Housing in West Memphis, Arkansas

A few months ago, I took a leap of faith and relocated from Southeast Missouri to West Memphis, Arkansas, and I'm so glad I did. The lower cost of living has been a welcome change, but what I've enjoyed most is the sense of community. People are friendly, welcoming, and there's something refreshing about the slower pace and small-town feel.

One of my favorite things about living here is that I don't have to give up the conveniences of a larger city. In just about 10 minutes, I can be in downtown Memphis, enjoying the Mississippi River, catching a concert or sporting event, flying out of Memphis International Airport, or exploring all the great restaurants and entertainment the city has to offer. It's truly the best of both worlds.

For housing options, I recommend reaching out to local property management companies and real estate agencies, as they often know about available rentals before they're widely advertised. Zillow is also a great resource for finding homes for rent and exploring what's available in the area.

The MakeMyMove team made my relocation much less overwhelming. They were there to guide me through the process and helped make my transition a positive experience. If you're a remote worker and thinking about relocating, I'd definitely recommend the MakeMyMove program.

Kristin was ready for a change when she came across MakeMyMove's West Memphis relocation program. She was able to use the $10,000 cash incentive to become a first-time homeowner and loves her new community, which provides her access to the amenities of Memphis while still living a small-town life and her advice to other movers is to 'not sleep on West Memphis. Read her full relocation story here.

Thinking about relocating? A community’s quality of life is heavily shaped by how easily you can get around. For remote workers, families, and professionals looking at West Memphis, Arkansas, a major upgrade is arriving this fall.

Mayor Marco McClendon recently unveiled WM Connect, the city's brand-new, independent public transit initiative launching on October 1, 2026. It is an innovative, city-funded infrastructure project designed to remove transportation barriers and seamlessly link residents to jobs, schools, medical appointments, shopping centers, and entertainment hubs.

If you are planning your move through Make My Move, here is everything you need to know about how this service will make your new life in West Memphis smoother.

Shifting Gears: Ride-Sharing Meets Public Transit

Unlike traditional bus systems that require waiting at fixed, stagnant stops in the elements, WM Connect functions as a modern, technology-enabled microtransit system.

• App-Based Convenience: You will be able to book your trip directly through a mobile app—similar to Uber or Lyft—or via telephone. A vehicle will pick you up nearby and take you precisely where you need to go within city limits.
• A Fleet for Everyone: The city has rolled out a brand-new fleet of BraunAbility vehicles. Every vehicle is fully ADA-accessible to comfortably accommodate passengers with varying mobility requirements.
• Extended Service Hours: The system is built around real, modern schedules. Vans will run early mornings through late nights Monday through Friday (5:00 AM to 8:00 PM), with special extended late-night service hours on Fridays and Saturdays.

Affordable and Accessible Mobility

Cost should never stand in the way of exploring your new hometown. WM Connect is structured to be incredibly wallet-friendly:

• The Launch Period: Rides are completely free for the entire month of October 2026.
• Sponsored Free Rides: Thanks to a community investment from the Southland Casino Hotel, the first 1,000 rides on the system are completely on the house.
• Flat-Rate Fares: Once the introductory period concludes, standard trips anywhere within the West Memphis city limits will cost a flat fare of just $2.00 per ride.

Connecting to the Greater Region

For frequent travelers or hybrid commuters, the vision for this transit system extends past city borders. Local leaders have already announced long-term plans to add a direct route connecting West Memphis riders straight to the Memphis International Airport, expanding your global travel access once the initial localized phase is fully live.

Why This Matters for Your Move

West Memphis is experiencing an unprecedented economic boom, anchored by major projects like the incoming $4 billion Google Data Center, a new indoor water park, and massive commercial expansions. By securing direct federal and state funding to manage its own transit fleet, the city is ensuring that its infrastructure scales alongside its population.

Whether you are trying to cut down on personal vehicle emissions, looking for an affordable way to commute to a local workspace, or simply wanting the peace of mind that comes with reliable city infrastructure, WM Connect proves that West Memphis is moving forward.

Ready to chart your next move? Check out the official West Memphis Connect Portal to look over service boundaries and prepare for the October rollout!

The numbers are in, the progress is undeniable, and the momentum is building.

If you are a remote worker or professional considering making your move to West Memphis, Mayor Marco McClendon’s recent State of the City address made one thing perfectly clear: our community is on a certified, multi-year #winningstreak. From massive public safety wins to major infrastructure upgrades and historic housing goals, West Memphis is actively building a premier destination to live, work, and thrive in the Mid-South.

Here is a breakdown of the major departmental achievements and future plans shared during the address that prove why West Memphis is the perfect place for your next chapter.

🛡️ Public Safety & First Responders

Our city continues to prioritize a safe, supportive environment for all families and businesses:

• Police Department: Crime is down 17% from last year, marking the third consecutive year of reduced crime in West Memphis. To keep neighborhoods secure, the department added 17 new patrol cars and 1 new shuttle van to its fleet.
• Fire Department: The department successfully maintained its elite Class 1 ISO fire rating, keeping insurance premiums low for residents.
• Leadership Transition: The night included a celebration honoring retiring Fire Chief Brady for his years of dedicated service, alongside a formal introduction welcoming the new Fire Chief Clay.

⚡ Infrastructure & Fiscal Responsibility

Smart investments and clean audits are maximizing the value of every local dollar:

• West Memphis Utilities: The city highlighted a massive $43 million wastewater treatment plant upgrade and proudly boasted having the lowest power prices in the state, keeping monthly utility bills affordable.
• Fiscal Excellence: Financially, the city achieved its third consecutive year of zero findings in the official state audit—proving transparent, responsible management of taxpayer funds.
• Flood Control: Active municipal ditch-cleaning and aggressive flood-control efforts remain front and center to protect local properties.

🌳 Quality of Life & Parks Upgrades

West Memphis is heavily investing in recreation and community spaces:

• Parks and Recreation: Local parks are currently undergoing $10 million in renovations.
• New Aquatic Center: Construction is moving forward on a state-of-the-art $30 million aquatic center, scheduled for completion within the next two years.
• Recreational Openings: The community golf course is slated to officially reopen this year, along with the brand-new, highly anticipated Ness and Carolyn Seacrest Animal Shelter.

📈 The Big Challenge: 1,000 New Homes in 5 Years

With major national corporations like Google and Buc-ee's advancing their developments right here in West Memphis, economic interest has skyrocketed.

To match this booming commercial growth, Mayor McClendon issued a bold challenge to developers and the community: build 1,000 new homes over the next five years. This aggressive housing expansion will directly fulfill the growing demand for modern, high-quality, and affordable residential options for new residents moving to the area.

"Come Be a Part of the Solution"

Beyond the numbers, the Mayor called on residents to take active pride in their hometown, encouraging citizens to keep their city clean, look out for one another, and act with integrity.

"Come be a part of the solution," Mayor McClendon urged, inviting newcomers and locals alike to actively participate in the city's bright future.

At Make My Move West Memphis, we match remote workers with vibrant communities that care about their future. With lowest-in-state utility rates, modernizing parks, falling crime rates, and a historic residential boom on the horizon, there has never been a better time to pack your bags and join the winning streak!