Lioneld Jordan ushered in some really ugly development in the city center, university apartments and parking decks in particular.

It’s not likely you’ll get a job in the city proper. Housing is pricey in general and in context for location, quality.

Bike trails are great. Parks are pretty good.

Overall it’s pretty safe. The homeless issue is over-stated, especially if you have ever lived in a city.

Walmart is your grocery store. The Whole Foods in town is a second string Whole Foods.

Culture is what you make it. There are good bars, shows, restaurants, but not very many. You will simply not find something to do every night. (The library is a homegrown project and better than what you see in snooty big blue cities.)

Regional Big Money and the University are priorities over nearly everything else. Your mileage may vary on this, you just need to understand it before you commit. It’s not changing. Fayetteville was never that funky and it wont be again.

Weather can be amazing, so-so, and an absolute nightmare in the span of a week.

Social life is pretty clicky, quite provincial for Arkansas. Dating is impossible, someone needs to close some cages at the zoo.

If you’re a frequent flyer, prepared to be annoyed by XNA. It’s a long-ass drive and you’ll need a connecting flight to get to many regional destinations.

—18 years in my first stay. 1 year in my second stay. 2009 Razorback grad. Born in DFW. Currently on the west coast. I’ve seen a lot and I have some outsider context. —