Investors are swarming Arkansas—and they’ve got receipts. According to Zillow’s Home Value Index, 12 towns across the state are seeing price spikes that go way beyond normal market growth. From 2022 to 2025, values in these spots have surged fast, and it’s not just organic demand—it’s investor money flooding in, flipping homes, and tightening supply. These towns aren’t the usual suspects either. Some are small, off-the-radar, and suddenly buzzing with real estate deals. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or just gawk at the frenzy, here’s where the action is—and just how intense it’s getting.
12. Cabot – Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor 24% in May 2025
- Historical annual growth rate (2012–2022): 3.31%
- Recent annual growth rate (2022–2025): 4.11%
- Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor: 24.00%
- Current 2025 price: $246,662.17
Cabot has seen a steady rise in home prices over the last decade, but growth picked up more sharply after 2022. A historical growth rate of 3.31% climbed to 4.11% in recent years, signaling stronger interest—particularly from investors. With home prices now averaging just under $250K, the town is becoming a more prominent target for buyers looking outside larger metro areas.
Cabot – A Popular Pick for Commuters and Families
Located just northeast of Little Rock, Cabot is a suburban city known for its family-friendly vibe and strong school system. It’s popular with commuters who want a quieter lifestyle without losing access to city amenities. The town’s clean neighborhoods, local parks, and stable economy make it an attractive choice for families—and increasingly, for investors hoping to rent or flip properties. The price jump since 2022 reflects that growing appeal.
Cabot’s affordability compared to nearby cities makes it a practical entry point into the Arkansas market, especially with rising demand. New developments and commercial growth are starting to take shape, adding fuel to the upward pricing trend. While it’s not the most explosive market on this list, it’s one to watch for long-term gains.
11. McRae – Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor 26% in May 2025
- Historical annual growth rate (2012–2022): 3.21%
- Recent annual growth rate (2022–2025): 4.05%
- Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor: 26.00%
- Current 2025 price: $183,007.19
In McRae, price growth has edged up from a stable 3.21% annually to over 4% in recent years, with the average home now priced at just over $183K. The 26% increase in investor intensity suggests that this quiet town is drawing interest from buyers looking to get in ahead of a broader surge.
McRae – A Small Town on Investors’ Radar
McRae sits in White County, not far from Searcy. It’s a small, unassuming community, but its location along Highway 67 gives it strategic appeal for anyone eyeing future development in the region. Investors looking for low buy-in costs and room for appreciation are taking note.
With a limited number of listings and slowly rising demand, McRae is one of those towns where small movements in buyer activity can shift prices noticeably. It’s not flashy, but its accessibility and affordability make it a viable option for those watching secondary markets with growth potential.
10. Greers Ferry – Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor 27% in May 2025
- Historical annual growth rate (2012–2022): 3.09%
- Recent annual growth rate (2022–2025): 3.92%
- Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor: 27.00%
- Current 2025 price: $262,917.43
Greers Ferry’s growth hasn’t been the most dramatic on the list, but the steady uptick from 3.09% to 3.92% tells a clear story of rising demand. With homes now averaging over $260K, it’s emerging as a sought-after spot for lifestyle buyers and investors alike.
Greers Ferry – Lakefront Living That’s Heating Up
This scenic town is best known for its proximity to Greers Ferry Lake, a recreational hub popular with boaters, anglers, and vacationers. That lakefront lifestyle has increasingly drawn interest from out-of-town buyers, weekenders, and short-term rental investors.
Tourism plays a role in local demand, but so does the appeal of retirement living and remote work. Properties near the water, especially those with views or dock access, are commanding higher prices. Investors are clearly picking up on these patterns—and the price trend reflects it.
9. Ward – Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor 31% in May 2025
- Historical annual growth rate (2012–2022): 4.03%
- Recent annual growth rate (2022–2025): 5.29%
- Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor: 31.00%
- Current 2025 price: $208,481.58
Ward’s recent annual growth rate of 5.29% outpaces its previous decade of 4.03%, and the average home price now sits just above $208K. The 31% jump in investor-driven momentum makes it one of the more active smaller markets on the list.
