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Amiable
Arkadelphia (population 10,300), situated along
the Ouachita River about 30 miles from the
Ouachita Mountains in southwestern Arkansas, is a
peaceful, rural spot with a friendly, Southern
country ambiance that feels a thousand miles away
from modern city life. It is one of the oldest
hamlets in Arkansas, and the name comes from the
first part of the state name, Ark, and from the
Greek name for "place." And a nice place
it seems to be. Unassuming and affordable,
Arkadelphia is the kind of town where "good
deed doers" are sought out and publicly
recognized on the city's website. The cost of
living is nearly 20% below the national average,
and the median home price is just $110,000 (and
many homes date from the 19th century).
Outdoor
recreation is the hallmark of this area, and
residents have a bounty of venues from which to
choose, with lakes, rivers and forests close at
hand in the Ouachita National Forest. Fishing,
camping and boating are a way of life, and
13,000-acre Lake DeGray is especially inviting and
known for its crystal clear waters.
There
is no YMCA in town, and although the Park and
Recreation Department is limited (for example, the
yoga class is led by a TV and a yoga DVD), it has
enough programs to keep most people active. The Arkadelphia Aquatic Park is a great
spot to take the grandkids, and there are several
well-maintained public parks and walking paths
around town. Golfers enjoy one public course, the
Turtle Pointe Golf Club, and one private course,
the Arkadelphia Country Club course.
Baptist Health Medical Center provides good
care and meets national averages in nearly all
areas. It is small, just 25 beds, but offers
emergency care and a variety of programs for
seniors, including exercise classes and
educational workshops about arthritis, safe
driving and more. The hospital accepts
Medicaid and Medicare patients, and 96% of
former patients would recommend it to a
friend.
The Clark County Library is located in one of
the oldest library buildings in the state and
has public computers with internet access.
Public transportation (and non-emergency
medical transportation) is provided by SCAT, a
van service. Fares are dependent on the number
of miles traveled but are reasonable.
Arkadelphia is also serviced by Amtrak. The
crime rate meets the national average.
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