Bella Vista 65 Good
Bella Vista Livability #121 ranked city in Arkansas#11,874 ranked city in the USARanks better than 59% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Bella Vista

PROS
  • Cost Of Living

    The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.

  • Crime

    With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.

  • Employment

    The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.

  • Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Schools

    High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.

CONS
  • Amenities

    A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute

    Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.

  • Health & Safety

    Poor air quality and the inaccessibility of certain health related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies could have all contributed to the low score in this category.

  • Ratings

    AreaVibes conducted surveys and polls with locals who live in the area. The results were not favorable for walkability of amenities, parks, public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.

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What's it like Living in Bella Vista?

Bella Vista, Arkansas is a moderately-sized city with a population of 28,819 residents. At 92%, the majority of the Bella Vista population is White; this is followed by 1% Black and 1% Asian. Based on an average age of 51, Bella Vista appears to be well-suited for seniors or retirees as the average age is well above the national average. 74% of the people in Bella Vista (over the age of 15) are married and 30% have kids under the age of eighteen. Knowing that, it’s safe to say that this area could be a great place for other families to lay down roots. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Bella Vista, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 26 minutes.

Living in Bella Vista can be a great experience for anyone moving to the town. Having said that, in the state of Arkansas, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Bella Vista and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, education, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Arkansas and national averages.

Using data and statistics Bella Vista has received a livability score of 61 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 47th percentile when compared to all other cities. Based on the scores for each individual category, Bella Vista has received high marks for crime (A), cost of living (A), employment (A-) and housing (A). The bad news for Bella Vista, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F).

The Bella Vista unemployment rate of 1.98% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.

Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Bella Vista, the average school test scores are an impressive 77%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Bella Vista can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Bella Vista is real estate affordability. The median home price for Bella Vista homes is $173,300, which is 51.1% higher than the Arkansas average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Bella Vista, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.4, which is 11.1% lower than the Arkansas average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Bella Vista

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Compare Bella Vista, AR Livability

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      Bella Vista transportation information

      Statistic Bella Vista Arkansas National
      Average one way commute26min22min26min
      Workers who drive to work83.8%82.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.1%10.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.4%0.4%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.3%0.2%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.3%1.7%2.8%
      Working from home8.0%3.2%4.6%
      Source: The Bella Vista, AR data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).