[BDubLR]

vs.



There is just no comparison.

Originally Posted by crbcrbrgv

Places like Houston? Oh my God, you are kidding me, right? Of course people would rather live in an isolated, landlocked city of 90,000 as opposed to a city that has world class museums, all pro sports teams, the gulf nearby, great cuisine, tons of educational opportunities and beautiful parks and neighborhoods. Why live there when you could live in Ft. Smith?

Excellent post. And 90,000 is if you include "dry county" Van Buren.

Quality of life is a big part of it. There just isn't much in Fort Smith and most people there are somewhat clueless as to what the outside world offers. Lets take cuisine for example. People in Fort Smith rave about places like Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Panera, etc and actually consider them "fine dining". In Houston, these places are seen as pretty low-quality and cookie cutter. In Fort Smith, Wal-Mart IS shopping and Dillard's is considered upscale. In Houston, Wal-Mart is a player but doesn't dominate, and Dillard's is mid-range. People with college degrees also like cultural opportunities and museums - Fort Smith offers none of that. UAFS is a joke even compared to UALR, let alone Rice University, U of H, and UT Health Sciences center.

[Bail_Khan]

Originally Posted by LiveTodayLez08

I'm not sure about the shortage of auto mechanics but yes, I would say there is a shortage of nurses.

The nursing shortage is worse but there is a shortage of certified auto-techs as well. I know you wouldn't think it but there is.

[Bail_Khan]

Yup, there is no comparison between Fort Smith an Houston. So umm....why are you comparing them BDubLR?

Also living in Little Rock why do you care about what happens in Fort Smith so much?

[PurpleLove08]

Originally Posted by Bail_Khan

The nursing shortage is worse but there is a shortage of certified auto-techs as well. I know you wouldn't think it but there is.

Hmmmm.......
It always seems like good PR when Governor Beebe is touting that Arkansas' schoolchildren need to be prepared to compete in the global society. Uhm....we barely compete on the national level. Let's focus on that first.

I know my high school education was pretty good but I know it's possible that some kid down in the boonies didn't receive near as good an education as I did.

It would certainly make Arkansas look good if a community college or two offered programs in installing and maintaining solar panels and installing and building wind turbines. I predict once the economy eventually gets better, there will be more demand for solar panels and wind turbines.

[BDubLR]

Originally Posted by Bail_Khan

Yup, there is no comparison between Fort Smith an Houston. So umm....why are you comparing them BDubLR?

Also living in Little Rock why do you care about what happens in Fort Smith so much?

I grew up in Fort Smith, went to UAFS for 2 years before transferring to UCA.

[Luvvarkansas]

People, get this through your heads once and for all.....there are some people in this world, me included, who have lived in cities and know all about "culture", bright lights (all the time!), high-priced shopping, theme parks, "fine" dining, and anything else you can think of that you believe makes Houston "superior" to Arkansas. And WE DON'T CARE about those things....give us a nice hiking trail, beautiful stream, lightning bugs and stars, some beans 'n greens 'n cornbread and a cozy fire, enough stores nearby to get the basics, and we're happy. So if these people want to live in a state where you can have those things, even if they live in a "city", then LET THEM! Not everybody wants to spend their life slaving away trying to keep up with the Joneses, constantly trying to be the coolest and stay at the top of the heap of snobby people. (And being constantly surrounded by steel and concrete.) Go on and live in Houston, or New York City, or whatever tickles your fancy, and let us "simple" people be what we want to be. But don't make the mistake of thinking these types of people are beneath you. We're not....we've just realized what's important in life, and we're freeeeee!!!! LOL That just popped out. I'm not really crazy.

[ridicter]

Originally Posted by Luvvarkansas

People, get this through your heads once and for all.....there are some people in this world, me included, who have lived in cities and know all about "culture", bright lights (all the time!), high-priced shopping, theme parks, "fine" dining, and anything else you can think of that you believe makes Houston "superior" to Arkansas. And WE DON'T CARE about those things....give us a nice hiking trail, beautiful stream, lightning bugs and stars, some beans 'n greens 'n cornbread and a cozy fire, enough stores nearby to get the basics, and we're happy. So if these people want to live in a state where you can have those things, even if they live in a "city", then LET THEM! Not everybody wants to spend their life slaving away trying to keep up with the Joneses, constantly trying to be the coolest and stay at the top of the heap of snobby people. (And being constantly surrounded by steel and concrete.) Go on and live in Houston, or New York City, or whatever tickles your fancy, and let us "simple" people be what we want to be. But don't make the mistake of thinking these types of people are beneath you. We're not....we've just realized what's important in life, and we're freeeeee!!!! LOL That just popped out. I'm not really crazy.

More power to you.

I think most here were speaking about what attracts high tech companies and entrepreneurs, not condemning those who prefer the Fort Smith lifestyle.

[hognoxious]

Originally Posted by Luvvarkansas

People, get this through your heads once and for all.....there are some people in this world, me included, who have lived in cities and know all about "culture", bright lights (all the time!), high-priced shopping, theme parks, "fine" dining, and anything else you can think of that you believe makes Houston "superior" to Arkansas. And WE DON'T CARE about those things....give us a nice hiking trail, beautiful stream, lightning bugs and stars, some beans 'n greens 'n cornbread and a cozy fire, enough stores nearby to get the basics, and we're happy. So if these people want to live in a state where you can have those things, even if they live in a "city", then LET THEM! Not everybody wants to spend their life slaving away trying to keep up with the Joneses, constantly trying to be the coolest and stay at the top of the heap of snobby people. (And being constantly surrounded by steel and concrete.) Go on and live in Houston, or New York City, or whatever tickles your fancy, and let us "simple" people be what we want to be. But don't make the mistake of thinking these types of people are beneath you. We're not....we've just realized what's important in life, and we're freeeeee!!!! LOL That just popped out. I'm not really crazy.

First of all, I think Fort Smith is pleasant and unique in it's own way. Second, you nailed it brother with your post.

[fancygal]

And you think that people would rather live in a place like Fort Smith than in Houston, Texas?

yes, just moved here to get away from McMansions, Traffic, Pollution etc. I lived in and around Houston since 1972. I am currently regretting the time and realizing the toll city life took on me.
When you are young you maybe want that fast pace life, When you get older you realize it ain't all it is cracked up to be. Some people are trying to get away from what some people are trying to get to.
Eaten at the some of the best restaurants in the Houston area and many other places. I will take a good home cooked meal (especially like the fish dinner at the hole I have been finding lately) than the overpriced hyped up fancy shmancy places sprinkled with purty gals so you don't figure out you are getting snowed.
Would I find a flaw in the Fort Smith area. Many including no trauma center.
I would think with the new economy that many people take stock and really think for themselves what it is they want and what they need. Big difference.
I have found some kind people in my 4 months here and they even smile at you in the stores.
I will also have to add this. The last year has clearly shown even the smartest, keenest people can have it all wrong. Look at the Madoff fiasco.
I think you have hit a nerve with me on so many levels. I will have to calm down now. Oh, I forgot. I don't have to be wound up like a four day clock. I am in Arkansas now. Cannot wait till the beautiful Spring when I get to enjoy it in all it's lovely splendor.

[BDubLR]

Originally Posted by ridicter

More power to you.

I think most here were speaking about what attracts high tech companies and entrepreneurs, not condemning those who prefer the Fort Smith lifestyle.

Exactly. Most people in the tech industry aren't exactly looking for a simple small-town life. Fort Smith is what it is...a retirement town. If any high tech company ever relocated there it would be to cut costs as an alternative to offshoring.