Don't Buy in Bella Vista Until You Read This

I may be biased, but Bella Vista is my favorite city in all of Northwest Arkansas. However, if you’re thinking about buying a home in Bella Vista or relocating to Northwest Arkansas, there are a few important things you should know before you start your home search.
Bella Vista is unlike anywhere else in the region and that’s exactly what makes it so special.
Where Is Bella Vista, Arkansas?
Bella Vista is the northernmost town in Northwest Arkansas, located right at the base of the Ozark Mountains. It’s home to just under 35,000 residents, while the entire Northwest Arkansas metro area (which includes Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, and Fayetteville) has around 600,000.
Students in Bella Vista attend Bentonville, Gravette, or Pea Ridge schools depending on which part of the city they live in.
Understanding the POA and Home Prices
All of Bella Vista is part of one large Property Owners Association (POA). This means every homeowner has access to the amenities — lakes, trails, golf courses, and rec centers — but also pays small monthly dues that help maintain them.
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Median home price in Bella Vista: around $380,000
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Median home price in Bentonville: about $525,000
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Lakefront homes: typically around $1 million+
This makes Bella Vista one of the best values in Northwest Arkansas for buyers who want nature, space, and recreation without sacrificing proximity to Bentonville.
Outdoor Living in Bella Vista
Bella Vista is known for its incredible outdoor recreation and active lifestyle. The city includes:
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7 lakes
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7 golf courses
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150+ miles of multi-use and mountain bike trails
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Pools, tennis, pickleball, and rec centers
And soon, it will be home to the Oz Trails Bike Park which is Arkansas’ first downhill, lift-assisted mountain bike park, located near the center of town.
The Four Main Areas of Bella Vista
Bella Vista is all about lifestyle, and each area offers something unique. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide which part might fit you best:
1. East Side
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Home to the Back 40 Trail System
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Primarily feeds into Bentonville Schools
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Smaller fishing and kayaking lakes (except Lake Ann)
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Close to Blowing Springs and the Gear Garden, one of the most popular community hangouts
Best for: Active lifestyles, easy trail access, quick commute to Bentonville
2. Center Section
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Home to the Little Sugar Trail System and the most topography
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Location of the new Oz Trails Bike Park
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Features Lake Windsor (a wake lake), Kingsdale Tennis Center, and Bella Vista Rec Center
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Also in the Bentonville School District
Best for: Those who want to be in the middle of the action — close to trails, recreation, and community hubs
3. West Side
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The most peaceful area, home to Lake Loch Lomond, the city’s largest lake
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The only marina in Bella Vista
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Two of the most popular golf courses - Scottsdale and Highlands
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Currently no mountain bike trails (yet!), but that could change in the future
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Primarily feeds into the Gravette School District
Best for: Homebuyers looking for serenity, lake life, and golf
4. Southeast / Blowing Springs
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Connects directly to the Razorback Greenway
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Offers quick access to Bentonville
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Home to the Gear Garden and several community spaces
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Great for commuters who want access to trails and local events
Best for: Those who want a social, connected, and convenient lifestyle
Which Area Is Right for You?
If you want to be in the center of the action with a quick commute to Bentonville, look near Blowing Springs or the new bike park.
If you crave more peace and privacy, explore the west side near Loch Lomond.
The truth is, Bella Vista offers several lifestyles in one city — from lake living and golf to trail adventures and quiet wooded retreats.
Work With a Local Expert
As you can see, Bella Vista is a place where every neighborhood has its own personality. You need an agent who doesn’t just sell here but lives and breathes Bella Vista — someone who can help you find the part of town that fits your lifestyle best.
I’m Angela Branan with Real Broker NWA, known as The Bella Vista Modern Agent. I help people relocate to Northwest Arkansas with confidence and clarity — whether you’re buying your first home here or looking for your next adventure.
Download the Bella Vista Guide today www.nwamove.com/bellavistaguide to learn everything you need to know about what life looks like in Bella Vista.
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