Establishing your household in Pine Bluff

First things first: Finding a home

Good news. Pine Bluff offers a wide variety of housing opportunities to suit every taste and budget. In fact, Pine Bluff has been cited as having some of the most affordable housing of any metropolitan area in the United States. From apartments, townhouses and condominiums to single-family homes in suburban residential neighborhoods or acreage in the country, the Pine Bluff/Jefferson County area can meet your needs.

The Pine Bluff Metropolitan Statistical Area also includes, in addition to Jefferson County, adjacent, mostly rural, Cleveland and Lincoln counties. The total 3-county population is 100,258 (2010 census).

Regardless of your place of employment within the county, commuting time from prime residential areas is fast and easy; typically no more than 10 to 15 minutes, and often less. Delays from traffic congestion are unlikely, and major improvements in the city's traffic patterns are under way to make travel even more convenient.

Finding an apartment

For a simplified listing of local apartments click here. Apartments are available throughout the city and suburban areas. Unit availability varies, depending upon the overall economic conditions in the community, and the number of construction projects or other special conditions that may occur. Generally, a good variety of units, locations and prices will be found.

Finding the right house

Pine Bluff offers a wide range of housing opportunities in pleasant, tree-shaded and conveniently located neighborhoods. Housing costs in Pine Bluff are among the lowest in the nation. Custom-built homes in some of the newer subdivisions are ranging from $75 to $90 per square foot, but the typical existing three-bedroom home of more recent construction and containing 1,500 to 1,800 square feet would generally range from the upper $70's to the lower $100's.

Spacious and elegant homes in country settings, overlooking a golf course, or in a very fashionable neighborhood can usually be found as well. These range in price from about $250,000 to as high as $950,000. (The average price of new and existing homes sold in the county in 2008 was $94,200. A total of 442 homes were sold in 2008. The value of new and existing residential units sold in 2008 in the county was approximately $41,640,000.)

Home mortgages with interest rates below market may be available for families in lower annual income brackets. The Arkansas Development Finance Authority makes such home loans available through a revenue bond program designed to encourage home ownership. Ask your Realtor if you might qualify, and if such financing is currently available.

There are many highly qualified professional Realtors in the community who will be pleased to show you a variety of homes within your price range, and help to make all of the necessary arrangements for the purchase of a home you'll love. Many of the Realtors participate in a multi-list program that provides them with current information on listings throughout the area.

You may pick up a free copy of the monthly Pine Bluff Real Estate Guide, which lists area properties for sale.

The real estate agencies listed below are members of The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce; additional Realtors may be found in local telephone directories.

Buckner Realty Co.
715 W. Fifth Avenue
870-535-0421
Exit Realty Deaton Group
23 Elm Woods Circle
870-717-4986
First Realty Group, Inc.
7401 Dollarway Road, Suite 103
870-534-3800
Dee Herring Real Estate
1200 South Laurel Street
870-690-8126
Lunsford & Associates - White Hall
7300 Dollarway Road, Suite 111
870-247-2040
Re/Max Solutions
3801 Camden Road, Suite 7
870-879-6700
Wilson-Rodgers & Associates
1801 South Olive Street
870-535-3223
Win Auctions & Realty
2514 South Olive Street
870-535-5550

Utilities

Cable Television

Pine Bluff Cable TV, 715 South Poplar Street, 870-536-0350

If a residence has existing cable in the residence, there is a one-time charge of $17.00. If residence does not have existing cable, there is a one-time charge of $34.00.

Cable packages range from $25.95 per month for basic cable including 25 channels to $48.90 per month for standard service including basic plus channels 27-66. HBO is priced at an extra $12.95 a month. The charge for a maximum of about 200 channels (including basic, digital, high definition, HBO, Cinemax, Music, Pay-Per-View, and Starz & Encore) is about $100.00 monthly for one room. In addition to providing a comprehensive programming line-up, Pine Bluff Cable TV also provides high speed Internet access (Cablelynx), plus wireless modems for computers, and telephone service. Customers may pay in person at the company's office at 715 South Poplar Street.

Digital satellite television

AT&T Dish Network 1-866-722-7500
Direct Digital TV, 1-800-747-9059
DIRECTV, 1-800-280-4388
Suddenlink (White Hall), 1-866-220-5515

Electric Power

Entergy Arkansas 1-800-368-3749

The 2007 average monthly bill for residential customers was approximately $102. The deposit required with an application for new electric service varies between $0 and $205 and is based on a credit report for a first-time customer and bill-payment history for established customers.

