Whether you settle in the Delta, the Ouachitas or the Ozarks, in the River Valley or the Timberlands, or within the central hub of the state, Arkansas is an incredible place to live. Some residents are enchanted by the stunning scenery, others enjoy the four distinct seasons and still others are fond of the convenience the state provides. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that a love of Arkansas runs deep in the hearts of those who call it home.

1. The Natural Beauty Arkansas scenery can’t be beat.
From high atop the Ozarks and the Ouachitas, from within the vastness of the Delta’s fields and the Timberlands’ forests, or from a more metropolitan perspective at the state’s center — it’s obvious why Arkansas is called The Natural State. The state boasts 52 state parks, seven national parks and many national wildlife areas. Plus, with four distinct seasons, the scenery awes Arkansans year-round. Spring paints the state with vibrant blooms, while autumn sets the forests ablaze with spectacular color. Winter is usually mild with an occasional snowfall, and summer days are long and lazy.

2. The People
No matter where you live, you’ll never lack friendly neighbors who are the epitome of southern hospitality.

3. The Affordable Living
When you consider housing, taxes, utilities and daily living expenses, the cost of living in Arkansas is considerably lower than in most states.

4. The Location
Living in a state located in middle America has its advantages. Those who like to visit the big city are just hours from Nashville, Dallas, St. Louis, Tulsa and Memphis. And a trip to the beach isn’t hard to manage with the Gulf Coast just a day’s drive away.

5. The Convenience
Arkansas offers laidback charm — even in its larger cities. Compared with major cosmopolitan areas, traffic here is rarely a problem, and most destinations are nearby and easily accessible.

6. The Recreational Riches
Hike, bike, swim, fish, geocache, camp, hunt or even dig for diamonds — the to-do list is as long as it is enjoyable here in Arkansas. No matter your interests, age or abilities, there’s something you’ll love doing in The Natural State’s great big playground. Golf more than 200 courses; run a marathon in Little Rock; climb to the top of Mount Nebo for views of the River Valley; fly fish in the Ozarks’ clear mountain waters; savor juicy Hope watermelons in the Timberlands; or hunt the rice fields of the Delta, a sportsman’s paradise during duck season. Find a must-do list of 13 unique Arkansas experiences here.

7. The Opportunities
Whether you’re looking for a job or a rewarding volunteer opportunity, Arkansas has much to offer. As greater Little Rock, Texarkana, northwest and northeast Arkansas continue to grow, professionals are needed to fill positions in fields ranging from technology and agriculture to teaching and sales.

8. The Arts Scene
Fayetteville, Little Rock, Conway and Texarkana all regularly host famous acts and the country’s most critically acclaimed touring companies at their major theaters. The Arkansas Arts Center in Little Rock is the nation’s premier repository for works on paper, and the new Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville houses an impressive collection of notable American art in its 217,000-square-foot facility. Hot Springs and Eureka Springs, both of which were ranked among the top 25 arts towns by various arts publications, are also home to world-class galleries. Arts offerings are growing in El Dorado and Fort Smith too.

9. The Quality of Health Care
Arkansas boasts some of the country’s finest health care facilities. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, for instance, is consistently listed in U.S. News & World Report’s annual edition of “America’s Best Hospitals,” and is one of only two Level 1 Trauma Care Centers in the state. There are also five Level 2 trauma centers and several VA medical centers throughout the state.

10. The Cuisine
Some of the nation’s best southern food – barbecue, pie, crawfish and fried catfish – is found here, while noted chefs at many Arkansas restaurants are creating worldly dishes with southern flair. Natives also love the bounty of locally grown, farm-fresh foods from our agrarian state.