Dreaming of relocating? 5 reasons to consider living in Arkansas

June 24, 2025 at 07:01 AM EDT

(BPT) - While actress Dawn Olivieri is best known for her role as Sarah Atwood in the "Yellowstone" television series, she may soon be recognized for her love of her new home state. In 2022, Olivieri left Hollywood for Arkansas in search of space, simplicity and adventure. What she found was an authentic connection to nature in a place she calls "the modern frontier."

"I spent most of my adult years perfecting the city dweller," said Olivieri. "I know how to order in upscale restaurants. I know what not to wear on a red carpet, and I learned how to get really good at my job. All for what, though? Well, what the masterclass of modernity taught me is that it wasn't enough. So, I left."

Inspired by what she's found in The Natural State, Olivieri is producing a new documentary series that captures the people and places of Arkansas and why she chose to make it her home.

If, like Olivieri, you crave a slower pace of life and outdoor adventures, consider moving to Arkansas. In this state, you can easily achieve an enviable work-life balance. How? Read on to discover five reasons why you may want to call The Natural State your new home.

1. Enjoy a low cost of living

Get ready to live more and spend less. Arkansas has the lowest cost of living among the U.S. states, so you can save more, stress less and focus on doing the things you love with the people you love. In fact, compared to the national average, the cost of living in The Natural State is 14% lower, so you can benefit from lower grocery, utility, transportation and health care costs. Also, Arkansas has reduced taxes by 20% in the past two years.

Want to see how your current cost of living stacks up with The Natural State? Use this handy relocation calculator and find out how far your budget can stretch in Arkansas.

2. Find affordable housing

Owning your dream home with a sprawling backyard, a home office and plenty of space for you, your kids, pets and guests can become a reality. In Arkansas, you'll find affordable housing, with an average home value of $217,895, according to Zillow. Plus, the state's property tax rate is among the 10 lowest in the nation!

3. Explore career opportunities

Business is booming in Arkansas, which is ranked top in the nation for economic growth two quarters in a row. Jobs are plentiful, especially if you work or are looking to work in growing sectors such as technology, logistics, product distribution and supply chain management.

4. Benefit from being in a central location

Did you know that 40% of the U.S. population lives within a day's drive of Arkansas? It's true! Located in the heart of the mid-south and bordered by six states, Arkansas is centrally located. Whether you expect friends and family to travel to you or you regularly travel to them, living in Arkansas provides easy access to national travel by plane, train or car.

5. Spend time outdoors all year long

People paddling in boats on the water in Buffalo Parks

Because of its location, Arkansas offers visitors and residents a moderate climate with four distinct seasons. That means you can enjoy year-round recreational opportunities in the great outdoors. From pristine lakes and rivers to world-class hiking and biking trails to 52 free state parks, it's no wonder that Arkansas is called The Natural State.

Happy family biking on a park path in Bentonville

Discover The Natural State for yourself

If you want to find what Dawn Olivieri found in The Natural State, then go to Arkansas and experience firsthand why it's the premier state for life, work and play. To learn more, visit Arkansas.com.

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Dreaming of relocating? 5 reasons to consider living in Arkansas

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