Can anyone describe what it is like to live in Bentonsville area for single female in 30s (Fayetteville: appointed)

[Inacitysomewhere]

Hi all,
I am thinking of putting in an application to a place in my field near Bentonsville. I realize it is only an application and that it is no guarantee of anything. However, I'm not sure I even want to spend the time on the application packet if I would not like the area. If that makes sense.

I have lived a number of places in my life including overseas. Currently I live in the DC metro area and love it. It does have cons, though, including extremely high cost of living and horrendous traffic. The biggest pro is, that as a single woman in her 30's who is both wanting to stay active in her lifestyle and also looking for a partner, there doesn't seem to be a weekend in which there is not either something fun and active to do with a local meetup group, or a date, or both. I prefer to stay active, outdoorsy though not extreme, busy, and keep my calendar full. I enjoy the occasional night in for down time and recharge time, but the DC area has not disappointed in the social aspect. I have been able to meet many interesting and fun people who have similar interests and am finally starting to feel settled--I have a church now and a regular meetup group I attend and have been on a number of dates with men up my alley. There is always something to do that I find interesting and fun even if it is alone.I have also found more than enough outlets for the arts and music to participate in.

However, I am not happy at work and have been actively looking for a better job for two years. I enjoy my field, but not the local company culture at my position. I am an elementary teacher at an independent school. I am looking for a better fit at a more diverse and progressive/modern school and a school which has a bit more money it can afford to pay teachers. Basically, I'm looking to step up now that I have the magic 3-5 years teaching experience. Even if I end up getting married someday (I am divorced), it is my plan to continue working so I am looking for a long-term fit (I am not looking to be a SAHM, not that that is bad, but going through a divorce and losing everything financially--no, I am not paid alimony, nor did I want to be, and I paid for everything myself to get out of my abusive marriage--made me decide that I will always have my own income stream, regardless of if I have children, which I do want). DC is also ripe with opportunity which is one reason I moved here three years ago. However, I am not opposed to moving if the right opportunity came up.

The job in AR is attractive to me and I have not been able to shake the feeling that perhaps I should apply for this position because it would be an excellent fit for school culture from what I can tell and I would have a good chance at landing an interview, but I am not sure I would enjoy living in the area socially.

Can singles with similar life views let me know what it is like there? I know the cost of living is much lower which would be a huge plus, even on the same salary it would be like getting an enormous raise. How is the scene specifically for the arts, museums, and outdoor activitiy such as hiking, photography, and getting outside? Are there a lot of singles or is it more of a married with kids kind of an area?

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by Inacitysomewhere

Hi all,
I am thinking of putting in an application to a place in my field near Bentonsville. I realize it is only an application and that it is no guarantee of anything. However, I'm not sure I even want to spend the time on the application packet if I would not like the area. If that makes sense.

I have lived a number of places in my life including overseas. Currently I live in the DC metro area and love it. It does have cons, though, including extremely high cost of living and horrendous traffic. The biggest pro is, that as a single woman in her 30's who is both wanting to stay active in her lifestyle and also looking for a partner, there doesn't seem to be a weekend in which there is not either something fun and active to do with a local meetup group, or a date, or both. I prefer to stay active, outdoorsy though not extreme, busy, and keep my calendar full. I enjoy the occasional night in for down time and recharge time, but the DC area has not disappointed in the social aspect. I have been able to meet many interesting and fun people who have similar interests and am finally starting to feel settled--I have a church now and a regular meetup group I attend and have been on a number of dates with men up my alley. There is always something to do that I find interesting and fun even if it is alone.I have also found more than enough outlets for the arts and music to participate in.

