Essential Guide for Newcomers to Bentonville: Links, FAQs, and Local Tips
Helpful Information For Bentonville Newcomers
I moved to Bentonville, Arkansas, a few years ago, drawn by the opportunities and quality of life Northwest Arkansas offers. Like many new residents, I quickly found myself scouring Reddit, Facebook, and Google for answers about my new home. With around 36 people moving to the area every day, it’s no surprise that the same questions pop up repeatedly: What is there to do? What’s happening now? Where do I pay my taxes?
Initially, I even considered creating a dedicated website to consolidate all this information. But I soon realized keeping it updated would be a full-time job. Thankfully, the answers we all need are already out there—the challenge is tracking them down. That’s why I’ve decided to create this page: a collection of helpful links and resources for new Bentonville residents.
To make this even more useful, I’ll also include a growing FAQ section based on the most common questions I come across on various platforms. Whether you’re new to the area or a long-time local, I hope this page serves as a central hub to make your life in Bentonville easier.
So without further ado, welcome to Arkansas!
Helpful Links
IDrive Arkansas
The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) offers a great website for checking road conditions. It also features live traffic cameras, allowing you to see real-time conditions before traveling during inclement weather.
Axios News Newsletter
More than just national headlines, their local newsletter offers valuable insights about what's happening in the area. Be sure to sign up for the daily updates—it’s a quick and informative way to stay connected with the whole NWA community.
Visit Bentonville
The official tourism website for Bentonville, offering a comprehensive calendar of upcoming events, local attractions, and community resources. It's a valuable tool for both visitors and residents to stay informed about what's happening in the area.
OkayNWA App
OkayNWA is a mobile app that aggregates events and activities from across Northwest Arkansas, making it easy to discover what’s happening nearby. With filters to sort by town, it’s perfect for staying up-to-date on Bentonville’s vibrant community events.
Bentonville Bond Extension 2021
Stay updated on upcoming and ongoing construction projects from the 2021 Bond Extension. A useful resource for tracking local infrastructure improvements.
Bentonville Subreddit
Join the Bentonville subreddit for community discussions, local events, recommendations, and advice from residents in the area. A great resource for newcomers!
Benton County Fire Marshal
Check the status of burn bans in the area.
Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission
A great resource for transportation planning, trail maps, and regional development updates. Perfect for newcomers exploring local trails or looking for bike-friendly routes.
City of Bentonville
The city’s official website provides information on city services, permits, utilities, and local government updates. Essential for getting settled in Bentonville.
Bike Bentonville
Bentonville is a biking paradise! This site offers information on bike trails, local biking events, and resources for cyclists of all levels.
Explore Washington County
While not Bentonville-specific, this site offers great tips for exploring nearby towns, outdoor adventures, and more in the surrounding area.
FAQ
What is there to do here?
Bentonville is always buzzing with activities, from music festivals and farmers markets to biking events and everything in between. A great way to keep track of what's happening is by using the OkayNWA app. This handy tool pulls event listings from various local websites, making it easy to discover upcoming happenings across Northwest Arkansas. You can even sort events by town to find something close to home. Whether you're looking for something fun to do this weekend or planning ahead, OkayNWA is a must-have resource for staying in the loop.
Can I start a fire in my backyard?
As long as there’s no burn ban in place, most areas allow burning wood in a firepit. If you’re renting, ask your landlord for permission, and always check with the fire marshal for burn ban status (check here).
Before burning, notify the county at 479-273-5530. You may only burn yard waste or for agricultural clearing operations, and you must stay with the fire until it is completely out. If you encounter any problems, call 911.
Burning household trash, tires, chemicals, construction materials, treated or untreated lumber, or other prohibited items is illegal. Open burning of anything not specifically allowed is a violation of state law.
Where do I pay my taxes?
You can pay your property taxes online through the Benton County Tax Collector's website. For sales tax inquiries, check the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration’s website. Links to these resources can be found on the City of Bentonville's official website.
Have more questions? Let me know, and I’ll keep updating this page with helpful information!
