Downtown blends history, community and modern life
Fort Smith, Arkansas, is most associated with the Western novel and movie “True Grit.” While locals celebrate that claim to fame with the True Grit Trail that runs along Rogers Avenue, there is so much more to the city. The Downtown district showcases the area's long history, growing economy and friendly community. Garrison Avenue is lined with restaurants, bars and small businesses housed within the brick-built husks of old furniture factories. The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, established in 1899, stands tall at the street's end. It is the oldest of the many houses of worship in Fort Smith. At any point during the day, residents are seen chatting with their neighbors and strolling the sidewalks together. “People are so welcoming,” says Ashleigh Bachert, executive director of Discover Fort Smith. “They are like, ‘Hey! How are you?’ Genuinely warm.”
Riverpark is located in the heart of Downtown Fort Smith.
There are many places for worship for the residents of Downtown Fort Smith.
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Local businesses play crucial role in community
Fort Smith Coffee Co. is one of the most popular cafes in the city. It opened its third location inside the U.S. Marshals Museum, but folks Downtown head to the one in The Bakery District. Once the Shipley Baking Company, The Bakery District is now a gathering space with shops, eateries, co-working offices, and events. 21 West End is a fine-dining establishment in the former jail of the Fort Smith Courthouse, also known to locals as “the Hole in the Wall" restaurant. The structure earned that nickname after someone fired a cannon at the building back when it was a speakeasy. Taliano’s Italian Restaurant is a well-loved family business that has become so ingrained in the community that the owner, Joe Caldarera, greets many regulars by name. “Families have been coming for generations,” he says. Every night, the Entertainment District comes alive. Art galleries and bars, like Prohibition, stay open late and allow patrons over 21 to take their drinks to go. “It’s kind of like New Orleans, where you just walk around with a drink in your hand,” says Rebecca Morter, Realtor with The Griffin Company at Weichert Realtors.
Downtown has more to offer than a good meal, with small businesses scattered across the neighborhood. Belle Starr Antiques and Vintage Market, named for the infamous outlaw and Fort Smith legend, is filled with local vendor stalls displaying antiques that range from old teacups and furniture to Fort Smith memorabilia. The store also posts items for sale on its Facebook page daily. At Bookish: An Indie Bookstore, readers can search floor-to-ceiling shelves for their next novel. If they cannot decide, the booksellers are more than willing to give recommendations. Residents can get groceries from Harps Food Store, about 3 miles away, and find fresh produce at the Fort Smith Farmer’s Market. Every Saturday, the corner of 2nd Street and Garrison Avenue is filled with fruit, flowers and other handmade goods. Big box stores, such as Target and Home Depot, are also Downtown.
21 West End offers an intimate setting for residents of Downtown Fort Smith.
Belle Starr Antiques is a popular shopping place in Downtown Fort Smith.
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Museums and parks tell Fort Smith’s story
The City of Fort Smith takes pride in its history, with lots of museums and historic sites in the Downtown area. The Fort Smith National Historic Site was once home to the Fort Smith Gallows, most famously used by Judge Isaac C. Parker, known as “The Hanging Judge.” “Judge Parker resented being called ‘The Hanging Judge’ because he said he never hung a man – the law did,” says Bill Word, president of the Fort Smith Historical Society, who has lived in the city for over 40 years. Next door is the Fort Smith Museum of History, the oldest continuously running museum in Arkansas. The Fort Smith Regional Art Museum is on the other side of Downtown and includes the John Bell, Jr. Gallery, named for the native Fort Smith painter, sculptor and disability advocate. Bell was born with cerebral palsy. The city later built an all-inclusive park Downtown in his honor. There’s also River Park, whose walking trails offer scenic views of the Arkansas River. Next door is the Fort Smith Skate & Bike Park.
Residents enjoy the Museum of History in Downtown Fort Smith.
Visit a slice of history in Fort Smith's museums.
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Historic homes and apartments
Many houses in Downtown Fort Smith were built in the 1800s and early 1900s. The Belle Grove Historic District, where homes are protected by preservation guidelines, is a snapshot of the rest of the neighborhood. These 22 blocks display various architectural trends, including Queen Anne, American Foursquare and Second Empire. The interior of one of these homes is on display at The Clayton House, an Italianate property built in 1852 by William H. Clayton, prosecutor for Judge Parker. Jim Kreuz, who lives Downtown and is a Fort Smith Historical Society member, says these old homes give the city character. A two- to three-bedroom can range from $125,000 to $225,000. Renting is common in Fort Smith, with a one- or two-bedroom apartment costing around $900 to $1,200 monthly. “The old Garrison Avenue, the 1800s storefronts, have quite a few apartments on the second floor,” Kreuz says. There are also complexes in the area. Downtown Fort Smith receives a CAP Index Crime Score of 7 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) considers part of the community a Special Flood Hazard Area. Residents are encouraged to purchase flood insurance, which is required for anyone with a federally backed mortgage. FEMA also declares Fort Smith to be at a relatively moderate risk of tornadoes. Standard homeowners’ insurance covers wind and storm damage.
