Any advice?

We are seriously thinking about trying to move to NW Arkansas....the Harrison, Fayetteville, Eureka Springs area. We're just FED UP with NJ and can't take it any longer. Since DH got laid off 6 weeks ago and hasn't had one prospect of a new job, and since the housing market here is "hot" (so I'm told), now seems as good of a time as any to try to get out of here.

Does anyone have any information about that area? I've been looking on the web for places in the country (we want peace and quiet and horses!!), and of course, a place for a garden......but I'm not really trusting the info I'm getting from the realtors. (Like one scoffed at me when I told her I was investigating Harrison, she said "Well you KNOW that it used to be the captial of the KKK". Well, no I didn't and no, I don't want that! But my instincts tell me she was just peeved that I didn't want to pursue HER town! (They didn't have the properties we were looking for).

I know that this whole country is in a recession, but I can't seem to find ANY jobs (computer related unless it's for programmers, which DH isn't) that are around that area. Also, DH has a BS degree in Vocational Education as well as in computers (mainly networking, helpdesk, email security, etc).

With me being disabled I can't work, so it's gonna be a tough move no matter how we look at it and the whole idea is pretty overwhelming right now. So, I thought maybe some one on this site might be able to give me some advice or information that might be able to help. Everyone here has always been so nice, and I thought maybe if I asked, I wouldn't feel so alone in all of this. I would appreciate any help anyone could provide.

Thanks much!
mom2cats

Holly I hope someone comes up with answers for you. I think of you most days and wish there was more I could do!! I didn't realize you wanted to move that far - thought you might have come to VA :-) Two families from DG are moving this way and having some very favourable results re jobs and land.

All I know about the area is it is very pretty country, and much better climate than New Jersey.

Holly try Switchboard for your searches. They give lots of info and something else occurred to me!! When I was moving this way, I phoned the police and asked about crime in the area. You could pick out somewhere you would like to be, where jobs were available and start phoning or emailing people in authority. I never listen to realtors and as far as I'm concerned have never really helped me much. Apologies to those realtors who do a good job!!! I hope you and your DH find something soon!!

Thanks -- Had never heard of switchboard before. I have done research on the towns -- most of them have demographic data listed -- crime rates, etc. (Pretty low crime rate overall in that whole NW AR area). I've got a list of principals for schools I need to write letters for James for to see if maybe they're looking for teachers....I guess if this is all meant to be, it will happen. Just kind of wish that God would give me some idea of what I'm supposed to be doing!!!! :-)

Mom2cats...try emailing bitty1...she is from Pine Bluff (I think...without looking her up)...and she sure does post some goood cooking on here!!! Jo

Thanks Roadrunner -- I wrote her -- if she gets mad at me, I told her you suggested it! :-) tee hee!