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Real Estate & Relocation :
Retirement :
Nearby Attractions :
Education
Businesses :
Maps/Directions/Distance
While rocking chair retirement may be great for some, an increasing number of retirees would rather enjoy their golden years in a environment that fosters activity and fun. No place on earth offers as many prospects for seniors to enjoy myriad activities, employment opportunities, a moderate cost of living, a low crime rate, scenic beauty, and a climate that enjoys all four seasons.
Harrison, named as "one of the best small towns in America" by Norm Crampton, is one of the fastest growing areas in the country for retirees. With a population of just above 13,000, Harrison offers a sense of community; a small town with homespun family values that appeals to many who grew up during a simpler time.
Climate
The Climate is moderate with four distinct seasons and favors outdoor activities. Each season is special; from flowering springtime, through summer fun and colorful autumn to exciting winter which offers both sunshine and snowfall. The average winter temperature is 45 degrees, and the average summer temperature is 92 degrees. Precipitation is usually well distributed throughout the year. One or more snowfalls occur each winter, but the snow cover usually only remains for a few days. Elevation is 1,359 above sea level.
Recreation
Many activities are available in the area. Boone County has two country clubs with golf courses and a racquet club. Five major lakes (Bull Shoals, Norfork, Table Rock, Beaver and Taneycomo) and three major rivers (White, Buffalo, King) are close by for fishing, boating and other water sports. City parks provide tennis and basketball courts, picnic facilities, a walking trail, fishing, playground equipment and a municipal pool. The Sports Complex hosts annual sports tournaments, and the large multipurpose Youth Center is a facility for groups and organizations of all types and ages. Also in Harrison, birding enthusiasts and nature lovers can visit a remnant of tall grass prairie set aside as an Arkansas Natural Area, Baker Prairie. Five Arkansas plant species live in this natural area which is home to animal species of special concern. Baker Prairie is growing in popularity as a bird sanctuary.
Clubs and Organizations
There are many diverse civic, service and social clubs and organizations available in the area. Kiwanis, Lions, Rotary, Business and Professional Women, Newcomers, League of Women Voters, Senior, RSVP and Garden Clubs are available as well as Veteran and Fraternal Organizations. The Ozark Arts Council is a non-profit organization to promote and encourage the arts in Harrison. The O.A.C. is made up seven arts-related organizations: The Buffalo River Concert Association, The Harrison Art League, The North Central Arkansas College Pioneer Players, The Theatre Company, The Twentieth Century Club and the Woman's Book Club. The Lyric Theater, on the Harrison downtown square, is owned by the O.A.C. and ahs been renovated for live performances. Plays, concerts, youth events and community activities take place in the theater. Year-round schedules of weekly events are planned.
Boone County Library
Over 65,000 volumes in the collection provide a full range of materials that patrons normally desire. There is an excellent children's collection, a large print collection, genealogy collection, small forms collection, Internet access computers, meetings and program facilities. Friends of the Library are active in supporting and helping keep the library updated. The library is located at 221 West Stephenson.
Senior Programs
The Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Arkansas assists seniors adults discover a world of activity and support. This organization helps in making senior years fulfilling, productive and easier. Each spring a crowd of more than 250 seniors converge on Harrison to participate in the Northwest Arkansas (AAA NW Arkansas) Senior Games track and field, pool tournament, and archery. Other events include: walks, dashes and runs, shot put, discus, running jump, javelin, dominoes, horse shoes, checkers, daisy air gun, basketball, football throw and many other events.
The Boone County Senior Center offers socialization opportunities and a wide variety of things to do. Some of the activities offered are outings, games, exercise room, library, TV/DVD player, pool tables, educational programs, and computers classes. The Center also provides transportation, congregate meals, home delivered meals, information and assistance.
Medical Care
Excellent health care from North Arkansas Regional Medical Center is available. A fully certified medical facility provides a wide range of services. There is a 24-hour emergency service with physician, staff ambulances with ambulance sub stations located in surrounding communities. There are a wide variety of physicians in the area to treat almost any medical need.
Economy
The economy in Harrison is strong and unemployment is low. The real estate market is vibrant! Low real estate taxes attract many people to Harrison and the cost and availability of nice homes and land is abundant. A lovely area just waiting for you.
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