Fort Smith Wiki
neighborhoods

Van Buren — Fort Smith, AR

Van Buren is a historic city just across the Arkansas River from Fort Smith, and the county seat of Crawford County. Known for its well-preserved downtown, scenic riverfront, and affordable housing, Van Buren is both a distinct community with deep roots and a practical home base for Fort Smith commuters.

Historic downtown and culture

Van Buren’s Main Street district is one of the most charming in the River Valley: blocks of restored 19th-century buildings housing antique shops, boutiques, restaurants, and galleries. The district’s preservation work has been recognized for decades, and seasonal events draw visitors from across the region. The city is among the oldest in western Arkansas, with roots in frontier river commerce along the Arkansas.

That history gives Van Buren a cultural identity of its own — distinct from its larger neighbor Fort Smith, even as bridges, shared employers, and daily commutes bind the two cities together.

Housing and community life

Van Buren offers a range of housing, from historic homes near downtown to newer subdivisions on the city’s outskirts, with property values that generally run below Fort Smith’s. The Van Buren School District serves the city, and parks, river access, and the Main Street calendar anchor community life.

Home services here are covered by the same metro-wide contractor pool as Fort Smith — the Fort Smith Directory lists roofing contractors serving Van Buren and home staging pros for Van Buren sellers among other trades.

FAQ

How far is Van Buren from Fort Smith? About 5 miles — the two cities face each other across the Arkansas River, connected by the US-64 bridge and I-540. The drive typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.

What is Van Buren known for? Its preserved historic Main Street, riverfront views, and 19th-century architecture — one of the oldest communities in western Arkansas.

Is Van Buren in the same county as Fort Smith? No. Van Buren is the seat of Crawford County; Fort Smith is in Sebastian County. The two share a metro area and are closely connected.