[JamesFenway]

Originally Posted by explorearkansas

Hi all.

I woke up recently and discovered I better get my butt in gear to figure out where to retire to as I am tired of 40 plus years of the grind, tired of Illinois politics, tired of flat landing. Like Bilbo, it's time for another adventure. Wife is a bit younger but willing to go, so we have begun exploring KY, TN and now it's time for Northern AR. We already have a trip planned to start in July with 2 nights in Bull Shoals, 2 nights in Eureka Springs and Two nights at Petit Jean state Park. Hope to get a flavor of the area to see if it fits.

We are expatriot city folk, can't stand crowds anymore. Been homesteading the past 8 years and commuting 100 miles each way to the Chi-Town Area. Lookin for a smallish town to settle near with a population of Bible believers, reasonable medical facilities and some local restaurant action. We don't need much as we are the self sufficient type. We plan to settle on a rural setting within 5-10 miles of town.

I look forward to getting back to fishing which I have not been able to touch for years now. Stream walkin was a favorite. Looks like most of the NW Arkansas streams are downstream of dams (backwater). Is there any free-flowing water one can wade and walk without fear of getting caught in a transition? If yes, is it accessible to the public or all private?

Thank you for reading.

Kevin

it depend on what you want for yourself.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by explorearkansas

Wow,
I did not expect all the great replies. I'm pretty excited about making the trek next month. We only have a week so this trip is focused on northern AR. Wife still holds onto a desire to stay close to where the kiddos are. Me, not so much. The three locations; Bull Shoals, Eureka and Petit Jean we are stopping to provide a few days to check out each area. The first two days will be spent from West Norfork lake to the south end and the East side of Bull Shoals heading west. Next we move to Eureka for two days to scope out West Bull Shoals, north up around Beaver lake and then all the way around from the south side of Beaver avoiding the larger cities if we can. The final two days is in the Lodge at Petit Jean to hike and check out the Arkansas river area. On the trip home I plan to cruise thru Heber Springs. Our goal is to determine if AR is a place to further explore for retirement. I hope the adventure will loosen up DW's desire to stay close to home.

Hot Springs is a bit far away from the kids for DW right now. I won't rule it out, but that would require another trip to explore.

Since nobody raved about the medical center near Mountain Home, I presume it is not held in high regard.

Thanks all y'all for the input. We have a few more places to look at. I really do appreciate you taking a moment to respond.

Kevin

Kevin, apparently the medical care in Mountain Home is decent, it is just the area doesn't have enough people to draw from, so you will not get the same specialists and the same quality as in NWA and Little Rock. There just isn't the demand.

Enjoy your trip and keep us posted. I do understand how your wife feels. When we decided to retire, for us, it was important that we be within a days drive to the kids. Of course with 2 of ours living in Florida, we had to find a place close to the one that did not. Florida was not an option for us.

[explorearkansas]

Grampa Tom, If East of Knoxville was an option, We would be in the Blue Ridge area. We have spent time there and love it. Unfortunately, it crosses the invisible line of being too far from the kids. I'm Ok with that as there is plenty of similar country within a days drive. Maybe not as high of elevation, but just as beautiful.

K

[explorearkansas]

DC,

We plan to drive around the south end of Beaver while we are in Eureka Springs. Hindsville will likely be in the route as I look at the map.

Thanks for the input.

K

[explorearkansas]

GAU,

Why did you pick Sharp County? We plan to start in Mountain Home and work westward. The towns east of MH seem too small to support any medical centers. For some reason medical care seems important now that I approach my later years.

We will be passing by Sharp county on our way home.

[DC at the Ridge]

Originally Posted by explorearkansas

DC,

We plan to drive around the south end of Beaver while we are in Eureka Springs. Hindsville will likely be in the route as I look at the map.

Thanks for the input.

K

Hindsville itself is barely a town, but you would likely use the medical facilities in Springdale. There's been a lot of growth along the Highway 412 corridor there, but the area between Hindsville and Springdale is very rural and I think would suit you well. Goshen and War Eagle are also along that route.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by DC at the Ridge

Hindsville itself is barely a town, but you would likely use the medical facilities in Springdale. There's been a lot of growth along the Highway 412 corridor there, but the area between Hindsville and Springdale is very rural and I think would suit you well. Goshen and War Eagle are also along that route.

I am thinking Huntsville is a possibility as well, but it might be a little cliquey. I think the majority of the people living there have spent a good part of their lives there. It isn't a place that seems to draw transplants.

[greenacresusa]

Originally Posted by explorearkansas

GAU,

Why did you pick Sharp County? We plan to start in Mountain Home and work westward. The towns east of MH seem too small to support any medical centers. For some reason medical care seems important now that I approach my later years.

We will be passing by Sharp county on our way home.

We're in the southern part of Sharp County so we have quick access to the hospital in Batesville which can take care of most issues. Plus the roads are very good so no problems getting to the doctors.

While you're in Sharp County be sure to stop in Hardy. Love the Corner Booth for breakfast (bring cash, no credit cards allowed) and also the Beach Club for great barbeque!! We also check out all the antique stores on main st!!! Love it there!!!

We can't wait to move there in October!!!

[explorearkansas]

Thanks for the reply GAU. We will try to pass thru Batesville on our way home. It is on our driving path up from Petit Jean, then Heber Springs, then ? (Batesville). It should work if all goes as planned.

K

[explorearkansas]

We hit the road at 9AM tomorrow. Destination Bull Shoals. And so it begins .