Customers may pay bills in person at the Gas & Go convenience store at 2901 W. 28th Ave. or at R&T Ins.’s Bill Payment Center, 2017 Olive.

Garbage Pickup

Waste Management of Arkansas-South, 6300 West 4th, 870-247-3747

Inside the Pine Bluff city limits, household garbage pick-up service charge is included in your water/sewer bill at a rate of $14.05 per month. (The deposit for new residential garbage customers is $30.56, which is a portion of the total new customer water/sewer deposit of $50.56--see Water on next page.) Once weekly garbage service is provided to your residence with no application required.

Garbage should be placed in the provided receptacle. Please note that trash, as opposed to garbage, will not be picked up on regular garbage collection routes. Trash (such as discarded household items, boxes, packing materials, leaves and garden debris) may be placed at curbside for pick-up at no additional charge. Arrange large item pick-up by calling Waste Management at 870-247-3747.

Recycling is available. For paper, call 870-536-2225 or 870-543-4901; for plastics, used appliances, tires, glass, cardboard, etc., call 870-534-7020.

Natural Gas

CenterPoint Energy, 1-800-992-7552

A $37 connect fee is added to the first month's bill for all new service. For new residential customers not previously served by the company, a minimum deposit of $75 may be required based on external credit scoring; half of this amount is due up front, and the remainder is added to the first month’s bill.

Customers may pay in person at Gas & Go convenience store at 2901 W. 28th Avenue, Wal-Mart at 5501 Olive Street, or R&T Insurance Bill Payment, 2017 Olive.

Water / Sewer / Pine Bluff

United Water Arkansas, llth & State, 870-534-2721

The average monthly water billing (which includes water, garbage and sanitary sewer charges) for a family of four will vary from about $45-$55 at current rates.

Sanitary sewer service is provided by the Pine Bluff Wastewater Utility. Sewer charges are incorporated into your monthly water bill. Monthly water consumption determines sewer charges.

A turn-on fee of $50.56 is required for new residential water service. (This amount includes $30.56 for new customer garbage service.) A basic re-connection fee of $20 is charged should water service be cut off for any reason. The after-hours re-connection fee is $43.

Customers may pay their bills in person at the 11th and State Street office, which includes drive-through windows, or at some USA Drug locations in Pine Bluff.

Water / Watson Chapel

Watson Chapel Water Association for areas outside United Water system, (870) 879-1392

Water / White Hall

White Hall Water Service (870) 247-1313

Jefferson-Samples-Dexter Water Association (501) 397-2709

Hardin Water Association (870) 247-9639

Water / Redfield

Redfield Water Works (501) 397-6105

Telephone

Local Service: AT&T, 1-800-288-2020 to establish or move home service

The telephone installation charge is $45.00. Basic private line residential monthly service, including applicable taxes and line access charges, is about $24.00. Deposits with application for new residential service depend on services ordered, but average $50. This deposit is added to the first bill.

A variety of special telecommunications services are available at an additional monthly charge to enhance use of the basic local telephone service. AT&T also provides DLS service for high-speed Internet access to some areas in Pine Bluff.

Customers may pay their AT&T home (and wireless) bills in person at any USA Drug location or at R&T Insurance’s Bill Payment Center, 2017 Olive Street.

State-of-the-art fiber optic lines and digital switching equipment are in place at Pine Bluff, providing highest quality voice and data transmissions. AT&T also provides intrastate long-distance service to some areas of the state, as well as standard long-distance service: AT&T 1-800-ATT-2020.

Numerous locations are available for a variety of authorized wireless telecommunications agents: AT&T, Cricket, Sprint and Verizon.

Internet Access

AT&T DSL 1-800-ATT-2020
Cablelynx (Pine Bluff Cable TV), 870-536-0350
Interlink (Monticello, AR), 870-367-7278
Suddenlink (White Hall), 866-220-5515

Getting the children settled in school

Public schools

The greater Pine Bluff area is served by four separate school districts:

Pine Bluff 870-543-4200
Dollarway 870-534-7003
Watson Chapel 870-879-0220
White Hall 870-247-2002

Each serves children in grades kindergarten through 12. Each district also offers a gifted and talented program for accelerated education. The Pine Bluff, Dollarway,and Watson Chapel districts have school uniform policies in force.

