Welcome to Cherokee Village and the Spring River Area!  Nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, this Quad-City area consists of four small towns, the largest of which is Cherokee Village, population 4,648.  Cherokee Village began in 1954 as the dream of developer John A. Cooper, whose goal was to design a retirement community with emphasis on recreation.  Today Cherokee Village consists of 15,000 acres of gentle rolling hills, crystal clear waters and fresh, clean air. It has seven lakes all of which are stocked for fishing, with marinas, boat rentals and rec centers on the largest two, Lake Thunderbird and Lake Omaha. There are also two 18-hole golf courses complete with pro shops and cart rentals.  Cherokee Village also offers a health club, pools, tennis courts, miniature golf courses and walking trails for their residents.

The oldest town is Ash Flat, which was founded in 1856, and is the current Sharp County seat.  With a population of 977, this town has maintained its ranching/farming tradition for over one hundred years and continues its custom of good neighbors, honest work and education set by its early citizens. Ozarka College, a two-year public, post-secondary institution, recently opened a satellite facility in Ash Flat. The Sharp County Veterans Memorial honoring all branches of military was dedicated in November, 2006 and is located near Ozarka College.

Hardy, population 578, has been known as Memphis’ Playground since the railroad was completed in 1883 and people sought relief from the city in the cooler mountain air and clear waters of the Spring River.  The Spring River is the tenth largest natural spring in the world, born in nearby Mammoth Spring.  It is one of the most popular trout rivers in the country and also known as one of the nation’s best float streams.  Old Hardy Town is one of the Main Street Arkansas projects and many buildings on Main Street are listed on the Historical Register.

Lastly, the newest town of Highland, population 986, is also a growing business area with two shopping centers, the Highland Twin Cinema and 2 car dealerships.  Centrally located, Highland is the site of the eighty acre campus of the Highland School District, the 45th largest school district in Arkansas covering 261 square miles and is home of the Highland High School Rebels.  Highland also borders the Harold E. Alexander Wildlife Management Area, a 13,440 acre owned and maintained by the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.

The Quad-City area provides services not only for the needs of local residents, but also covers a three-county area of over 14,000, including a Wal-Mart Super Center, B&B Supply (the local equivalent to Home Depot), 3 large grocery stores, 2 hardware stores, ranch & farm supply stores, antique & gift stores and many other specialty stores.  Medical facilities, which are an important part of the area, include an urgent care facility being completed in the coming year, 2 new clinics, numerous doctor offices, 2 nursing homes and Fountain Place, an independent living facility.  There is also a variety of fast food and dine in restaurants and a health club.