Why Arkansas Was the Top State to Move to in 2024

istock.com / Brandon Olafsson

When it comes to top states to move to, Arkansas leads the pack, according to a new study by Atlas Van Lines that tracks migration trends. The study found that Arkansas was the top state to move to in 2024.

Arkansas’ relocation appeal is multifaceted. The Natural State delivers on its nickname; it is filled with gorgeous landscapes and top-notch recreation. Think everything from the Ozark and Ouachita mountains to Hot Springs National Park to countless lakes and hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails. Friendly neighbors, great food, fun entertainment and a mild climate are nice perks, too. On top of all that, the cost of living in Arkansas can’t be beat, along with its affordability, which the study says was a top consideration of those moving.

Curious if Arkansas is right for you? Ahead, two recent transplants share what made them move to Arkansas and what they love most about their new communities.

Andee Hart — Searcy, AR

When Andee Hart left her corporate sales job to grow her business, she had the opportunity to work from anywhere. So, in November 2024, she made the move from Raleigh, N.C., to Searcy, AR, which has a population of approximately 24,000 and has become one of the fastest-growing cities in the state and country, according to U.S. Census Bureau figures.

She chose to move to Arkansas to be close to family, including her niece and nephew, and because she appreciates the great outdoors and everything The Natural State has to offer.

“My family loves to enjoy lakes in the summer months, and my dad and I are looking forward to hiking this spring and exploring some of Arkansas’ waterfalls,” she says.

Residents and visitors can find beautiful waterfall hikes throughout the state, including an iconic one in Petit Jean State Park in central Arkansas. Cedar Falls Trail leads to the eponymous waterfall, an approximately 90-foot gusher that tumbles over a rocky cliff and is one of the tallest continuously flowing falls in the state.

In Searcy, Hart says she’s been able to enjoy slower-paced mornings and short commutes.

Before moving to Arkansas, she started a candle company that grew from a small passion project into a full-fledged wholesale operation, and her candles are now stocked in hundreds of boutiques.

“Searcy has the kind of small-town charm that makes you want to build a business that fits your life, not the other way around,” she says. “Searcy has this built-in entrepreneurial spirit, and I love that I get to bring my business here while being close to the people I love most.”

As for finding places to work remotely in her community, she’s still exploring, but a top contender is Wild Sweet William’s, a beloved bakery, for a late-morning working breakfast.

Hart has also met new friends through her church and says her neighbors have been welcoming.

“Being part of a small town means people actually want to get to know you, and I’ve been so grateful for the warm welcome,” she says.

Keith Marks — Little Rock, AR

Keith Marks was working remotely in Richmond, VA, but as a young professional interested in growing his career, he wanted to be in the office to collaborate more closely with his coworkers, plus he was warm to the idea of exploring a new city. In January 2023, he moved to Little Rock, AR.

Now, Marks, who works for Aon, a global professional services firm, has expanded his network even further through Create Little Rock, a young professional organization that’s part of the Little Rock Regional Chamber.

“I’ve made lots of friends in the area through Create Little Rock,” he says. “They hold a number of happy hours and other events for young professionals to network every month.”

Marks has also discovered the many perks of living and working in Little Rock, including its tight-knit community and ease of networking. The state’s low cost of living is also appealing for those considering a move, as they can break into the housing market in Arkansas. The median home price in Arkansas is just over 207,000, which is roughly $150,000 less than the national average, according to Zillow. Average rent prices across the state are also significantly lower than the U.S. average.

Marks loves the local restaurant scene in Little Rock. Some of his favorite spots include Brood & Barley for Philly cheesesteaks, Lost Forty Brewing for Cuban grilled cheese sandwiches with pork and ham and, for a special night out, a spot like Ciao Baci, which has a five-course tasting menu.

He’s also found plenty of ways to have fun when off the clock, from hitting the links at Rebsamen Golf Course and Burns Park Golf Course to cheering for the Arkansas Travelers, a minor league baseball team. “I also enjoy going to the Arkansas Razorbacks football games in the fall,” he says. “Everyone in the state comes together to root for them.”

This article was sponsored by Arkansas Tourism.