The four senior high schools are fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. There are a total of five junior high school campuses, plus the Pine Bluff District now has two middle school campuses for all its 6th and 7th grade students. Collectively, there are 16 elementary schools.

The four local districts had a combined K-12 enrollment of 13,280 students for Fall 2008.
For Fall 2009, the combined enrollment was 12,839:

Dollarway 1,756
Pine Bluff 5,000
Watson Chapel 3,095
White Hall 2,988

When enrolling for the first time, the following documentation is required:

Birth certificate
current immunization record
Child’s Social Security card
Proof of residence are required. Transferring students from other schools must provide current health and academic records.

Home schooling

Some parents have opted for a non-traditional approach to their children’s education by home schooling. In addition to at-home course work, students can attend classes two days a week here at Liberty Academy, an association of home-schooled families, which allows students to learn from other parent-teachers, many with degrees and specific subject knowledge. For 2007-08, 275 Jefferson County students were home schooled, according to the state Department of Education.

Parochial/private schools

Five church-related private and parochial schools offer an alternative to public school education in the Pine Bluff area. (This information was updated July 2010.)

Maranatha Baptist Academy: K4-12th

5820 Holsey Street
870-247-1505
Registration fee: $275
K4 and 5 annual tuition $2,005
1st - 12th grades $2,300
Tuition billed in 10 monthy installments. Discounts for multiple students in one family.
Fall 2010 enrollment: 75

Ridgway Christian School: K3-12th

3201 Ridgway Road
870-879-6264 (phone and fax)
(Founded 1996)

Registration fee: $200
K3-K4 yearly tuition: $2,900; 10 monthly payments of $290; Book/Activity/Tech Fees: $225
K5-6th grade yearly tuition: $3,000; 10 monthly payments of $300; Book/Activity/Tech Fees: $275
7th-12th grade yearly tuition: $3,100; 10 monthly payments of $310: Book/Activity/Tech Fees: $350
Discounts for multiple children: 10% for second child, 25% for third
Fall 2010 enrollment: 350

St. Peter’s Catholic School: K4-6th

1515 South State Street
870-535-4017
(Founded 1889)

Fall 2009 Enrollment: 66
One-time registration fee: $100 per family
Book Fee: $200 per child
Endowment fee: $7.15 monthly (10/months)
Tuition (in 10 installments): $225/month for first child; $200/month for second child; $175/month for third child
Fall 2010 enrollment: 70

St. Joseph Catholic Junior & Senior High School

1501 West 73rd Avenue
870-540-0413

Registration Fee for all students: $150
Academic Fees for all students: $220
Book Fees: $235, Jr. High; $300, Sr. High
7th-8th grade tuition (in 10 installments):
Catholic--$220 per month for first child;
$200 per month each additional child
Non-Catholic--$300/month for first child;
$275 per month for each additional child
9th-12th grade tuition for all (in 10
installments): $330 per month
Fall 2010 Enrollment: 72

Lighthouse Charter School K-3

708 West Second Avenue

870-534-0277

Secondary educational facilities

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is a land grant, residential institution founded in 1873 as Branch Normal College. Since that date, the institution has grown and changed its official name on two occasions, first to Arkansas AM&N and then, in 1972, to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. UAPB is a multi-cultural institution and one of the 103 Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Fall 2009 enrollment totaled 3,722 students. Unofficial enrollment for Fall 2010 is 3,435. UAPB fulfills its mission through teaching, researching, public service and by exposing students to learning related and personality building activities.

UAPB is fast becoming a ‘No Excuse University’ according to its chancellor, Dr. Lawrence A. Davis, Jr. The university recently deployed UAPBnet, an advanced fiber network merging written, verbal and video capabilities into one network. When fully operational, this $8.2 million project will offer tremendous potential for both the university and the region.

The University can help prepare individuals for the 21st Century by way of more than 700 individual courses, 42 bachelor’s degree programs, 3 master’s degree programs and 2 associate degree program. It also offers the world’s only undergraduate Regulatory Science Degree Program, which prepares students for entry-level employment in four of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s regulatory agencies. Its first doctoral program in aquaculture/fisheries is awaiting final approval

Southeast Arkansas College
1900 Hazel Street; (870) 543-5900

Southeast Arkansas College is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The mission of the college is to provide comprehensive community college education and services with an emphasis on technical education and workforce development, for its six-county service area: Cleveland, Desha, Drew, Grant, Jefferson, and Lincoln counties. The College has maintained its status as one of the fastest growing public or private colleges or universities in Arkansas and the U.S. For Fall 2009, enrollment was 1,981 students. Enrollment for Fall 2010 is 2,071.

