I never thougth you were bashing, just discussing differences. I think we both understand there are natural trade offs.

LR does have a higher population and it is more concentrated, this leads to more restaurants. I still miss places like Juanita's. I don't know if the quality of the restaurants are that much different though. I haven't lived in LR since 2000 so the quality of restaurant may have improved. In NWA, the variety of restaurants have increased.

LR's real estate market never exploded like NWA's and in the long run we found out it did not have near the bubble that burst. Rght now, I like LR's stable Real Estate market. Stability is a good thing and its benefitting LR. NWA is working on liquidating a ridiculous inventory.

ON the otherhand, the professional opportunities are greater in NWA. The better jobs are not even with Wal Mart, JB Hunt or Tyson. They are with the myriad of vendors that are in the area. In LR and Central AR, Axiom and Alltel have been less than stellar lately.

Concerts. LR may get some more concerts but that is just one aspect. It's not like either location is getting the greatest shows. U2 isn't coming to either of them on this tour. To hit the big stadium tours we both still have to hit the surrounding states.

Crystal Bridges, The museum the Waltons are building in NWA will be spectacular. Whether you like the Clintons or not, having a presidential library in LR is a great benefit for the city.

For me, and this is a personal preference, I am glad I don't live in a place where I would need to send my kids to a private school. In LR, you are almost forced to do so. The cirme in LR is higher. It is not as good a place to raise children, IMHO, as NWA. Does that mean people cannot raise great kids in LR, no way. I just prefer to do it here.