Jonesboro AR

Jonesboro, AR – The heart of Northeast Arkansas, Jonesboro blends small-town charm with big-city convenience. As home to Arkansas State University, this vibrant city offers a mix of education, culture, and outdoor adventures. Whether you're visiting historic downtown, exploring scenic parks, or cheering for the Red Wolves, Jonesboro has something for everyone.

• Population: ~80,000
• Weather: Mild winters, hot summers (30-90°F); humid with seasonal storms.
• Places To Visit: Craighead Forest Park, ASU Museum, Forrest L. Wood Crowley's Ridge Nature Center, The Forum Theater, Downtown Jonesboro.
• Top Activities: Hiking and fishing at Craighead Forest Park, attending Arkansas State University games, shopping in downtown boutiques, exploring local museums, enjoying community festivals.
• Famous Food: Memphis-style BBQ at Demo’s Barbecue, catfish at Skinny J’s, homemade pies at Sue’s Kitchen, southern comfort food at The Parsonage.

Jonesboro, AR, is a growing city with a strong economy, driven by healthcare, manufacturing, education, and retail. Below are some of the top jobs in Jonesboro.

Jonesboro, Arkansas, offers plenty of enjoyable places where students can relax, hang out with friends, and have fun after class. Whether you're into outdoor spots, cozy cafes, or good music, Jonesboro has cool spaces to fully unwind.

Craighead Forest Park – This scenic park is perfect for outdoor fun, with several trails, relaxing lakeside picnic spots, disc golf courses, and open areas for sports or just hanging out with friends.

Downtown Jonesboro – With its charming boutiques, trendy cafes, and delicious restaurants lining Main Street, downtown is perfect for strolling after class, grabbing coffee, or catching live music events on weekends.

The Social – A great restaurant and hangout spot popular among students, The Social has tasty food, lively trivia and music nights, and a laid-back atmosphere where you'll always feel welcome.

Skinny J's – Known for tasty food and casual vibes, this restaurant offers good eats, friendly people, and regular events that let you unwind after your study sessions.

Shadrachs Coffee – This local coffee shop is ideal for meeting friends or studying quietly. With delicious coffee drinks, smoothies, and baked goodies, you'll find both energy boosts and calm spaces here.

Hijinx Family Entertainment Center – Gather your friends and have fun bowling, playing arcade games, laser tag, or miniature golf. Hijinx offers activities suited for tons of laughs and memorable times.

The Edge Coffee House – Popular among students for its cozy feel, relaxed setting, and tasty drinks, The Edge provides comfy seating and great Wi-Fi, making it a perfect study break destination.

Arkansas State University Campus Events – Regular sporting events, concerts, outdoor movie nights, and club activities make the ASU campus itself a great hub for fun, relaxation, and connecting with others.

Jonesboro, Arkansas, is home to several reputable colleges and universities, offering quality education in various fields, including business, healthcare, and liberal arts.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Jonesboro

Arkansas State University (A-State) – The largest and most well-known public university in Jonesboro, A-State offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including business, engineering, and healthcare.

Black River Technical College (BRTC) - Paragould Campus – Serving the Jonesboro area, BRTC provides associate degrees and technical certificates in fields such as nursing, business, and industrial technology.

Arkansas Northeastern College (ANC) - Paragould Center – A community college offering low-cost education and vocational training programs, including nursing, welding, and law enforcement.

University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) - Jonesboro Extension – A satellite location providing workforce training and transfer programs to students looking to pursue higher education.

Craighead Technical Center – A career and technical education center affiliated with local institutions, offering programs in healthcare, business, and skilled trades.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Jonesboro

New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM) at Arkansas State University – A prestigious private medical school offering a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program, preparing students for careers in healthcare.

Harding University - Jonesboro Campus – A well-respected private Christian university offering programs in healthcare and business, including nursing and physical therapy.

Crowley’s Ridge College – A small, private Christian college near Jonesboro offering programs in education, business, and biblical studies.

Mercy College of Health Sciences (Extension Nursing Program with A-State) – A specialized program providing nursing education and training for future healthcare professionals.

Grace Christian College - Jonesboro – A faith-based institution focusing on ministry, theology, and leadership programs.

Jonesboro, AR, offers excellent high schools that provide strong academic programs and extracurricular activities to prepare students for future success.

