Mila Supinskaya Glashchenko // Shutterstock

- Population: 2,476
- Median home value: $189,800
- Median rental price: $769

- Top schools nearby: Bethel Middle School (grade A), Benton High School (grade A), Perrin Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Pulaski Academy (grade A+), Southwest Christian Academy (grade B), Arkansas Christian Academy (grade C)

- Overall Niche grade: A−
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: A
--- Outdoor activities grade: C+

#5. Salem, Arkansas

Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock

- Population: 3,659
- Median home value: $185,400
- Median rental price: $1,221

- Top schools nearby: Mountain Springs Elementary School (grade A−), Cabot Freshman Academy (grade A−), Cabot Junior High North (grade A−)
- Top private schools nearby: Jacksonville Christian Academy (grade B), Victory Baptist School (grade unavailable), New Horizon Academy (grade unavailable)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: A−
--- Outdoor activities grade: B

#4. Austin, Arkansas

F8 studio // Shutterstock

- Population: 3,444
- Median home value: $140,300
- Median rental price: $982

- Top schools nearby: Bethel Middle School (grade A), Springhill Elementary School (grade A), Collegeville Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Pulaski Academy (grade A+), The Episcopal Collegiate School (grade A+), Central Arkansas Christian Schools (grade A)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: A−
--- Outdoor activities grade: C+

#3. Alexander, Arkansas

FamVeld // Shutterstock

- Population: 19,183
- Median home value: $261,100
- Median rental price: $976

- Top schools nearby: LISA Academy North Middle-High School - High School (grade A), Maumelle Charter Elementary School (grade A), Maumelle Charter High School (grade A−)
- Top private schools nearby: Pulaski Academy (grade A+), The Episcopal Collegiate School (grade A+), Little Rock Christian Academy (grade A)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B+
--- Cost of living grade: B+
--- Outdoor activities grade: B+

#2. Maumelle, Arkansas

PeopleImages.com - Yuri A // Shutterstock

- Population: 20,750
- Median home value: $209,300
- Median rental price: $932

- Top schools nearby: Bethel Middle School (grade A), Springhill Elementary School (grade A), Collegeville Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Pulaski Academy (grade A+), The Episcopal Collegiate School (grade A+), Central Arkansas Christian Schools (grade A)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: B
--- Cost of living grade: A−
--- Outdoor activities grade: C+

This story features data reporting and writing by Emma Rubin and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 67 metros.

#1. Bryant, Arkansas