[JerseyGirl314]

Hello everyone.

My family and I are thinking about moving back to Ar. When I was younger, about 11 or 12, my parents, sister and I moved from central Jersey (we're about 30 minutes from NYC) to Farmington, AR and lived there for a few months before settling down in St. Paul. In 1997, I moved back to central Jersey with my dad. My sister followed shortly thereafter. Now, fast forward 12 years, we both are married with children of our own and we are seriously talking about moving back to Ar in June, 2010. Our hearts have never stopped beating for Ar. I know you all mention to those moving from the East or West coast that the move to NWA will be a cultural shock, but hell, it's a cultural shock for me just traveling into the next town over. I kid you not!!

Now, the only thing that my Jersey born and raised husband isn't getting used to is the fact that there are no Dunkin Donuts franchises in Ar. So, dare I ask, is there any chance a D&D may spring up by summer of 2010?

Oh, and after many years of us Jersians having to be tortured while watching Sonic commercials, the first Sonic came to life in Jersey last summer, and I kid you not, my family waited almost 2 hours just to get into the parking lot! We finally got in after paying off a kid who was working the traffic line.. Still, to this day, it's still chaos trying to get into the damn lot. So.. with all of that said. If a Sonic can make it's way to Jersey, I'm hoping and praying that a D&D can makes it's way to Ar!! (and, not just for my husband's sake, but for my sister's as well!)

Oh, and one more question, what's the unemployment rate looking like? I'm a real estate paralegal, my husband is an electrician, my sister is also a paralegal who specializes in many areas of the law and my brother-in-law is a car sales man. We are looking to settle down in the Fayetteville, Bentonville, Farmington, or even Elkins area.

[linicx]

I would guess the economy of AR is about like everywhere else. That's not so good. If you have jobs be patient. A year from now things will be different. I have read several posts where comments have been made about the good ol' boy system not letting strangers in. On the other hand Walmart is multi-cultural. Why not take a winter vacation and see what it looks like before you leap. It may not resemble what you remember as a child. As for real estate you would have to ask a broker about the para-legal aspect. I would think you would do very well in Fayetteville.

My 3 cents. I haven't been there in a few years.

[JerseyGirl314]

We were there just last year for a visit and many years prior to. I've never stopped visiting as I have family and friends who reside there. The walmarts here are a better definition of 'multi-cultural'. My career is attorney/law firm based. I'm not a real estate agent or broker.

Thank you for your '3' cents! : )

[christina2009]

Originally Posted by JerseyGirl314

Hello everyone.

My family and I are thinking about moving back to Ar. When I was younger, about 11 or 12, my parents, sister and I moved from central Jersey (we're about 30 minutes from NYC) to Farmington, AR and lived there for a few months before settling down in St. Paul. In 1997, I moved back to central Jersey with my dad. My sister followed shortly thereafter. Now, fast forward 12 years, we both are married with children of our own and we are seriously talking about moving back to Ar in June, 2010. Our hearts have never stopped beating for Ar. I know you all mention to those moving from the East or West coast that the move to NWA will be a cultural shock, but hell, it's a cultural shock for me just traveling into the next town over. I kid you not!!

Now, the only thing that my Jersey born and raised husband isn't getting used to is the fact that there are no Dunkin Donuts franchises in Ar. So, dare I ask, is there any chance a D&D may spring up by summer of 2010?

Oh, and after many years of us Jersians having to be tortured while watching Sonic commercials, the first Sonic came to life in Jersey last summer, and I kid you not, my family waited almost 2 hours just to get into the parking lot! We finally got in after paying off a kid who was working the traffic line.. Still, to this day, it's still chaos trying to get into the damn lot. So.. with all of that said. If a Sonic can make it's way to Jersey, I'm hoping and praying that a D&D can makes it's way to Ar!! (and, not just for my husband's sake, but for my sister's as well!)

Oh, and one more question, what's the unemployment rate looking like? I'm a real estate paralegal, my husband is an electrician, my sister is also a paralegal who specializes in many areas of the law and my brother-in-law is a car sales man. We are looking to settle down in the Fayetteville, Bentonville, Farmington, or even Elkins area.

this is information I want find

[nmnita]

the unemployment rate in AR is lower than many places. I think the last report put it in the states with 6.5 to about 8% compared to some areas with rates above 10%. This doesn't mean there are a lot of jobs floating around as I am sure you realize.

The areas you seem to be leaning toward are pretty good, with more job opportunities than many places in the state. Of course a year from now or almost a year can make a big difference. I would start applying and/or investigating very seriously by Feb of 2010. See what kind of response you get.

Nita

[HANNU]

Originally Posted by linicx

I would guess the economy of AR is about like everywhere else. That's not so good.

No, it's not. On average, it's better.

Originally Posted by linicx

I have read several posts where comments have been made about the good ol' boy system not letting strangers in.

I would not believe everything your read on the Internet.

Originally Posted by linicx

On the other hand Walmart is multi-cultural.

That is a very strange statement.

To the OP: you will be spoiled with the amount of Sonics around the place down here. I would recommend that you bring dubious members of your family (who may not be interested in moving to the State) to the Fayetteville area when all the activities are happening and when it's bright and green/colorful (i.e. not in the dead of winter). Football season is starting up soon .......

[Capt. Dan]

I wonder what a Jersey accent will sound like after 5-6 years in Arkansas!!!!!!!!

[Magnolia Fan]

I fully expect you will hear a lot from those who think North Arkansas is all there is to our wonderful state.

On think is for certain, only SOUTH Arkansas has one and maybe two of the original spudnut donut shops (Magnolia and El Dorado) and only SOUTH Arkansas (Fordyce) has Klappenbach's bakery. No one misses Dunkin Donuts at all.

With all the experts to be found here I am sure someone else will jump at the chance to try to explain Spudunts. I know Klappenback's had a fire but they are rebuilding and will soon be back better than ever.

www.spudnutshop.com

[JerseyGirl314]

: ) Thanks for your input Magnolia Fan. I guess that I should have been more specific when I mentioned Dunkin Donuts. We could care less for the donuts or any other food they offer, it's the drive-thru coffee that has us all so spoiled! There's nothing better than getting your coffee, any flavor, hot or cold, however you like it (i.e. black, creamer and sugar, sugar and milk, etc) at the drive thru!

[RogMar]

Originally Posted by Capt. Dan

I wonder what a Jersey accent will sound like after 5-6 years in Arkansas!!!!!!!!