I think NW Arkansas is wonderful! I lived there for about 5 years and live about an hour south now. Crystal Bridges is a gem! Walmart and the U of A influence almost everyone's life one way or another. Bentonville and Rogers is more conservative, Fayetteville more liberal. Imo, Fayetteville has more character though. But the Bentonville square feels like Mayberry. I honestly don't think there are any parts that are unsafe - maybe small pockets here and there in Springdale and/or Fayetteville. The Fayetteville library is one of the best I've ever seen. Oh, and the Fayetteville farmers market is wonderful!!!
Feel free to PM me with any questions.