For the sixth year in a row, Fayetteville ranked towards the top of the U.S. News & World Report “Best Places to Live” list. The Fayetteville metro area has climbed to the number four spot in the nation after ranking at No. 8 in 2020. Only Boulder, Colo., Raleigh/Durham, N.C., and Huntsville, Ala. rank higher than Northwest Arkansas’ largest metropolitan area.
“Located in a region that’s experiencing drastic growth, Fayetteville – together with Bentonville, Rogers and Springdale – has transformed from a small town to a center of higher education, culture, commerce and entrepreneurialism,” according to the report.
Little Rock also placed in the U.S. News top 100, placing at No. 93. The capital city’s low average housing costs, healthy job market, plentiful outdoor activities and cultural offerings contributed to its ranking. Little Rock was listed at No. 95 in 2020.
After a year of adapting due to the pandemic, the U.S. News experts took into account how well the country’s largest metropolitan areas fared. The publication took a set of five major factors into consideration: desirability, value, job market, quality of life, and net migration.
“People from all over the world call Fayetteville home. Newcomers often comment on the friendliness of Fayetteville residents,” local expert Rachel Gerner reported. “With dozens of volunteer organizations and nonprofits, there’s an abundance of ways to get involved in the community.”
As a major contributor in the development and growth of Northwest Arkansas, the team at Sage Partners couldn’t be prouder to see our region achieve this national recognition. As part of one of the fastest-growing areas in the country, we look forward to seeing more people settling down and more businesses sprouting up in Fayetteville.
“I am extremely proud that Fayetteville has once again been ranked among the top 10 best places to live,” said Mayor Lioneld Jordan in the Fayetteville Flyer. “This recognition by a national publication confirms what those of us who live here are already well aware of – that Fayetteville is a great place to live, work, and play. It is a fine tribute to our wonderful community of people who care so very much and work together to make ours a model city for the rest of the nation.”
