Texarkana, USA: A Dual-State City with a Unified Vision

As cities across the country seek innovative ways to attract new residents, Texarkana USA has emerged as a standout example of how community engagement, strategic marketing, and a strong focus on education can drive meaningful growth. Recognized for its efforts, Texarkana has been recognized as one of America’s Most Welcoming Places in 2024 by MakeMyMove —a testament to the city’s commitment to welcoming remote workers.

What makes Texarkana truly unique is its position as a city that spans two states, offering the best of both Texas and Arkansas. This dual-state identity provides residents with diverse educational opportunities, including access to top-rated schools, colleges, and workforce development programs that prepare students for success in a rapidly evolving job market. The city’s commitment to education, combined with its affordability and economic advantages, makes it an ideal place for families, professionals and entrepreneurs alike.

A Unique Opportunity: Two States, One Community

Texarkana is literally split down the middle by the state line, giving new residents the option to settle in either Texas or Arkansas. This distinctive setup offers a variety of advantages that appeal to individuals and families alike. As Rob Sitterley, President and CEO at AR-TX Regional Economic Development INC. (REDI) explains:

“We're a unique community where residents can choose to live in either Arkansas or Texas, but what makes Texarkana truly special goes well beyond geography. It’s the spirit of collaboration, the strength of our people, and the shared vision for a vibrant community that sets us apart. With a rich history and a deep sense of community, Texarkana isn’t just a place on the map—it’s a place where opportunity and quality of life come together in a way you won’t find anywhere else.”

These advantages extend beyond just state identity. Depending on where movers choose to live, they can take advantage of different tax structures, property values and even educational opportunities while still being able to enjoy everything the broader Texarkana community has to offer. For instance, Texas has no state income tax, while Arkansas boasts a lower cost of living. This flexibility allows newcomers to make decisions that best align with their financial and lifestyle goals.

A Strong Focus on Higher Education and Career Development

One of Texarkana’s standout features is its commitment to education and professional growth. The MakeMyMove incentive package is designed not just to attract remote workers but to help them grow their careers and skills while living in the community. As Sitterley highlights, Texarkana’s approach is different from many other relocation programs. “Our incentive package stands out from other communities because it is strongly focused on access to higher education. We recently had a young professional in his mid-to-late 20s relocate from Miami. Although he hadn’t completed his bachelor’s degree, he saw the perfect opportunity to continue working remotely while finishing his four-year degree at Texas A&M or the University of Arkansas. Our community provides a unique blend of career growth and educational advancement, making it an ideal destination for those looking to invest in their future.”

This emphasis on education is a crucial aspect of Texarkana’s appeal. The city is home to Texas A&M University-Texarkana, the University of Arkansas and Texarkana College, which consistently ranks among the top community colleges in Texas. These institutions not only provide traditional degree programs but also offer vocational and professional development courses tailored to the evolving workforce.

Sitterley shared an inspiring story about one of the program’s first movers, a woman in her early 50s who decided to pursue a new skill. “She wanted to go back to school while balancing her nine-to-five remote job—an opportunity she wouldn’t have had without this program. With a passion for art, she was eager to learn welding, and thanks to Texarkana College, she’s now taking a welding class at no cost. We can’t wait to see the creative work she produces in the future!”

This kind of support—both financial and community-based—ensures that people moving to Texarkana have real opportunities to grow and develop new skills, whether they are advancing their careers or exploring personal passions.

Helping Movers Thrive—Even in Unexpected Circumstances

While Texarkana’s relocation program is designed primarily for remote workers, it also provides a crucial safety net for those who face unexpected career challenges after moving. Sitterley recounted a case in which one mover lost his remote job shortly after relocating. Instead of leaving, he was able to integrate into the local workforce.

“One of our movers relocated here only to learn that his job was being eliminated. Fortunately, we were able to connect him with local employment opportunities—exactly what this program is designed to do. Another had a spouse who was a nurse—we got her hired at a local hospital within three days. Our goal is to bring talented individuals to the community and help them seamlessly transition into the local workforce.”

This quick and effective response is a testament to the strong local connections and support systems in place in Texarkana. The community not only welcomes new residents but actively works to ensure their success, whether in remote positions or within the local job market. Texarkana even offers a nine-month leadership program called Leadership Texarkana, which helps connect new residents with local professionals and community leaders, ensuring they build strong, lasting relationships within the city.

Building a Lasting Community

Texarkana’s relocation initiative goes beyond financial incentives. New movers are welcomed with a personal touch that helps them integrate into the community seamlessly. Sitterley emphasized the importance of personal connections. “We connect with newcomers right away to make them feel at home. Once they arrive, I personally host a welcome breakfast or lunch with key community leaders—whether it’s our two mayors, chamber of commerce representatives, or local business leaders like bank presidents. They receive a welcome basket, and I remain actively engaged with them to ensure they feel supported and connected in their new community.”

Brenda Hartman, moved to Texarkana last year through the MakeMyMove program and says it’s been one of the best decisions she’s made. “I can't speak highly enough about Rob. His availability and willingness to help me, in my move to Texarkana, was beyond exceptional. Texarkana is a growing community with fantastic schools and wonderful people. It is in an ideal spot of the country located only a few hours away from major cities like Little Rock, AR, Shreveport, LA and Dallas, Texas. Plus, we have a new airport, which makes flying to and from here more convenient. I chose Texarkana because of the city's size, lower housing costs and low crime rates. If I had to do it all over again, I would still pick Texarkana as my new home.”

The city’s close-knit yet dynamic environment makes it easy for newcomers to feel at home. “Texarkana has about 150,000 people, but it feels much smaller,” Sitterley noted. “We’ve had buy-in from all corners—our mayors, chamber of commerce, banks and universities. Everyone is invested in making sure our movers succeed here.”

Sitterley also highlighted Leadership Texarkana, a nine-month program that immerses participants in local civic and business life, further cementing connections. “It’s about cultivating future leaders and ensuring they have a built-in network.”

Why Texarkana USA Stands Out

Texarkana’s success as one of MakeMyMove’s Most Welcoming Places Award winners is a reflection of its innovative approach to attracting new residents and helping them thrive. The combination of state-choice flexibility, educational incentives, strong community engagement, and a responsive local job market makes it a standout destination for anyone looking for a fresh start.

For many movers, the city is not just a place to live—it’s a place to grow, connect, and build a future. Sitterley sums it up best. “Our goal is to ensure that newcomers feel at home in Texarkana and are truly connected to the community. That’s a big part of why we earned this award—and why we’re committed to winning it year after year.”

As Texarkana continues to expand its relocation program, more remote workers and professionals will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the unique benefits of this dynamic and welcoming community. Whether they are drawn by the dual-state advantage, the focus on education, or the strong local support system, one thing is clear: Texarkana is more than just a place to move—it’s a place to belong.

Through its initiatives, Texarkana is showcasing its strengths—ensuring that newcomers don’t just move here, but shine in a community that values both learning and opportunity. Texarkana’s approach is proving so successful that Sitterley is already looking ahead, planning to double or even triple the number of movers in the coming years. “We started with a goal of 10 a year, and we’ll easily hit that in our first year,” he said. “The sky’s the limit.”