Located in the Ozark Mountains, the city of Gentry dates its humble beginnings back to when it was a rural agricultural community abundant in fruit orchards. Being along the Kansas City Southern Railroad only boosted the area’s food transport prosperity, ultimately making it the food manufacturing hub it is today as the city’s largest employer, McKee Foods Corporation — maker of Little Debbie and Sunbelt Bakery snacks— has its headquarters there. “We have the best-smelling town in the world. It always smells like honey buns here,” says Janie Parks, Director of the Gentry Chamber of Commerce. “We love having McKee Foods here, not just for the snacks, but they are an excellent community partner given all the initiatives they support and all the employment opportunities they provide.”
Gentry is located in the far northwest corner of Arkansas.
Architecture in downtown Gentry surprises and delights with exquisite details.
The rural and the city meet in downtown Gentry.
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Gentry's eclectic collection of home styles
City Lake sits at the city's southwest corner, providing a peaceful and serene view of the water. Winding streets act as a tour guide as you navigate the community, taking in the variety of homes that sit away from the curb on massive lots. Every home is unique, as you find various styles in the area. Modern ranch-style homes feature bay windows and attached garages, while brick Craftsman homes sit on enormous lots with sprawling lawns. Homes with Victorian influences add a touch of an old-world aura with small towers and Juliet balconies, and gigantic modern farmhouses are surrounded by acres of land and display wrap-around porches and Cape Cod-inspired dormers. Newly built homes in stylish yet comfortable styles are also finding their way to the area, priced in the $200,000 to $300,000 range. Established homes can reach nearly $500,000, and expansive properties can top $1 million.
City Lake is located just west of the Dawn Hill neighborhood.
An large craftsman style home sit prominently near downtown Gentry.
An older farm house in Gentry shows off a fresh remodel.
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Gentry School District gems
Served by the Gentry School District, students can attend Gentry Primary, Intermediate, Middle and High School throughout their academic careers. The primary school takes students from kindergarten through Grade 2, while the intermediate takes them from Grades 3 to 5, and the middle school continues to Grade 8. With a budding athletic program, the Gentry Pioneers have taken home state championships in wrestling, girls’ basketball and cheerleading. The high school holds an overall Niche grade of B-plus, while all the others have a B-minus.
The Gentry High School mascot is the Pioneers.
Gentry Intermediate School is a public school for grades 3 through 5.
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Centrally located in Western Benton County
With the intersection of Arkansas Highway 12, running east and west, and Arkansas Highway 59, running north and south, in the center of the city, Gentry residents have easy access to the surrounding areas. Hwy 59 also gives direct access to U.S. Highway 412, expanding the reach even further. “We’re very centrally located in western Benton County,” says Parks. “You can get anywhere in 20 to 30 minutes. We’re just far enough away to be country and rural, but you can still get to your job in no time.”
Home-cooking at the Wooden Spoon
A locally known and respected chain based in Springdale, Harps Food Stores is located right off Hwy 12 and is a go-to for groceries and other daily essentials. Located right off Highway 59, The Wooden Spoon offers home cooking and sweet treats like meatloaf and six-layer cake. “We’re the home of The Wooden Spoon, and people love that,” says Parks. With a variety of pizza, pasta, wings and subs, Jim’s Razorback Pizza has something for everyone at its Gentry location.
The Pickin' Chicken offers Gentry residents an indoor flea market shopping experience.
Locals gather at Gentry City Park
Gentry City Park is a favorite gathering spot for locals where kids can have fun at the shaded playground, and sports fanatics can practice their skills at the basketball and volleyball courts or the softball and soccer fields. Skaters can practice their tricks at the skate park, and walkers and joggers can get their steps in with the park’s 1.625 miles of trails. The park also features a disc golf course spread across the area and a splash pad to keep cool in the hot summer months.
Gentry residents can exercise themselves and their pets along the Eagle Watch Trail.
Bikers from the Dawn Hill neighborhood will enjoy the pump track at nearby City Lake.
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July 4 parade draws thousands to Gentry
According to Parks, the Chamber of Commerce hosts several well-attended events throughout the year, including quilt shows, holiday parades and fishing derbies at Lake Creek Nature Park. “Our biggest event is always Freedom Fest every July 4th,” says Parks. “It brings out about 15,000 people from all over, and we have pageants and car shows and activities for the kids. It’s just an all-around great time.” The second place spot belongs to the Christmas Parade on Main, held the second weekend of December each year.
“We’re a small, progressive town that’s a great place to live for families and retirees alike. We’re working very hard to have Gentry be a livable, walkable and likable place,” Parks says.
Weekends find many Gentry residents at the Main Street Pavilion flea market.
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As a REALTOR® in Northwest Arkansas, I take pride in customer service with my clients throughout their process of buying and selling real estate, including new construction, residential, resale, investments, first-time buyers, or experienced buyers; I have a heart for all of it! I offer complimentary CMA'S, Comparative Market Analysis for property owners to determine the value of homes or land. I can help with your relocation by supplying you with REALTORS® that are trustworthy and reliable.
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