SEARK College offers two-year associate degrees, one-semester certificates of proficiency or one-year technical certificates in more than 40 career fields. The College also offers a two-year academic transfer program leading to an associate of arts degree that is fully transferable to all public colleges and universities in Arkansas.

The college’s Adult Education Program annually serves some 950 non-credit adult students. This program has received the highest ranking (100%) among the other state adult education programs in efficiency and effectiveness. Other alternative learning options are also available: telecourses, computer-based instruction, Internet courses and independent study.

Jefferson Regional Medical Center Teaching Programs
1600 West 40th Avenue
JRMC offers a variety of teaching programs, in conjunction with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) at Little Rock, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and Pine Bluff’s Southeast Arkansas College (SEARK)

Area Health Education Center (AHEC)
4010 South Mulberry Street (on the JRMC grounds) - 870-541-7611
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
1600 West 40th Avenue - 870-541-7167
Jefferson School of Nursing
1600 West 40th Avenue - 870-541-7850
School of Radiological Technology
1900 South Hazel Street (SEARK) - 870-541-7630
School of Respiratory Therapy
1600 West 40th Avenue - 870-541-7610

Pet care

Municipal ordinances in the City of Pine Bluff require that dogs and cats be vaccinated, and that an annual license be obtained for dogs. Licenses may be obtained through local veterinarians, or from the city's Animal Shelter located at 901 North Haverty (870-543-5135).

There are several veterinarians serving the area. Following is a list of veterinarians who are members of The Chamber. Other veterinarians are listed in the area telephone directory.

Hunter's Animal Hospital 7200 Sheridan Road 870-247-3283
Oak Park Animal Hospital 2810 West 28th Avenue 870-534-8144

Banks

Bank of America
Main Office - 120 West Fifth Avenue
870-541-8000
Bank of America branches:

Oak Park 2219 West 28th Avenue 870-541-8276
Pinecrest 5801 Dollarway Road 870-541-8283

Pine Bluff National Bank (PBNB)
Main Office: 912 South Poplar Street
870-535-7222

Locally owned and operated, PBNB offers branch-banking services in six Jefferson County locations, in addition to the main office on Poplar Street:

East Harding 1501 East Harding Avenue 870-535-7262
Oak Park 2920 South Hazel Street 870-535-5019
Olive Street 5503 Olive Street 870-850-7667
Redfield, AR 804 Sheridan Road 870-397-6500
Watson Chapel 2511 Camden Rd (Hwy. 79 South) 870-879-4010
White Hall 7907 Dollarway Road 870-247-3400

Simmons First National Bank
Main Office: 501 South Main Street
870-541-1000

Simmons First National Bank is a unit of the Simmons First National Corporation with corporate headquarters at 501 South Main Street in Pine Bluff. Included on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, Simmons also has two credit cards named in 2007 by Money magazine as among the best in the country. Simmons First has eight community banks around Arkansas and 88 branches statewide, plus a newly acquired Springfield, Mo., bank, its first expansion outside Arkansas. Local branch offices are:

Broadmoor 1809 East Harding Avenue 870-541-1360
Dollarway 4420 Dollarway Road 870-541-1364
Downtown Motor Bank Sixth Avenue & State Street 870-541-1369
jefferson Square 2711 South Olive Street 870-541-1382
Oak Park 2628 West 28th Avenue 870-541-1388
University 1704 North University Drive 870-541-1377
Watson Chapel #30 Chapel Village (Hwy. 79 S.) 870-541-1281
White Hall 8107 Dollarway Road 870-541-1358

Bank of Star City

The Bank of Star City maintains three Pine Bluff area branch offices:

Pine Bluff Branch 2315 East Harding Avenue 870-535-7020
White Hall Branch 7101 Dollarway Road 870-267-1880
Watson Chapel Branch 3100 Camden Road 870-8792953

Watson Chapel & White Hall Financial Centers
Fordyce Bank and Trust Company operates two banking centers in the Pine Bluff area: Watson Chapel Financial Center, at 3400 Camden Road (phone 870-879-6200); and White Hall Financial Center, at 7199 Sheridan Road (phone 870-247-9700).

