If you're a fan of Old West outlaws, then you'll get a kick out of visiting the Saunders Museum in Berryville, Arkansas. The curator here has weapons on display that were used by famous gunslingers, including Billy the Kid and Pancho Villa.
Berryville with a population of about 5,400, is located on the eastern edge of the Ozark Mountains and is close to many outdoor-based sight-seeing attractions, including the Cosmic Cavern, a well-known natural formation with two bottomless lakes and many stalactites and other rock formations that make for some spectacular viewing. Berryville is a town that is very proud of its past. For instance, Berryville City Hall occupies a house that once was the home of Colonel Charles Saunders, a former resident from the late 1800s who famously toured the country as part of Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show. This is a quiet place with a slow pace, and a beautiful downtown that looks like it leaped straight from the pages of a Life photo essay on America's past.
Moving to Berryville
There are a lot of options when it comes to rental housing in Berryville. You can find many units with serviced apartments, individual rental homes with yards (including three-bedroom houses for rent), and condos for rent.
When to Move
The best way to find an apartment in Berryville is to begin your search early, at least three to four weeks in advance of your intended move. That way you'll have time to review all of the options available and narrow your search down to one or two contenders.
What to Bring
Most apartment buildings are run by a property manager. He is likely going to require a background check before allowing you to sign a lease. Make sure you bring your driver's license, state ID, passport or military ID, social security number and a list of prior rental references with you when you meet your future landlord so they can conduct the search. You'll also want to bring along proof of income so your landlord knows you can afford the place. On lease-signing day you'll need at least first month's rent as well as a security deposit. There may be additional fees if you plan on moving in with a dog or cat, so make sure you inquire about those charges as well. Finally, it's not a bad idea to call your TV and Internet provider to make sure your service is connected the day you move in. Doing this in advance makes everything a little more comfortable during your first night in your new apartment, and it saves you from having to take half day off from work waiting around for the installer to come.
Neighborhoods in Berryville
Berryville, with its cozy population size, doesn't really have any proper neighborhoods, but each side of town, from downtown Berryville to Pleasant Valley, has its own unique look and feel with individual sets of local amenities to consider. There also are a few apartment complexes worth noting.
Berryville Neighborhoods
Pleasant Valley: This is the northwest side of Berryville and isn't so much of a proper neighborhood as it is a part of town, with a few single-family homes scattered throughout the area. It's also home to Carroll County Airport and the Carroll County Golf Course.
North: Loads of rental options are available in this neighborhood, from single-family homes and apartment buildings to duplexes and mobile homes. This is where you'll find a majority of the town's retail shopping at Walmart, the Carroll Center strip mall and Meek's hardware store.
East: Here, there are many single-family homes with apartment buildings and complexes mixed in and a few duplexes as well. The real allure to renting in this part of town is that many of the individual houses have larger lots compared to other Berryville locations. This is a good place to find older, inexpensive homes for rent with a decent-sized yard. The downside, however, is there are no shopping options in this suburban area.
Downtown: You'll find lots of single-family homes on the streets surrounding the center of town, but it's true that the apartments for rent are on top of downtown businesses. You're not going to find any renovated, urban-style dwellings, but you can find rentals with hardwood floors, quirky floor plans and loads of charm. Everything on these narrow streets is within walking distance, including the Berryville Public Library, Saunders Museum and many little shops and dining options.
South: This side of Berryville again has a lot of individual homes to choose from,, as well as several apartment buildings and complexes with units for rent. There isn't any shopping available here, but you're just around the corner from downtown Berryville and everything it has to offer.
Apartments to Consider
Heritage Park Apartments: Located just south of downtown Berryville, Heritage Park Apartments is a 55-and-older community offering one-bedroom apartments with amenities that include central heat and air conditioning, stackable washer and dryer hookups and wall-to-wall carpeting. A security deposit is required for smoking apartments.
Ozark Meadows II Apartments: Large apartment complex with one bedroom and two bedroom apartments for rent. Amenities include assigned parking spaces, two on-site laundry facilities and central heat and air conditioning.
Carroll House Apartments: One bedroom and two bedroom apartments for rent are here, with individual parking spaces, on-site laundry and a playground with basketball court.
Living in Berryville
Berryville is relatively isolated, considering the nearest city is about an hour drive in any direction. However, there are tons of outdoor activities to pursue since the town is surrounded by some of the most gorgeous land in the country. For starters, make sure you check out one of Berryville's eight city parks. Saunders Heights Park is located on the north edge of town and boasts a killer panoramic view of the area, while Pioneer Park celebrates the city's past, with a building containing old newspaper presses and equipment, as well as a log cabin with cells from Berryville's old jail. You're also just a short drive away from popular resort town Branson, Missouri, and its collection of entertainment theaters. The area surrounding Berryville also is fertile ground for outdoor pursuits like hiking, biking, camping, fishing, boating, horseback riding and hunting.
