[Honey]

Does anyone know about this town or if there is anything close? I asked earlier on existing thread and didn't get response so am afraid,,,,,noone has anything good to report lol I looked at housing and there was definitely not much choice and seems like most existing towns are quite aways from Camden. Any information would be greatly appreciated!

[Southern Girl]

Camden is the county seat of Ouachita County in south Arkansas and is situated on the Ouachita River. Together with the nearby towns (about 35 miles) of El Dorado and Magnolia it forms an area known as the Golden Triangle. There are numerous other smaller towns in the area. The nearest larger cities are Little Rock and Pine Bluff.

What kind of information are you interested in?

Southern Girl

[Honey]

Do you live there? Seems like housing is kinda sparse and was wondering what kind of shopping there was....I didn't see a mall in the area. From what I have found,,,,looks like a pretty town with lots of outdoor activities and a lake nearby.

[Southern Girl]

I do not live there, but have visited often.

There is no enclosed mall in Camden or Magnolia. There is one in El Dorado, but it is one of the least desirable shopping areas. Camden has a downtown shopping area and a few strip malls. Magnolia has the best shopping, in my opinion, with an active downtown and a number of dress shops, gift shops, furniture stores, etc. El Dorado has a pretty downtown area but not as many nice shops as Magnolia, although it is the largest of the three towns.

Your analysis is pretty correct - Camden is a nice little Southern town. There is a daffodil festival in the spring, a musical festival by the river and some other activities. But it is not a city. The smaller the population of an area, the smaller the available housing pool, but I really don't know what's available. If it is like most of south Arkansas, there are probably a significant number of houses outside the city limits; people is this area often like a little space around them, I guess that's why they live in a rural area rather than a metropolitan one.

[anjoe]

I've lived in Camden all my life and can give you any kind of info. if you still need any.

[anjoe]

Camden is a small town of around 10,000 people. There is a few small communities around such as Harmony Grove and East Camden, where most of the Industrial park is located. Harmony Grove School is located there. Around 800 students in Grades K-12. Camden has Camden Fariview with around 3,000students I think. We also have 2 small Christian Schools for those that don't want the crowed schools. We've lost alot of population over the last 20 years since some of our defense companies have come and gone. There's many homes for sale so it's a buyer's market. Some home prices are to high considering the economy around here. We have a Wal-Mart. Super Wal-Mart in 30 miles South in El Dorado with a population of around 26,000 I think. My spouse has a very stable job but we'd still like to move somewhere else where there's more to do and more to offer our children for their future and a lower crime rate.

[anjoe]

There is a place in Camden that has a Gym/Gymnastics place named Great Expectations in Camden. I don't know how they operate. Some have memberships, but don't know how they do for vistors. You could probably call when you get to Camden and see if they would let you visit. Sorry we don't have more to offer. El Dorado which is 30 miles south of Camden has a YMCA with a indoor pool. We do have a few parks that have tennis courts. There is the Boy's Girl's Club in Fairview/Camden that has a small nice walking track, so does the Camden/Fairview High School. People go there after school hours and run/walk the track. Good luck and probably people that you will meet in Camden can give you tips too.

[carce]

The above posts are dated in the fall of 2006. A long time ago. My post is not intended as harmful.

I was raised just south of Camden from infancy. My parents were highly respected citizens, my father a retiree of the Paper Mill in Cullendale, in the early 50's after 30" years. They were also business owners, and my father served for a time as Justice of the Peace in Ouachita County.

I graduated Fairview High School in 1949, and worked several years in various places.

I married a professional Army man I had gone to school with and left at age 22. While I was a young woman, Camden was a busy city, with everything a town could offer. The Ouchita River ran right thru town, large enough to accomodate shipping boats. When I was there about 10 years ago it looked as if it had been dredged. There was the Paper Mill, Bag Pak, furniture manufacturing plant, pottery and a large number of other businesses offering a good living.

As I watched, as new industries tried to come into town, they were voted out by the narrow minded, self serving, controlling City Fathers. I thought to myself that that was going to be the downfall of the city. As time went on my family was back often to visit and we continued to watch its decline. Slowly the potter, the furniture factory, Grappette Bottling Company, the pottery all closed, and then eventually the Paper Mill. The Mill did not keep upwith technology, so could no longer compete. I don't know as of this date if the Bag Pak is still operating. Downtown businesses began to be boarded up, supermarkets, etc.

I remember growing up in a narrow minded, biggoted community. Neither my late husband or I ever considered returning there. I left very few happy memories.

A year ago my current husband and I retired to Conway from So. Calif. He is 5th generation San Diegan. I have children in Conway, and due to health and age, it was in our best interest for us to do so. We are happy here. Conway is a booming College town and growing rapidly.

Now I see Camden with deep sadness, and remember what could-have-been.

Charlene (Watson,Quarles) Arce

[Trapped In ElDorado]

Yes, South Arkansas is dying and fading away. Unless they can bring jobs into the area, these towns and south Arkansas will not be much of anything but a stop light.

There are no jobs in this area. Don't move here.

[chachanlr]

There are some really nice older homes and a few upper middle class neighbor hoods. My best friend cuts hair and has a wonderful home there. NO nightife!!!!!!!!!! Lots of Drugs in certain areas. But you can avoid that pat of town. Don't expect to get fabulous clothes, shoes or flowers. The people are sweet but but really cultured. YOu will go to Wal-mart a lot!

Originally Posted by Honey

Does anyone know about this town or if there is anything close? I asked earlier on existing thread and didn't get response so am afraid,,,,,noone has anything good to report lol I looked at housing and there was definitely not much choice and seems like most existing towns are quite aways from Camden. Any information would be greatly appreciated!