Published: June 16, 2025
By: Edge Realty

Cabot, Arkansas, is officially making history.

Lyon College, a private liberal arts institution based in Batesville, has broken ground on Arkansas’s first private veterinary school, right off Exit 21 on I-57. According to a recent report from KASU.org, construction began this week on a 20-acre veterinary school campus that could bring hundreds of students, faculty, and animal care professionals to the Cabot area as early as Fall 2026, pending accreditation.

While this announcement is big news for higher education and the veterinary field, it also has potential ripple effects across the local economy, infrastructure, and most notably, Cabot’s real estate market.

Let’s explore the details and what it could mean for homeowners, buyers, sellers, and investors.

📍 A New Academic Hub in Central Arkansas

The upcoming Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine will include:

• A 48,000 sq ft academic building

• A 41,000 sq ft clinical sciences center

• A large animal treatment and ambulatory facility

• A 42,000 sq ft home for Cabot Animal Support Services, which will offer opportunities for students to train alongside real-world shelter cases

As reported by KASU and 501 LIFE Magazine, this project is not only historic but strategic. Arkansas ranks last in the nation for veterinarians per capita, and 10% of counties have no practicing veterinarians at all. Lyon College hopes to address this shortage by educating more students in-state and increasing the odds they’ll practice locally after graduation.

Cabot city officials, Lyon College leaders, and community partners all worked together to secure land, financing, and support for this initiative, making it a collaborative win for the region.

Credit: City of Cabot’s Facebook page

🏡 Real Estate Impacts: The Good, The Possible Challenges, and What to Watch

✅ Positive Impact: Rising Demand & Community Investment

With the introduction of hundreds of vet students, faculty, and support staff, demand for local housing will naturally increase. That could include:

• Rental properties near the campus
• Affordable homes for purchase
• Multi-family or mixed-use developments
• Increased business for local restaurants, shops, and services

Cabot could also see more public and private infrastructure improvements, such as road upgrades and public transportation options, which typically accompany long-term institutional investments.

For homeowners, this might mean a steady appreciation in property values, especially for homes close to the new school site or in commuter-friendly neighborhoods.

⚠️ Potential Concerns: Inventory Pressure & Infrastructure Strain

Growth doesn’t come without some growing pains. Here are a few considerations:

• Rental competition may increase, particularly for affordable units
• First-time homebuyers could see more competition and higher prices
• Road congestion around the I-57 corridor may require attention
• If not managed carefully, development could outpace zoning and planning infrastructure

That said, Cabot’s proactive involvement—including leasing land to Lyon College and facilitating support partnerships—suggests local leaders are planning thoughtfully to minimize these pressures.

💬 What This Means for Buyers, Sellers, and Investors

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a landlord, or someone considering selling your home, now is the time to stay informed and get ahead of the curve.

• Buyers may want to act before inventory tightens further
• Sellers might benefit from an uptick in demand in the coming 12–24 months
• Investors should keep a close eye on Cabot’s zoning updates and potential for new developments near Exit 21

If you’re thinking of entering the market—whether to buy, sell, or invest—our team at Edge Realty is ready to guide you with local insights and smart strategies.

📚 Sources & Credits

The real estate market in 2025 presents unique opportunities for investors to grow their portfolios: 

• “Lyon College Starts Construction on Arkansas’s First Private Veterinary School in Cabot,” KASU.org – June 16, 2025
• “A Community Redefined by Bold Leadership and Vision,” 501 LIFE Magazine
• City of Cabot Public Updates & Lyon College Press Releases

🏠 Need Help Navigating the Market?

At Edge Realty, we believe in staying ahead of the trends and helping our clients make informed decisions with confidence. If you’re wondering how this new development could affect your home’s value or your buying potential, let’s chat. Our team is proud to serve Cabot and Central Arkansas, and we’re ready to help you find your edge.

 Contact us today to schedule a consultation or property evaluation.