Fayetteville
"Track Capital of the World"
Population (city): 75,102
Population (metro): 463,204
Fayetteville is the third-largest city in Arkansas. Home to the University of Arkansas, this city is located on the outskirts of the Boston Mountains, deep within the Ozarks. Fayetteville shares many of the characteristics commonly given to a Southern state, as many of its first settlers came from Upper South states like Kentucky and Tennessee. The city also derives a cultural identity from the University of Arkansas, exhibiting many trademarks such as a prominent arts and music scene, emphasis on local business, college-oriented bar/restaurant entertainment district, progressive residents and a focus on environmental sustainability.
Fort Smith
"Hell on the Border"
Population (city): 86,209
Population (metro): 298,592
Fort Smith lies on the Arkansas-Oklahoma state border. This city is a regional manufacturing center, with major plants located in the city. Like Fayetteville, Fort Smith has an active music scene and is home to numerous museums and theatres.
Hot Springs
"Valley of the Vapors"
Population (city): 35,193
Population (metro): 96,024
The city of Hot Springs is the county seat of Garland County. Architecture is a key part of this city's blend of cultures, including a reputation as a tourist town. The city contains dozens of historic hotels and motor courts that were built during the Great Depression. Due to the popularity of the thermal waters, Hot Springs benefited from rapid growth during a period when many cities saw a sharp decline in building.
Pine Bluff
"City of Progress"
Population (city): 49,083
Population (metro): 100,258
Pine Bluff is the largest city and county seat of Jefferson County. Situated in the southeast section in the Arkansas Delta, its topography is flat with wide expanded of farmland. Pine Bluff is home to a number of creeks, streams, bayous, and large bodies of water. Agriculture is an economic mainstay in the city, and leading products include cotton, soybeans, cattle, rice, poultry, timber, and catfish.
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