Top Public High Schools In Jonesboro, AR

• Jonesboro High School – A well-rounded school known for its strong academics, athletics, and fine arts programs.
• Nettleton High School – Offers a college-prep curriculum with advanced placement (AP) courses and career-focused programs.
• Valley View High School – Recognized for its academic excellence and commitment to student development.
• Westside High School – Provides a small-school environment with personalized learning opportunities.
• Brookland High School – Known for its strong academic achievements and extracurricular activities.

Top Private High Schools In Jonesboro, AR

• Ridgefield Christian School – A faith-based institution with rigorous academics and a strong community focus.
• Crowley’s Ridge Academy – Provides quality education with Christian values and small class sizes.
• Concordia Christian Academy – Offers a personalized learning experience with a focus on faith and academics.
• Grace Baptist Academy – A private school dedicated to academic excellence and character development.
• Westside Christian Academy – Focuses on individualized instruction and faith-based learning.

Jonesboro, Arkansas, does not have any major professional sports teams in the big leagues like the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, or MLS. However, the city has a rich sports culture with minor league and collegiate sports playing a significant role.

⚾ Baseball – Arkansas Travelers (MiLB)

• Arkansas Travelers – While not based in Jonesboro, the Arkansas Travelers are a Minor League Baseball team affiliated with the Seattle Mariners. They play in Little Rock but have a statewide fanbase, including Jonesboro sports fans who follow them closely.

🏀 Basketball – Arkansas State Red Wolves (NCAA)

• Arkansas State Red Wolves – The Arkansas State University (ASU) Red Wolves play at the First National Bank Arena in Jonesboro. Competing in the Sun Belt Conference, the team has a dedicated fanbase and has seen success in NCAA Division I basketball.

🏈 Football – Arkansas State Red Wolves (NCAA)

• Arkansas State Red Wolves – The college football team plays at Centennial Bank Stadium. They have won multiple Sun Belt Conference championships and have produced NFL players like Blaise Taylor and J.D. McKissic.

⚽ Soccer – Arkansas Wolves (USL League Two)

• Arkansas Wolves – A semi-professional soccer team based in Arkansas, the Wolves play in USL League Two. While not located directly in Jonesboro, many soccer fans from the area support the team.

🏐 Volleyball – Arkansas State Red Wolves (NCAA)

• Arkansas State Red Wolves – ASU’s volleyball team is a strong competitor in the Sun Belt Conference. They have a history of making NCAA tournament appearances and maintaining a solid record.

🎾 Tennis – Arkansas State Red Wolves (NCAA)

• Arkansas State Red Wolves – ASU also has a competitive tennis team that plays in the NCAA’s Sun Belt Conference. The program has helped develop strong players, contributing to the city’s sports scene.

Although Jonesboro may not have big-league teams, the city’s strong college athletics and minor league support make it a great place for sports fans.

Jonesboro, AR, is a lively city with a rich history, unique landmarks, and a welcoming community. Whether you're a local or just visiting, there's always something interesting to learn about this charming place. Here are some fun facts about Jonesboro:

1. Home of Arkansas State University – Jonesboro is the proud home of Arkansas State University, which was founded in 1909 and is known for its strong academics and Red Wolves sports teams.
2. Craighead Forest Park – This beautiful 692-acre park offers hiking trails, a lake for fishing and kayaking, and plenty of spots for picnics.
3. Birthplace of the Riceland Foods Empire – Jonesboro is a key location in the U.S. rice industry and home to Riceland Foods, the largest miller and marketer of rice in the country.
4. Historic Downtown – Jonesboro’s historic downtown is filled with charming shops, local restaurants, and live music venues, making it a great place to explore.
5. Home to Forrest L. Wood Crowley's Ridge Nature Center – This nature center provides interactive exhibits and hiking trails, helping visitors learn about the unique Crowley’s Ridge geographical formation.
6. Nicknamed the “City of Churches” – Jonesboro has more than 100 churches, reflecting the strong sense of faith and community in the area.
7. Severe Weather Hotspot – The city experiences its fair share of tornadoes and severe storms, especially in the spring and early summer.
8. Medical Hub of Northeast Arkansas – With facilities like St. Bernards Medical Center and NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital, Jonesboro serves as a top healthcare destination for the region.
9. A Rich Music Tradition – Jonesboro has a thriving local music scene, with influences from blues, rock, and country, thanks to its location near Memphis.
10. Growing Economy – Jonesboro is one of the fastest-growing cities in Arkansas, with a booming economy in industries like agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing.