Texarkana AR

Texarkana, Arkansas – where Southern charm meets twin-city spirit. Nestled right on the border with Texas, this unique city offers a small-town feel with a big heart. From historic downtown buildings to scenic parks and hidden culinary gems, Texarkana draws you in with its friendly faces and rich community pride. Whether you're passing through or planning a stay, you'll find a blend of tradition, music, and hospitality that makes you feel right at home.

• Population: ~29,000
• Weather: Warm and humid summers, mild winters (35-95°F); occasional spring showers.
• Places To Visit: State Line Post Office and Federal Building, Four States Fairgrounds, Perot Theatre, Bringle Lake Park, Museum of Regional History.
• Top Activities: Walking downtown, attending local festivals, fishing at the lake, catching live performances, exploring historical landmarks.
• Famous Food: Southern-style barbecue, fried catfish, home-cooked comfort meals, and Tex-Mex favorites.

Texarkana, Arkansas, offers a unique combination of small-town charm and regional opportunities. Located on the state line that separates Arkansas and Texas, Texarkana serves as a vital economic and transportation hub for the region. With industries like healthcare, manufacturing, education, and retail playing a key role, the job market is full of potential across various fields. Below are the top five in-demand jobs in Texarkana, AR.

Texarkana, Arkansas might be a small city, but it has plenty of cool spots for students looking to take a break from classes, recharge, and have a little fun. Whether you're into the outdoors, good food, art, or just chill hangouts, this city has something for you.

Spring Lake Park – This is a classic go-to. With walking trails, a large lake, picnic areas, and open spaces, it’s perfect for a laid-back afternoon. Bring a hammock, grab a frisbee, or just lay out and breathe in the fresh air. There's also a seasonal splash pad, making it a great spot when the Arkansas sun gets a little too intense.

Texarkana Museums System – Feeling artsy or curious? Visit the Regional Arts Center or the Museum of Regional History. It’s affordable, inspiring, and great for a mini mental escape. Plus, it’s a fun way to learn about your city's personality and creativity.

Fuzzy's Taco Shop – Nothing beats good food and fun vibes. Fuzzy's is a local favorite with an upbeat atmosphere, perfect for hanging out with friends over tacos, nachos, and loaded queso. They’ve got indoor and outdoor seating, and it’s just casual enough to chill for a while.

Scott Joplin Mural & State Line Photo Op – Want a unique Instagram moment? The Scott Joplin mural and the iconic photographer’s marker between Arkansas and Texas are fun stops downtown. Grab your friends and snap a few pics with one foot in each state.

Holiday Springs Water Park – When it's hot out, head to this water park for wave pools, lazy rivers, and adrenaline-pumping slides. It’s a great summer hangout where you can just let loose and enjoy being a kid again.

Downtown Live Events – Keep an eye on what’s happening downtown—local music nights, festivals, and art walks pop up throughout the year. They’re an awesome way to connect with the community and unwind after a long week of classes.

Local Coffee Shops – Places like Brewsters on State Line or Alley Cats Coffee Bar aren't just good for getting your caffeine fix. They’re super cozy, have Wi-Fi, and often host open mic nights or acoustic sessions. Great places to study a little—then relax a lot.

Texarkana may not be a mega city, but it’s full of charm and surprises. If you’re a student here, you’ve got all kinds of ways to relax, explore, and have fun—without needing to travel far or spend a ton. All you need is a little curiosity and the right vibe.

Texarkana, Arkansas, is a unique city straddling the state line and offers a blend of educational opportunities on both the Arkansas and Texas sides. The city serves as a gateway to higher education for students throughout southwest Arkansas. Whether you’re seeking public or private options, Texarkana provides diverse pathways for academic and personal growth.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Texarkana, AR

1. University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana (UAHT) – As one of the leading two-year colleges in the region, UAHT offers associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training. The Texarkana campus provides students with affordable education and transfer opportunities to four-year universities.

2. Texarkana College – Located just across the state line in Texarkana, Texas (minutes from Arkansas), this highly respected community college enrolls many Arkansas residents. It features strong programs in nursing, technical fields, and academic transfer.

3. University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UA Little Rock) – Texarkana Site – UA Little Rock offers select courses and degree pathways for local students looking to begin completion of a bachelor's degree while remaining close to home.

