Inside the Next Wave of NWA Downtown Revivals—and What It Means for Home Values

Downtowns are making a big comeback in Northwest Arkansas. From Bentonville’s bustling square to Prairie Grove’s historic streets, these hubs are transforming into places where neighbors gather, businesses thrive, and culture comes alive. As they do, the housing market nearby is shifting too. We pulled fresh data from the ArkansasOne MLS system, tracking homes within 1.5 miles of established downtowns and 0.5 miles of emerging ones. The story the numbers tell is clear: where downtowns grow, housing demand follows.

Why Downtown Revitalization Matters in NWA

Downtowns are often described as the heartbeat of a community. They reflect its history, showcase its culture, and create a sense of place. Revitalization efforts across NWA have focused on creating walkable districts filled with restaurants, public art, bike trails, and gathering spaces. These efforts don’t just attract visitors—they create lasting demand for housing nearby. Buyers are increasingly seeking neighborhoods that combine convenience with culture, and that’s pushing property values higher across the region.

Shining a Light on NWA’s Biggest Downtown Scenes

Bentonville

Walk through downtown Bentonville on a Saturday and you’ll feel the energy—farmers markets, food trucks, families on bikes heading to Crystal Bridges. That demand for the downtown lifestyle is showing up in home prices. Between May and August 2025, the average sale price near downtown hit just over $1 million, up more than 35% from last year. Even with homes taking about 85 days to sell, buyers are willing to wait (and pay) for a chance to live at the center of it all.

Fayetteville

Fayetteville’s downtown thrives on variety—Dickson Street nightlife, arts venues, trail access, and the pulse of the University of Arkansas. That mix continues to attract a wide range of buyers. Homes within 1.5 miles of the square averaged $601,637 in 2025, a 9% increase over 2024. With an average of 84 days on market, the pace is steady, showing that demand for Fayetteville’s cultural core isn’t slowing down.

Rogers

Downtown Rogers is hitting its stride. Once overlooked, the area is now home to breweries, coffee shops, and music venues, blending historic charm with a fresh vibe. That momentum is spilling into the housing market. This summer, homes nearby averaged $390,820, a 21% jump from last year. And with an average of just 52 days on market, Rogers stands out as one of the fastest-moving downtown housing markets in NWA.

Springdale

Springdale is a city in transition. Emma Avenue has seen new breweries, restaurants, and community spaces take root, and buyers are starting to take notice. Homes near downtown averaged $256,386 in 2025, a 7% rise from 2024. At around 55 days on market, homes are selling faster here than in larger downtowns, signaling that affordability plus revitalization is catching buyers’ attention.

Siloam Springs

Siloam Springs offers one of the most charming downtowns in the region, complete with its historic square, coffee shops, and arts scene. Yet the housing market here tells a more nuanced story. Average sale prices dipped to $255,386 in 2025, down 7% from last year. Still, with homes selling in about 68 days, there’s steady activity. For buyers, Siloam Springs represents one of the rare opportunities to live near a revitalized downtown at a more accessible price point.

The Next Wave: Emerging Downtowns Across the Region

Centerton

Centerton has big plans—a 400-acre planned downtown district, a new community center, and walkable spaces designed for the future. But right now, the housing market tells a story of opportunity. The average sale price dipped 12% year-over-year, from $360,020 to $314,800. Yet homes are still moving in just 53 days on average. For buyers, this is a rare chance to get in early before revitalization sends prices upward again.

Johnson

Small but mighty, Johnson is tucked between Fayetteville and Springdale, making it a convenient spot for commuters. Its downtown is quiet but growing, with trail access and historic character giving it charm. Homes here averaged $367,500 in 2025, a 4% increase over last year, with properties taking about 69 days to sell. Johnson feels like a hidden gem—steady, central, and full of potential.

Prairie Grove

Prairie Grove is a town where history meets possibility. Antique shops and local restaurants line downtown, with the Battlefield State Park anchoring the community. Buyers are noticing. Average home sales jumped from $229,150 in 2024 to $265,800 in 2025, a 16% increase. Even though homes take longer to sell here—an average of 89 days—that slower pace often appeals to buyers seeking a quieter, small-town lifestyle without sacrificing growth potential.

How Revitalization Is Reshaping Housing Across NWA

• Revitalized downtowns are driving higher demand and home prices—Bentonville and Rogers saw 20–35% year-over-year growth near their downtowns.
• Smaller towns like Prairie Grove are proving that modest investments can spark noticeable growth (up 16% this year).
• Buyers increasingly want walkability, culture, and community connection, and they’re willing to pay a premium for it.
• Homes closest to active downtowns tend to be more insulated from market slowdowns.

NWA Real Estate in the Next Wave

• Established downtowns (Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers, Springdale, Siloam Springs) will continue to drive strong demand.
• Emerging towns like Centerton, Prairie Grove, and Johnson offer opportunities to buy before revitalization fully blooms.
• Centerton’s planned downtown district could reshape its market in the next few years.
• For investors, these smaller towns represent early-stage opportunities; for homeowners, they mean a chance to join communities on the rise.
• The homes closest to thriving or planned downtowns are likely to see the strongest long-term appreciation.

Revitalization isn’t just reshaping Northwest Arkansas downtowns—it’s transforming the housing market around them. Whether you’re looking to buy near a thriving square, sell a home that’s gained value, or invest in one of the emerging towns before prices climb, now is the time to act.

Want to explore what downtown living—or getting in early on the next “downtown in the making”—looks like for you? Reach out to a Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette agent. We live and work here—and we’re ready to help you find your place in NWA’s evolving future.