Has anyone here lived in NW Arkansas? (Overland, Mexico: real estate, house)

[TiaMarieB]

My husband and I recently moved to NWA from Atlanta (by way of Texas). We like NWA, but aren't sure if we LOVE it. We really do miss some of the amenities you get living in a big city. Have any of you lived in NWA and can give me a full picture of what it is like to live in NWA vs. KC? We both have received job offers in KC and are considering a move there, despite only having lived in NWA for a few months.

[shindig]

Never lived there for an extended period, but my parents have a lake house at Beaver Lake. I like Fayetteville since it's a college town, but the Rogers area, not so much. I like going down there 3-4 times a year, but after 4-5 days I'm ready to get back to civilization. Beautiful area and fun to camp, hike, boat, whatever, but I don't think I could live there, just has a backwards feel after a while. To me it's a fun place to get away for a while but unless you love the Razorbacks, it would be hard to adjust to.

[brandthom]

Some boat and experience as shindig. Never lived there, but have family who lives there and its nice for a couple of days but the size and politics outside of Fayetteville start to wear on you a little. Recreation (biking, kayaking jogging etc wise, i'd say Fayetteville is better than KC, but little else. I say give it a visit. The individuals I know who've moved here from Atlanta and NWA have all enjoyed themselves.

[TiaMarieB]

I don't have any ties to the Razorbacks and are not really outdoorsy types. I really do miss being in civilization and it seems like sometimes, although NWA is beautiful, it is missing a lot of what I am used to living in a big city. I am planning a trip to KC in a few weeks. We would be looking for a home in the 400-500k range. Will that get you very far in KC?

[TiaMarieB]

I'd like to add that we are in Fayetteville and my husband and I are pretty liberal and still find Fay to be pretty conservative. Is KC more liberal or conservative?

[WiseOwlSaysHoot]

Political leanings can run the gamut, but overall, the KC Metro is fairly balanced and moderate. The city, particularly in the urban areas is quite liberal. The suburbs generally range from moderate to rather conservative. The rural areas outside the metro are far right.

400-500k will get you a nice home in KC. Real estate costs are probably higher than NWA, but less than Atlanta.

With out knowing what you're looking for, here is a random smattering of current listings in that range in some popular areas.

Here is one in the Brookside neighborhood, one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the city, so you probably get the least for your money of just about anywhere in KC.

Here is one in Central Hyde Park, another urban neighborhood where you will get a little more for your money.

If you want new construction in the suburbs, here is one in the southern portion of the popular suburb of Overland Park.

And if you are looking for an older, inner-ring suburb, here is one in Prairie Village.

[halll5150]

Also, new to NWA living in Fayetteville almost 2 years now coming from Michigan. I find it very isolating as there are no middle/big city amenities, airport is very expensive, and no shopping! The people here are very nice but it feels like a "stick your head in the sand" type of community, if you know what I mean by that. Did I mention, no shopping! Also, the wages here are very low. I will say that Fayetteville is the my favorite area of the NWA area. It's has more of a hypie college town feel. Bentonville is basically Walmartville, Rogers is jam packed and I found the most unfriendly area, and Springdale is like Little Mexico with chickens.

We are looking to relocate and also looking at this area (among other cities such as Minneapolis, Boise, Detroit, Nashville), Overland Park to be exact. It will be so nice to be among civilization again.