4. Southern Arkansas University (SAU) – Distance Education – Although its main campus is in Magnolia, SAU provides distance learning and online programs that serve Texarkana students, especially in fields like business, teaching, and computer science.

5. University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) – Crossett Site – UAM’s extended campuses, including online and nearby Crossett, offer regional students options to pursue degrees in agriculture, natural sciences, and more.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Texarkana, AR

1. Texas A&M University-Texarkana – While physically located on the Texas side, this impressive university attracts many Arkansas students seeking a four-year degree. It offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with small class sizes and strong support services.

2. Williams Baptist University (Distance/Online) – Based in Walnut Ridge, Williams Baptist is a private Christian university with online offerings available to Texarkana-area students. Its programs focus on liberal arts, education, and ministry.

3. John Brown University (Online Studies) – John Brown University, one of Arkansas’s top private colleges, provides online degree programs accessible to Texarkana students in fields like business, counseling, and education.

4. Harding University (Distance Education) – Located in Searcy, this respected Christian university offers online education degrees and other flexible programs ideal for adult learners in Texarkana and across Arkansas.

5. Southern Arkansas University Tech (SAU Tech, Camden) – Though primarily public, some programs have private partnerships and specialized workforce training options that Texarkana residents can access, particularly in technology and applied sciences.

Whether you’re aiming for an associate’s degree, a four-year university experience, or accelerated online paths, Texarkana’s colleges and universities are here to help you dream big and succeed, all close to home. The city’s higher-ed landscape ensures that every learner can find an educational fit, no matter their goals or stage of life.

Texarkana, Arkansas, may be a small city, but it’s home to several standout high schools that offer students a quality education, supportive environments, and pathways to success. Whether you're looking into public schools with strong academic track records or private institutions focused on personalized learning, Texarkana offers a solid selection for families.

Top Public High Schools in Texarkana, AR

• Arkansas High School – This is the largest public high school in the city, known for its strong academic performance, competitive athletics, and variety of AP and dual credit courses. They also place a strong focus on preparing students for both college and the workforce.
• Genoa Central High School – Located just outside Texarkana, Genoa Central offers a close-knit learning community with high standards in academics and character development. Small class sizes and dedicated teachers help students thrive.
• Fouke High School – While on the smaller side, Fouke High is known for its supportive environment and commitment to student success. The school offers various extracurriculars along with a strong CTE (Career and Technical Education) program.
• Liberty-Eylau High School – Serving part of the Texarkana area, Liberty-Eylau has a proud tradition of academic achievement and excellence in music, arts, and sports. Teachers are deeply involved in helping students reach their goals.
• Hope High School – Located nearby and often attended by students from the greater Texarkana area, Hope High has made significant strides in improving student test scores, career readiness programs, and overall academic atmosphere.

Top Private High Schools in Texarkana, AR

• Arkansas Christian Academy – This private Christian school focuses on academic excellence within a faith-based framework. With small class sizes, students receive individual attention and are encouraged to grow in both intellect and character.
• St. James Day School – Though it primarily serves K-8, many families prefer the strong academic foundation here and transition students into partnered or feeder schools in high school. Still, its long-standing reputation makes it important to mention.
• Texarkana Seventh-day Adventist School – While primarily an elementary and middle school, it offers a private school experience up to grade 10 and has expansion plans. It offers a faith-based curriculum and a nurturing setting for growing minds.
• Trinity Christian School (Texarkana, TX serving AR families) – Just across the state line, many students from Texarkana AR attend Trinity due to its excellent college prep programs, strong moral foundation, and competitive sports teams.
• Premier High School of Texarkana – A flexible, tuition-free charter school that offers a customized learning plan, helping students who seek an alternative approach to traditional education or need to catch up academically.

Choosing the right high school is a big decision, and families in Texarkana, AR, are fortunate to have options that cater to different learning styles, goals, and values. Whether your student is bound for college, a technical career, or seeking a strong spiritual foundation, there's a school nearby ready to help them thrive.

Texarkana, Arkansas is a charming border city with a rich cultural heritage and strong community pride. While it might not have its own franchises in the major professional sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, or MLB, the city's location and passionate fan base make it a special place for sports lovers. Residents of Texarkana enjoy easy access to regional teams, support vibrant local sports programs, and often travel to nearby cities to cheer on their favorite professional teams.