Ward – Growth Fueled by Proximity to Metro Jobs
Ward is part of the Little Rock–North Little Rock–Conway metro area, giving it solid appeal to buyers who want easy access to city employment without urban congestion. The town has seen slow but steady development, including new subdivisions and infrastructure upgrades.
As affordability in larger neighboring cities tightens, Ward stands out for offering decent-sized homes at accessible prices. Investors likely see the gap between current prices and long-term value, which helps explain the stronger post-2022 growth surge.
8. Harrison – Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor 36% in May 2025
- Historical annual growth rate (2012–2022): 4.87%
- Recent annual growth rate (2022–2025): 6.62%
- Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor: 36.00%
- Current 2025 price: $228,736.86
Harrison’s already-strong historical growth of nearly 5% has jumped to 6.62% annually since 2022. That 36% increase in investor intensity lines up with a growing reputation as one of the state’s more balanced small cities—with affordability, services, and economic activity all in the mix.
Harrison – An Economic Hub for North Arkansas
Harrison serves as a regional hub in Boone County, sitting between the Ozark Mountains and the Buffalo National River. Its downtown area is active, and the city has a diversified economy, with manufacturing, tourism, and healthcare all contributing to local stability.
For investors, Harrison’s appeal is rooted in both its livability and its affordability. It has more housing inventory than smaller towns, but prices are still manageable. Add in natural surroundings and steady job growth, and it’s no surprise investor interest has accelerated since 2022.
7. Diamond City – Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor 49% in May 2025
- Historical annual growth rate (2012–2022): 5.45%
- Recent annual growth rate (2022–2025): 8.13%
- Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor: 49.00%
- Current 2025 price: $158,580.85
Diamond City’s growth curve took a sharp turn after 2022. Already growing at a healthy 5.45%, it leapt to over 8% annually, pushing the current average home price just under $160K. A nearly 50% jump in investor activity makes this one of the fastest-heating small towns in Arkansas.
Diamond City – Lakeside Real Estate With Room to Rise
Diamond City hugs the shores of Bull Shoals Lake in northern Boone County, and its lakeside location is a big part of the draw. With fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation year-round, the area is gaining attention from buyers seeking vacation properties or long-term rentals in quiet, scenic surroundings.
At under $160K, average prices are still low compared to what similar waterfront towns fetch in other states. That leaves plenty of headroom for appreciation—especially as more people look to rural destinations with outdoor perks. It’s no wonder investors are circling faster now than ever.
6. Perryville – Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor 50% in May 2025
- Historical annual growth rate (2012–2022): 3.43%
- Recent annual growth rate (2022–2025): 5.12%
- Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor: 50.00%
- Current 2025 price: $154,238.99
Perryville’s recent growth jump—from 3.43% to 5.12% annually—coincides with a surge of investor interest that has doubled in the last three years. Homes now average just over $154K, placing it among the most affordable towns experiencing significant price acceleration.
Perryville – Affordable, Scenic, and Gaining Steam
Brandonrush, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains and surrounded by forestland, Perryville offers rural charm within commuting distance of Little Rock. Outdoor attractions like Lake Sylvia and nearby trail systems give it unique appeal to retirees, weekenders, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Its affordability is hard to ignore. For under $160K, buyers can still find move-in-ready homes, something that’s increasingly rare across the state. As a result, Perryville is showing signs of becoming a rural hotspot where investors can stretch their dollars and ride the wave of increased interest.
5. Judsonia – Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor 56% in May 2025
- Historical annual growth rate (2012–2022): 4.18%
- Recent annual growth rate (2022–2025): 6.52%
- Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor: 56.00%
- Current 2025 price: $177,625.33
Judsonia’s home values have picked up significant pace since 2022, jumping from a historical growth of 4.18% to over 6.5%. At under $180K, its current pricing remains modest—but the 56% frenzy factor shows that investors aren’t overlooking this small-town market.
Judsonia – Small Town Feel, Surging Investor Appeal
Judsonia lies in White County, just a short drive from the larger city of Searcy. While small in population, it offers the kind of laid-back lifestyle and low cost of living that’s becoming harder to find. Its proximity to Searcy’s amenities adds convenience without the congestion.
With more remote workers and out-of-state buyers exploring Arkansas, towns like Judsonia are getting fresh attention. Investors are likely responding to strong rental demand and relative affordability, betting on steady returns as prices climb faster than the state average.
