The city of Pocahontas, named after the famed Native American who hailed from what is now Virginia, is a historic one, with the original Old Randolph Court House still standing in the center of town. It was built in 1871.
Located on the edge of the Black River, which runs through both Missouri and Arkansas, the city of Pocahontas--named, yes, after that well-known Native American turned Disney princess--is a typical small town in many ways, but it's also known for its many firsts
The city of Pocahontas, named after the famed Native American who hailed from what is now Virginia, is a historic one, with the original Old Randolph Court House still standing in the center of town. It was built in 1871.
Located on the edge of the Black River, which runs through both Missouri and Arkansas, the city of Pocahontas--named, yes, after that well-known Native American turned Disney princess--is a typical small town in many ways, but it's also known for its many firsts. This makes it more than another small town; it makes it the original small town in Arkansas. But the future of Pocahontas looks just as bright as its past, especially when viewing all the notable attractions, including live theater, outdoor recreation and hunting grounds, and fair weather -- warmish year round, with plenty of precipitation to keep the foliage green. But prospective residents who are just as keen to understand the housing landscape as the wider environment should be the first to click their boot heels with delight. The low cost of living and affordable homes aren't just a figment of their imagination. If you're the type to enjoy a glass of sweet tea on the front porch with your new neighbors, and you relish the ability to walk to a local coffee shop and exchange pleasantries with the locals on a first name basis, get ready to call Pocahontas home.
Everyone has some idea of what they might need on the long or short haul from one residence to another. For instance, bringing along the rest of your family is probably wise. But some other do's and don'ts are a bit more vague. Here are some suggestions to help make the move just a wee bit smoother.
Scouting the Landscape
Chief among anyone's goals when riding into the sunset should be figuring out precisely what's on the other side of the horizon before saddling up the horse. The Pocahontas real estate market is very welcoming, with a reasonable vacancy rate and a fairly even proportion of renters and owners. There are even a few apartment rentals that feature all bills paid in Pocahontas, if you're willing to search for them. It's worth the extra effort. Most homes here, whether rental or not, are well established, meaning they were built between 1970 and 2000. But there are a number of older homes from the '40s, '50s and '60s for those individuals desperate for a home-sweet-home with character. As for studios for rent and 2 bedroom apartments, there are a fair number of small apartment buildings in the city but hi-rise apartments and townhouses for rent are few and far between.
Preparing the Paperwork
Once you've got your eyes on a hot property, it's time to think about gathering all the necessary documents you'll need to impress your future landlord. Chief among these papers is your ID. A driver's license works best, but any official government-issued ID with a picture and identifying information will do. Add to that some recent pay stubs to prove your ability to afford the rent (three or four is plenty) and a cashier's check for the security deposit, first month's rent and any other fees they charge upfront. You're in the home stretch. The last piece of information you don't have to provide (though you may have to pay for the landlord to obtain it) but you'll want to eyeball is your credit report. Make sure there are no suspicious debts or otherwise unsavory activities on there that may lower your score. If there are questionable elements on there, and they're your fault, make sure you round up some appropriate references to have your back, or see if you have a friend or family member who is willing to co-sign.
Pocahontas doesn't have a fancy big city neighborhood situation like some places. After all, it only has around 6,700 people. But there are differences between one area and another that can help you decide where to focus your house hunt. Here are some useful highlights to help guide your way.
Northwest: Up top you have the majority of the residences and easy access to Baltz Lake, Bates Lake and Highways 67 and 62. There are plenty of parks, wide-open spaces and cute little shops. You'll find plenty of restaurants on Highway 67, like Rancho Bravo and Taco Casa. As for rentals, try Oak Creek Apartments or Pocahontas Square Apartments.
Southeast: The bottom half of Pocahontas is considerably more walkable than the top, but there aren't as many spots to sleep at night. The Pocahontas Sports Complex is here, and you'll have just as much access to HWY 67, but the Pocahontas Municipal Airport is a bit noisy. For apartments, you can't beat Patrick Manor.
Cozy, friendly and fairly lively, life in the Ozarks is hard to beat. Whether you like relaxing out of doors, working up a sweat or stimulating your grey matter, this is the little city that could. Get to know the way the locals live life on a daily basis, and you'll hit the ground running once you arrive.
Filling Free Time
Clearly the most important part of moving to a new town is discovering what there is to do during your off hours. Work may take up most of the time, but weekends, after hours and holidays are what you live for. Fortunately, Pocahontas has a wealth of opportunities. If you love to eat, there are oodles of tasty local diners and eateries boasting American and ethnic foods that may even be within walking distance. Speaking of walking distance, why not go for a stroll in the historic district, which has several blocks of shops, restaurants and unique architecture. In Arkansas, you're never very far from a lake or river, so if you enjoy swimming, fishing or boating, there are many opportunities to get out on the water. There are also hiking and biking trails, camping grounds and picturesque parks to explore.
Though Pocahontas isn't particularly close to any big city, it isn't terribly far away from Little Rock or Memphis (roughly two hours). Weekend trips to either of these cities can prove endlessly entertaining, especially for music buffs.
Weather Permitting
Another great thing about Pocahontas is its weather. It has all four seasons, but each one is relatively mild. Winters rarely dip below 30 degrees and snow is light. Summers are hot and can be a bit humid, but you'll also enjoy a surplus of sunny days perfect for spending by the water.
Getting Around Town
As is the case with most of America, anyone moving to Pocahontas will need a car. While the city enjoys a very walkable design -- the walk score is a 72 -- there are plenty of areas out of reach for those on foot. Bikes are pretty common, but they're not great in winter, even when there isn't any snow. As for public transportation, it's extremely limited. The local system is called BRAD, Black River Public Transit, but it has limited stops in Pocahontas. Ultimately, you're going to need a car. So, you're first stop in town may be the DMV to update your license and registration info.
Without a doubt, Pocahontas is one of those postcard pretty small towns with lush green valleys, gurgling streams and friendly natives tipping their hats and saying hello to everyone. Though it's a bit of a haul to the next nearest metropolis, Pocahontas stands out as one of those perfectly placed cities that make it near impossible to consider wanting to live anywhere else.
