Explore This Affordable Arkansas City: Home to a Respected College, a Vibrant Arts Scene, and Rich History

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Explore This Affordable Arkansas City: Home to a Respected College, a Vibrant Arts Scene, and Rich History
The streets and buildings of Searcy, Arkansas

From the art village of Bradenton to the galleries and studios of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, some places seem to just breathe art and absorb the creative spirit, transforming every street, corner, and building into a living exhibition. Searcy, Arkansas, is one of these beautiful and rare places, a town of artists and scholars, a place of expression, and a significant location in American history.



The artistic spirit is not all that characterizes Searcy, as it is a celebrated hub of education and learning as well. It is home to Harding University, a 100-year-old academic destination offering liberal arts programs to over 4,000 students. Searcy is not only a great place to learn but an ideal town to live in — quaint, lively, and highly affordable, with a typical house selling for around $211,000 as of May 2025. Consequently, holiday stays are just as reasonable, starting at $50 a night. This, coupled with it being only a two-hour drive from Memphis International Airport, makes Searcy an ideal and accessible getaway.

Experience the arts scene of Searcy

A mural of a skeleton crying that reads



Starting your exploration in Downtown Searcy is ideal as it offers easy access to most of the town’s art attractions. If you’re only going to visit one place, then make it Art Alley. Not only is it an open-air museum featuring rotating exhibitions by local artists, but it’s also a community space that brings people together to share one passion. It often hosts events and comes even more alive with the sounds of live music performances. Continue your mural journey with a simple brochure, courtesy of the city, that guides you through Searcy, art piece by art piece.

Just a five-minute walk away from Art Alley is the historic Benjamin Clayton Black House and Art Gallery. This historic house, built in 1874, is beauty incarnate, inside and out, with immaculate Victorian architecture defining its outside and free rotating art shows keeping it an important hub for local artists. Head over to Citizen Park afterward and catch a live outdoor performance while relaxing on the grass.



History is all around you in Searcy

The Rialto Theater lit up at night

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.