County property taxes

Real estate tax

The real estate tax assessment ratio on your residence is 20% of fair market value. Taxes collected on real estate support:

Public schools 73%
County government 10%
City governments 6%
Roads 6%
Public library 3%
Police and fire protection 2%

Current tax rate for real estate in the Pine Bluff School District is $57.90 per $1,000 of the (20%) assessed value. (As an example, the annual real estate tax bill on an $80,000 home would be $926.40.) Tax bills are rendered by the Tax Collector's office (870-541- 5313) at the Jefferson County Courthouse, 101 West Barraque Street.

Real property tax payments may be made in three installments to the Collector, or the total paid to the Collector by October 10 of each year, unless your payments are part of your mortgage.

Personal property taxes are collected on vehicles, RV's, boats, motors, all types of trailers, and 4-wheelers. All real and personal property must be assessed annually between January I and May 31, either at the Tax Assessor's office (870-541-5344) in the County Courthouse or at state Revenue Department offices located at Jefferson Square Shopping Center (2801 South Olive Street, Suite 7C) or White Hall (8512 Dollarway Road).

Tax bills are mailed after the first of each year, and the total due must be paid by October 10 of each year. These taxes are paid in arrears; i.e., 2009 taxes are due by October 10, 2010.

Upon establishing residence in the county, new residents should file personal property assessments at the Assessor's office in the County Courthouse.

Getting your Arkansas drivers license

Arkansas law allows for three levels of drivers licenses: learners, intermediate and regular.

Learners drivers license

The learners is issued to a person at least 14 years of age and will expire on the licensee’s 16th birthday. Applicants must pass both a written and a road test given by the Arkansas State Police, pass a vision exam and have no serious accidents or traffic convictions in the most recent six months. Proof of age, usually a birth certificate, and proof of school enrollment is required at testing.

Intermediate drivers license

At age 16, drivers may apply for an intermediate license that expires on their 18th birthday. This license is issued only if the teenager has had so serious accidents or traffic convictions within the most recent six months.

Regular drivers license

A regular license is issued to a person at age 18 provided the applicant has not had any serious accidents or traffic convictions within the most recent 12 months. For testing, report to the Drivers License Testing Center on the south end of the Arkansas River Education Service Cooperative building (old Sears store) at Sixth Avenue and Poplar Street. For additional information on office hours and testing schedules, call 870-534-0220. A parent or guardian must accompany anyone under 18.

The actual drivers license, with identifying dual photos, is issued at local state revenue offices in Jefferson Square, 28th and Olive in Pine Bluff 870-535-4564 or at 8512 Dollarway Road in White Hall, 870-247-5565. The fee for a regular license is $20 for a four-year period. Commercial licenses (CDLs) are $42. Non-drivers needing an official picture identification (ID) card can obtain one at either Revenue Office at a charge of $5.00.

New Arkansas residents with a valid license from another state may obtain an Arkansas state drivers license at the Revenue Offices mentioned above.

In-state residents moving to Pine Bluff must notify the state of a change of address at the Revenue Offices mentioned above.

Vehicle license plates

A license plate is required for all autos, trucks, motorcycles, RV's, trailers and boats. Licenses may be obtained at the Revenue Offices listed above. To secure a license for a vehicle, an owner will need:

Proof of ownership of all vehicles to be licensed. Titles from other states will be surrendered and new Arkansas titles issued, usually within 3 to 6 weeks.
Proof of personal property assessment for current year and tax payment for the applicable year. Personal property may be assessed in the County Assessor's office, located in the county courthouse, or at the Revenue Offices.
Proof of current vehicle public liability insurance in force.

The annual fee for passenger cars is typically $17, $25 or $30. The annual fee for pickup trucks is $21.

State sales taxes at the rate of 6.0 percent on newly purchased motor vehicles (new or used with a purchase price over $2,500) also are paid at the Revenue Offices when license plate is issued. These taxes must be paid within 30 calendar days of the purchase.

Individuals may renew vehicle tags via the internet. The Department of Finance and Administration normally mails a renewal notification to licensees 30 days prior to license expiration. Access codes and on-line instructions are a part of this notification. If a licensee's property taxes and assessments are current, renewing a license on-line is a short and simple process. Tags are mailed to the licensee.

Finding a church

Pine Bluff is a city of churches, from small suburban facilities to those of truly impressive scale and richness of tradition. Pine Bluff is represented by many different denominations, click here for a list of community churches.

