By Jen Freeman, Principal Broker–Encompass Real Estate
Published June 23, 2026
After researching some of the biggest struggles for those relocating here from out of state, I wasn't very surprised to find that geography is one of the biggest issues! I know, it sounds like I'm about to give a boring geography lecture, but I hope you'll stay with me—especially if you're moving here from out of state and aren't familiar with Northwest Arkansas.
Many people are moving to our community because of careers and job opportunities. We are home to the largest retailer in the world, one of the largest transportation and logistics companies in the nation, the #1 poultry producer, and many other corporations that have offices located here. But many of those being transferred here aren't quite sure what to think about moving to Arkansas.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that Northwest Arkansas is one city. We are actually one of the top 10 fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the nation. Northwest Arkansas is made up of Benton and Washington Counties and anchored by four primary cities: Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, and Fayetteville. Surrounding these cities are multiple smaller communities that continue to grow and connect together, creating what we know today as Northwest Arkansas.
This didn't just happen overnight. Being a native here and having a mother who was raised in Pea Ridge and Rogers, I grew up hearing stories about Bentonville and Rogers being the “Twin Cities” of Benton County. These two communities began growing toward one another in the 1960's, yet there was still farmland separating them well into the 1980's. Today, many newcomers can't even tell when they've crossed from one city into another. In fact, one moment you're traveling on Walton Boulevard and the next thing you know, you're on Walnut Street!
One of the biggest mistakes I see relocating buyers make is immediately searching for homes in Bentonville because that's where their office is located. What many don't realize is that Bentonville has become one of the most sought-after communities in Northwest Arkansas. Because of that, inventory can be more limited and home prices are often higher than some of our surrounding communities.
What surprises many buyers is that living in Bentonville doesn't automatically mean you'll get to work any faster. Depending on where your office is located and where your home is located, you may have a similar commute—or even a shorter one—from Rogers, Cave Springs, Centerton, Highfill, Bella Vista, Gravette, or other surrounding communities.
Why geography matters more than a zip code
It's important to understand that there will be some commute delays no matter where you choose to live. Northwest Arkansas is growing quickly, and our infrastructure is working hard to keep up with that growth. I can't tell you how many times I've met with relocating buyers who were willing to sacrifice lot size, neighborhood amenities, home style, or even their preferred lifestyle simply because they assumed they needed a Bentonville address.
The result of this misconception is often buyer's remorse. Some buyers discover they could have purchased a home that better fit their family's needs while still having a very similar commute to work. Others realize they limited their inventory options and paid more for a home simply because they focused on a zip code instead of how they would actually live day to day.
I've seen buyers sacrifice things that were really important to them simply because they thought they needed a Bentonville address. That's why I always encourage relocating buyers to understand the communities first and the houses second.
Questions to ask before choosing where to live
So today, I hope I'm able to help you focus on a few important questions before making such a large decision.
First, ask yourself where you will be spending most of your time.
- Where will your office be, and will you be working from home as well?
- Where will your children's schools be?
- Will you be traveling frequently?
- Where will you be shopping?
- What activities do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
- Do you want easy access to trails, golf, entertainment, restaurants, or would you prefer a little acreage and room to spread out?
These are really important questions to answer before determining the location of your home.
For example, if I'm going to be traveling out of state for work on a weekly basis, I may decide that being closer to the airport is more important than being closer to my office. In that case, the fast-growing communities of Highfill or Cave Springs may be great options. If outdoor activities and family recreation are important, Bella Vista offers incredible access to trails, golf, lakes, and nature. If you'd like a little more land, communities such as Pea Ridge and Gravette may offer larger lots of land at more affordable prices while still keeping you connected to the rest of Northwest Arkansas.
Each community has its own characteristics and features, so it's important to ask questions and really get to know the area before making a permanent decision regarding location.
Communities first, houses second
There's just so much to consider, and over the upcoming weeks we'll continue tackling some of the biggest issues relocators run into while digging deeper into our communities so you can feel confident in your home purchase and your move to Northwest Arkansas.
Thinking about relocating to Northwest Arkansas? Let's talk about the communities before the houses. At Encompass Real Estate, we're committed to helping you make confident decisions and find the right community to call home.
