Arkansas was ranked among the least friendly states in a survey by an independent magazine. Is there any truth in it? Well, yes, Arkansas is not a very “friendly” state for tourists that go there for a few days or weeks. But it is a completely different story for the residents. The state has a lot to offer and there are a number of tightly knitted communities that make the new residents feel welcomed and provide a friendly atmosphere. So, if you are wondering if Arkansas is a friendly state for new residents, this piece is for you.
Population of Arkansas
The population of the South Central American state is about 3,033,946 as per the recent census. It is stretched across 53,179 square miles of area and has a fair gender ratio. 51% of the population are females and males make up about 49% of the population. If we break it down, each square mile of Arkansas houses about 56 people. The population is just perfect, it is neither too high to make the state look crowded nor too low that residents find it hard to interact with other people.
The point is there are enough people in the state and you will find new friends and acquaintances to build a like-minded circle.
Transportation System
Arkansas has a developed public transportation system but most residents prefer to commute via their personal vehicles. A recent survey has revealed that just 0.4% of the total Arkansas population uses the mass transit system. So, the chances of meeting like-minded people are very slim if you commute via public transport. However, the same survey also pointed out that a large minority, about 10.5% of the population, carpools with others. So, if you want to socialize and meet new people, cab sharing is the way to go.
The Landscape
Even if you do not find like-minded people, the landscape of the state can quickly make you forget that. It offers breathtaking mountains and mesmerizing rivers where you can hike and boat to spend quality time with yourself. Some of the famous mountains in the state include Mount Magazine, Boston Mountains, Petit Jean Mountain, Whiting Mountain, Horn Mountain, and Deckard Mountain.
When it comes to rivers, most new residents are only familiar with Arkansas, Mississippi, and Illinois rivers but there are plenty of other options you can explore. St. Francis River, Saline Rivers, Black Water, and North Fork River are a few places where you can go to avoid the crowd that is otherwise on the three popular rivers. But if you want to socialize, the Arkansas river is the best option as it attracts a large number of tourists and has plenty of recreational activities.
Buzzing Nightlife
In contrast to popular views, most cities of Arkansas have a buzzing nightlife. The population of Arkansas stays up till late and there are tons of spots where they can enjoy live music, dance with friends, and even some quiet places to share drinks with partners.
