Northwest Arkansas continues to experience unprecedented growth in new home construction and infrastructure expansion, directly impacting land values, home prices, and investment opportunities. As new roadways, highways, and transit improvements are completed, demand for land and homes in these areas steadily rises, creating a stronger market for buyers and investors.
Infrastructure: The Catalyst for Increasing Home & Land Values
I-49 Expansion & Bella Vista Bypass: Unlocking New Real Estate Markets
Current widening projects along I-49 will further enhance real estate demand as travel times improve and traffic congestion eases.
Studies have shown that homes located within near new highway expansion see a 4-24% increase in property value. Although residential properties located directly off of the highways could have mixed values. While properties that can be rezoned to commercial may gain value and those that are impacted by the noise could see a negative correlation.
Although, the completion of the Bella Vista Bypass has significantly improved commuting times and accessibility between Northwest Arkansas and Missouri, making nearby land and homes more desirable and increasing property values.
Highway 612 (Springdale Northern Bypass) & Future Connections
Areas near future bypass exits tend to see increased land demand for commercial and residential development, further boosting land prices in those regions.
The Highway 612 expansion will create a direct link between I-49 and U.S. Route 412, making it easier to access fast-growing areas like Springdale, Tontitown, and east Washington County (Highway 612 Expansion Details).
Highway 112 Expansion: A Key Corridor for Growth
The Highway 112 Corridor Improvement Project is set to modernize and expand Highway 112 from Fayetteville through Tontitown, Elm Springs, Cave Springs, and Bentonville, improving connectivity in one of Northwest Arkansas’s fastest-growing areas.
Widening & Safety Enhancements – The project includes widening sections of the highway to four lanes, adding traffic circles, adding turn lanes, and making intersection improvements to accommodate increased traffic.
Development Potential – This corridor runs through major residential and commercial growth areas, making land along the highway highly desirable for new subdivisions, retail centers, and mixed-use developments.
Market Impact – Properties near Highway 112 are expected to appreciate as access improves, following similar trends seen in areas near other major road expansions.
As more businesses and housing developments emerge along this corridor, land values and home prices will continue to rise, making it a promising area for real estate investments.
XNA Airport Expansion & Economic Growth
The Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) has significantly expanded its direct flight offerings, now providing nonstop flights to over 20 destinations across the United States, including major hubs like Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, and Denver.
Economic Impact on Real Estate
Expanding airports play a critical role in regional economic growth, affecting both commercial and residential real estate markets. A study by CBRE Research found that industrial real estate properties near major airports have experienced a rental rate increase of 18.8% over a five-year period, outpacing other industrial submarkets. This trend is primarily driven by logistics, e-commerce, and supply chain operations that benefit from proximity to major transportation hubs.
XNA’s Influence on Northwest Arkansas Real Estate
With record-breaking passenger growth surpassing 1 million passengers for the first time in 2024 XNA’s expansion continues to position Northwest Arkansas as a growing business hub, increasing demand for housing, commercial spaces, and industrial developments. As air travel accessibility improves, investors and homebuyers looking for long-term appreciation should consider areas within a 5 to 15-mile radius of XNA, where growth is expected to continue at a strong pace.
How Infrastructure Projects Directly Impact Real Estate
Research from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) shows that properties near transportation infrastructure tend to appreciate more quickly than those in less accessible areas. Homes located near public transit systems saw higher property values and stronger price resilience during economic downturns (NAR & APTA Report, 2019). Similarly, road expansions and improved accessibilitycan increase demand for nearby properties, making them attractive for long-term investment. Buyers looking for strategic growth opportunities should consider areas with planned infrastructure improvements, as they often experience above-average price appreciation over time.
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Future-Proofing Investments
Example: The I-49 corridor through Bentonville and Rogers saw an explosion of commercial growth, leading to home price increases of over 40% in just five years (Talk Business & Politics).
As new roads are built, businesses expand, bringing retail centers, offices, and dining options all of which increase home desirability and property values.
Commercial Growth Boosts Property Values
New roads reduce travel times, making once rural areas more accessible. As a result, landowners can sell at a premium, and homebuyers are willing to pay more for properties with improved access to highways and employment hubs.
Real Estate Impacts: Current Market Trends & Projections
Northwest Arkansas Growth Rate Exceeds National Averages – The region’s population has increased by over 20% in the last decade, outpacing the U.S. average and driving sustained housing demand (Axios Northwest Arkansas).
New Construction Sales Prices Continue to Climb – The median price for a new home in Benton County has risen 47% and 39% in Washington County since 2019, driven partly by improved infrastructure attracting more buyers.
Land Values Are Rising – The median lot price in Bentonville is now $275,000, with other cities seeing similar increases. As infrastructure expands, expect further appreciation.
Invest in Growth Areas – Look for homes or land near new roads, highways, and business expansions. These areas often appreciate faster than the overall market.
Watch for Infrastructure Announcements – Projects like the Highway 612 expansion and I-49 improvements will create hot new real estate markets.
Timing Matters – Buying before a major infrastructure project is completed often leads to the highest return on investment.
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Desiree Stock, Executive Broker, Collier & Associates
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Real estate markets fluctuate, and individual circumstances vary. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor or real estate professional before making investment decisions.
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Springdale New Business
Casa Magnolia is a vibrant new cafe and community space in downtown Springdale that offers something for everyone. Guests can enjoy breakfast burritos, browse a pay-what-you-can bookstore, grab ice cream from Sweet Dream Creamery, and explore local art displays. Founded by Rafael Rios and his family, Casa Magnolia aims to create an inclusive space for all ages, hosting poetry readings, book clubs, and more. With a new Yeyo’s food truck on-site and a focus on affordability, this charming spot reflects the ongoing growth and creativity in downtown Springdale.
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Nutty Runner 5k
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Arkansas Gymnastics vs. Missouri
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