While apartment hunting can be a pain, city hunting is even worse. Where to set down those roots? Ladies and Gentlemen, I present: Springdale, Arkansas, a city that bills itself as “The City With a Heart,” ‘cause it’s so full of friendly folks.
Those folks have good reason to be friendly, mind you, as Springdale weathered the recession pretty well. Its population grew and Springdalians (official term) make more money here than in most other parts of Arkansas. The credit for these small miracles may have something to do with the fact that Springdale is home to over 95 churches. Holy cow!
Actually, the experts say that at least part of the credit for both goes to Wal-Mart, whose headquarters is in now iconic Bentonville, a 25-minute drive north of Springdale. Tyson Foods is headquartered in Springdale itself. Both companies keep Springdale residents working, making money, paying rent, buying gardening equipment and Buffalo chicken nuggets like none other.
Not that rent costs an arm and a chicken leg here – it doesn’t. One of the things you’ll love about living in Springdale is that you’ll be able to save, or spend, more money. Rents start at a little over $300 a month and go up to $700 if you want to live on a golf course. Condos will run you up to $800. Springdale rentals have some pretty cool amenities, too, such as private soccer fields and free tanning facilities.
The application fees at most apartment complexes are $35 to $50 per person. Security deposits are inexpensive compared to larger cities. If you have a pet, plan on paying an additional deposit, which may or may not be refundable. Many complexes charge pet owners extra monthly rent as well. If you’re looking for a shorter-term arrangement, you’ll be happy to know that the 6-month lease is common in Springdale.
Hit the Pavement in Springdale
The city of Springdale is only about 31 square miles, so it’s easy to get from one part to another in a short period of time. Most of the apartments are located in south Springdale, which puts you closer to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville – good news if you’re a student or just like the Razorbacks. Go Hogs!
The Great Springdale Rental Hunt
If you thought apartment hunting in Springdale was a hassle, wait until it comes time to decide which one to choose. Of course, the office staff will swear that their digs are the best in town. That’s what they get paid for. There are a couple of things to think about when deciding between Springdale apartment complexes:
What happens when the potty breaks in the middle of the night? Or the air conditioner quits on the one day of the year the temperature reaches 110 degrees? Ask about their maintenance policies and give extra points to a complex with maintenance people available 24 hours a day.
Consider it a red flag if there’s a parking space marked “Reserved for Lord of the Flies Pest Control.” Sometimes pest problems aren’t that obvious, though, so look around the apartment for signs of bugs or other pests. Little black droppings in cupboards are pretty indicative of a mouse problem. Or Ovaltine. Don't chance it.
Try to take some time when evaluating potential apartments in Springdale. Drive through them at different times of the day and stop and talk to residents to get a feel for what the place is really like. If they refuse to talk to you, don’t move in there. Seriously, even talk to your neighbors to get a sense of noise in your building.
Don’t assume that the apartment you’ll be placed in is in any way similar to the model, because the chances are real good that it won’t be. It’ll be the model without her makeup and sans airbrushing. Ask to see the actual unit. Try to plan the viewing on a day when neighbors (and their kids) are home to get an idea of soundproofing.
The Little Things in the Land Of Big Values
Don’t forget to ask about the parking policies. Parking within complexes is hit or miss in Springdale. If it’s important to you to park close to your building, avoid the complexes with general admission-type parking. Some complexes issue parking permits and still allow “first-come-first-park.” The permits can run you up to an extra $25 a month and there’s no guarantee that you won’t have to hike a ways to get to your crib.
Overall, you’ll like Springdale. Most stuff is less expensive – groceries, transportation, housing and health care – than the national average.
Oh, and they have their own minor league baseball team, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. And, since stuff’s so cheap here you can actually afford the price of admission and a hot dog, with enough left over for a television – with your Walmart employee discount.
