Live, Work, Play

Welcome to Northwest Arkansas


During the last 10 years, NWA has experienced record job and income growth, placing it in the top ten of all national Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) in these categories.  In the two county area of Benton and Washington County alone, population growth has seen a gain of 100,000 people to a record 424,400 in 10 years time. National publications have routinely ranked Northwest Arkansas-Fayetteville Metro Area among the best places to live in the U.S., whether measured for livability, for business opportunities or for retirement.  For full specifics, see the Awards and Recognition page.

  • Best places for business and careers
  • Best places to live
  • Best low cost area in the nation in which to live and work
  • Best places for start-ups
  • Best places for relocating families
  • Best places to raise kids
  • Top college towns for grownups
  • Top college sports towns

The business kudos and “best places” lists are only part of the story of Northwest Arkansas.  Both locals and transplants love their homes here in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. There’s plenty to do:

  • Sports fanatics love the University of Arkansas Razorbacks and the Arkansas Naturals minor league baseball
  • Outdoor enthusiasts fish in nearby lakes, bike and hike in the hills, and enjoy the birding, caving and hunting options
  • Music and drama admirers fill the area’s theaters and galleries, including the stages at the University of Arkansas
  • Shoppers benefit from multiple upscale indoor and outdoor shopping centers as well as many small, locally-owned boutiques
  • Civil War buffs take advantage of numerous Civil War sites and reenactment opportunities
  • History and art aficionados enjoy a variety of local museums and the spectacular Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art