Let the numbers do the talking.
Cabot, AR vs Fort Smith, AR
Cabot, AR vs Fort Smith, AR: What the data shows
Cabot, AR is in Cabot, AR while Fort Smith, AR is in Fort Smith, AR — both in the same state. On home prices, Fort Smith, AR is the more affordable option at $112,500 median — $77,700 less than Cabot, AR's $190,200. WYLT rates Cabot, AR as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Fort Smith, AR as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Cabot, AR has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Fort Smith, AR has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Cabot, AR has Low flood risk and Fort Smith, AR has Low flood risk.
Fort Smith, AR is the more walkable neighborhood. Cabot, AR scores 3/100 (car-dependent) versus Fort Smith, AR's 11/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Fort Smith, AR has the higher school rating — Cabot, AR rates 6.5/10 and Fort Smith, AR rates 7/10.
| Category | Cabot, AR | Fort Smith, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Think twice |
| Median Price | $190K | $113K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $962 | $768 ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $73K ✓ Higher income | $42K |
| Price Volatility | Low ✓ More stable | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 3/100 | 11/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 2/100 ✓ Better transit | Minimal transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | N/A |
| Commute | 35 min | N/A |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good ✓ Cleaner air | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 6.5/10 | 7/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | Families looking for a quiet suburbCommuters to Little RockAffordable first‑time home buyers | First-time home buyersBudget-conscious rentersFamilies looking for a safe, low-flood area |
Bottom line
For a first-time home buyer, Fort Smith offers lower housing costs with relatively comparable schools, but also higher crime and less vibrant neighborhoods. For families seeking a quiet, safe community with decent schools, Cabot might be a better fit despite its higher median home price. Ultimately, Cabot provides a more balanced suburban experience with better schools and lower flood risk, while Fort Smith is a more affordable but less desirable option.
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