Finding the right physician

Pine Bluff is recognized as the regional medical center, serving Southeast Arkansas and areas beyond those boundaries. Professional services are available from:

9 Chiropractic Clinics
26 Orthodontists and Dentists
13 Optometrists
7 Physical Therapy Clinics
150 Physicians and Surgeons, representing more than 30 medical specialties

Jefferson Regional Medical Center (JRMC)

1600 West 40th Avenue
870-541-7100

The focal point of medical care in the community, this 471-bed institution offers emergency room, acute care and a broad range of community health services, including the Arkansas Cancer Institute, Hospice Home Care, JRMC Heart Center, South Central Center on Aging, JRMC Wound Center, and numerous on- and off-site walk-in clinics for non-emergency illnesses. Another JRMC service provides physician referral to assist area residents in locating professionals that meet their particular personal care needs.

To find local doctors, click here.

Emergency services

We hope you'll never need them, but all emergency services are readily available in Pine Bluff. Countywide 911 emergency service is in full operation. Dialing that single number will take care of fire, police, rescue or medical emergency needs.

Settling down to enjoy Pine Bluff and Arkansas

Join the Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber not only welcomes new members but also offers a real opportunity for community involvement and participation. Committees of The Chamber are involved in virtually every aspect of community life. One of those committees could use your particular talents in an area of particular interest to you. Business After Hours is a regular feature of the Chamber program and creates an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with community leaders in an informal atmosphere.

An affordable dues structure has been created to provide for participation at all levels, from single individual to the largest of corporations. Call or visit The Chamber for more information.

Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce
510 Main Street
870-535-0110

Meet more new friends

The Pine Bluff Newcomers Club is designed for people who want to meet and get acquainted with others. A variety of entertaining and informative programs are offered to acquaint members with the community, its opportunities and activities. For more information on this and other local civic clubs, call The Chamber of Commerce.

Starting newspaper delivery

The Pine Bluff area is locally served by one daily and one weekly newspaper. Home delivery of the Little Rock daily is also available.

Pine Bluff Commercial, 300 South Beech Street 870-534-3400: Home delivery subscription rate: Daily, 3 months - $29.85; Sunday only, 3 months - $16
The White Hall Journal, 5609 Dollarway Road 870-247-4700: Delivered by mail on Thursdays. Annual subscription rate: $22.00 in Jefferson County
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, PO Box 8008, Little Rock AR 72203:501-378-3456 or 1-800-482-1121
arkansasonline.com Home delivery subscription rate: Daily, 3 months - $36;
Sunday only, 3 months - $17

Pick up a library card

Main Library, Civic Center Complex, 200 East 8th Ave/ 870-534-4802
Ann Lightsey Children's Library, Civic Center Complex, 200 East 8th Ave/ 870-534-4802
Watson Chapel Branch 4120 Camden Road 870-879-3406
White Hall Branch 300 Anderson 870-247-5064

Library cards are available to all residents of Jefferson County. You will need to present a valid Arkansas drivers license or state-issued identification (ID) card showing your correct name and address. You must complete an application that lists the names and addresses of two friends or acquaintances that are not relatives. There is a 24-hour waiting period before you may pick up your permanent card. In the meantime, a temporary card may be issued that entitles you to check out any two books. There is no charge to county residents for access to library services.

The library maintains a collection of well over 150,000 volumes and has special reading programs for children and young adults. Music and audio collections, a genealogy department, business reference service, and a framed-art lending program are among additional services offered. Current magazines, periodicals, maps, a special room devoted to Arkansas history, and a telephone directory service are maintained. Selections may also be made from a computerized data bank offering more than 22 million entries. Two bookmobiles service neighborhoods on a scheduled basis.

Order your symphony tickets

The Pine Bluff Symphony Orchestra schedules four concerts for its season, which typically runs from October through April. The 2010-2011 season is PBSO’s 24th year of providing musical entertainment for the community. Concerts are presented in the auditorium of the Pine Bluff Convention Center on East 8th Avenue.

Advance season tickets may be reserved at $73 (adult, preferred seating) and $15 (student, preferred seating); or $60 (adult, general seating); and $10 (student, general seating). Tickets for individual concerts also may be ordered at $30 (adult, preferred) and $12 (student, preferred); or $25 (adult, general) and $8 (student, general). A special family ticket for only $165 allows two adults and two or more students under age 18 to enjoy preferred seating for the entire season. (In a very special deal begun in 2005, first-time season ticket buyers may do so at half price.)

