Community

We are a small town with modern sensibilities—close-knit, yet global. We welcome 30 new faces a day, from across the country and the globe, and we’re better for it. As a community, we work hard to create space for all to connect and share their stories, exchange ideas, and to be at home.

10

BEST PLACE TO LIVE (US NEWS)

15

FASTEST GROWING PLACES (US NEWS)

34

MOST DYNAMIC METRO

IN THE HEADLINES

AccoladesBentonvilleHeadlines
March 7, 2024

Bentonville Named Top City in the South by Southern Living

Folks come for the art and outdoor pursuits, including world-class mountain biking. Along the way,…
EntertainmentFayettevilleHeadlinesRogers
February 29, 2024

Two Feature Films Currently in Production in NW Arkansas

“Sovereign” starring Nick Offerman and Dennis Quaid has been shooting in Fayetteville this week. Since…
ArtsBentonvilleHeadlines
February 24, 2024

‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ Designers Inspired by MONAH in Bentonville

Martin Scorcese’s Killers of the Flower Moon is nominated for 10 Oscars this year including…
VIEW MORE

CITIES

CULTURE & DIVERSITY

A COMMUNITY FOR EVERYONE

Culture and diversity play a vital role in shaping the identity and success of Northwest Arkansas. As one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, the area’s multiculturalism and inclusivity have fueled its economic growth and innovation. A diverse community fosters creativity, empathy, and a wide range of perspectives that drive progress and development. The region’s commitment to inclusivity is reflected in its many cultural events, which celebrate the rich and varied heritage of the community. Embracing and promoting cultural diversity in Northwest Arkansas has not only strengthened the community’s social fabric, but also provided a competitive edge that makes the region a unique and attractive place to live, work, and visit.

NATIVE AMERICAN

The Native American community in Northwest Arkansas has a rich and deeply-rooted history in the region. The Museum of Native American History (MONAH) in Bentonville is a testament to the preservation of this cultural heritage. MONAH houses a vast collection of Native American artifacts and serves as a vibrant cultural center, representing indigenous communities through various forms of expression such as storytelling, music, art, language, and dialogue. It was founded by David Bogle, a registered member of the Cherokee Nation who was born and raised in Bentonville. Recognizing and honoring the Native American tribes of the region, including the Osage, Caddo, and Quapaw people, is essential to the past and future of Northwest Arkansas.

HISPANIC/LATINX

With a population of over 95,000, the Hispanic community has played a significant role in the area’s growth and development, and has also enriched the community through its cultural contributions. From annual music festivals and film screenings, to arts organizations promoting LatinX culture, there are numerous opportunities to engage with and celebrate the community throughout the year. During Hispanic Heritage Month, the streets come alive with music, dancing and marches, showcasing the region’s diversity and inclusion. The Hispanic community in Northwest Arkansas is a vibrant and essential part of the region’s identity.

AFRICAN AMERICAN

Northwest Arkansas has a strong and vibrant African American community that has made significant contributions to the region. Organizations like the Northwest Arkansas Black Heritage Association, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Council, and Black-Owned Northwest Arkansas are committed to promoting cultural events, leadership awards, and education across the region. In 2018, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville hosted the U.S. debut of Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power, celebrating the vital contribution of Black artists to American art and history. Crystal Bridges was one of only two U.S. venues to host this iconic exhibition, which later traveled to the Brooklyn Museum in New York. These initiatives and events highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion in our communities and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for African American culture and history.

ASIAN AMERICAN / PACIFIC ISLANDERS

Pacific Islanders make up a large percentage of the Asian population in Springdale, with the largest population of Marshallese in the continental U.S. The flourishing, nationally recognized Farmers Markets in the region owe much of their success to the industrious Hmong farming community. In recent years, the region has seen a steady increase in the number of Asian-owned businesses, particularly in the restaurant industry. These establishments serve up a rich and diverse array of traditional Asian cuisine, from pho and ramen to Korean barbecue and sushi. To meet the needs of a growing South Asian population, the Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation was established by Indian-American entrepreneur Srividya Venkatasubramanya. The foundation aims to provide access to the richness of Indian arts and culture through programs featuring traditional dance and classical music performances.

LGBTQI+

Northwest Arkansas is home to a growing and thriving LGBTQI+ community. The region has several LGBTQI+ -affirming organizations and events, such as NWA Equality, which aims to promote equality and acceptance for all, and the Fayetteville Pride Parade and Festival, which draws thousands of participants and supporters every year. The University of Arkansas also has an active LGBTQI+ Resource Center, providing resources for students, faculty, and staff. The community is also represented in the arts, with the Fayetteville-based TheatreSquared being the first regional theatre to have a season with plays entirely written by LGBTQI+ artists. The region is becoming more and more accepting of the LGBTQI+ community, with businesses and organizations displaying rainbow flags and participating in events like National Coming Out Day.

DEIB INITIATIVES

engage nwa

EngageNWA

As a convener and connector for leaders in business, government, and the community, EngageNWA provides a platform to demonstrate shared values, practical strategies for engagement, and positive results around efforts to build an inclusive region.

LEARN MORE
Community Cohesion Project

Community Cohesion Project

With the resources of Walmart, P&G, and Crystal Bridges, the Community Cohesion Project exists to celebrate the diversity of Northwest Arkansas and to create a more inclusive and connected environment for all.

