Wooster vs Bigelow, Arkansas: Which Is the Better Place to Live?

By Christy Robinson, Executive Broker | REALTOR®, MRP

Keller Williams Realty

Central Arkansas Market Strategist

Buyers looking for affordable, small-town living in Central Arkansas often compare Wooster and Bigelow. While both offer quiet surroundings and rural appeal, they differ in location, commute, growth potential, and lifestyle fit.

This guide breaks down the real differences so you can decide which area best fits your goals.

📍 Location & Commute

Wooster

• Located in Faulkner County

• Just north of Conway

• Easy access to Hwy 65

• Shorter commute to Conway and Little Rock

Bigelow

• Located in Perry County

• West of Conway

• More remote, rural setting

• Longer and more variable commute

Commute snapshot

• Wooster → Conway: ~10–15 minutes

• Wooster → Little Rock: ~35–45 minutes

• Bigelow → Conway: ~20–30 minutes

• Bigelow → Little Rock: ~45–60 minutes

Best for proximity to Conway & jobs: Wooster

Best for seclusion & rural living: Bigelow

💰 Home Prices & Affordability

Category	Wooster	Bigelow
Entry-level homes	$	$
Larger lots / acreage	Common	Very common
New construction	Limited	Limited
Overall affordability	High	Very high

Key takeaway:

Both towns are affordable, but Bigelow often offers more land for the money, while Wooster benefits from location-driven demand.

🏡 Housing Styles & Property Types

Wooster

• Mix of older homes and some newer builds

• Small subdivisions plus rural properties

• More buyer interest due to Conway proximity

Bigelow

• Predominantly rural homes

• Larger acreage properties

• Fewer subdivisions

• Lower density overall

👨‍👩‍👧 Lifestyle & Community Feel

Wooster

• Quiet small-town feel

• Close enough to Conway for shopping, dining, and schools

• Appeals to buyers who want rural living without isolation

Bigelow

• Very quiet and rural

• Limited local services

• Appeals to buyers who value privacy and space above convenience

Best for balanced rural + convenience: Wooster

Best for privacy & acreage lifestyle: Bigelow

🏗️ Growth & Long-Term Outlook

Wooster

• Benefiting from Conway’s growth

• More consistent buyer demand

• Better resale flexibility

Bigelow

• Slower growth

• Stable but limited buyer pool

• Best suited for long-term ownership

📈 Resale Value Considerations

Wooster

• Easier resale due to proximity to Conway

• More consistent demand

Bigelow

• Resale can take longer

• Best for buyers planning to stay long-term

• Value tied closely to land size and use

✅ Who Should Choose Wooster?

Wooster is a better fit if you:

• Want rural living close to Conway

• Need easier access to jobs and amenities

• Want stronger resale flexibility

• Prefer shorter commutes

👉 Explore more: Wooster Real Estate Guide

✅ Who Should Choose Bigelow?

Bigelow is a better fit if you:

• Want maximum privacy and land

• Prefer a very quiet, rural lifestyle

• Don’t mind longer commutes

• Plan to own long-term

👉 Explore more: Bigelow Real Estate Guide

🎯 Final Verdict: Wooster vs Bigelow

There’s no universal winner — it depends on how you live:

• Wooster = convenience + rural feel + resale flexibility

• Bigelow = land + privacy + long-term rural ownership

📌 If you’re deciding between Wooster and Bigelow, I can help compare specific properties, commute realities, and long-term value based on your goals.

🔗 Related Central Arkansas Guides

• Central Arkansas Real Estate Comparison Hub

• Conway vs Greenbrier

• West Little Rock vs Ferndale

• Buying Acreage in Central Arkansas

📌 FAQ

Is Wooster or Bigelow cheaper?

Both are affordable, but Bigelow often offers more land for the price.

Which is closer to Conway?

Wooster is significantly closer, making it more convenient for work and amenities.

Which is better for acreage buyers?

Bigelow typically offers larger acreage properties and more privacy.

Which has better resale value?

Wooster generally has stronger resale demand due to location.