Madison County

When John Denver sang, "Country roads, take me home to the place I belong," he could've easily been pining for lovely Madison County, Arkansas, with its byways that wind through acres of farmland, quaint small towns and stunning Ozark Mountain scenery. "Madison County is a rural, peaceful setting," says Brent Owens, Principal Broker at Owens Realty and Auction. "It's a slower-paced, good-neighbor environment where people treat each other really well. And the scenery is crazy beautiful."

When you travel Madison County's country roads, you'll find a variety of home styles, everything from Farmhouse and Traditional to log and ranch-style homes, most sitting on an acre or more of land. The home sizes vary as much as the styles, ranging from 800 square feet for a one-bedroom, one-bath home to 3,500 or more square feet for a house with four bedrooms and three baths. According to Owens, "The majority of people live in the countryside outside of Huntsville, usually about a mile down a country road on a cattle farm. You know, a traditional farming setting." As a result, home prices tend to reflect the amount of land that comes with the house, so you'll find a range of price points. "There's a broad spectrum of prices," Owens says. "We've got homes for $100,000 and then some for over $800,000."

Most Madison County students attend Huntsville Public Schools, including St. Paul Elementary School, Watson Primary School, an Arkansas RISE literary program award winner, and Huntsville Intermediate. Older students head to St. Paul High School for seventh through twelfth grades or Huntsville Middle for sixth through eighth grades and then finish their grade school learning at Huntsville High School, the 2012 US News & World Report's Bronze Award winner for their ranking in the Best High School category.

Nestled in the Ozark Mountains with War Eagle Creek and Kings River flowing through its breathtaking landscape, Madison County is an outdoor recreation lover’s wonderland. From fishing and kayaking on War Eagle Creek to a quick swim at the Kings River Falls, from a rock climb at the De Soto Boulders to hiking and camping in Withrow Springs State Park, there's something for every kind of outdoor adventurer. "The rivers and eco-tourism make this area unique," Owens says. "All three Northwest Arkansas rivers start in Madison County, so there are a lot of water activities, like floating and fishing. And it's the scenic Ozark Mountains, so you have other outdoor recreation, too, like hiking, biking, rock climbing, and zip lining."

After you've worked up a mountain-sized appetite kayaking and hiking in the wilds of the great Ozarks, head over to the family-owned Granny's Kitchen restaurant in the county seat of Huntsville for some homestyle biscuits and chocolate gravy, a fluffy, sweet classic Arkansas breakfast. While in Huntsville, stroll around the quaint town square lined with historic buildings that house locally owned businesses, restaurants and shops, including the self-proclaimed junktique Memory Lane Antiques and Collectables, where you can find vintage clothing, used books, vinyl records and more. If you're in town on a Friday from May to August, check out the First Fridays Block Party on the Square, where you can shop from local vendors, enjoy good food and listen to live music. For everyday necessities, there's a Walmart Supercenter in the county just off Highway 412, and remember that you're only about 40 minutes from Fayetteville's shops, restaurants, and of course, Razorback Stadium.

With its beautiful farmland, charming small towns and endless outdoor adventures, Madison County might be the place you belong.

Written By

Kristen Hughes