I live about 20 minutes north of Fayetteville and have been here for a decade. Originally from Cali so feel free to take this for what it is worth:

1. I have not lived elsewhere in the deep south, but probably closer to mid western culture. People here are super nice and friendly.
2. Not at all like the rest if the state. Highest per capita income in the state is in Northwest Arkansas and plenty of transplants due to employers like Walmart. Not at all like the stereotypes from my California upbringing. You will find rednecks, but I do in California and Utah too.
3. You get all 4 seasons here. Hot summers for sure, but not as hot as Texas or as humid as much of the rest if the south. Incredible weather during the spring and fall. We learned that the spring and fall are by far he best times for camping - the summers can stay hot at night.
4. Really good hospitals. Good enough my wife had 2 kids in AR hospitals. Don't worry for a second about healthcare.
5. Challenges: Living away from family. Not as many things to do as really large cities. Every time we turn around our ward is splitting (4 ward splits in 10 years, 1 stake split).
6. Favorite things: really nice economy (Walmart, Tyson, and JB Hunt are all headquartered here) incredible schools, awesome outdoors activities (we are,after all, the Natural State), tons of members, tons of BYU fans, ridiculously great place to raise a family. As a side note, lots of move ins here with people living away from family. It forces them to find friends here so it is easy to make friends.

Tell me about what is possibly bringing you to Arkansas.