Community Resources
Sure, Northwest Arkansas is home to the world’s largest retailer - but what about life beyond work? Maybe you’d like a close-knit community, great schools and a house with a backyard. A beautiful town with lots of trees and parks. A place where diversity in people and ideas is celebrated. Where neighbors know each other, and where friends also happen to be colleagues. These are the things that make someone truly wealthy, right?
We welcome approximately 30 new faces to Northwest Arkansas every day, from across the country and the globe, and we’re better for it. As a community, we work hard to create space for all to connect and share their stories, to exchange ideas and to be at home.
Culture & Diversity
The Northwest Arkansas Diversity Resource Guide, powered by DiversityNWA.com, is dedicated to making sure that all community members from diverse populations have the information and resources they need to both acclimate to the region and take advantage of its rich array of offerings.
Learn more about diverse businesses, faith communities, restaurants and services below:
Education
Northwest Arkansas is committed to providing opportunities that inspire a love of learning in our kids from an early age. According to U.S. News & World Report, the region is home to eight public high schools that rank in the top 10% in the nation. In addition to core curriculum, interactive and real-world programs instill an appreciation of the outdoors, of innovation, the arts and sciences.
Click each tab to learn more.
Our Little Squiggles Children’s Enrichment Center brings associates’ vision for campus childcare to life. The 73,000-square-foot facility provides top-notch childcare and early childhood education for infants through pre-K.
In addition, there’s a deep roster of daycare and preschool options available across the region, from Montesorri approach to in-Home care to faith-based organizations, and everything in between. The resources below provide a deeper view of what the region has to offer:
- Child Care Aware of NWA
- Better Beginnings Arkansas
- Search for Licensed Programs
- Provided by the State of Arkansas Child Care Division, showing a level of accreditation by facility, as well as any licensing violations the facility has had.
Multiple schools across Northwest Arkansas have earned top ranks in Niche's 2024 School Rankings, adding to the many reasons why NWA is one of the best places to live.
Public, charter, montesorri, independent + private schools are all available, in addition to remote learning options and homeschooling co-ops. Visit greatschool.org and findingnwa.com to explore more.
Whether you’re interested in higher education offerings for young adult children, family members, or further learning for yourself or a partner – there are lots of options for continued education for new-to-NWA associates and their families:
- Regardless of what part of NWA you reside in, you’ll hear a lot of your new neighbors and colleagues saying “Woo, Pig, Sooie!” — the University of Arkansas’ athletics’ rallying cry for the Razorbacks, or “Hogs.” From the Fay Jones School of Architecture to the Sam M. Walton College of Business and beyond, there are many majors and programs of study to choose from. U of A also boasts a vibrant Greek life.
- This private, Christian, liberal arts university is Arkansas’ top-ranked university and has a great MBA program, among other things.
- Pronounced “en-wack” versus saying the acronym, this community college has a broad selection of degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs. The college currently offers certification in HVAC and US Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Programs in plumbing and electrical.
- A couple of hours from the Home Office into Missouri, College of the Ozarks is a fully accredited, Christian, liberal arts college. It’s close to Branson, MO! The institution provides the opportunity for full-time students to work at one of more than 100 campus jobs or industries to help pay for part of their tuition.
- A Center for the Study of Food, Brightwater is a culinary school focusing on the larger food system.
- Students at Northwest Technical Institute can pursue automotive technology programs, certified nursing assistant education, welding technology certificates and more!
- Just over the border into Oklahoma, career training can look like full-time or short-term classes or business trainings.
- Arkansas Tech University is a public university located in Russellville, Arkansas – a short 2-hour drive from NWA. Known for its commitment to student success, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as business, education, health sciences, and engineering.
Arts & Entertainment
In Northwest Arkansas, the fusion of nature, art and education creates a tapestry of experiences that is uniquely ours. Our local arts and entertainment scene serves as a vibrant platform that brings together our diverse communities.
Click each tab to learn more.
Travel & Recreation
Easy access to the wonder of nature is one our region’s superpowers. Whether you crave the tranquility of remote wilderness like the Buffalo National River or the excitement of Beaver Lake, you can reach countless outdoor adventure destinations from Northwest Arkansas in two hours or less. Or stay in town and enjoy the miles of bike trails sporting riders of all skill levels and expansive parks beckoning for leisurely strolls or family picnics.
Craving something more urban? There are several cities within driving distance, should you want a weekend away: Kansas City, Tulsa, St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Branson, Memphis and Dallas, to name a few.
And with the Northwest Arkansas National Airport boasting direct flights daily to more than 20 destinations across the country — including major cities like New York City, Chicago and San Francisco — adventure is always within reach.
