Fayetteville, ARBest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Nestled against the scenic Ozark Mountains, Fayetteville is a natural haven. The city has a tight-knit (and welcoming) community, diverse outdoor activities, top-rated schools, acclaimed local cuisine and a strong sense of Razorback pride.
Fayetteville, AR, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
Arkansas is nicknamed the Natural State, and Fayetteville, AR, will show you why. Not only is the cost of living lower than the national average, but there are also all kinds of free ways to have fun outdoors here. Tucked in the Ozark Mountains, Fayetteville is surrounded by natural beauty, and residents have access to 70 parks with 40 miles of trails and three lakes.
As one of the best places to live in the U.S., Fayetteville has all kinds of cool amenities that forge a sense of community. Take, for instance, ArtCourt, an artsy basketball court where you can shoot hoops or join in on a pick-up basketball game. The one-of-a-kind court is located on Dickson Street in downtown Fayetteville amid the shops and bars. Also downtown, Boulders & Brews is an indoor rock climbing gym and coffee shop. Northwest Arkansas also hosts more than 175 events a year, from Mardi Gras to Pride to a trick-or-treating event on Fayetteville’s downtown square. As a result, Fayetteville is a city with a strong sense of community, and incentive programs entice new residents to call the city home.
Legacy manufacturers, retail trade and specialized technology are among some of the industries in Fayetteville. And this is a city that’s thrumming with innovators, like the alchemists who started Pink House Alchemy and make small-batch simple syrups, bitters and shrubs for cocktails. And over at the University of Arkansas, the Office of Entrepreneurship & Innovation provides support for budding entrepreneurs.
Fayetteville, AR Quality of Life LivScore
Fayetteville, AR Top Categories
Housing & Cost of Living
Transportation
Environment
Fayetteville ranks highest for housing, transportation and environment.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Fayetteville, AR
Fayetteville has four distinct, yet mostly temperate, seasons. Winter days can sometimes dip down to the teens, while summer days are hot and humid. The average highs and lows are 87°F and 67°F (summer) and 48°F and 28°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Fayetteville is very low, at just 6 inches. Snowfall is relatively uncommon in Fayetteville, and some years there is no snow.
The average annual rainfall in Fayetteville is 47 inches, and May is typically the wettest month.
Fayetteville averages 217 sunny days a year.
Shaded by mature trees, Gregory Park has a mountain biking skills course and two downhill trails. You might be sharing the trails with student-athletes on mountain biking teams who come here to practice. Or hike in the beautiful Kessler Mountain Regional Park, which has 620 acres on and around historic Kessler Mountain, which reaches 1,856 feet above sea level.
Fayetteville Weather
217 days
Average Annual Sun
47 inches
Average Annual Rain
6 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Fayetteville, AR
Live music sets the soundtrack of Fayetteville, with musicians performing at the farmers market, in late-night restaurants and bars, and at the Walton Arts Center.
Become a regular at the Fayetteville Public Library, which has a permanent art exhibit and rotating collections. The library has a calendar full of events, from story times for kids to guided meditations and classes on of-the-moment topics like artificial intelligence for writers.
Pick up a pair of Birkenstocks at Flying Possum, a mainstay since 1976.
Play pinball and enjoy playful cocktails like rum-spiked Dole Whip at Pinpoint.
The Local and State Economy in Fayetteville, AR
Educational services, retail trade and manufacturing are some of the top industries in Fayetteville. Some of the largest employers are the University of Arkansas and Tyson Foods. Walmart is also a major employer in the city because it is headquartered in nearby Bentonville, AR.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Fayetteville is 9.75%.
Yes, Arkansas has a state income tax.
Washington Regional Medical Center and Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas are two of Fayetteville’s most significant health care providers. Washington Regional Medical Center performs highly in nearly a dozen procedures and conditions.
Fayetteville has several colleges and universities, including the University of Arkansas’ flagship campus.
Quick Facts About Fayetteville, AR
- Median Household Income
- $50,386
- Median Home Value
- $271,701
- Average State Property Tax
- $878
- Total Population
- 96,261
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $791
- Average Commute
- 15.47 minutes
Affordable housing and a low cost of living, environment and education all contribute to ranking Fayetteville as one of the best places to live in the U.S. It’s the only Arkansas city to make the best places list. Learn more about living in Fayetteville, or consider other great places providing moving incentives to residents. Another moving resource: The Ultimate Guide To Finding Your Best Place To Live.
