Blytheville is attempting to change its fortunes. The northeast Arkansas city of around 13,000 people sits near the Missouri border and the Mississippi River. Along with Osceola, it is one of Mississippi County's two seats. Blytheville is awakening after a dormant period that followed the closing of Eaker Air Force Base in 1992. Today, the steel manufacturing industry is dominant, as Nucor operates several plants in the area. Steal production has created many jobs, which in turn has stimulated growth in other areas. "Blytheville is coming back," says Braxten Tatum, an agent with Century 21 Portfolio. "It had a down period when the air base closed, but Nucor brought people back. The city is improving infrastructure and building houses. It's cool to be a part of that."
The "Work Here. Live Here." program is designed to incentivize homebuyers
Homes have a median price of about $130,000, well below the state median. Traditional homes with brick exteriors are found throughout the city. Blytheville’s northern half is more residential than its southern half. Mississippi County’s “Work Here. Live Here.” program covers up to 10% of a home purchase between $100,000 and $500,000 for people who live in the county and work in its manufacturing sector.
Convenient access to Memphis International Airport
Interstate 55 runs through the eastern side of the city, traveling north into Missouri or south toward Memphis, about 70 miles away. Memphis International Airport has nonstop flights to several domestic destinations. North East Arkansas Transit provides public transportation with advance notice. Great River Medical Center is a hospital with about 100 beds.
The future home of the National Cold War Center
Much of the city’s entertainment is found on Main Street. The Delta Gateway Museum showcases the region’s agricultural and anthropological history, while the Ritz Civic Center hosts newly released films and live stage productions. The National Cold War Center, a museum revolving around the former Eaker Air Force Base, is scheduled to open in 2027.
Each holiday season brings the Lights of the Delta, a 1.5-mile drive through woods and lakes covered in millions of lights and featuring dozens of motion displays. A Chili Cook-Off is held on Main Street each October.
Thunder Bayou Golf Links is a highly ranked 18-hole course.
Local shops and restaurants are found along Main Street
Most local shops, including boutiques and thrift stores, are found along Main Street. Tatum says most residents do not need to leave the city to find whatever they need to buy. Restaurants typically sit near main roads like Interstate 55. Olympia Steak & Seafood serves both classic American cuisine and Southern specialties like Alligator Linguine. Dixie Pig is a barbecue joint open since 1923. “I always try to go to Dixie Pig when I can, but it gets pretty packed,” Tatum says.
Parks with athletic facilities and playgrounds
Most of the city’s parks are split between recreation and athletics, containing facilities like playgrounds, picnic tables and tennis and basketball courts. The Mississippi River is about 5 miles east. About 40% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, which is below the urban U.S. median.
Blytheville High School gets a C grade
Students are served by the Blytheville School District, which has a D-plus Niche grade. The school serves more than 1,500 students across four schools. Blytheville High School has an individual C grade.
Falling violent crime and property crime rates
The city’s violent crime and property crime rates have fallen in recent years but remain above state and national averages. Blytheville has two predominant seasons, summer and winter. Summers are humid while winters can be cold and windy. Mississippi County is at high risk of drought and a moderate risk of ice storms and earthquakes.
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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.
