On the far South of the United States, bordering on each other, you’ll find two little states that have a lot to offer. Louisiana and Arkansas are two entirely unique states, each with distinctive cultures and gorgeous natural scenery. Both have a combination of urban and rural environments that gives residents great options for living. With so many different unique living options in both states, there is a lot to explore.
Let’s dive in and look at some of the different wonderful areas to live in Louisiana and Arkansas.
Louisiana:
Louisiana is a state with an incredibly unique culture due to the combination of influences that transformed it. Louisiana stands apart from other states with a Cajun/Creole culture resulting from French, African, and Americans blending together into one distinctive state. While New Orleans is the well-known urban center in the state, there is much more to it than that.
Three notable areas in Louisiana include Covington, Saint Francisville, and Thibodaux. Covington is a small city in the New Orleans Metropolitan Area with a population of just over 11,500. Covington has an urban design that existed before cars were invented, so it is a civilian-friendly town great for walking and biking. It has tons of natural greenery and year-round warm weather and is a quieter location not far from the much noisier Big Easy.
Saint Francisville is a tiny town in the Baton Rouge area with an Old South look. It is the site of numerous plantations that are now converted into historical spots and museums. There are also numerous gardens and green spaces. Thibodaux is a mid-sized city of just under 15,000. It is known for its great food, museums, and nearby country clubs that make it a quiet and quaint place to live.
Some other great Louisiana areas include Prairieville, Youngsville, Mandeville, and Lake Charles. Prairieville is a small but expanding suburb of Baton Rouge. There are numerous fun things you can get up to in Prairieville, from paddling the waterways of Bayou Manchac to shopping the Flea Market of Louisiana. Youngsville is a small city known for its sugar farming industry and quaint downtown shops and restaurants. It is a great place to raise a family with numerous schools and child-friendly activities within the town.
Mandeville is a small city right on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, right across the water from New Orleans. It is an old town that offers a quaint lakefront lifestyle with boating and numerous trails along the water. The town is also lined with great restaurants and bars. Lake Charles is a larger city of over 77,000. It is well-known for its cultural centers like art galleries and museums and its major casinos.
Arkansas:
Arkansas is just North of Louisiana, bordering the Mississippi River. It is a state filled with natural splendor, gorgeous mountains and forests, and caves and hot springs. The beautiful terrain is perfect for those that enjoy the great outdoors, but there are also many different cities in towns that make for must-visits. Whether you are heading to Little Rock or Siloam Springs, you’re sure to find something to love in Arkansas.
Some of the better-known cities in Arkansas include Bentonville, Rogers, and Fayetteville. Bentonville has an interesting claim to fame: it was the birthplace of the retail juggernaut Walmart. It has several attractions to commemorate the history of this massive company that spawned from this relatively small town. Beyond that, numerous museums, forests, trails, and more make this town a great place to live.
Only one town over you’ll find Rogers, a slightly larger city of over 65,000. It is in the Ozarks, meaning you can find an abundance of nature and green spaces. There are multiple lakes nearby, as well as the largest cavern system in the state. Fayetteville is one of Arkansas’ biggest cities and has numerous important historical sites. It has the home of former Arkansas Governor and U.S President Bill Clinton, an important Civil War Battle site, and a military museum. There are also great walking areas in Mount Sequoyah.
Three more great Arkansas areas include Centerton, Cave Springs, and Conway. Centerton is a town of just over 14,000 near Bentonville. It has been rapidly growing since the 1990s due to the area’s rising reputation. Here you can check out some of Arkansas’ amazing caves or visit a nearby Farmer’s Market.
In Cave Springs, you’ll find another rapidly growing Arkansas community. Situated in the stunning Ozarks, Cave Springs has top-notch fishing, hunting, golf courses, and other outdoor recreational activities. Conway is a mid-sized city not far from Little Rock, known for its suburban feel. It has great schools and a booming economy and is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state.
Lastly, there is Bella Vista and Maumelle. Bella Vista is a city in the northwestern part of the state known for its active lifestyle and recreational offerings. It has incredible mountain biking, picturesque hiking, gorgeous lakes, and more. It is a popular destination for those trying to experience Arkansas’ outdoors. Maumelle is a small city near Little Rock bordering the Arkansas River. It is home to one of the biggest pedestrian bridges in the nation and has several great outdoor spaces. If you’re looking for a quiet but growing suburb with tons of great hiking and biking, Maumelle may be right for you.
