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Old 07-17-2016, 11:30 AM
 
50 posts, read 54,588 times
Reputation: 66

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I have an interview next week for my dream position. It would be in Fort Smith, Arkansas. If I were to get this position I would not be here long term. Two years maximum. From looking at pictures online and reading some forums, it looks like it's a very small, boring town. That would worry me but I would only be there short term anyways.

Right now I am in a very nice and comfortable city in Tennessee but the negative is that there is zero chance of opportunities to move up, and this upcoming interview would be my dream job and dream place to work at. Just wanted to know from people how Fort Smith is. What is there to do? How are the people there? I'm 33, Hispanic (although I look white), I'm into concerts, running, jogging, working out, hiking and meeting new people. I'm afraid if I cancel this interview I will have to wait a few years if not longer for another opportunity.

Looking forwards to reading some of your answers.
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Old 07-17-2016, 12:08 PM
 
139 posts, read 135,474 times
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Its not a very small town, somewhere like Waldron or Eureka Springs is what I would call a very small town.
No real big ticket concerts in town but maybe if your willing to drive a couple of hours. Jogging, working out, meeting new people, sure who's going to stop you.
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Old 07-17-2016, 12:29 PM
 
Location: Bella Vista, Ark
77,772 posts, read 104,103,101 times
Reputation: 49243
If you are looking for a lot of excitement you might be disappointed, but it is still a nice town and certainly, like Arkansas-tgirl said, but AR standards it really isn't a really small town. When you want concerts, etc you can always drive an hour or 1 1/2 hours to Fayetteville. You like the outdoors, running, hiking, and that type of thing you can find a lot of it in Fort Smith. I have never lived there, but we did visit on several occasions, the biggest downside and it doesn't have to be a deal breaker it is somewhat of a Bible Belt town, but you live in Tn. so I am sure this isn't new to you.

Please don't cancel your interview, you owe it to yourself to at least visit and give it a shot.
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Old 07-17-2016, 01:07 PM
 
Location: Chisago Lakes, Minnesota
3,810 posts, read 6,391,505 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nmnita View Post
the biggest downside and it doesn't have to be a deal breaker it is somewhat of a Bible Belt town, but you live in Tn. so I am sure this isn't new to you.
Really disappointed to see you characterize being in the Bible Belt as a "downside", Nita. We Christians don't bite!

Ft. Smith is not a small town. It's the second biggest city in Arkansas with 90,000 people, and a metro of almost 300,000. Very pretty area, too, with the Arkansas river flanked by the Ouachita Mts. to the south and the Ozarks to the north - which seems like it's right down OP's alley in correlation with outdoor activities. Ft. Smith may not have a concert scene like the major Tennessee towns (especially Nashville), but it still has its fair share of stuff going on.

OP, if this is your dream job and you'd only be committing to a couple of years there, I'd advise at least checking it out yourself. Sounds like a great opportunity for you, and Arkansas is one beautiful place.

Last edited by Tyryztoll; 07-17-2016 at 01:30 PM..
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Old 07-17-2016, 01:51 PM
 
Location: SW OK (AZ Native)
24,169 posts, read 13,014,616 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tyryztoll View Post
Really disappointed to see you characterize being in the Bible Belt as a "downside", Nita. We Christians don't bite!

Ft. Smith is not a small town. It's the second biggest city in Arkansas with 90,000 people, and a metro of almost 300,000. Very pretty area, too, with the Arkansas river flanked by the Ouachita Mts. to the south and the Ozarks to the north - which seems like it's right down OP's alley in correlation with outdoor activities. Ft. Smith may not have a concert scene like the major Tennessee towns (especially Nashville), but it still has its fair share of stuff going on.

OP, if this is your dream job and you'd only be committing to a couple of years there, I'd advise at least checking it out yourself. Sounds like a great opportunity for you, and Arkansas is one beautiful place.
Agreed. Fort Smith is not a small town, it's a small city. The downtown area is rather vibrant for a city of its size, even some new apartments springing up. A great Ecuadorian place right there (Rolando's), a brewpub (Bricktown), and an outdoor music venue. It's not Tulsa or Little Rock, certainly not DFW or Nashville. The Fayetteville/Rogers/Springdale/Bentonville area is an hour north. In all NWA and the River Valley are worth the look.
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Old 07-17-2016, 02:02 PM
 
139 posts, read 135,474 times
Reputation: 114
Well for a real concert I was thinking more Tulsa or maybe Little Rock. I've been impressed with some of the acts like Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Sir Mix-A-Lot they have been advertising at the Pocola Casino recently, its about 10 minutes from Fort Smith.
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Old 07-17-2016, 02:32 PM
 
139 posts, read 135,474 times
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Wait no the Casino in Pocola actually shares a border with Fort Smith, I was thinking of the drive to the nursing home in Pocola.
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Old 07-18-2016, 06:05 AM
 
Location: Bella Vista, Ark
77,772 posts, read 104,103,101 times
Reputation: 49243
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tyryztoll View Post
Really disappointed to see you characterize being in the Bible Belt as a "downside", Nita. We Christians don't bite!

Ft. Smith is not a small town. It's the second biggest city in Arkansas with 90,000 people, and a metro of almost 300,000. Very pretty area, too, with the Arkansas river flanked by the Ouachita Mts. to the south and the Ozarks to the north - which seems like it's right down OP's alley in correlation with outdoor activities. Ft. Smith may not have a concert scene like the major Tennessee towns (especially Nashville), but it still has its fair share of stuff going on.

OP, if this is your dream job and you'd only be committing to a couple of years there, I'd advise at least checking it out yourself. Sounds like a great opportunity for you, and Arkansas is one beautiful place.
oh my, I am so sorry you took it that way: I am a devout Christian and certainly didn't mean it that way. I should have found a better way to word my comment. What I meant was, was, be prepared for the possibility of more religion or more wearing it on your sleeve than in some locals. I didn't mean being a Christian or living in the Bible Belt region is bad. It is just something that does bother some people. Years ago, on this very forum this subject was discussed in relation to Ft Smith.
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Old 07-18-2016, 06:06 AM
 
Location: Bella Vista, Ark
77,772 posts, read 104,103,101 times
Reputation: 49243
Quote:
Originally Posted by Arkansas_Tgirl View Post
Well for a real concert I was thinking more Tulsa or maybe Little Rock. I've been impressed with some of the acts like Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Sir Mix-A-Lot they have been advertising at the Pocola Casino recently, its about 10 minutes from Fort Smith.
I think you can get some pretty good ones here in NWA as well.
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Old 07-18-2016, 08:32 AM
 
Location: USA
2,830 posts, read 2,618,172 times
Reputation: 4906
Can't comment about Fort Smith, but I'd say if this is your dream job, I wouldn't let the fact that the city doesn't 100% meet your requirements stop you. The odds of finding the dream job in the perfect city are slim. The experience you will gain at this job over the 2 years may be priceless.
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