Liberal-minded areas of Northwest Arkansas (Little Rock, Fayetteville: rent, schools, college)

[MMK223]

Hello lovely people of Arkansas!

Hoping you can help! My husband and I are self-employed writers and are very interested in moving to an area in northwest Arkansas around the Ozarks.
We've lived eveyrwhere...Florida, Los Angeles, Asheville, the Poconos and NYC. Now that we're ready to start a family we're looking for a liberal minded town - liberal in the sense of "accepting of all types, races, sexual preferences, religious beliefs, etc." We don't belong to any one particular religious denomination and so we would like a city that doesn't - pardon the phrase - cram their beliefs down others' throats. We're respectful of all religions and we would like a community that reciprocates that notion. We've read about Eureka Springs but are there any other areas worth mentioning? Thanks so much!

Peace and love and all that crap!

[thewizard16]

In the NWA area, your best bets are going to be Eureka Springs (funky and fun, but touristy and very small) or Fayetteville (decent sized college town, so you get that vibe and a good mix of people, but the rest of the metro is pretty conservative).

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by MMK223

Hello lovely people of Arkansas!

Hoping you can help! My husband and I are self-employed writers and are very interested in moving to an area in northwest Arkansas around the Ozarks.
We've lived eveyrwhere...Florida, Los Angeles, Asheville, the Poconos and NYC. Now that we're ready to start a family we're looking for a liberal minded town - liberal in the sense of "accepting of all types, races, sexual preferences, religious beliefs, etc." We don't belong to any one particular religious denomination and so we would like a city that doesn't - pardon the phrase - cram their beliefs down others' throats. We're respectful of all religions and we would like a community that reciprocates that notion. We've read about Eureka Springs but are there any other areas worth mentioning? Thanks so much!

Peace and love and all that crap!

Eureka Springs comes to mind but one thing to remember, if you want a family enviornment there are not a lot of kids in the area. It is pretty much a resort/tourist community, but very artsy and very liberal. You may want to consider Fayetteville. It is as liberal as almost anyplace in NWA and much more family friendly.
Nita

[Greenmon]

Be sure to check out surrounding cities around Fayetteville, Rogers, Bentonville, etc. College towns generally are more accepting, i would suggest rent first ,see and visit areas to decide. Good luck and enjoy.

[Penguin_ie]

Eureka Springs would definitely be your best option, or Fayetteville if you want something more city-like.

[SandboxVet]

Originally Posted by Greenmon

Be sure to check out surrounding cities around Fayetteville, Rogers, Bentonville, etc. College towns generally are more accepting, i would suggest rent first ,see and visit areas to decide. Good luck and enjoy.

Definitely RENT FIRST.

[hotair2]

Little Rock is more liberal than Fayetteville...in my opinion, although at best little Rock is probably more in the center with liberal and conservative pockets. West Little Rock more conservative with Hillcrest area more liberal.

[AshleyMc]

Eureka Springs or Fayetteville as other post mentioned. Very reasonable cost of living and property taxes...but ES is more of a tourist destination, really a small community when off season. We were married there, love the area but if you have kids I'd probably vote for Fayetteville which isn't that far from ES (about an hour if I remember correctly).

[thewizard16]

Originally Posted by hotair2

Little Rock is more liberal than Fayetteville...in my opinion, although at best little Rock is probably more in the center with liberal and conservative pockets. West Little Rock more conservative with Hillcrest area more liberal.

I don't necessarily feel that Little Rock is more liberal, just larger and more diverse. As far as proportions go, I'd argue that Fayetteville "feels" more liberal, and puts a lot more focus on things that liberals and progressives often do like the environment, gay rights, drug issues, parks and trails (I think this one isn't a political issue, but the "green" stuff often gets lumped in with liberals too), etc. Little Rock does those things too of course, I just think it feels more dominant in Fayetteville. Totally agree on the areas of Little Rock though.

[NOEM1226]

I agree with the other posters- Fayetteville sounds like what your looking for & we'd love to have you =). ES is nice, but Fayetteville offers more choices as far as schools.