Bella Vista Map
Bella Vista is a neighborhood in Benton County, Arkansas. It previously was the largest unincorporated community in the state of Arkansas; however, in November 2006 it voted to incorporate and form a municipality. The Bella Vista Property Owners Association estimates that there are currently 24,000 residents in the community, which covers about 65 square miles (168 km²). As of the 2010 census the current population is 26,461. The town has two USPS ZIP codes: 72714 on the east side and 72715 on the west side. It is part of the Fayetteville–Springdale–Rogers, AR-MO Metropolitan Statistical Area.
First established in 1965, the village is located on U.S. Route 71 at the end of Interstate 540 between Bentonville and the Missouri state line. Although originally primarily an affluent retirement community, recent growth includes many young couples and families. Prior to incorporation, Bella Vista was "governed" by its Property Owners Association, a private organization performing all the normal functions of a local government.
Bella Vista has eight lakes. These lakes are not "public" in that only members of the community or their guests are permitted to use them. Lake Ann, Lake Windsor, and Lake Loch Lomond are the largest all-sports lakes in the town. Lake Avalon, Lake Norwood, and Lake Rayburn are primarily fishing lakes with "no wake" restrictions. Current POA boat permits are required as are Arkansas fishing licenses, when fishing Bella Vista lakes.
Nearby cities include Pea Ridge, Noel, Lanagan, Decatur, Rogers.