About Ash Flat & Highland, AR

Tucked into the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in Sharp County, Ash Flat and Highland offer the kind of small-town, close-knit lifestyle that's becoming harder to find. Just a few miles apart along Highway 62/412, these two communities function almost as one, sharing schools and businesses, while still holding onto their own distinct history and character.

Ash Flat dates back to 1856, when a small post office was built near a grove of ash trees that gave the town its name. What started as a farming and trading community grew steadily over the next century, and in 1967 Ash Flat became the official county seat of Sharp County. Today it's the region's hub for healthcare, shopping, and services, while still keeping its rural, unhurried pace of life.

Highland's story is a little different — the city itself grew up around a school. When the Ash Flat and Hardy school districts consolidated in 1962, a new high school was built roughly halfway between the two towns, and the community of Highland formed around it. Officially incorporated in 1998, Highland has since grown into its own with local restaurants, shops, and parks, and its official motto says it well: "Visit for a day — or stay for a lifetime."

Outdoor recreation is a huge part of life here. The Spring River and Strawberry River are both close by, drawing anglers, kayakers, and canoers from all over the region, and the Harold E. Alexander Spring River Wildlife Management Area offers great hunting and fishing right in the backyard. Highland is also home to three small lakes and several parks, and both towns host local festivals throughout the year. History buffs will appreciate landmarks like the old stone schoolhouse and the Sharp County Courthouse, along with a Veterans' Memorial that honors the area's rich military heritage.

The local economy leans on healthcare, retail, education, and tourism, with major employers including area healthcare providers, Walmart, the Highland School District, and Ozarka College's local branch campus. The Sharp County Regional Airport supports both business and recreational aviation, and the area's proximity to the retirement community of Cherokee Village adds to a steady, stable local economy.

For anyone considering a move, Ash Flat and Highland offer a cost of living well below state and national averages, a strong sense of community, and easy access to some of the best natural scenery the Ozarks have to offer — all without sacrificing the everyday conveniences of shopping, healthcare, and good schools close to home.