February in NWA: Real Estate Trends & Market Insights

Hometown Headlines: Your Northwest Arkansas Scoop

• Highway 112 Expansion

  • The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded a 2025 RAISE grant to the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission to fund the Highway 112 improvement project. This project, aimed at accommodating bicycles and pedestrians, includes the construction of a 17.5-mile paved trail, a multi-use path, and other infrastructure enhancements like 27 roundabouts and a widened roadway. The trail will connect key cities in the region, enhancing local transportation options and connectivity.

    The Highway 112 project will be completed in phases starting in 2025, with the first segment focusing on a 1.44-mile stretch in Fayetteville. This development aligns with regional goals to improve transportation choice, safety, and reliability. The Heritage Springs Trail will link to the larger Razorback Greenway and other Northwest Arkansas trail systems, marking a significant step in the region’s efforts to expand pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.

• NWA Rapid Growth

  • Northwest Arkansas is experiencing rapid growth, making it the fastest-growing area in the state, according to recent census data analyzed by Axios. Benton County saw the largest growth, increasing by 13.7% from 2019 to 2023, followed by Washington County with a 10.2% increase. While these counties are booming, many rural counties across northern Arkansas are facing population declines, highlighting a shift toward urbanization in the region.

    This trend of regional growth mirrors broader patterns across the U.S., with counties in Texas like Kaufman, Comal, and Hays seeing significant population increases, far surpassing Northwest Arkansas. Nationally, migration—especially international migration—has been a key driver of population growth, with the U.S. Census Bureau reporting a 3.3 million increase in the population from 2023 to 2024, largely due to rising international migration. This trend may continue to evolve, especially in light of potential political changes, such as President-elect Trump's immigration policies.

• Springdale Metro Ranks 7th Again by Milken

  • For the second consecutive year, the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers metropolitan area in Northwest Arkansas has been ranked 7th on the Milken Institute's list of the Best Performing Cities for 2025. The region has consistently ranked in the Top 10 for four years, reflecting its strong economic performance. Notable rankings include 6th for job growth from 2018-2023, 11th for high-tech GDP growth, and 16th for wage growth. The Milken Institute attributed the area's success to strong growth across various sectors, particularly the construction industry.

    As the region continues to grow, Northwest Arkansas is expected to surpass a population of 1 million residents by 2045, with Springdale predicted to become the largest city. Chamber president Bill Rogers emphasized the importance of this national recognition, noting that it highlights the area's appeal as a great place to live, work, and play. The region's economic vitality is further underscored by its ongoing efforts to create quality jobs and improve the local standard of living.

• The Collection at Uptown

  • A new three-story, 30,777-sqft building in the Pinnacle Hills area of Rogers. The new building will be home to Collier Arkansas, leading commercial real estate firm, Walker Brothers clothing and Generations Bank.

• Restaurant of the Week

  • Toca - Downtown Springdale 202 E. Emma Ave. Suite 213

    Open Monday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

    • Sister restaurant to Loma in Rogers serving unique Mexican dishes. Kick off your lunch with chips, guacamole, and a queso you don’t want to pass up. The tacos are delicious, especially with carne asada and barbacoa. The fresco bowls are true to their name: so fresh.

Featured Listing - Schedule A Private Showing With Me!

• Brandon’s Pick of The Week

  • 4 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom - $464,950

  • Welcome to Your Next Home in the Brand-New Spring Creek Farms! This stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom, 3-car garage home, featuring The "Roman" Plan, is located in an exciting new neighborhood with a community pool, playground, and future trails, all right off the new 612 exit. Designed for both style and function, it boasts a full brick exterior, covered front porch, and a back patio with TV and gas grill connections. Don’t miss the chance to own this beautifully built home in one of NWA’s newest and most convenient communities!

  • 7945 Teton Trail Avenue, Springdale, AR 72762 - Click HERE

  • Exclusively Listed By Patrick Kuhlman with NextHome NWA Pro Realty

Tune In To NWA Investing Podcast - Episode 44 Out Now, “Secrets To Real Estate Success: From Newspapers To $65M in Sales”