One problem with small towns...

...is the lack of jobs available to local residents. Since Eureka Springs has a tourist-based economy, many of the hotels, shops, and restaurants are closed for the winter season. This leaves many people scrambling for jobs to make ends meet. Many locals have to work two jobs in the winter and some just can't make it and have to move away.

This is the fate of a good friend of mine and I am very sad about it. This is such a neat place to live and many people come to live here just because they love the town so much. But sometimes a lack of money forces them away from their dreams.