When you narrow Arkansas down to its safer pockets, retirement starts to look more relaxed and predictable: quieter streets, familiar faces, and local routines that don’t feel high-stress. In places like
Bryant,
Bella Vista,
Cabot,
Benton, and
Sherwood, lower violent and property crime rates sit alongside parks, community centers, and nearby hospitals, so you’re not giving up everyday comfort to feel more secure.
This guide looks at the safest places to retire in Arkansas so you can line up each city’s crime numbers, weather risks, and healthcare access with the level of safety you want in this stage of life.
Our Top Picks for Retirees
• Bella Vista for an exceptionally secure retirement in a scenic community with the state's lowest violent crime rates.
• Bryant for a well-protected lifestyle that balances safety with easy access to specialized regional medical centers.
• Cabot for a reliable, small-town atmosphere where low crime meets a supportive and engaged senior community.
• Benton for a high sense of security in a town known for its neighborly spirit and quality local healthcare.
• Sherwood for a protected retirement experience that offers both peace of mind and excellent geriatric services.
What Are The Safest Places to Retire in Arkansas?
Bryant
- Violent Crime Rate: 0.7 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 15.8 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate, with occasional tornadoes
Bryant consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in Arkansas, making it an ideal choice for retirees seeking tranquility and security. The city offers a robust healthcare infrastructure, including the nearby
Saline Memorial Hospital, which provides a variety of services specifically aimed at older adults. These include a dedicated geriatric program that focuses on age-related health issues, rehabilitation services, and access to outpatient therapy. Additionally, the hospital offers wellness programs tailored for seniors, such as fall prevention classes and nutritional counseling.
Bella Vista
- Violent Crime Rate: 0.5 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 7.4 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate, particularly during tornado season
Nestled in the Ozarks, Bella Vista offers stunning natural beauty alongside a low crime rate, making it an attractive destination for retirees. The town features various recreational activities, including an extensive network of hiking trails and lakes perfect for fishing and kayaking, catering to active lifestyles.
Access to healthcare services is facilitated by nearby facilities, such as
Northwest Medical Center, which offers comprehensive care, including specialized services for seniors, such as physical therapy and wellness programs tailored to older adults. Residents also benefit from community health
initiatives designed to promote wellness and healthy aging.
If a couple of Arkansas towns are starting to feel like front‑runners, it can help to gut‑check them against our
Arkansas senior living directory. Seeing which communities are actually operating in those areas — and how they talk about safety, staffing, and support — can tell you a lot about what day‑to‑day life there might really feel like.
Cabot
- Violent Crime Rate: 0.8 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 18.9 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate, with potential tornado activity
Cabot is well-known for its friendly community and low crime rates, making it a favorable option for retirees. The city hosts numerous parks and recreational facilities, encouraging an active lifestyle. Access to healthcare is robust, with the
Cabot Medical Center providing essential services, including preventive care and rehabilitation tailored for seniors. While Cabot faces some
risks from tornadoes, the community is proactive in implementing safety measures to protect its residents.
Benton
- Violent Crime Rate: 1.1 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 20.5 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate, particularly from tornadoes
Benton boasts a rich history and a welcoming community, perfect for retirees looking to settle down. The town offers various amenities and activities tailored for seniors—perfect for seniors who want to be more active in their golden years. Healthcare access is robust, with [Saline Memorial Hospital nearby, providing essential medical services, including wellness programs and specialized care for older adults.
Sherwood
- Violent Crime Rate: 1.3 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 18.1 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate, with risks from severe storms
Sherwood combines low crime rates with a variety of community services, making it an attractive retirement destination. The city has several parks and recreational options for seniors, contributing to a fulfilling lifestyle. Healthcare access is provided by the nearby
Baptist Health Medical Center, which offers specialized services for older adults, including wellness programs and chronic disease management.
What Are the Best Healthcare Facilities in Arkansas for Seniors?
Arkansas has a range of healthcare facilities catering specifically to seniors. Notable hospitals in the safest cities include:
- Bryant: Saline Memorial Hospital provides comprehensive care and specialized services for seniors.
- Bella Vista: Northwest Medical Center offers a variety of medical services and senior care programs.
- Cabot: Cabot Medical Center is dedicated to meeting the healthcare needs of retirees.
- Benton: Saline Memorial Hospital delivers excellent healthcare tailored for older adults.
- Sherwood: Baptist Health Medical Center provides specialized geriatric services and comprehensive care.
Is Arkansas Senior-Friendly and Accessible?
Arkansas has made significant strides in becoming more senior-friendly, focusing on improving healthcare access and community services tailored for older adults. Many cities in the state are adopting age-friendly practices, ensuring that retirees can engage in active and fulfilling lifestyles.
For example, the
Arkansas Department of Human Services (ADHS) has launched initiatives aimed at enhancing support for senior citizens, including home and community-based services that enable older adults to live independently.
The state provides resources such as the Arkansas Senior Corps, which connects seniors with volunteer opportunities that not only benefit the community but also promote active living .
What City Has the Lowest Crime Rate?
Bella Vista holds the title for the lowest crime rate among the safest cities to retire in Arkansas. In 2024, Bella Vista reported a violent crime rate of just 0.5 incidents per 1,000 people and a property crime rate of 7.4 incidents per 1,000 people, making it an exceptionally safe option for retirees looking for a peaceful place to settle.
Ready to Explore Arkansas Senior Living Options?
In Arkansas, the town that looks safest on paper is not always the one that feels safest once you factor in lighting, traffic, medical access, and how often you’ll be out and about.
Our
Arkansas senior living directory lets you look at senior living options in Arkansas through that lens, so you can focus on communities in neighborhoods that feel calm, well‑supported, and realistic for how you actually live.
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