Arkansas Senior Living

In the south-central U.S. on the west bank of the Mississippi River, Arkansas’s landscape boasts mountains, rivers, rolling hills, pine forests, and a few bayous. Outside the cotton and rice fields, retirees can enjoy the museums, arts, and parks of the cities of Little Rock and Fort Smith. Those looking for quality Arkansas senior living options will enjoy a mild climate, with an average winter temperature of 36 degrees F, while summer temperatures average 80 degrees F.

Senior living in Arkansas is an increasingly popular choice for retirees. The state's seven natural landscape styles, its mild climate, and the low cost of living have led to a surge in assisted living and senior living services around the state. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, seniors citizens comprise 14.3% of the state’s population.

Arkansas Assisted Living Costs

The Department of Human Services, Office of Long Term Care is responsible for overseeing assisted living facilities and independent living services in Arkansas. 

The cost of independent living services in Arkansas averages $2,432 per month. Prices can vary depending on location and care necessities, but the average cost ranges from a monthly minimum cost of $1,695 to a maximum of $4,477. *From the SeniorHomes.com 2012 Independent Living Cost Survey. (http://www.seniorhomes.com/p/independent-living-costs/)

Retirement in Arkansas

Arkansas isn't as flashy as a destination compared with traditional retirement spots like California or Florida, but for many residents, the lack of glitz and flash is a key part of the charm. Being off the radar allows retirees to enjoy a high quality of life at a cost well below the national average in a temperate climate with a friendly, community-oriented ambiance.

The smaller, more intimate environment in Arkansas is surrounded by the beauty of the Ozarks and encouraged by low costs. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is Arkansas is 8.04% lower than the national average, according to City Rating No doubt some of that low cost is driven by a strong Wal-Mart presence in the state – the Walton family and corporate headquarters both claim Bentonville as home.

Did you know that…?

• Arkansas doesn't tax Social Security benefits or prescription drugs.*www.kiplinger.com
• The first $6,000 in retirement pension income, public or private, is exempted from taxation in Arkansas. *www.kiplinger.com
• Arkansas has no inheritance or estate tax. *www.kiplinger.com

Best Arkansan Cities for Retirement

Arkansas's cities offer a number of affordable and attractive destinations. Leading the pack is Fayetteville, where the median home price is just $153,000, residents can enjoy the Walton Arts Center, and free local transit is provided through the University of Arkansas. Combine that with the beauty of the surrounding Ozarks and it's no wonder this town is #15 on CNN's 2010 list of the 25 Best Places to Retire.

Another booming choice is Bentonville, home to the original Wal-Mart. It's one of Arkansas's fastest-growing communities, and features many fine arts and cultural attractions underwritten by the Walton heirs.

Need more choices? Check out Springdale, Eureka Springs, Pinebluff, Texarcana, and Fort Smith.

Health Care in Arkansas

Arkansas's top medical facilities are centered around its university system and the state capital in Little Rock. The state has 108 hospitals, with the best considered to be the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the St. Vincent Infirmary, both in Little Rock.

In addition to its existing hospitals, Arkansas has received more than $27 million in grants from the government to develop affordable health exchanges as a part of the Affordable Health Care Act. The state also supports the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program for the 55+ population and has committed over half a million dollars to educate seniors about Medicare benefits available to them. *www.healthcare.gov

Quick Medical Guide for Arkansas:

• A Complete List of Arkansas Hospitals and Their Rankings
• Consumer Reports: Consumer Rated Hospitals in Arkansas

Activities for Seniors in Arkansas

Known as “The Natural State”, one of Arkansas's great attractions is the beauty of its outdoors. The Ozarks are only a part of the charm – the state is rich in wetlands, caves, mountains, and river landscapes, too.

Yet sightseeing doesn't have to be confined to the outdoors. Senior living in Arkansas offers a variety of activities for seniors of all interests. History lovers may enjoy the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and the Lakeport Plantation project. The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a state show piece, as are the boutiques of the River Market in Little Rock.

Sports fans will also find much to love. Arkansas's Razorbacks are fierce competitors, and baseball fans will enjoy the freshly completed Dickey-Stevens ballpark.

Local Weather

Arkansas's climate is a sub-tropical one, with warm summers and mild winters. The state as a whole is much more likely to experience rain than snow or sleet, with rainy periods marking the change between seasons.

Summer temperatures climb into the low 90s, with evenings cooling off to the 60s. It can be humid around rainstorms and water areas. Winter temperatures range between the upper 20s and high 40s, depending on the elevation. Mountainous areas of the Ozarks will get snow enough to ski locally. Check out current Arkansas temperatures!

Sharp Seniors has 6 Senior Living Facilities in Arkansas

• 6 of them offer Senior Living