LEARN MORE

HEALTHCARE

University of Arkansas Link

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS IS DEDICATED TO HEALTH AND WELLNESS OF ITS COMMUNITY

With a rapidly growing healthcare sector, Northwest Arkansas is home to numerous hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community.

Arkansas Children's Northwest

Arkansas Children’s Northwest

A specialized pediatric hospital equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by a team of expert medical professionals. The hospital provides 24/7 emergency care through its dedicated pediatric emergency department and offers a wide range of high-quality, specialized medical services for children, including cardiology, oncology, surgery, and more.

LEARN MORE
Highland Oncology

Highland Oncology

Provides nationally recognized cancer care, offering state-of-the-art treatment options and access to leading clinical studies. With multidisciplinary cancer teams and a comprehensive program, patients can receive care from multiple specialists and support services, all conveniently located under one roof at locations in Rogers, Fayetteville, and Springdale.

LEARN MORE
Mercy Northwest Arkansas

Mercy Northwest Arkansas

Complemented by health clinics in Bella Vista, Bentonville, Lowell, Rogers, Springdale and other cities, Mercy offers a range of unique medical services, including a dedicated heart hospital, a women’s health center with comprehensive care for women of all ages, and a state-of-the-art robotic surgery program. The hospital also offers advanced cancer care, orthopedic and sports medicine services, and a variety of specialized medical programs, such as stroke care, wound care, and diabetes management, among others.

LEARN MORE
Washington Regional Medical

Washington Regional Medical Center

A community-owned, locally governed, non-profit organization, Washington Regional Medical System is Northwest Arkansas’ largest healthcare provider, and its Medical Center is nationally recognized for providing safe, effective, patient-centered care.

LEARN MORE
Northwest Health System

Northwest Health System

With a combined active medical staff of more than 540 physicians and 2,200, Northwest Health is one of the largest health networks in Northwest Arkansas, earning the Governor’s Award for Performance Excellence in 2021.

LEARN MORE
VA Hospital Fayetteville Arkansas

Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks

A vital resource for veterans in the region, the VA hospital provides comprehensive outpatient services such as counseling, therapy, and access to support groups. Its convenient location makes it easily accessible to veterans living in the surrounding areas.

LEARN MORE
UAMS Northwest

UAMS Northwest

UAMS Northwest Regional Campus was established in 2007 to meet the growing demand of health care professionals and to support the growth in the Northwest Arkansas region. UAMS has two family medicine clinics, in Fayetteville and Springdale, where 29 family medicine residents practice, along with additional full and part-time physicians. More than 50,000 patients in Northwest Arkansas receive care at these two clinics each year.

LEARN MORE
Community Clinic

Community Clinic

For more than a quarter of a century, Community Clinic has been dedicated to delivering high-quality and easily accessible healthcare services to the residents of Washington and Benton counties. With dedicated clinical teams working tirelessly to address a wide range of medical conditions, the Community Clinic also offers multilingual services in English, Spanish, Marshallese and more.

LEARN MORE

FAITH

FIND YOUR SPIRITUAL HOME

Home to a diverse range of religious and spiritual communities, we welcome people of all faiths. No matter your beliefs, you’ll find an inclusive and supportive community in Northwest Arkansas.

LEARN MORE

PHILANTHROPY

NWA Gives

THE MOST GENEROUS COMMUNITY IN AMERICA

Northwest Arkansas is committed to philanthropy and aspires to be recognized as one of the most generous regions in the United States.

LEARN MORE
Walton Family Foundation

WALTON FAMILY FOUNDATION

The Walton Family Foundation is a philanthropic organization established by the family of Walmart’s founder, Sam Walton. The foundation is family-led, with three generations of Sam and Helen Walton’s descendants and their spouses working collaboratively to provide access to opportunities for individuals and communities. In 2020, the foundation awarded nearly $750 million in grants to support its mission.

LEARN MORE
Excellerate Foundation

Excellerate Foundation

A catalyst for sustainable change in Northwest Arkansas for over 25 years, Excellerate Foundation strives to create a more equitable society by identifying critical needs, connecting organizations and individuals, and implementing long-lasting solutions. Excellerate’s ultimate goal is to give every individual the opportunity to thrive. The foundation’s initiatives are rooted in three strategic pillars: social support, housing, and education.

LEARN MORE
Arkansas Community Foundation

Arkansas Community Foundation

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides resources to individuals and groups across the state to help them effectively invest and manage charitable funds. By offering grant opportunities and sharing insights about community needs, the foundation supports programs and initiatives that drive meaningful change in Arkansas. Since its founding in 1976, the Arkansas Community Foundation has distributed over $393 million in grants and has collaborated with thousands of individuals and organizations to improve the quality of life in communities across Arkansas.

LEARN MORE
Walker Foundation

Walker Foundation

The Willard and Pat Walker Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to promoting charitable, religious, scientific, literary, and educational activities. The foundation provides direct support or contributions to qualified organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, with a focus on initiatives in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas.

LEARN MORE
Walmart Foundation

Walmart Foundation

The Walmart Foundation is a philanthropic organization established by Walmart Stores Inc. and seeks to create positive social and environmental impact in communities around the world. The foundation focuses on areas such as hunger relief and nutrition, promoting sustainability, increasing access to education and workforce development, and strengthening local communities. In 2022, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation provided more than $1.5 billion in cash and in-kind to support programs that align with their philanthropic priorities.

LEARN MORE

STAY IN THE KNOW

EXPLORE EDUCATION IN NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

SHOW ME