El Dorado, AR, United States

Capital City

With a population of just 17,756, El Dorado is a small and sleepy Arkansas town where the main industries are oil, timber, and chemicals. Despite its modest size, the city has an outsized arts scene, with a downtown arts district, community college, and multi-cultural arts center. However, the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache - the city is home to the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission, suggesting a complex regulatory environment. While El Dorado offers a slower pace of life and cultural amenities uncommon for its size, it's best suited for those seeking a quiet, provincial existence away from the hustle and bustle.