A Lively Mountain Town In Arkansas With A Below Average Cost Of Living Is Full Of Boutiques And Restaurants

Eureka Springs is a small town in Arkansas that is the nexus of many natural wonders, including caverns, lakes, rivers, and the beautiful Ozark Mountains. Beyond just the majestic surrounding landscape, Eureka Springs is a one-of-a-kind place that has charm to spare in the form of shops, attractions, and places to eat, as well as a cost of living that's well below average in the United States.

A single person, on average, can live on $2,300 each month or $27,600 for the year in Eureka Springs, which puts it 51.8% below the national average. The same data showed that a family can meet their cost of living needs for only $4,140 each month or about $49,680 annually, making Eureka Springs 23.3% cheaper for families than the rest of America.

Arkansas is one of the cheapest U.S. states to live in (even if it is not high-ranking in some other respects, like safety and economy). It is also one of the cheapest states in the US for retirement. Making a home in Eureka Springs means you can live comfortably on less and still enjoy everything the small mountain town has to offer.

While many others are trying to calculate how much it really costs to live the "American dream" for a lifetime, roughly 300 out of the 2,000 residents of Eureka Springs are working artists, putting together shows and pieces in local shops and galleries, making a living off their crafts. Unique attractions in town include Haunted Eureka Springs, where a spooky walking tour starts at $18.99 per person and a ghost hunting experience is $90 per person. The Thorncrown Chapel is another draw, with 425 windows and 6,000 square feet of glass. If you like, you can even attend a Sunday service for free to enjoy the space; all people are welcome regardless of faith or religion.

Anyone looking for decent-priced barbecue can find dinners between about $11 and $32 at Bubba's BBQ, or head to the Main Street Café for breakfast and lunch options for $12 or less, based on TripAdvisor reviews. Retail lovers can check out shops such as The Ladybug Emporium boutique, the Lazy One clothing store, and aMUSEd Fine Art & Extraordinary Books, which offers an assortment of children's books for under $20. In this small Arkansas town, there is a little something for everyone, and you do not have to be wealthy to enjoy all Eureka Springs has to offer.