Living in Fayetteville, Arkansas
Fayetteville is home to the University of Arkansas and the Razorbacks, and it’s the cultural heart of Northwest Arkansas: Broadway tours, live music on Dickson Street, a Saturday farmers market on the historic Square and miles of trails.
Arkansas’s second-largest city
The Census Bureau estimated Fayetteville’s population at 82,346 in 2015. The 2020 census counted 93,949, and the 2025 estimate is 106,623, more than 24,000 additional residents, or roughly 29%, in ten years.
| Year | Population | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 (census) | 73,580 | |
| 2015 (estimate) | 82,346 | |
| 2020 (census) | 93,949 | |
| 2025 (estimate) | 106,623 |
Schools
Fayetteville Public Schools, founded in 1871, is the oldest school district in Arkansas. Here are current GreatSchools ratings for a sample of Fayetteville schools:
| School | Grades | GreatSchools |
|---|---|---|
| Vandergriff Elementary | K–4 | 10/10 |
| Root Elementary | K–4 | 10/10 |
| Washington Elementary | K–4 | 10/10 |
| Woodland Junior High | 7–8 | 10/10 |
| Holcomb, Butterfield, Happy Hollow & Leverett Elementary | K–4 | 9/10 |
| McNair Middle School | 5–6 | 9/10 |
| Haas Hall Academy Fayetteville (public charter) | 7–12 | 9/10 |
| Ramay Junior High | 7–8 | 7/10 |
| Fayetteville High School East | 9–12 | 7/10 |
Ratings as of October 2026 and subject to change. School assignment depends on the home’s address, so always confirm attendance zones with the district. I’m happy to check any home you’re considering.
Parks, trails & the outdoors
In town
- 70 city parks on more than 3,000 acres, including Wilson Park, the city’s first
- Razorback Regional Greenway and the paved Scull Creek Trail
- Mount Sequoyah and Kessler Mountain for rugged hiking and biking
- Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, home to the summer Firefly Fling
Nearby
- Devil’s Den State Park, about 30 minutes south, with cabins and 11 trails
- The Buffalo National River and Ozark National Forest for day trips
- Beaver Lake to the east
Arts, culture & entertainment
- University of Arkansas and SEC game days at Razorback Stadium
- Walton Arts Center on Dickson Street, with a full Broadway season
- TheatreSquared, the region’s year-round professional theater
- Dickson Street, the region’s main entertainment district, and live music at George’s Majestic Lounge
- First Thursday on the Square, Lights of the Ozarks, the Fayetteville Roots Festival and more
Shopping & farmers market
- The Fayetteville Farmers Market on the Square every Saturday, with dozens of local vendors
- Boutiques and galleries around the Square and Dickson Street
- Big-box and national retail along College Avenue and in Rogers and Springdale
Where to eat
Special occasion
- Atlas: a globe-trotting tasting menu
- Vetro 1925: Italian on the Square
- Bordino’s: Italian with a deep wine cellar on Dickson
- Doe’s Eat Place: steaks on Dickson Street
Local favorites
- Hugo’s: a Fayetteville institution just off the Square
- Bocca: wood-fired pizza
- Cafe Rue Orleans for Cajun and Creole
- Award-winning brunch spots all over town
Major employers & business
The University of Arkansas is the city’s largest employer, followed by Washington Regional Medical Center, Walmart, Fayetteville Public Schools and the Veterans Administration Medical Center. Tyson Foods and other major regional employers are a short drive north. Fayetteville is consistently ranked among the best-educated cities in the state.
A diverse, international community
The university brings students and faculty from all over the country and the world. At the 2020 census, about 74% of residents were white (non-Hispanic), 8.6% Hispanic or Latino, 6.3% Black, 3.2% Asian and 6.4% multiracial. You’ll see that mix in the restaurants, festivals and campus events year-round.
Thinking about Fayetteville?
From historic homes near the Square to newer neighborhoods on the west side, I’ll help you find the right fit, whether you’re relocating for the university, a hospital job or the lifestyle. I’m Chris DuBose, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette in Rogers, licensed in Arkansas (SA00097363) and Missouri (2026019341).
