Arkansas
Living in an Arkansas apartment may be one of the most inexpensive things you'll ever do. Apartment prices in the state of Arkansas reflect the low cost of living and thriving economy of this southern state. Often overlooked as a prime place to relocate, Arkansas has lots to offer. Food products are a huge export, including rice, poultry and eggs, soybeans and sorghum. The state also has a thriving lumber industry due to millions of acres of hardwood trees.
The agricultural industry has spawned an enormous food manufacturing and processing industry within the state, including such giants as Tyson Foods. Other manufacturing services include auto parts, cosmetics (Maybelline is a prominent employer) and fine furniture. As these industries have grown, so have the opportunities for new residents in this state of about 2.8 million.
Outdoor Attractions
Outdoor activities abound in the state of Arkansas, which has thirteen major lakes and two major rivers – the Arkansas and Mississippi. Also unusual in this part of the state are the natural hot springs that abound. In Hot Springs, Arkansas the natural mineral springs provide spa waters that draw thousands of visitors every year. In fact, Hot Springs National Park was the first federally protected site in the U.S. Others are the Ozark National Forest and areas of the Ozark Plateau.
There are thousands of underground caverns to explore in Arkansas as well. Cave exploration, whitewater rafting and float trips are all popular in Arkansas because of the lush forests and deep ravines surrounding the waterways. Another unique feature is the only U.S. Diamond Mine, open to the public most of the year. With hot summers and generally mild winters, outdoor fun can be found most of the year. The northern part of the state can get freezing temperatures in the winter on occasion, but snow is usually minimal except in the mountains.
Colleges and Universities
The Arkansas State University system features nine campuses across the state. They have particularly good scholarship and grant opportunities for in-state residents compared to the national average. Other well-known schools include Arkansas Tech and John Brown College, a small Christian private school.
Real Estate and Housing
There's no shortage of reasonably priced apartments in Little Rock and other moderately sized cities in Arkansas. Most are priced 25% or more below the national average and can be one-third the cost of an apartment in New York City. Arkansas apartments are an even better bargain when you consider that the state is one of five states with the lowest costs of living in the U.S. For the best deals, look for Arkansas apartments that are a part of the state's ongoing downtown revitalization efforts in most cities.