People around the world know Bentonville as the birthplace and corporate headquarters of Walmart, the global economic powerhouse that began as a humble Main Street storefront. And even though Walmart is the undisputed business center of the city and the region (including the hundreds of vendors who have set up shop in the area to be closer to the retail giant’s home office), Bentonville retains a very cozy, down-home environment.

Even after seeing explosive growth in recent decades, the local population is still only around 50,000, the crime rate is very low, and the public schools earn top marks. Downtown is a charming district of historic buildings and hosts the monthly First Friday celebrations, which draw thousands of folks to enjoy free music performances and check out local artists at work.