However, I am not happy at work and have been actively looking for a better job for two years. I enjoy my field, but not the local company culture at my position. I am an elementary teacher at an independent school. I am looking for a better fit at a more diverse and progressive/modern school and a school which has a bit more money it can afford to pay teachers. Basically, I'm looking to step up now that I have the magic 3-5 years teaching experience. Even if I end up getting married someday (I am divorced), it is my plan to continue working so I am looking for a long-term fit (I am not looking to be a SAHM, not that that is bad, but going through a divorce and losing everything financially--no, I am not paid alimony, nor did I want to be, and I paid for everything myself to get out of my abusive marriage--made me decide that I will always have my own income stream, regardless of if I have children, which I do want). DC is also ripe with opportunity which is one reason I moved here three years ago. However, I am not opposed to moving if the right opportunity came up.

The job in AR is attractive to me and I have not been able to shake the feeling that perhaps I should apply for this position because it would be an excellent fit for school culture from what I can tell and I would have a good chance at landing an interview, but I am not sure I would enjoy living in the area socially.

Can singles with similar life views let me know what it is like there? I know the cost of living is much lower which would be a huge plus, even on the same salary it would be like getting an enormous raise. How is the scene specifically for the arts, museums, and outdoor activitiy such as hiking, photography, and getting outside? Are there a lot of singles or is it more of a married with kids kind of an area?

Having lived in the DC area as well as other major cities I can guarantee you there is plenty of outdoor activities compared to a lot of places and they are almost in your back yard. yes, we do have arts, museums , fine dining and about everything you have in DC except at a slower pace and a little bit less.

Would it give you the same feeling as living in the DC area, maybe but most are not bored here. As for singles versus families it depends on there you live in NWA. Just like DC only on a smaller scale: if you live in DC proper you have more singles compared to living in say, NO VA. Living here, you choose one of the neighborhoods close to a downtown area, like Fayetteville, Bentonville or Rogers you will find a singles vibe; living in Centerton, BV, and parts of the other cities, more in the burbs you will find families.

I am sure, if you do get an interview you will have enough time to spend an extra day or two here and judge for yourself. Good luck!!!!

[TiaMarieB]

I am around your age, but married, although several of my friends are single. I would probably recommend living in Fayetteville, if it is not too far, as there seem to be more single individuals (although most in their 20s) there. I would say Bentonville and Rogers has more of a married with kids vibe. I will say I have had a few single, female friends who have moved to Fayetteville hoping to meet someone and each of them has since moved on to a bigger city because they found it too difficult. However, I have also had a few friends who have lived in huge cities their whole life and it took coming to this area to find their partner. Having lived in very large and very small cities, I am a huge proponent of "blooming where you are planted." I think you should come visit and see for yourself!

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by TiaMarieB

I am around your age, but married, although several of my friends are single. I would probably recommend living in Fayetteville, if it is not too far, as there seem to be more single individuals (although most in their 20s) there. I would say Bentonville and Rogers has more of a married with kids vibe. I will say I have had a few single, female friends who have moved to Fayetteville hoping to meet someone and each of them has since moved on to a bigger city because they found it too difficult. However, I have also had a few friends who have lived in huge cities their whole life and it took coming to this area to find their partner. Having lived in very large and very small cities, I am a huge proponent of "blooming where you are planted." I think you should come visit and see for yourself!

Fayetteville is a great choice. I still think there are a few other places worth considering including living near the square in Bentonville. Lots of singles work for WalMart and it isn't that far from the headquarters.

[TiaMarieB]

That's a good point about the Bentonville square, I'm sure there are a lot of singles around that area, I just am not as familiar with Bentonville.

[davidsonharley]

Traffic is heavy most all times. Way too many people not really quiet. If you want a lot of busy busy it will work. If you want country quiet not the place to be.

[DC at the Ridge]

Originally Posted by davidsonharley

Traffic is heavy most all times. Way too many people not really quiet. If you want a lot of busy busy it will work. If you want country quiet not the place to be.

Northwest Arkansas encompasses more than I-49.

Traffic is heavy during rush hour. Not so much at other times. There are lots of rural areas in Northwest Arkansas that are country quiet.

[JWG223]

I'm 32, male. I met plenty of girls 27-35 that are attractive and intelligent and successful. Some of them I kept up with, some of them not. They met other guys who they liked and spoke well of, so I presume dating isnt had here for women, either.