Pine Bluff Symphony Orchestra
211 West Third Avenue, Suite 100 (Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center)
870-536-7666

Get into the arts

Dozens of activities focused on the arts and sciences are available for all residents of Pine Bluff at our downtown Arts and Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. Touring exhibits and local, state, and regional artists are regularly displayed at the galleries. Staff and guest instructors conduct classes to develop or advance skills in a wide variety of arts and crafts. There are activities for all age groups and artistic interests.

Pine Bluff's active community theater company mounts a full season of productions, including those for children and teens. Opportunities abound for the amateur thespian and those who are gifted in set design and construction or costuming. Call or drop by the offices for more information and current schedules.

Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas
701 Main Street
870-536-3375

All that jazz and blues

Pine Bluff enjoys a rich history of appreciation for jazz and jazz musicians as well as the blues, both a part of the South's cultural heritage. With Pine Bluff’s proximity to Memphis and New Orleans, jazz and blues have provided a medium of musical expression and appreciation for many generations in the community. Traditional and more contemporary jazz forms are celebrated and appreciated with regularity by the Pine Bluff Jazz Club. And several annual blues festivals bring in performers and aficionados from surrounding states. For more information, check out the Community Calendar provided by The Chamber of Commerce.

Just do it.

Jefferson Regional Medical Center maintains and operates a well-equipped wellness center dedicated to keeping area residents fit. Members can take advantage of an exercise regime that may include circuit training, free weights, or aerobic classes. Life-style classes are offered in nutrition and diet, smoking cessation, stress management, and a wide range of other topics. An outdoor walking track at the wellness center is open to the public at no charge. Click here for joining details.

JRMC Wellness Center
1301 West 40th Avenue
870-541-7890

Enjoy the great outdoors

Pine Bluff enjoys a mild southern climate, and there are abundant year-round opportunities to enjoy the wonders of the world around you in the Natural State.

Fishing

Anglers abound in Arkansas, and you'll see daily reports in local news media of the best hours of the day for a likely catch. Bass fishing is excellent on Lake Langhofer, Pine Bluff's huge slackwater harbor.

For convenience, try one of the fishing piers on the 500-acre Lake Saracen, just north of downtown. Or find that perfect fishing spot somewhere along the Arkansas River, which runs through the county and along Pine Bluff’s northeastern border. Weekend expeditions also might be staged to one of the crystal-clear mountain lakes or streams within easy driving distance.

A fishing license is required for anyone 16 years or older. One can be purchased at most sporting goods stores or bait shops, some discount chains, or directly from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. A resident license cost $10.50; non-resident annual license are $40. Special licenses for short-term trips are also available. Buy your Arkansas hunting and/or fishing license on-line here.

Hunting

Hunting opportunities are all around you in Pine Bluff. Deer are plentiful, and the "Duck Hunting Capital of the World” is within an hour's drive at Stuttgart. A wide variety of wild game is found in fields and forests, all within easy reach of the hunter.

As with fishing, all hunters 16 years or older must have a license. A hunter born after 1968 must also carry a valid hunter education card; hunters under 16 do not need to have this card if they are under the direct supervision of a 21-year-old or older holder of a valid hunting license. State licenses are available at most sporting goods stores, but the best way to apply may be online at www.agfc.com. Costs vary depending on type, but a Resident Sportsman’s License is $25.

For more information on costs or regulations, visit the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission web site or call 501-223-6349 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

Regional Park

Pine Bluff-Jefferson County Regional Park, located just north of Pine Bluff's central business district, offers a variety of activities and facilities within its 1,100 acres. Take time to explore the park with its public Harbor Oaks championship 18-hole golf course (a charter member of the Natural State Golf Trail), playgrounds, beach, boat-launching ramps, picnic areas, softball complex, and other recreational opportunities. The city’s parks department sponsors activities year-round, in addition to numerous festivals and events sponsored in the park or on its waters.

The Governor Mike Huckabee Delta Rivers Nature Center

Constructed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the nature center opened in July 2001 on a 130-acre site in Regional Park. Major highlights of the $4.5 million facility are two gigantic aquariums and an exhibit hall featuring hands-on educational displays. Admission is free. Call 870-534-0011 for more information or visit the center web site.