Classic four square homes are scattered throughout Downtown Fort Smith.
Many of the homes in Downtown Fort Smith are under renovation.
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Community events popular with locals
Fort Smith hosts several events that attract people from across the River Valley – including the Steel Horse Rally and Old Fort Days Rodeo – but locals have a soft spot for more community-centered events. During the spring and fall, people gather at River Park for the Levitt Amp Concert Series, a free event hosted by Main Street Fort Smith. Folks can bring chairs and blankets, although many sit directly on the stone steps of the outdoor arena. Food trucks and artisans set up vendor booths, and residents are encouraged to get up and dance. All of Garrison and Rogers Avenue participate in the annual Fall Festival, hosted by the Fort Smith National Historic Site and partnering museums. “You’ve got tours of the historic site,” Bachert says. “You’re going to have cannons going off every hour.” Artists, food and local organizations line the streets. Even the art museum gets involved, letting patrons create a make-and-take craft.
Peacemaker festival is enjoyed by many people.
The Museum of Art is located within walking distance of Downtown Fort Smith.
Downtown Fort Smith is a car-dependent community with major thoroughfares on Garrison Avenue and Towson Avenue. Even so, Josh Buchfink, public relations manager of the City of Fort Smith, attests to the growing transportation options in the area. He walks from his office on Garrison Avenue to the Bakery District two or three times a week. “We’re doing things to make it not just easier to access places, but make it more aesthetically pleasing,” Buchfink says. Main Street Fort Smith has played a crucial part in adding more color to the city through The Unexpected mural series and decorating transit shelters. Fort Smith Transit offers buses from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. There is also a trolley that runs Downtown. Fort Smith Regional Airport is about 6 miles away, with flights only going into Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Baptist Health-Fort Smith is the closest hospital, less than 1 mile away.
Public transport travels through the center of Downtown Fort Smith.
Fort Smith is a very drivable city.
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High school and university community involvement
Downtown is part of the Fort Smith School District. Howard Elementary School is graded C-plus by Niche, while Darby Jr. High School receives a B-minus. Southside High School earns an A. The high school requires students to complete 75 hours of community service to graduate. The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith’s main campus is about 3 miles away but has several resources for its students and the community Downtown. These include the school’s Center for Economic Development in The Bakery District, which offers consulting and professional development.
Ballman Elementary School is part of the Fort Smith Public School district.
Trinity Junior High School is a private Catholic school in Fort Smith, AR.
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Military action hopes to bring economic growth
Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith was recently selected as the primary training location for F-35 pilots across the U.S. and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allied countries. Starting in December, the city will welcome military personnel from across the world, including Germany, Poland, and Singapore. While the increased flights will likely cause more noise, it will also benefit the local economy. “What’s different about this, from other basing action, is there’s not a base where they’re going to live,” Buchfink says. “They’re going to be living in apartments or buying homes in the community, and they’re going to be eating at our restaurants.” This will not be the first time Fort Smith has opened its doors to international communities. In the 1970s, the city took in a large refugee population from Vietnam. “It’s really a part of our DNA,” Buchfink says.
Riverpark is located in the heart of Downtown Fort Smith.
Many homes in Downtown Fort Smith are used for multipurpose.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Cindy Hughes,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Park at West End
Ross Pendergraft Park
River Park
John Bell Jr. Park
Transit
Airport
Fort Smith Regional
16 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Fort Smith
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
8
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
7
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Fort Smith, Fort Smith sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Downtown Fort Smith, Fort Smith over the last 12 months is $143,495, down 37% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to West End Lofts in Fort Smith, AR! Our modern apartments feature all the amenities you need for a comfortable lifestyle. Each unit comes equipped with appliances, a washer/dryer, attached garages and a private balcony for you to enjoy the fresh air. Our community is pet-friendly, so your furry friends are welcome to join you. In addition, we offer 24-hour emergency maintenance to
Welcome to The Bricks at Brunwick, located in the vibrant city of Fort Smith, AR. Our community offers a range of amenities designed to enhance your lifestyle. Dive into relaxation at our sparkling pool, perfect for those hot summer days. Enjoy the convenience and security of our gated parking, ensuring peace of mind for you and your vehicle. Stay active and maintain your fitness goals at our
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Cindy Hughes,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,220
Median Age
40
Population under 18
18.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$26,742
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$42,590
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
88%
College Graduates
19.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
11.2%
% Population in Labor Force
53.8%
Below the national average
65.1%
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
58/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
73/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
