East End is a growing rural community just south of Little Rock
Eyes are on East End, a rural community just under 20 miles south of Little Rock, as new construction begins to sweep in. "There are a lot of new developments and communities coming in," says principal broker Kristie McDaniel of McDaniel and Company Realtors, who currently lives in East End. "It's one of the few undeveloped areas that's also a suburb of Little Rock. We are what Benton and Bryant were 20 years ago." Through its growth, East End hasn't lost its rural feel and community-oriented essence. "It's somewhere you will see families outside playing in their yards and people riding bikes or having cookouts," McDaniel says. The community is also home to several churches that engage the community. "There are churches on pretty much every corner with every denomination," she says. "They are so involved in the community, with activities from fall fest to toy drives." East End is also home to the Marylake Carmelite Monastery.
A mix of established ranch-style homes and new construction
Most homes sit on sizable lots. It's common for residents to own at least an acre of land, and a few hundred properties cover at least three acres. It's moderately wooded; towering pines and oaks often line winding streets and fill many yards. Most homes were built toward the end of the 1900s and early 21st century, but new builds are quickly popping up. Most recently constructed homes are custom with New Traditional influences, often adorned with wooden beams, arched entryways and double front doors. Buyers will also find a mix of ranch-style homes. The median sale price is around $255,000. Newer homes can sell at a price similar to older ranch-style homes, depending on square footage.
Sheridan High School offers a community service program
The Sheridan School District scores an overall B on Niche and serves more than 4,300 students. East End Elementary School has pre-kindergarten through second-grade students, scoring a B-minus on Niche, and East End Intermediate serves third through fifth-grade students with a B. East End Middle School has a C-plus, and Sheridan High School scores a B. The high school offers the Community Service Learning Program to its 11th and 12th-grade students, allowing them to earn academic credit after 75 hours of service.
Locals enjoy access to local sports teams and small green spaces
East End is home to a few public green spaces and parks. The Crossing at Angel Court features a barn-themed playground, a small green area and a paved walking path. The park is next to the East End chapter of the I Can! Arts and Resource Center, a nonprofit dedicated to creating accessible dance and art programs for children. The nonprofit's East End chapter offers Peers Without Pressure, a group for 12 to 18-year-old children who enjoy board games, movie nights and field trips. East End Ball Park is a volunteer-based and community-funded park that has served the community for decades. Its facilities, from baseball diamonds to indoor batting cages, are open to the public but are mainly used by the East End Community Association's youth baseball and softball teams. The Lorance Creek Natural Area, located just east of the community, offers a designated walking path and elevated boardwalk where visitors can see over 600 plant species.
Several small businesses line Arch Street/Arch Street Pike
Most of East End's commercial infrastructure lines Arch Street/Arch Street Pike, including several locally-owned restaurants, service businesses and small retail stores. Spots like Dollar General, Family Dollar and Harry B's Beverage offer drinks and grocery essentials, while Edward's Food Giant has produce, meats and a bakery. The grocery store has an attached pharmacy and sits next to a bank, so it's in a popular spot for errand runs. There are a couple of restaurant chains in the community, like Pizza Hut and Hibachi Box, but local eateries like Los Toritos Mexican Restaurant draw folks for home-cooked meals and weekly specials. East End Café serves southern-style meals, including smothered biscuits and gravy and hand-battered chicken fried steak. Locals also enjoy shopping at the Huge Flea Market, home of vintage goods and locally sourced honey and jams.
Navigating Saline County and heading into Little Rock
East End is a car-dependent community with Arch Street/Arch Street Pike as its primary thoroughfare. U.S. Route 167 runs along the community's southern border, and Interstate 530 is accessible on its east side. Little Rock is about 20 miles north of East End and is home to Arkansas' largest commercial airport, Clinton National Airport. Saline Memorial Hospital is one of the nearest medical facilities about 18 miles west.
Written By
Brennen Martin