While in the park area, you may also want to check out the new home of Pine Bluff’s popular Farmers Market, at the recently opened Saracen Landing on Lake Saracen.

Other local and regional attractions

There’s also a fascinating array of great indoor sites to visit in Pine Bluff. Drop by The Chamber at 510 Main Street for a list of local museums. And don't overlook an abundance of great Arkansas state parks, many of which are within easy driving distance of Pine Bluff. The parks are great for weekend camp outs, hiking, fishing, boating, etc.

Much more information on the state’s tourist destinations is available from the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Brochures are available at The Chamber. 510 Min Street.

Shop 'til you drop

Shopping is easy and convenient in Pine Bluff. As the regional center for Southeast Arkansas, the community serves over 250,000 people with a major mall, hometown stores and a variety of boutiques and specialty shops.

Jefferson Square

At this well established shopping center located on South Olive at 28th Avenue,you'll find convenient parking for a variety of specialty shops along with restaurants, professional offices and commercial businesses, and a supermarket. A number of auto dealerships and restaurants are located along South Olive, one of the primary suburban shopping areas, which now also is home to a Wal-Mart Supercenter and newly developed shopping and dining establishments at Exit 43 from I-530.

Pine Bluff’s mall

The Pines is a modern and convenient collection of department stores, specialty shops, personal service centers, food service operations and an 8-screen cinema. The mall encloses about 750,000 square feet of climate-controlled space. These major retailers anchor the mall: Dillard's, JC Penney and Sears. Parking is never a problem, and the access is easy. The mall fronts Hwy 190 (East Harding Avenue) just off 1-530/US 65 (Exit 46).

Other shopping areas

East Harding Avenue and intersecting streets near the mall boast a wide variety of retail establishments including a number of home furnishings and discount stores. Auto dealerships, restaurants and specialty shops complete the array of suburban shopping opportunities.

West 28th Avenue, from South Hazel to U.S. 79B, provides another concentration of high-quality commercial and retail activity, including two larger shopping centers. Numerous specialty shops, food stores, restaurants, offices, gasoline service stations and personal services centers are clustered along 28th and many of its intersecting streets.

A shopping center and an existing core center are located in the growing business area just off I-530 at US 79 at Watson Chapel (Exit 39).

Downtown

Locally owned department stores and specialty shops are also found in the central business district, principally along Main Street. If you haven’t already done so, while downtown, plan to stop by the Farmers Market at the new open-air pavilion, Saracen Landing, on Lake Saracen on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays during the Spring, Summer or Fall. Fresh produce is available from local growers at bargain prices. (Hint: Get there early.)

We're glad you're here

Pine Bluff is a very open community, a place where new faces and fresh ideas are welcomed. There are ample opportunities throughout the community to make personal contributions, not just of your money but also of your time, talent and insights.

You could just lean back and enjoy the community with its rich history, cultural and recreational amenities, and easy lifestyle. But then you'll miss out on a lot of personal satisfaction and a sense of real accomplishment. We urge you to get involved and to join with hundreds of others who have earned for Pine Bluff a state "Volunteer City" honor.

People helping people

The United Way of Southeast Arkansas is headquartered at Pine Bluff. With 27 partner agencies, it is a shining example of how the people of this community show how good neighbors take care of each other. Click here to find out more.

Country Clubs

Pine Bluff Country Club, at 1100 Country Club Lane, offers an elegant clubhouse with extensive food and beverage services, meeting rooms, pro shop, locker rooms, a challenging 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, and a pool.

In addition, there are numerous conference facilities and lodge meeting halls available for social and business functions. The Chamber maintains a list of these facilities.

Public golf courses

There are two public golf courses in Pine Bluff. Harbor Oaks at Regional Park features an 18-hole championship course and driving range, and the popular 9-hole Jaycees Memorial Golf Course is located in Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

Bus service

A bus terminal at 600 South Missouri Street is operated by Jefferson Lines (formerly Greyhound) for passenger and parcel services. The telephone number is (870) 535-1020.

Pine Bluff Transit operates designated routes of intercity bus transportation Monday through Friday. For complete information, call (870) 543-5130. City maps that include city bus route information can be obtained at The Chamber office.

Post offices

The main post office is located at 100 East Eighth Avenue,(870) 536-3535. A suburban branch is maintained at 2901 South Fir in the Oak Park area of Pine Bluff, (870) 536-7440‎. The White Hall post office is at 7402 Dollarway Road, (870) 247-8223‎.

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