Everything Newcomers Need to Know about Northwest Arkansas (NWA)
Northwest Arkansas has so much to offer its’ residents, but as a newcomer it may feel overwhelming figuring out what all there is to do here. Whether you recently arrived in Benton or Washington County, or if you’ve been around for a while but still haven’t quite figured it out, fear not. We have compiled this list of resources to help you get connected, stay organized, and keep up to date on all that’s up in beautiful NWA.
A good place to start is with all the logistics of living here. Both Benton and Washington County have excellent websites that will keep you in the loop about everything from what time your trash collection is to how to pay your taxes. You can also find information about community events and important news here. These should also be your first stop if you are attempting to register to vote, get a passport, or assess your property. Both Bentonville and Fayetteville have public transportation options with Fayetteville’s being particularly impressive - all busses within Fayetteville city limits are free. You can explore town all day without paying a dime!
Each town in NWA has their own Chamber of Commerce and these can be invaluable resources for new residents. Each chamber offers Welcome Packets to new residents to get to know the area. You can also use these sources to check out available jobs, get connected with advocacy groups, explore economic development opportunities, and receive business assistance. We’ve also discovered that the Bentonville Chamber of Commerce has information about each of the neighborhoods within Bentonville including maps and stats which could help inform your home buying decision.
- Rogers – Lowell Chamber of Commerce
- Bentonville Chamber of Commerce
- Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce
It’s good to stay up to date on the local news when you move to a new place. NWA has three main news sources. KNWA, the NWA Democrat Gazette, and – for local happenings and events – the Fayetteville Flyer. Each of these offers great perspective on what’s going on in our area. KNWA even has a daily local events calendar that includes everything from family friendly fun to open bar info.
If you are in the mood for some fun, there is no shortage of things to try! Head over to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art for a world-renowned art experience nestled in the hills of the Ozarks – you can even sign up for workshops and classes! If you’re more in the mood for modern art head down the road to The Momentary. Or maybe performing arts are you’re your jam. The Walmart Amp hosts popular musicians year-round, and in Fayetteville you can catch both touring musicals and plays and local theater performances at The Walton Arts Center or TheaterSquared. We also have quite the food and shopping scene throughout both counties. Get the rundown on eating and playing with the help of Finding NWA
If you look outside, you’ll quickly notice that NWA has a lot more to offer than just what’s happening downtown. In case you haven’t heard, NWA happens to be the Mountain Biking Capital of the World and there are plenty of groups, clubs and organizations you can join to get out on the trails. But we understand Mountain Biking isn’t for everyone. The Greenway is a paved trail that runs all the way from the beautiful lakes of Bellavista south to the happening college town of Fayetteville. You can experience all of NWA on the beautiful trail as it carves through our countryside and towns. Check out the Arkansas State Parks page to keep your outdoor adventures inspired and exciting!
The University of Arkansas also brings a lot of life to our region, and not only for students! U of A sports are a favorite past time, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute gives anyone 60 and older the opportunity to engage in classes and social outings, and you never know what other events you’ll find exploring their website.
As an NWA resident you simply have to check out the Fayetteville Public Library. The library has been working hard to grow and expand its resources over the last decade and it shows. The renovated spaces for reading and working are beautiful with sweeping views over the mountains and dedicated spaces for teens, children, and adults. The library’s offerings include a state of the art kitchen where culinary classes are taught, 3D printers, and VR simulators to practice driving cars, tractor trailers, and forklifts. The Fayetteville Library and its staff are seriously committed to helping the community gain access to resources, advice, and assistance. Any new resident is doing themselves a serious disservice not to stop by, take a look around, and get a free library card.
We likely missed a few awesome resources because there are simply so many amazing things happening in NWA. But this list should get you off to a great start in your new life here in NWA. Let us know what you try and what other gems you find that we haven’t listed here. Welcome to the neighborhood!
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