Central High’s legacy draws history buffs and downtown lovers
Once the focal point of the pushback to desegregation following the Brown v. Board of Education ruling, Central High School – the namesake and focal point of Little Rock’s Central High neighborhood – is dedicated to pursuing that same fight for equality today. Now a historic site, the school offers free guided tours of the grounds, detailing its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. “It’s recognized as a historic area, and some people are attracted to that,” says Dwight Harshaw, salesperson for Access Realty. “Plus, people are closer to downtown, trendy things.”
Early 20th-century architecture lines quiet neighborhood streets
The neighborhood’s homes are steeped in history, too. Craftsman bungalows built throughout the 1910s and ’20s are discernible from almost every corner, with most sporting cross-gabled roofs, narrow front yards and loblolly pine tree-filled backyards. Scores of Colonial Revivals are here as well, typically with steep hipped roofs and cross gables, and one of them was once home to one of Arkansas’s most famous architects, W.R. Stewart. Home prices tend to hang around the $100,000 mark.
Central High School blends academic excellence with rich history
Almost 70 years after the landmark Supreme Court ruling, Central High School has built extensively on its roots, without forgetting them. It is still an operating institution and was hailed as Arkansas’s best public school in 2021 and 2022. The American Institute of Architects dubbed it the “Most Beautiful School” in the country for its eclectic blend of Art Deco and Gothic styles. It boasts higher ACT and SAT scores than the state average, and it offers an extensive list of clubs, from Black Student Union and Ethics Bowl to Mental Health America Club. There are two charter schools here, too: K-8 Scholarmade Achievement Place and Premier High School.
Centennial Park has outdoor recreation amenities
After school, many kids head to the heart of the neighborhood: Centennial Park. Climb on the rubber-surfaced green-and-beige playground, practice your backhand on one of the tennis courts, challenge a friend to a pickup game on the basketball court, or sit for a peaceful picnic on one of the tables. Though the park is only about 2 acres in area, it can accommodate diverse interests.
Commercial establishments include local eateries and retail spots
When the work week winds down, families often flock to the widely beloved Afrobites, an African cuisine-focused eatery known for packing its dishes with bold flavors. Try its most popular dish, the lamb shank with fried rice. Reviewers often note how tender it is. For dessert, Maddie’s Sweet Treatz offers confections of all kinds, from fried Oreos to ice cream. For those days when you’d rather eat at home, a butcher shop, K Hall & Sons, has locally lauded sandwiches, chicken and produce. It’s known for having lines that wrap around the corner, though, so arrive early. There’s also a Dollar General just west in the neighboring Capitol View area, as well as a Kroger about 3 miles northwest in Hillcrest. You’ll have to go about 7 miles west to John Barrow to get to the Walmart Supercenter. When it comes to casual shopping, 7 Figure$ stocks its shelves with exclusive selections of name-brand clothes, as well as less expensive options.
Barton Coliseum is a popular venue for entertainment and events
Residents seeking a night of entertainment typically head less than a mile south to Barton Coliseum – an arena that holds more than 10,000 people – for concerts, rodeos and other events, including the Arkansas State Fair.
Proximity to Interstate 630
Arkansas Children’s Hospital makes up the neighborhood’s northeastern corner, where you can also directly access Interstate 630 to travel around the greater Little Rock area and beyond. But downtown is less than a mile east from the neighborhood, so you don’t have to go too far to find more opportunities for entertainment, shopping and dining.
GreatSchools:
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This neighborhood has beautiful historic homes and large leafy trees. Many of the homeowners have lived here for decades and maintain their homes with care. We know all our neighbors. Their is an active neighborhood group. Walk to Children's Hospital or the State Capitol complex.
3.0Niche User
7/24/2014Niche Review
There are a variety of resturant in Little Rock that is easy to get from my area.
3.0Niche User
7/24/2014Niche Review
The weather in Ar IS ALWAYS CHANGING FROM HOT TO COLD, AND ICE AND SNOW IN THE WINER TIMES.
3.0Niche User
7/24/2014Niche Review
I think that things are growing in the area. There a lot of new resturants and also there is a new school that have been built in the area. There are crime in the area that is about the same.
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Central High Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Central High, Little Rock sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Central High, Little Rock over the last 12 months is $139,250, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This beautifully restored 1930 home perfectly blends vintage character with modern comfort. Thoughtfully renovated in 2015, this gem truly shines with timeless appeal and updated features throughout. Step inside to be wowed by the abundance of natural light streaming through large windows, highlighting the gleaming hardwood floors and elegant built-ins. The kitchen is spacious and inviting, ideal
Kevin DaughertyBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arkansas Realty
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This beautifully restored 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home has been brought back to life after 115 years with a complete top-to-bottom renovation. The kitchen features new cabinets, modern appliances (including an air-fryer stove), and stylish fixtures, with the washer, dryer, and refrigerator all conveying. Fresh paint, updated finishes, and a bright, open layout make it truly move-in ready. Outdoor
Myranda GrulkeCharlotte John Company (Little Rock)
The Walter B McConnel house can now be yours. Updated without disturbing history. Motivated seller will entertain All offers and work with allowances. The charm is captivating. Storage is incredible with large closets, walk in shower, Sunlit atmosphere throughout the home. Formal dining room has a wall of roll out windows. Rooms are so versatile, one bedroom with separate entrance and small deck.
Charming updates meet classic character in this all-brick bungalow on a spacious corner lot! This 3-bed, 1-bath home is full of natural light and boasts fresh, modern finishes throughout. Inside, you'll love the updated flooring, neutral paint, and stylish black-and-white kitchen complete with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a herringbone tile backsplash. The open living room
*LITTLE ROCK*CHARMING HOME IN ADAMS SUBDIVISION!! This 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home Features 1150 Sqft! Electric Range Provided In Kitchen! Washer/Dryer Hookups!! 1 Car Carport For Parking!! Fenced In Backyard! DIRECTIONS: Take I-630 E And S Woodrow St To Howard St And Turn Right! AVAILABLE LATE SEPTEMBER 2025!!!
Quaint and cozy 1BD upstairs apartment within walking distance of Children's Hospital and close to Philander Smith College campus. Recently remodeled with paint, countertops, and flooring throughout. Perfect place for a college student or young professional. This property is managed by Hoffman Team so beware of scammers - we will never ask you to Cashapp us money. The lease for this property is
MOVE IN SPECIAL! HALF OFF FIRST MONTH’S RENT! Newly remodeled 2BD/2BA downstairs unit of duplex in the Central High School historic district that is waiting for you to call home. Decorative fireplace in living room gives off a cozy ambiance. Kitchen has sleek white granite countertops and a breakfast bar. Plenty of bedroom and closet space. This unit is all electric. Partially fenced back yard.
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