Though professional sports teams don’t call Texarkana home, the city’s strategic location—right along the Texas-Arkansas border—exposes fans to a variety of pro teams across multiple sports in close proximity. Here’s a look at some of the prominent pro teams supported by Texarkana sports enthusiasts.

Football – Dallas Cowboys (NFL)

• Dallas Cowboys – Just a few hours southwest of Texarkana, the Dallas Cowboys are one of the NFL’s most iconic franchises. Known as “America’s Team”, they have claimed five Super Bowl titles (1971, 1977, 1992, 1993, and 1995). Beloved across the Ark-La-Tex region, fans proudly wear silver and blue every game day.

Basketball – Dallas Mavericks (NBA)

• Dallas Mavericks – The Mavericks, based in Dallas, have a strong following in Texarkana. The team won its first and only NBA championship in 2011 under head coach Rick Carlisle and superstar Dirk Nowitzki. Today, stars like Luka Dončić continue to attract fans with exciting gameplay and future potential.

Baseball – Texas Rangers (MLB)

• Texas Rangers – Located in Arlington, Texas, the Rangers are the go-to baseball team for fans in Texarkana. While the team came close to winning the World Series in 2010 and 2011, they finally earned their first championship in 2023, delivering a long-awaited moment of celebration for loyal supporters across the region.

Hockey – Dallas Stars (NHL)

• Dallas Stars – Fans of fast-paced action look to the Dallas Stars in the NHL. The team won its first Stanley Cup in 1999 and remains competitive in the Western Conference. Their games draw hockey fans from across eastern Texas and southwest Arkansas, including many from Texarkana.

Soccer – FC Dallas (MLS)

• FC Dallas – Representing Major League Soccer, FC Dallas is based in Frisco, Texas and is one of the league’s original clubs. Though they’ve yet to win an MLS Cup, they’ve found success in the U.S. Open Cup and are known for developing young talent. Soccer fans in Texarkana often make the journey to support the team at Toyota Stadium.

While Texarkana itself doesn’t currently host professional teams in major national leagues, the spirit of sports runs deep through local high school athletics and college-level games. Plus, the nearby presence of world-class teams in Dallas and beyond allows sports fans in Texarkana to stay connected and engaged in the excitement of professional athletics.

Whether you're catching a football game on Sunday, following a playoff run, or taking a road trip to see a live match, the region around Texarkana offers a great sports experience that’s just a drive away!

Texarkana, Arkansas, is a delightful city with a unique location, rich history, and plenty of personality to go around. Straddling the state line with its twin city in Texas, this Southern gem has some fun and surprising stories to tell. Here are 10 fun facts about Texarkana, AR:

1. One City, Two States – Texarkana is famously split between Arkansas and Texas. Downtown State Line Avenue runs right through the middle, and you can literally stand with one foot in each state.
2. The Post Office That’s in Two Places – The Texarkana U.S. Post Office and Federal Courthouse is the only federal building in the country that sits in two states at once. Half of the building is in Arkansas and the other in Texas!
3. Musical Roots – Texarkana is the birthplace of legendary musician Scott Joplin, known as the “King of Ragtime.” His music shaped early American jazz.
4. A President’s Childhood Stop – Young Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States, spent part of his early childhood in Texarkana before moving to Hot Springs.
5. Twice the Festivals – Because of its dual-state nature, Texarkana celebrates many events on both sides of the state line. It's like getting two hometown celebrations in one every time!
6. Rich Railroad History – Texarkana emerged as a key railroad hub in the late 1800s, which helped shape its nickname: “Gateway to the Southwest.”
7. Ghost Stories Galore – The city is packed with Southern legends and ghost lore. Locals love to share spooky stories about haunted spots downtown and eerie occurrences along rural roads.
8. Home to Four Mayoral Terms at Once – Because it spans two states, each side of Texarkana has its own mayor. That means the area can have up to four mayoral terms running at the same time (including city mayors and regional mayors).
9. A Movie Star in Name – The 1977 cult-classic “Smokey and the Bandit” features Texarkana as the starting point of a wild journey to deliver bootleg beer across state lines.
10. The Perot Connection – Texarkana is the hometown of Ross Perot, the billionaire businessman and two-time presidential candidate. He once said the city gave him his entrepreneurial spirit.