4. Manila – Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor 83% in May 2025
- Historical annual growth rate (2012–2022): 3.28%
- Recent annual growth rate (2022–2025): 6.00%
- Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor: 83.00%
- Current 2025 price: $191,802.32
In Manila, annual price growth has nearly doubled since 2022, jumping from a modest 3.28% to a sharp 6%. At just under $192K, homes are still affordable, but investor activity has exploded—an 83% increase points to high expectations for continued appreciation.
Manila – A Northeast Arkansas Market on the Move
Located in Mississippi County near the Missouri border, Manila is part of the Arkansas Delta region, known for its flat farmland and quiet communities. But things are changing. Recent infrastructure investments, proximity to larger employment hubs, and increasing interest from buyers priced out of other areas are all putting Manila on the radar.
It may not have the glam of tourist towns, but its steady growth and economic repositioning are clear. Investors are likely betting on longer-term plays here—especially with new commercial developments expanding in nearby areas. The recent price spike reflects that shift in momentum.
3. Rector – Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor 85% in May 2025
- Historical annual growth rate (2012–2022): 5.03%
- Recent annual growth rate (2022–2025): 9.30%
- Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor: 85.00%
- Current 2025 price: $92,225.88
Rector’s home values have jumped dramatically in recent years, with annual growth climbing from 5.03% to a startling 9.3%. That 85% increase in investor intensity is one of the highest in the state—and with homes still averaging under $100K, it’s easy to see why demand has surged.
Rector – Low Entry Point, Big Investor Energy
Located in Clay County in northeast Arkansas, Rector is a small farming town that has long flown under the radar. But now, its ultra-low home prices and rapid appreciation are turning heads. With prices barely above $90K, investors see major upside, especially for rentals or flips.
Growth this sharp usually signals a mix of opportunity and scarcity. Whether it’s low inventory, improved connectivity, or buyers flooding into cheaper rural areas, Rector is moving fast. The numbers back it up—and it’s already outpacing many larger, more expensive markets across the state.
2. Searcy – Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor 87% in May 2025
- Historical annual growth rate (2012–2022): 3.01%
- Recent annual growth rate (2022–2025): 5.62%
- Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor: 87.00%
- Current 2025 price: $215,089.10
Searcy has experienced a significant jump in home price growth over the last three years, climbing from a historical average of 3.01% to 5.62%. The average home now costs just over $215K, and with an 87% increase in investor activity, it’s clear this isn’t just organic demand—it’s a feeding frenzy.
Searcy – A Regional Center with Rising Demand
Searcy is the largest city in White County and serves as a regional economic and educational hub. It’s home to Harding University, a strong hospital system, and a mix of retail and manufacturing employers. The blend of affordability and amenities makes it appealing to both families and real estate investors.
Recent improvements to infrastructure and steady population growth have created more demand than the housing supply can easily absorb. That imbalance has pushed prices up quickly since 2022. Investors see the potential for both short-term gains and long-term stability in a town that continues to attract residents and businesses alike.
1. Mount Ida – Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor 99% in May 2025
- Historical annual growth rate (2012–2022): 4.44%
- Recent annual growth rate (2022–2025): 8.83%
- Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor: 99.00%
- Current 2025 price: $234,341.00
Mount Ida tops the list with the most intense surge in investor activity—up 99% compared to the town’s previous decade of growth. Prices have nearly doubled their growth rate, moving from a strong 4.44% to a blazing 8.83% annually. Homes now average around $234K, a number that seemed far off just a few years ago.
Mount Ida – Outdoor Appeal Meets Investment Heat
Set in Montgomery County and surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest, Mount Ida is often called the “Quartz Crystal Capital of the World.” Its charm comes from a mix of small-town atmosphere and easy access to outdoor recreation—Lake Ouachita, hiking trails, and scenic drives all draw seasonal visitors and retirees alike.
The lifestyle appeal has always been there, but now investors are catching on in full force. Remote work has opened the door for more people to settle in places like Mount Ida, where natural beauty and small-town living go hand in hand. As demand rises and inventory stays tight, prices have spiked—and the data shows no sign of slowing down.
