When buying a new‑construction home in the Bentonville / Centerton area, it isn’t enough to choose a nice house today. The neighborhood behind it matters — and by examining local growth trends, infrastructure, schooling, and commercial development, you can pick a location that will hold or increase its value in the years ahead.
At XNA Developers, we build homes — but also help buyers become savvy investors in their own lives. Below is a breakdown of key findings and growth signals in Bentonville & Centerton, and how you can use them to evaluate your future home.
1. Population & Growth Trends
Centerton:
- The city’s estimated population reached around 25,857 in 2024, representing a 7.9 % increase from 2023. Since the 2020 census, the city has grown by approximately 41.76%. centertonar.us
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Centerton had a growth rate of 7.2 % in 2023‑24 — making it among the fastest‑growing U.S. cities in its size bracket. Talk Business & Politics
Bentonville:
- From 2023‑24, Bentonville added about 2,081 people (3.5 % growth) and its 2024 population was about 61,791. Talk Business & Politics
- Across 2020‑24 period, Bentonville experienced ~14 % growth. Talk Business & Politics
Why this matters for home value:
Rapid population growth generally drives demand for housing, amenities, infrastructure, and can push land values up. Buyers in areas with strong growth are more likely to see appreciation and strong resale values.
2. Schools & Education Infrastructure
- The Bentonville School District is projected to add roughly 4,000 students over the next decade — with about 1,500 at the elementary level, ~500‑600 at middle/junior high, and ~300 at the high school level. CitizenPortal
- This indicates continued residential growth in the district’s catchment areas, and suggests that neighborhoods feeding into strong schools will remain in high demand.
Key take‑aways for buyers:
- Prioritize neighborhoods that feed into schools with room for expansion or where capacity is being addressed.
- Because areas with high enrollment growth can face crowding, review school boundary maps and future plans to avoid surprises.
3. City Planning & Infrastructure Projects
Bentonville’s Plans:
- The city adopted a new Community Plan in February 2025, updating land‑use maps, zoning alignment, and growth strategy. bentonvillear.com
- “Master Street Plan,” “Parks & Recreation Plan,” and “Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan” show focus on transportation, walkability, and connectivity. bentonvillear.com
Transportation & Road Projects:
- In Benton County, the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) has approximately $273 million in road projects underway (24 projects, 36 miles of road) and an additional ~$478 million planned (25 projects, 45 miles) as of April 2025. Bentonville Moves Coalition
- For Centerton and surrounding areas, infrastructure capacity—especially wastewater—has become a limiting factor. The Arkansas Department of Health noted that Centerton had not approved new large‑scale residential projects since May 2024 due to sewage treatment capacity constraints. nwalook.com
Why this matters:
- Strong infrastructure planning => smoother future development => easier access, better amenities, less risk of bottlenecks.
- Weak infrastructure (e.g., sewage capacity) can slow growth, delay lots/homes, and may hinder appreciation.
4. Commercial & Retail Development
Centerton Commercial Growth:
- In the 2025 State of the City Address, Centerton announced current population growth and highlighted a new ~175,000 sq ft Walmart Supercenter planned, plus other new businesses such as a Chipotle and a new animal hospital. centertonar.us
- Commercial growth tends to follow residential growth – providing jobs, services, and convenience that increase neighborhood desirability.
Downtown Bentonville Redevelopment:
- A new mixed‑use project in Downtown Bentonville (Second Street between NE A and North Main) will add residential units, retail, and underground parking, preserving historic character. Construction is expected to start in 2026. downtownbentonville.org
Buyer implications:
- Homes closer to growing retail/commercial hubs benefit from increased walkability, shorter commutes, and stronger demand.
- Access to jobs and services often means higher value retention, especially in 5‑10 year horizon.
5. What to Look For in Neighborhoods (Using the Data)
Based on the research above, here are neighborhood‑evaluation criteria for buyers:
| Criterion | What to check | Why it matters |
| Population growth | Is the city/neighborhood one of the fastest growing (like Centerton)? | Growth drives demand for housing and services |
| School capacity & expansion | Are schools projected to grow (Bentonville adding ~4k students)? | Strong and growing school systems support value |
| Infrastructure readiness | Are roads, utilities, wastewater, transport plans in place? (Centerton’s sewage constraint is a caution) | Adequate infrastructure protects against delays |
| Commercial/retail growth | Are new stores/jobs planned nearby? (175k sq ft Supercenter in Centerton) | Convenience and jobs ↑ neighborhood appeal |
| City master plans | Does the city have updated plans (Bentonville’s 2025 plan) | Reflects forward‑thinking governance and growth management |
6. Neighborhoods with Strong Future Value (for 5–10 Years)
Given the findings, here are types of neighborhoods most likely to hold or increase value:
- Suburbs of Centerton that are part of the fast‑growth corridor, but still offer lot size and new builds. Because Centerton is growing rapidly, homes built now in nearby communities may benefit from spillover.
- Bentonville neighborhoods near new infrastructure and redevelopment zones (especially those connected to downtown or with access to transportation upgrades).
- Areas within the Bentonville School District that are feeding the largest school‑growth projections (neighborhoods with expected increasing enrollment).
- Communities with planned commercial/retail amenities within minutes of home sites.
7. Questions to Ask Your Builder or Neighborhood Rep
- What lots are available in this phase of the neighborhood, and are any near planned retail/commercial projects?
- What is the school catchment area, and how is that forecasted to change over next 5‑10 years?
- Are there any infrastructure concerns (for example, Centerton’s wastewater capacity) that could impact build or permit timing?
- What city plans cover this area (transportation, sidewalks, trails, zoning)?
- What future use zones are near the lot (commercial, mixed‑use, industrial)?
Final Thoughts
In the Bentonville / Centerton region, the smartest home purchase is about more than finishes and square footage. It’s about positioning yourself in a neighborhood ready for growth — where infrastructure, schools, retail, and city planning align.
By choosing a location backed by strong signals (population growth, school expansion, infrastructure projects, commercial development), you’re giving your home a better chance to hold value and make your lifestyle investment count.
At XNA Developers, we combine construction excellence with local‑market insight to guide buyers toward neighborhoods that deliver both living‑well and living‑smart.
Ready to explore the best‑positioned neighborhoods in Bentonville and Centerton?
📞 Call XNA Developers today or contact us online to discover available homes and neighborhoods with long‑term value built in.
👉 Explore Huber Place.
