There's a local saying in Eureka Springs, Arkansas: once Eureka gets in your blood, you'll never leave. The small-town hospitality and urban convenience of this eccentric Victorian town keeps people coming back for more, and many people can't resist owning a bit of the magic for themselves.

Everyone experiences that post-vacation daydream of escaping from their corporate bonds, going back to their favorite vacation spot and painting whirligigs for the rest of their lives. In Eureka Springs, that dream often becomes reality since the area is so open and welcoming to newcomers. That old adage of calling a wrong number and still talking for half an hour rings true.

Visitors from around the globe find their niche in Eureka, from owning a B&B to painting their own special whirligigs. The cost of living is low here, people are friendly, and our police reports make people chuckle, not shiver.

Speaking of shivering, don't worry about mountain winters in the Ozarks. Our winter temperatures rarely get below freezing; winter storms are few and far between, and are cause for a celebration rather than panic.

Our moderate weather was one of three factors named by new locals in a recent survey: the breathtaking beauty of the Ozarks and easily accessible outdoor recreation were also top reasons to make the big move to Eureka Springs.

The town may have a tight-knit community atmosphere, but all the bells and whistles of urban growth are still within reach. In fact, U.S. News and World Report named Northwest Arkansas as the nation's sixth fastest-growing metro area in June, 2001.

The University of Arkansas at Fayetteville is only an hour away, as are the headquarters of national business icons like Wal-Mart, J.B. Hunt and Tyson's Foods.

Relocating to Eureka Springs lets anyone get away from it all and follow their dream, without giving up the comforts of culture and entertainment. After a visit to Eureka, it's easy to push aside that briefcase, pull out a real estate brochure and make that dream a reality.