🤠 Moving from Texas to Northwest Arkansas? What You Need to Know in 2025

Thinking about moving from Texas to Northwest Arkansas (NWA)? You’re not alone. Thousands of families are making the move every year, drawn by the natural beauty, lower cost of living, and strong economy in this fast-growing region.

I made the move from Texas to Northwest Arkansas over two decades ago, and I’ve helped many other Texans do the same. If you’re considering trading cowboy boots and big skies for rolling hills and crystal-clear lakes, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know before relocating.

🌄 From Flat Plains to Rolling Hills

Scenery Upgrade

If you’re coming from much of Texas, you’re used to flat landscapes and murky lakes. In NWA, the scenery is a night-and-day difference. The Ozark “mountains” (really big hills) surround cities like Fayetteville and Bentonville, creating postcard-worthy views year-round.

Here, lakes like Beaver Lake and rivers like the Buffalo National River are clear enough to see through. Kayaking, fishing, swimming, or just floating is part of everyday life. It’s like swapping a sepia filter for full-on 4K HDR.

🚴 Outdoor Adventures Everywhere

Trails & Biking

Northwest Arkansas is an outdoor playground. Bentonville has branded itself the Mountain Biking Capital of the World, and with hundreds of miles of trails, it lives up to the name. Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, Slaughter Pen, and the Razorback Greenway connect the region for bikers of all skill levels.

Hiking & Camping

From Devil’s Den State Park to Hobbs State Park and Buffalo National River, you’ll find endless opportunities to hike, camp, or climb. Unlike much of Texas, you don’t have to drive hours to find outdoor adventure — it’s right outside your door.

🍴 Food Scene That Competes With Austin

Culinary Highlights

NWA punches way above its weight class when it comes to food. Bentonville alone has multiple James Beard–nominated chefs:

Matthew McClure at The Hive
Rafael Rios at Yeyo’s El Alma de Mexico
Matthew Cooper at Conifer

Everyday Eats

You’ll also find incredible farm-to-table restaurants, local breweries, and farmer’s markets throughout Fayetteville, Rogers, and Springdale. Think Austin’s food scene — but without the sticker shock.

🍂 Four True Seasons

Weather Differences

Texas “winter” is often just a couple weeks of chilly weather before the heat returns. In NWA, you get all four seasons:

Spring → green hills, flowers, and… plenty of pollen.
Summer → warm, but not as scorching as Texas.
Fall → stunning foliage with red, orange, and yellow leaves.
Winter → occasional snow and ice storms.

Yes, sometimes you’ll get all four in a single day — but that variety is part of the charm.

💰 Cost of Living & Taxes

Cost-of-Living Index

NWA: ~89 (national average = 100)
Austin: ~119
Dallas: ~103

Housing, utilities, and groceries are all generally cheaper here than in major Texas metros. The numbers may surprise you — I cover them in detail in my Cost of Living in Northwest Arkansas article.

Taxes

Texas: No state income tax, but property taxes run 1.5%–2.5%.
Arkansas: State income tax tops at ~4.4% (2025), but property taxes average only 0.6%.

👉 Example: On a $400,000 home:

Texas = $6,000–$10,000/year in property taxes.
Arkansas = ~$2,400/year.

Even with state income tax, most families find monthly homeownership costs lower in NWA.

🌦 Challenges to Be Aware Of

Weather Mood Swings

The four seasons are beautiful but unpredictable. Tornado watches in spring, humidity in summer, and icy roads in winter are realities to prepare for.

Traffic in Bentonville

Bentonville was built for ~40,000 people, but over 60,000 live there and about 200,000 commute in daily for work. Walton Boulevard and I-49 can feel like Dallas Lite during rush hour. Many Texans are drawn to Bentonville in particular — see my Pros and Cons of Living in Bentonville guide for the full picture.

Rising Housing Costs

Yes, NWA is still cheaper than Austin or Dallas, but prices are climbing fast. Affordable $250K homes in Fayetteville are mostly a thing of the past, and bidding wars have become common.

⚖️ Final Thoughts

Northwest Arkansas offers Texans a compelling trade: beautiful scenery, world-class outdoor recreation, a growing foodie culture, four true seasons, and a cost of living that stretches your dollar further than Austin or Dallas.

The trade-offs? Weather mood swings, Bentonville traffic, and a housing market that’s heating up quickly. Still, for many, the pros far outweigh the cons, making NWA one of the best relocation destinations for Texans in 2025.

Still deciding which city is right for you? Check out Which NWA City Fits Your Lifestyle for a side-by-side comparison.

📲 Thinking About Relocating From Texas?

If you’re considering a move from Texas to Northwest Arkansas, I’d love to help you decide if it’s the right fit and find the perfect home for your lifestyle.

👉 [Download my free Relocation Guide] https://naturallynwa.com/relocation-guide-app/
👉 [Schedule a Relocation Consult] https://calendly.com/eric-naturallynwa/30min

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Moving from Texas to Northwest Arkansas (H2)

Is it cheaper to live in Northwest Arkansas than Texas?

In many cases, yes. While Arkansas has a state income tax, property taxes and overall homeownership costs are much lower than Texas.

Do you still get hot summers in Northwest Arkansas?

Yes, but they’re generally milder than Texas. Expect high 80s and 90s in summer instead of weeks above 100°F, although we do get a few 100° days every year.