I don’t currently live there but did for 4 years and My Brother has been there since 1980.
Avoid Little Rock/NLR aka Pulaski County due to Taxes and crime. Weather is Hot and Humid in Summer and can be brutal cold in Winter, Rains can be HEAVY, Tornadoes are fairly common.
Lots of Lakes/Rivers/Woods. NW corner is not bad area. SE corner is Duck and Rice lands. SW is Texarkana and Hot Springs. I never spent any time in the NE so got no input for there. Lots of Fishing/Hunting everywhere. The main employer is the State Government.
The roads are questionable here and there, Interstate Highways seem to be constantly under construction, an “improved” road is often 2”-3” gravel.
Gardening is good, Weather pending. If out if the city permits are minimal.’