Harrison may be recognized as one the best small towns to live in America, but it's the town's hanging flower baskets, with fresh flowers no less, of which they're most proud. They've added these natural aesthetic enhancements recently in a push to constantly improve and appreciate the town's beauty.
With an historic -- and adorable -- downtown, a sports loving culture and plentiful parkland, Harrison, Arkansas certainly appears to have lots to offer residents, old and new alike. And surprise surprise, it totally does. History lovers have oodles of architecture, sites and museums to explore, intellectual types have the Lyric Theatre and the Northark Drama center, and music and food lovers have the Crawdad Days Music Festival. There's more to do here than any community has a decent right to have, and yet they carry on offering all this goodness and more. Yes, in addition to the commercial, cultural and athletic options, there is also all that gorgeous natural landscape too. Mother Nature provided in excess, so outdoorsy types can get their recreation on as readily as anyone else. Still not convinced Harrison is for you? Well, then there's no impressing you. Come on in to the welcoming embrace of the entryway to the South; the water is just fine.
As much of a paradise as Harrison is, there are some notes you should take about the weather. If you're not familiar with the south, it gets pretty gosh darn humid in these parts in the summer. Get comfortable with a perpetual layer of perspiration on your skin from June through August. While May doesn't necessarily risk dehydrating you, there are tornadoes that pop up occasionally. Usually they're nothing, but don't take them lightly. Get your tush to a shelter when the alarm sounds, so you never have to wonder if clicking your heels will get you back home in the middle of a twister. That said, for the most part the weather is advantageous, with four seasons and something lovely about each.
Moving to Harrison
You've made the decision; it's time to go. Harrison awaits your suitcases. When looking for places to rent in Harrison, it's worth considering your priorities. Do you want lots of land, open space, room to roam? Or are you seeking a bit more community downtown, where you can walk to the local coffee shop and chitchat with locals about the game last night?
Another great thing about Harrison is its abundance of living situations, from one-bedroom apartments to detached homes for rent. Be prepared to search for a while if you want to rent, though. Owners outstrip rents by a sizable margin, and the best options, from townhouses to condos, get scooped up like ice cream on a hot July day. Give yourself two months to find the ideal situation. It also gives you time to explore your necessities, like access to freeways and recreational pursuits. Don't worry too much. A little perseverance guarantees a great return. Just have your security deposit and pay stubs ready for your future landlord.
The Neighborhoods
With fewer than 13,000 residents, Harrison doesn't have the requisite number of folks to enjoy the typical neighborhood set up, but that doesn't mean there aren't differences between one area and another, they're just not hipster enough to name them yet. Pick your favorite spot with some help below.
Northwest: Big homes, big backyards and friendly neighbors make up this section. It's the perfect place to rent a big detached house with a lovely yard, but there are fewer apartments. It's also a bit further from highways, but also quieter.
Southeast: Here you'll find the North Arkansas College campus, and super easy access to Highway 412 and 65. The Buffalo National River runs through here, and there are more rental units than you might find in the north, thanks to the nearby college.
City Center: Just because it's a small town doesn't mean there isn't a semi-bustling central area. Here you've got cool eateries, coffee shops and lovely historic architecture. Plus the Lyric Theatre and river are right there.
There are no bad locations in Harrison, thanks to its bucolic backyards and friendly residents. Even if you start getting fussy about the small town quality, bigger cities like Branson are within spitting distance. But for those who love the rugged outdoors, a welcoming community and quaint charms, there's no better spot than Harrison.
Living in Harrison
Getting around town is doable a variety of ways. Sure, the tried and tested method is with your own car, and yes, you'll need one, but not all the time. Harrison takes care of its own. That means when you're downtown you just hop on the trolley and head to a number of popular spots within town or any neighboring locations. Check online for the full route and schedule. Besides that, yeah, ok, you'll need your car. The WalkScore for Harrison is a very doable 72, but only if you're situated near the town center. Beyond that, it drops precipitously. If you are lucky enough to secure lodgings in town, you can pretty much do most of your errands by foot, and you can certainly find dining options, theaters and entertainments aplenty that way too. However, bigger backyards and open space are further out. Find your balance.
There's plenty to do in town and nearby, especially if you like roughing it. Canoeing, fishing, hiking, biking and camping are just a few of the rugged pursuits that natives enjoy with wild abandon. But even if spending a day on the Buffalo National River isn't your cup of tea, it's a safe bet that you'll find something else to entertain you. After all, the Ozark mall is here, flush with options for retail therapy. Community sports, from soccer to volleyball are all popular, though football is big business (welcome to the south, y'all). And of course, there are all those museums, historic sites, theatres and festivals to patronize. And don't forget to fill up. Eat to live or live to eat downtown, where ethnic restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops and, sure, fast food joints are plentiful. You won't ever find yourself bored in Harrison; there isn't time to feel that way.