[Vangel]

Can you tell me what Eureka Springs is like ? Is it mainly older/retired people there or would it be a good place for families ? Is there much if anything to do out there - how would kids like it ?

How does Fayetteville, AK compare to Eureka Springs ? Can you tell me the differences between the two ? What are in both in the line of stores, restaurants, etc? What about schools ? What is the weather like (much sun ? humid ?), What about bugs (is this an issue) ?

Also, I have read that there have been tornadoes there, is this a real problem in this area, and would it discourage you from living in the area because of it ?

Thanks for any insight you can shed on these things.

[debbie at bouontiful]

I love eureka Springs. No it is not family. Go to Fayetteville for work and family. My parents retired in Bella Vista, but I am looking at Eureka. Retirees probably go to Holiday Island if they want to be near Eureka. It is sort of retirement and only 5 miles away on Table Rock Lake.

Eureka is very historic. Has many beautiful B & Bs. Eureka is for tourism only. If you need to work I would go someplace else. I am not sure about tornadoes. They probably are still in the tornado alley.

If I wanted lots of stuff to do and work look at Bella Vista. You probably could commute to Fayettevile, but there is Bentonville and Rogers just down the road. I think kids would love Bella Vista as much as retirees. Thereare 8 small lakes but lots of hiking, biking and water sports along with very scenic hills and nice homes.

[OurGreatEscape]

@Vangel--What is your current stage of life? School aged kids? Retired or nearing retirement?

Eureka Springs has become "an artist's retreat." Many artists have moved from CA and other metro areas to the quiet hills of Eureka Springs. There is an eclectic vibe.

There are old Victorian homes (many now converted into B&Bs) left over from the glory days when the "rich" would visit Eureka to escape the summer heat in other locales.

Fayetteville, AR is roughly a 45 minute drive from Eureka. Fayetteville has some of the best schools in the state. We continue to churn out high numbers of National Merit Scholars.

The UofA is located in Fayetteville--academia mix with wealthy businessmen mixing with folk-singing hippies.

If you have school children, I'd recommend Fayetteville. If you are retired Eureka or Bella Vista area (if you like golf).

Weather in the towns across NWA is similar. Those towns closer to Missouri tend to get more snow and ice than Fayetteville and south. Snow and ice shut down the area. We are not equipped to handle more than a dusting.

Tornadoes do happen. The warning systems are getting much better. Have an emergency plan and stick to it.

Bugs--Brown recluse spiders are prevalent (sometimes you have to look for them--hence the name "recluse"). So far this spring, I've counted several brown recluse in my home; a water moccasin snake in a nearby creek (took a photo, too); husband thinks he's already killed a moccasin or copperhead.

I do have deer running through my yard; we've had a litter of red fox pups; two coyote sightings in the past 18 months...Oh, and I live within the city limits close to the center of town