FSM Tower (Fort Smith)

📍 About FSM & Fort Smith

Fort Smith Regional Airport (FSM) serves the city of Fort Smith, located in western Arkansas along the Arkansas River. The area offers a low cost of living, a mix of southern charm and modern development, and plenty of outdoor and community amenities.

🏡 Where to Live

Popular Areas

• Fort Smith – Affordable living, family-friendly, growing downtown.
• Greenwood – Suburban vibe with good schools and quiet neighborhoods.
• Van Buren – Just across the river, historic downtown, affordable housing.
• Barling – Small town with proximity to FSM and Chaffee Crossing development.

🚗 Commute Times to FSM

• 5–15 min: Fort Smith, Barling
• 15–25 min: Greenwood, Van Buren

🎓 Top School Districts

• Greenwood School District – Highly rated, great for families
• Fort Smith Public Schools – Wide selection of programs
• Van Buren School District – Solid academics, affordable area

🧳 Things to Do – Local & Nearby

🌲 Outdoor Activities

• Hiking/Biking: Ben Geren Park, Fort Smith Park Trails
• Lake Trips: Lake Fort Smith State Park, Ozark National Forest
• Golf: Ben Geren Golf Course, Eagle Crest in Alma

🏛️ Indoor & Cultural

• Downtown Fort Smith: Art galleries, murals, coffee shops, local bars
• Museums: Fort Smith Museum of History, U.S. Marshals Museum
• Local Breweries: Fort Smith Brewing Co., Bricktown Brewery
• Shopping: Central Mall, Chaffee Crossing shops

✈️ Nearby Airports

• Fort Smith Regional Airport (FSM): On-site – commercial and general aviation
• Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA): ~1.5 hours – broader airline options

🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers

• City of Fort Smith Official Website
• Arkansas DMV – Registration & Licensing
• Fort Smith Visitors Bureau
• City of Greenwood
• Van Buren Schools

🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Info

• Greenwood: Very low crime, great for families
• Fort Smith: Urban core has some crime; west side & south are safer
• Van Buren: Generally safe, check local data for neighborhoods

💰 Cost of Living

• Median Home Price (Fort Smith): ~$170,000
• Average 1BR Rent: ~$750–$900/month
• Utilities: ~$140–$200/month for a 1–2BR
• Groceries & Gas: ~10–15% below national average
• Taxes: Arkansas state income tax applies (4.7%–5.9%)

🌆 Neighborhood Highlights

• Fianna Hills: Upscale, hilly, well-kept neighborhood
• Chaffee Crossing: Modern development, great for families
• Downtown Fort Smith: Revitalized with restaurants and nightlife

☀️ Seasonal Weather

• Winter: Mild, occasional snow or ice
• Spring: Warm, thunderstorms common
• Summer: Hot & humid, 90°F+ frequently
• Fall: Comfortable, scenic foliage in nearby Ozarks

🚇 Transportation & Traffic

• Car required: No commuter rail or metro system
• Traffic: Minimal congestion except near Rogers Ave and I-540

🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care

• Mercy Hospital Fort Smith
• Baptist Health-Fort Smith
• Mercy Convenient Care – walk-in urgent care

🫂 Social Life & Community

• Young Professionals: Local breweries, music events, Fort Smith First Friday
• Families: Community centers, sports leagues, local events
• Churches & Volunteering: Active religious and civic community

🍽️ Dining & Food Scene

• Popular Eats: AJ’s Oyster House, Doe’s Eat Place, Rolando’s, Calico County
• Local BBQ: Ralph’s Pink Flamingo BBQ, Whole Hog Café
• Cafés & Bakeries: Fort Smith Coffee Co., Sweet Bay Coffee, Harvest Moon

🛫 ATC-Specific Tips

• Training: Moderate pace, FSM is a smaller tower with good support
• Shifts: Expect a rotating schedule – use blackout curtains for mids
• Community: Small team, close-knit group of controllers

📦 Moving Tips

• Best time to move: March–May or September
• Utilities: Set up with OG&E (electric) and Fort Smith utilities
• Snow gear: Not essential but occasional ice possible

❓ FAQs

• Is Fort Smith safe?
  Yes, with some variation by neighborhood. West and south Fort Smith are safest.
• Is FSM a good place to train?
  Yes – small tower, lower volume, supportive team environment.
• How’s the cost of living?
  Very affordable compared to national averages.