 or 9pm comes along and you are SOL.

[northbound74]

I think it's harder to avoid the drug problem in Paragould. It has a bad meth problem. 50% would be an awfully high number, but it's prevalent.
There's 2-3 main roads between the towns. Traffic is never really a problem. Only the main streets get a little clogged, but it's not like a big city, far from it.
Jonesboro would have more of what you're looking for. I don't know of any comedy clubs. The new mall is pretty nice.
It's only illegal to sell alcohol, not possess it. Some restaurants get around it by going private. There's liquor stores right on the county lines, of course.
Most places close by 8-9-10... some of the restaurants stay open later. Of course, Wal-Mart is 24hr.

[nolimits76]

Thanks so much for your help, it is most appreciated. It sounds like Jonesboro is a pretty good town with some drug abusers that causes concern, but overall a good place to live. It's not super fast paced or tons of things going on, but probably more church based with people that have high family morals/values.

Haha, glad to hear Walmart is open 24/7. We both hate Walmart with a passion (because of the crowds) and find ourselves shopping in the stores during odd hours (after 11pm) to make it bearable.

If you don't mind elaborating on these memberships....what do they cost and how do they work? I assume an annual or monthly fee and then you flash your nifty card (or get to know the bartender by name depending how frequently you visit). Does a single membership cover the entire family, or does each person require one? I have several rednecks in my family and I can see them causing a scene if they can't get a beer at the local Chili's or wherever we go to eat when they come to visit.

Oh yeah....what about places to live. On the web, my fiance found a neat little house over on Matthews Street. Older home, lots of character and an in-ground pool. Good area or not? Looked very nice from the pictures and kind of our style.

[RogMar]

Originally Posted by nolimits76

If you don't mind elaborating on these memberships....what do they cost and how do they work? I assume an annual or monthly fee and then you flash your nifty card (or get to know the bartender by name depending how frequently you visit). Does a single membership cover the entire family, or does each person require one? I have several rednecks in my family and I can see them causing a scene if they can't get a beer at the local Chili's or wherever we go to eat when they come to visit.

The "private club" scene in AR is kind of a mini-joke.

I say that because people who live in, or frequent places like Benton county, which is the wettest dry county, talk about carrying around a seperate billfold for their club cards.

Fees generally run $5-10 for the year. That generally covers the family, but we do belong to one that has "his 'n' hers" at $10 a pop.


Omar's, in Jonesboro, is pretty popular and the last membership I got there was $5 a year.

Omar's is a restaurant, and the younger crowd (and older cruisers) generally go to the "Electric Cowboy" for their grins.

So, the way it works is that you go in, pay your money, and they give you a "membership" card, which allows you and your guests to drink. Some "supper clubs" will allow you 1-3 visits to see if you want to join.

Just a starting point, ya understand.

[J Arp]

All you need is a large enough group of peers that have memberships and between everyone you have all your bases covered. 1 guy with the membership brings 10 of his friends. Heck if you go there often enough the person at the door just considers you a regular and doesn't bat an eye unless you just look ridiculously young.

[DC at the Ridge]

In Benton County I don't even bother to keep the membership cards. Some places are pretty picky about signing in, many places aren't. A lot of places charge you $5.00 for a membership, then give you a credit on your tab of $5.00 for becoming a new member. I think Benton County moved from dry to damp a long time ago.

[jones96]

Jonesboro is a nice community to live in and we have been fortunate enough to not feel the downturn of the ecomony yet. As for this being a "dry county" basically means you just have to drive to the county line to get liquor and beer. I live in the city limits of Jonesboro and it takes me 8 minutes to get to the liquor store.

And just like the above posters have said, many establishments can serve alcohol. I believe there are 23 current establishments in the city limits that have a liquor license. Just to name a few: Outback, Ruby Tuesday's, Fujis Steakhouse, Brickhouse, Pierro's, Ole Charley's, Electric Cowboy, Mallard, RidgePointe Country Club, Jonesboro Country Club, Sage Meadows Country Club, and a few more I cannot think of at the moment.

The Electric Cowboy use to turn into a comedy club on tuesday nights, but I am not sure if they still do that or not.
As for nice older homes, I would also try on Main Street. There are several very nice homes on Main, but I don't know if many of them are for sale of not.

I hope this helps you out a little. good luck with your search!

[firsttimemover]

There is a small indoor shooting range just outside of Jonesboro when traveling toward Paragould. I believe it is near Brookland. Small, but fun for some target practice. Membership is required; you are allowed to brings guests.

I would not be worried about the crime rate or drug issues. Unless you are participating, I would not imagine you would ever encounter problems.

Matthews varies, best to take a look at the area the house is in before getting too excited.

Overall, a nice little town.