Arkansas' Perfect Village For Retirees With Seven Stunning Lakes Is A Resort-Style Haven

Planning for retirement is never straightforward. It involves researching the best states to retire in the country as well as trying to figure out how much money you'll need if you want to retire wealthy. But while the task is serious, the search can reveal unexpected treasures. Cherokee Village, a planned community in the Ozarks, is one of them. The community was established as Arkansas's first resort-style retirement hub. Recent data reveals that retirees spend far less here than the national average, with single-family home values averaging around $139,909 and independent living options costing well below national norms. The real attraction, however, is lifestyle. Cherokee Village is a lakeside haven offering tranquility and activity in equal measure.

Its history adds to the charm. John Cooper Sr. envisioned the development in 1954, transforming an initial 400-acre family retreat into a thriving community by 1955. Spanning both Fulton and Sharp Counties, it now features over 350 miles of roads, multiple recreation centers, and an airport nearby for private flights. Travelers can reach Cherokee Village in two and a half hours by car from the walkable city of Memphis, while the drive from Little Rock takes roughly three hours. Visitors can find a range of places to stay in the community, including cabins, townhomes, and rentals overlooking the lakes. These accommodations often include guest passes, allowing short-term guests to sample the same amenities that make Cherokee Village a top retirement destination.

Cherokee Village has seven lakes that are designed to bring residents and visitors closer to the outdoors. At 264 acres, Lake Thunderbird is the community's showpiece. Here, the waters reach a depth of 75 feet at the dam and there's enough shoreline to support boating, water skiing, and tubing. Lake Omaha, another designated wake lake, provides nearly five miles of shoreline and ample room for fishing or family outings on the water. While these larger lakes encourage movement and energy, the smaller, no-wake lakes (namely, Sequoyah, Chanute, Navajo, Cherokee, and Aztec) encourage a quieter way of life. Lake Sequoyah, which includes a marina and a summer swimming beach, has earned a reputation as a favorite fishing destination. Meanwhile, Lake Chanute's 56 acres make it ideal for calm afternoons on the boat.

Activities across the seven lakes cater to a wide range of interests. Avid anglers benefit from annual restocking by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The organization keeps populations of crappie, bass, and catfish abundant in the lake. Those who prefer leisurely recreation can launch kayaks, paddleboards, or fishing boats from convenient docks. For more vigorous outings, Lake Thunderbird's marina rents pontoon boats suitable for tubing, skiing, and group excursions. Families often gather at the Gitche Gumee swimming beach on Lake Sequoyah or host lakeside picnics by the smaller waters.

Life in Cherokee Village is not limited to its lakes. The community has an environment where recreation extends to golf courses, recreation centers, and walking trails. Golfers can test their skills on two 18-hole courses, the North and South, both known for their fairways and challenging layouts. The North Course features the South Fork River weaving through its length. Unlike the North, the South Course is loved as a peaceful gem, offering golfers a challenging layout with quick greens and uncrowded fairways.

Beyond golf, the community's recreation centers offer facilities ranging from pickleball courts and fitness rooms to swimming pools and event spaces. Hiking and biking trails cut through rolling Ozark hills and are readily available for residents and visitors to enjoy. The locals look forward to annual events like Fall Fun Fest and the Spring River Canoe Race, both of which help bring the community together. When it is time to eat, residents and visitors find comfort in local dining spots. Carol's Lakeview Restaurant is a standout and a community favorite. You can get your fill and order a hearty prime rib or fluffy biscuits topped with sausage gravy in combination with desserts like peanut butter pie.