Are you relocating to Northwest Arkansas and struggling to find a home that feels right?
Are you relocating to Northwest Arkansas and struggling to find a home that feels right?
By: Jen Freeman
Principal Broker, Encompass Real Estate
Published Jun 4, 2026
Are you relocating to Northwest Arkansas and can’t find a home that you like?
I recently read a post from a person who had relocated her family to our community here in Northwest Arkansas. She seems happy here except for the fact that they’re struggling to find a home they want to purchase and are nearing the end of their one-year lease in a rental.
This got me thinking because I’ve walked through some very beautiful homes in our community over the past 19 years. But I can also see why some newcomers struggle. Many subdivisions have sprung up on what was once beautiful farmland, often with smaller lots and home designs that can feel very similar from one neighborhood to the next.
I feel their pain. That’s why my husband and I searched for a while until we found a small farm that was centrally located. It has a lovely farmhouse with charm galore and architecture that is just hard to find around here. I have a hard time imagining a move closer to our office in Rogers, despite the commute, because I know how difficult it would be to find the same charm, architecture, and beautiful windows that I enjoy today. So, I can personally relate.
For all of you moving to Northwest Arkansas from Texas, I was actually inspired to write this blog because of a response to the lady who commented about her struggle to find a house to buy. He mentioned that it’s hard to find a house that doesn’t look like a “garage with an attached house.”
It made me wonder if this gentleman might be from Texas. One of my favorite clients is from Texas, and this was one of his deal breakers! He wanted a side-entry garage and wasn't interested in a home with a front-facing garage. I was able to find him a home with a side-entry garage not once, but twice now, and he's been part of our community for many years. This reminds me that sometimes it isn't that Northwest Arkansas doesn't have what you're looking for. Sometimes it's just a matter of knowing where to find it.
Our Texas neighbors like large lots, less density, wider streets, luxury designs, and side-entry garages. While these properties may not be the first ones you see when searching Zillow or Realtor.com, I assure you that we do have estate homes, larger tracts of land, and beautiful scenery. We even have some homes with side-entry garages.
Again, I understand the desire for larger lots, less dense neighborhoods, charm, and desirable architecture.
Northwest Arkansas is growing quickly, and every community has its own personality. While you may not find exactly what you're used to in the first neighborhood you visit, that doesn't mean it isn't here.
Over the next several posts, I'll share communities, neighborhoods, and hidden gems throughout Northwest Arkansas that may offer more of what you're accustomed to—whether that's larger lots, distinctive architecture, rural living, luxury homes, or simply a little more breathing room.
If you're considering a move to Northwest Arkansas, I hope you'll follow along and discover what makes this area such a special place to call home.
