Long before the term “Creative Class” was coined by Richard Florida to describe today’s most sought after lifestyle, Eureka Springs, Arkansas met all the criteria. For more than one hundred years, the 3 T’s–Talent, Technology and Tolerance–have been Eureka’s mainstay, our recipe for successful, sustainable living.

Talent shone then in the creative rock work, combined with intricate wood work, that built a town now woven in history. Today, Eureka is filled with artists, writers, musicians, body workers, entrepreneurs, and innovators.

We take our art seriously. You can enjoy the music that echoes through our lovely valley in Lovely County, or mix your own symphony in one of Eureka’s fine recording studios. Commission a work of art or meet your own Muse at our art schools and writers colony. Get a massage or attend a massage school and become a professional therapist. Entice your senses as you satisfy your appetite with our culinary artistry. Eureka boasts more world class chefs per capita than most urban areas.

Not only is Eureka a top art destination, we have many schools and mentors that you can choose for your own education in the arts. If it’s creativity and art you seek, Eureka Springs is a choice location.

Granted, technology in the late 1800’s had a different meaning than it does today, but technology was present–as is evident in our impeccably crafted neighborhoods, placed strategically on two mountains with a thriving downtown meandering through the valley in between. Today, our tech savvy residents stay networked with each other and the world. You’ll find us sharing stories over gourmet coffee in a fresh, open air patio while simultaneously checking email or doing some quick work with convenient WiFi.

Tolerance is the third T that describes successful Creative Class cities. If towns could have a middle name, then tolerance would be ours. We celebrate our diversity. We thrive on acceptance. We define “families” by love and not by gender configuration. Eureka embraces all.

Our neighboring cities to the west are exploding with new business and are busily trying to create what Eureka already has: a creative class town with real neighborhoods and, more importantly, real neighbors. We don’t have to create it, we live it daily.

Hence, over the last few years, Eureka Springs has added yet another T - and that stands for “Transition.” Eureka is transitioning away from the ordinary and common into what can be only described as “extraordinary.”

As our culture seeks a retreat from the urban, Eureka Springs is fast becoming the city of choice for those seeking a more quality-, less quantity-filled life.

Steeped in culture and progressive by nature, Eureka Springs is truly a one-of-a-kind city, set in landscape of lavish natural beauty. Unique isn’t something we have to work at.

We just are.