Jonesboro, AR 68 Apartments for Rent

Jonesboro, AR: home to famous novelist, lawyer, and politician John Grisham.

Nestled upon Crowley's Ridge about an hour north of Memphis, this progressive city features a dynamic college environment, jobs galore, outdoor recreation, and some game-changing pulled pork. You won't overspend, either, as Jonesboro enjoys the distinction of being one of the ten best "Cities for Cheapskates" in the United States.

Relocating to Jonesboro

Moving to a new town is always a heady endeavor. There's a lot to consider, especially for anyone wanting to save a buck. Where are the best home rental bargains? Which area has the most free parks, museums, and food stores offering complimentary samples? Just how many dollar stores are there and how close are they to public transportation? You may have other questions, of course, and a real estate agent or apartment locator can help give you all the answers you need. Even better, their services are typically free.

If you aren't transferring with your present company, you'll probably want to find some work, and fast. Lucky for you, Jonesboro is a major regional hub for various industries including education, healthcare, manufacturing and retail services. St. Bernard's Medical Center and Arkansas State University are the area's largest employers, followed by Walmart, Hytrol Conveyor Company, and Quebecor World. Jobs typically pay less here, but that's more than made up for by the comically low cost of living.

One thing Jonesboro refuses to scrimp on is public education. There are enough teachers to provide a superior student-educator ratio, and that's part of the reason why local children score so well in skills tests and entrance exams. Jonesboro High School is particularly noteworthy, and has been recognized for three straight years as one of the nation's best high schools.

Jonesboro Neighborhoods

Jonesboro is a medium-sized city that varies a lot from district to district. Some places are college dominated, while others are alternately family-oriented, professionally-focused, or old-school blue collar. You can have a hip downtown lifestyle, or sit on your porch sipping sweet tea in an established family neighborhood. The choice is yours and the options are generally pretty good. Here's the skinny on some of the best Jonesboro has to offer:

Valley View/Gilkerson: If you find the idea of rubbing elbows with local executives appealing, this is where you should begin your housing search. Everyone is a king and queen, and backyard barbeques are where you'll hold court and chat about portfolios and luxury imports. $$$$

Pleasant Grove: Has a nice sound to it, doesn't it? It fits, too, as this established neighborhood comes complete with picket fences, long sidewalks, and a strong family vibe. You'll have to scout around for home rentals, as demand is understandably high. $$$

East Highland Drive/Harrisburg Road: Forget about apartment rentals. This neighborhood offers plenty of them, but the main draw is Demo's Barbecue & Smokehouse on South Church. The good news is that, after you pass out in blissful gustatory overload, your dining companions can quickly usher you to either of the medical centers located within easy dragging distance. $$

Arkansas State/East Johnson: Home to Arkansas State University, this lively and progressive area is largely made up of students and recent grads. Lower per capita income rates are sort of deceiving because, you know, mom and dad aren't officially counted as employers. $

Lower Harrisburg/East Lawson Road: The mall! The mall! Yes, you'll be in retail shopping heaven with the abundant box stores and ubiquitous national chains that abut this busy neighborhood. Cheapskates take note: for whatever reason, there's a nice assortment of furnished apartments available hereabouts. $$$

Downtown: Renovations in Jonesboro have created a wonderful atmosphere in the town's center. Rather than nondescript city apartments, downtown features unique and beautiful residence lofts. The streets demand leisurely strolls, and the many festivals and hip local hangouts provide for endless entertainment possibilities. $$

Living in Jonesboro

All work and no play just plain stinks. When you're through balancing accounts, performing tracheotomies or twirling a roasting boar over smoky charcoal, you'll want to kick back and relax. Don't count on a cool, cold one, though, at least not at home, as this is a dry town. Never fear, though, because there is more than enough going on around here to help you get intoxicated with life. At theArkansas State University Convocation Center, grab your foam fingers and come support your local Red Wolves basketball team. In the off-season, this big venue hosts concerts, pro wrestling spectacles and a host of conventions.

Chances are you'll really appreciate one of the six annual plays put on by the quaint community theater The Forum. If you want to spend the cash to see a more polished performance, plan a trip to the nearby Fowler Center as well.At Crowley's Ridge Nature Center, take a hike and marvel at the lush flora and fauna of the center's natural prairie preserve. Enjoy the observation tower, the revolving exhibit area, and check out the impressive two-story diorama.

At The Mall at Turtle Creek, you'll find good deals here on mass-produced clothing, electronics and specialty calendars. This impressive indoor shopping center has the distinction of being the only mall in the U.S. that opened in 2006.At Eats on Stadium, the busy retail district near the mall, you can find an array of local restaurants. Suck down sashimi at the Fugi Steakhouse or grab some fish tacos at Blue Coast Burrito. If you've got a stack of those two-for-one national coupons, you'll also find the usual mix of fast food joints and homogenous bar and grilles.

Get outdoors at Craighead Forest Park and enjoy this 692-acre gem. Stately trees, wending trails, and a picturesque lake offer leisurely recreation, while the sports fields, courts, playgrounds, and disc golf course provide more heart-pounding activities. Don't miss the annual 4th in the Forest celebration.