Living in Bentonville, AR
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living, Top Schools and More

Thinking of moving to Bentonville, AR? Explore our complete guide to living in Bentonville, covering local cost of living, top-ranked schools, job growth and the best neighborhood amenities.

In the Ozarks of Northwest Arkansas, Bentonville has become a world-class cultural hub and culinary destination and is the self-proclaimed “Mountain Biking Capital of the World.” Living in Bentonville means that in a single day you can admire American masterworks surrounded by the Ozark forest at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, ride world-class singletrack through the Slaughter Pen Trail System and cap off the evening grabbing farm-to-table small plates on the historic downtown square. As the global headquarters of Walmart, this booming city of 61,010 residents has evolved into one of the country’s most vibrant small metros. Contemporary homes, luxury enclaves and charming subdivisions (median home value: $414,671!) line expansive greenways and public art spaces. Bentonville is an irresistible home base for corporate leaders and outdoor enthusiasts seeking endless entertainment, safe neighborhoods and unmatched natural beauty.

Top Reasons to Move to Bentonville, AR:

• A Natural Fit: Bentonville earns top scores for its stunning Ozark setting and commitment to green space. Known for its great mountain biking scene, the city features nearly 80 miles of paved trails and soft-surface singletrack weaving through town, including the famous Razorback Regional Greenway, which connects Bentonville to the 400-plus miles of the Northwest Arkansas Oz Trails network. Residents can explore the lush grounds of Crystal Bridges, hike past waterfalls at Coler Mountain Preserve or stroll through the peaceful grounds and native flora at Compton Gardens & Arboretum.
• Enjoy the Arts: Bentonville’s cultural offerings rival those of cities twice its size. The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, designed by Moshe Safdie, offers free admission and is home to outdoor sculpture trails and centuries of American art – from Rockwell to Warhol. Meanwhile, its contemporary satellite venue, The Momentary, is a converted Kraft cheese factory, featuring live music stages, outdoor installations, rotating art exhibits and a rooftop cocktail lounge. Kids love spending the day at the 50,000-square-foot Scott Family Amazeum and exploring its hands-on STEM exhibits, creative art studios and climbing play structures.
• Business Is Booming in Bentonville: Beyond its outdoorsy offerings, Bentonville is a major economic engine driven by Walmart’s global headquarters and thousands of surrounding vendor and technology partners. Experience the impact of the Fortune 500 company at the Walmart Museum, which preserves the company’s early roots and the original Walton’s 5 & 10 storefront with interactive historical exhibits. High-paying corporate careers, a buzzing startup scene and rapid business innovation allow local working professionals to build strong careers right in town.
• A+ Education: Education is a major draw for relocating families. Served by the highly acclaimed Bentonville Public Schools district, local public campuses – including Bentonville High School and Bentonville West High School – consistently rank among the top in Arkansas for academic achievement, innovative STEM tracks, International Baccalaureate programs and championship athletics. In fact, the nearly 20,000 students enrolled in the district benefit from Bentonville’s strong reputation, and the district consistently ranks as the No. 1 school system in Arkansas.
• Take a Bite Out of Bentonville: Downtown Bentonville brings incredible flavor and community spirit. The historic square is lined with local bakeries, cozy coffee shops and award-winning eateries like The Preacher’s Son and Wright’s Barbecue. 8th Street Market is Bentonville’s community food hub, with a food hall featuring local vendors and shops. Residents gather year-round for First Friday events, Saturday farmers markets and outdoor summer concert series, including Live on the Green at The Momentary.