A Northeast Arkansas city focused on quality of life
Batesville is the oldest city in Arkansas and the second-oldest municipality, becoming the Independence County seat in 1821. The city was a busy trade spot thanks to its location on the White River. Today, the city’s more than 11,000 residents enjoy the slow but steady progress Batesville has made. It now acts as a regional hub for jobs and culture in Northeast Arkansas. Residents often work in the poultry processing industry or in the health care and social assistance field. “It’s a connected place, one where people will step up and have your back,” says Lackey Moody Jr., a managing broker and Realtor with Crye Leike Batesville Real Estate Center Inc. “It’s like living in ‘The Andy Griffith Show.’”
In Batesville, the White River is a popular location for boating and fishing.
White River Medical Center is one of Batesville's largest employers.
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Ranch-style and split-level houses for below the state median
Homes have a median price of around $175,000, well below the state median. Ranch-style and split-level houses are prevalent throughout the city. There are also lots and large parcels of land available for building. “We’re a small community,” Moody Jr. says. “We’ve probably never seen 100 houses built in one year. But there has been quality living and growth for the last 40 years. There is always something going on here.”
Ranch style homes are a popular choice in Batesville.
Split-level homes are sprinkled throughout Batesville.
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The White River has boating and fishing opportunities
Batesville’s parks are split between recreation spots and athletic facilities. Residents can use the city’s many boat ramps to get onto the White River, where they can enjoy boating and fishing. The Batesville Greenway is a trail for all non-motorized transportation that connects to several parks, and it continues to expand. The city has stated a goal to renovate its parks and give residents more recreational opportunities.
The Batesville Community Center & Aquatics Park is a 100,000-square-foot space with a lazy river as its centerpiece. The center has basketball courts, pools and a fitness room.
Batesville's Maxfield Park, once the site of a collapsed building, was transformed into one of the most unique public parks in Arkansas.
Offering a range of indoor and outdoor activities, the Batesville Community Center & Aquatics Park is an invaluable asset for the Batesville community.
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Batesville is the "Christmas Capital of Arkansas"
The city has many different types of entertainment, including the Melba Theater, an art deco building that shows newly released films. NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Mark Martin is from Batesville, and the Mark Martin Museum is a tribute to his career.
The city calls itself the Christmas capital of Arkansas for its large-scale holiday celebrations. Riverside Park is filled with lights and the city offers carnival rides, ice skating and other activities.
The Batesville Motor Speedway, about 10 miles outside the city, is a dirt track that has hosted races for more than 50 years.
The Melba Theater in Batesville was originally an opera house built in 1875, which was later converted to a mercantile store before being remodeled in 1940 as one of Arkansas's first CinemaScope theaters.
The Mark Martin Museum celebrates the life and career of this Batesville native.
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Antique stores and barbeque restaurants
The city’s downtown has several antique stores and specialty shops, while Eagle Mountain Shopping Center has big-box stores like Walmart. Batesville restaurants serve many cuisines, but barbecue and burger joints are popular. Independence County is a dry county, but restaurants can get licenses to sell alcohol. The River is a popular waterfront steakhouse.
Batesville's historic downtown district is steeped in rich heritage and boasts an array of local eateries and boutiques.
Stop by FoxCreek BBQ for mouthwatering barbecue and live music on the weekends.
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Batesville High School Charter football games are a community gathering place
Students are served by the Batesville School District, which earns a B Niche grade. Sulphur Rock Magnet and Eagle Mountain Magnet elementary schools both have individual B-plus grades. Moody Jr. says Friday nights in the fall revolve around Batesville High School Charter football games.
Eagle Mountain Elementary School in Batesville maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 22:1.
Batesville High School maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 10:1.
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Access to U.S. Route 167 and state Highway 69
U.S. Route 167 cuts vertically though the city, while state Highway 69 runs perpendicular to it. Little Rock is around 95 miles southwest. Little Rock’s Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport has flights to many domestic cities. White River Medical Center is a 255-bed hospital.
Muggy summers and wet winters
Batesville experiences four seasons. Summers are muggy and winters cold and wet. Independence County has a relatively high risk of cold waves and ice storms, plus a moderate risk of tornadoes and flooding. The city’s violent crime rate has slightly increased in recent years while its property crime rate has slightly fallen. Both rates are above the national average.
Lee Ann Arnold is a dedicated real estate professional serving Cabot and the surrounding areas with RE/MAX Real Estate Connection. As a lifelong Arkansas resident, she brings local expertise, market insight, and a passion for helping clients find their perfect home or sell with confidence. Known for her integrity, responsiveness, and client-first mindset, Lee Ann makes the buying and selling process smooth, stress-free, and successful.
Specializing in: Little Rock, Cabot, Jacksonville, Searcy, Maumelle, and Conway
Ready to make your next move? Contact Lee Ann today
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
