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.”
Central High School is the focal point of the Central High neighborhood.
Community and culture are strong in the Central High neighborhood.
1/2
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.
Craftsman bungalows are popular in the Central High area.
The Central High area has many large multistory homes.
Colonial revival homes can be found throughout the Central High neighborhood.
1/3
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.
Central High School was founded in 1869 and sits on 18 acres.
The Dunbar Magnet Middle School is an anchor for its community.
Community, learning, and growth unite at M.L. King Magnet Elementary School.
1/3
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.
Residents can head to Centennial Park. for activities and games.
Kids flock to the playground at Centennial Park after school.
1/2
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.
K Hall and Sons Produce brings fresh produce and deli food to Central High.
Grab some food and drinks at Vino's, a staple of the Central High area.
1/2
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.
Central High is immediately next to Interstate 630, making it quick to get across town.
Arkansas Children's Hospital brings vital healthcare and jobs to Central High.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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.
Are you familiar with the Central High neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Central High
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
8
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
8
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Central High Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Central High, Little Rock sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Central High, Little Rock over the last 12 months is $145,000, up 55% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
DID YOU SEE THE ARV OF THIS CHARMING CRAFTMANS STYLE HOME, NESTLED IN MID TOWN?? AS YOU KNOW, THIS AREA IS BEING REGENTRIFIED AND WITH A LITTLE ELBOW GREASE, THIS BEAUTY WILL SHINE LIKE A NEW PENNY! IT HAS EXTREMELY HIGH CEILINGS THROUGH OUT, MAKING THE HOME APPEAR MUCH LARGER. IT HAS MOSTLY HARDWOODS THROUGH OUT. 2 LIVING AREAS. SEPERATE BEDROOM UPSTAIRS WHICH WOULD BE GREAT FOR A TEEN OR
This is practically a new construction home. The only part that is original is a small portion of the crawlspace and about 15% of the framing. Unique contemporarily designed 3-bedroom 2 bath home with 2 living areas and a large walk-in closet in the master and another walk-in closet in 2nd largest bedroom. The plumbing, electrical, and HVAC unit are all brand new. Free standing tub and large
Come see this charming home in Little Rock! This 4 bedroom, 1.5 bath features a large master bedroom with walk-in closet and half bath. It can easily be used as a family room or den. The hall bathroom has a walk-in soaking bath tub, perfect after a long day. Nice eat in kitchen/ dining combo and an over-sized carport that can hold two vehicles make this home a must see. Agents see remarks.
*LITTLE ROCK*CHARMING HOME LOCATED IN THE HEART OF LITTLE ROCK!! This 4 Bedroom And 2 Bath Home Features 1329 SqFt! Kitchen Comes Equipped With Electric Range, Refrigerator, And Dishwasher, Along With Granite Countertops! The Bathrooms Have A Tile-Surround Tub/Shower Combo! Pad For Parking! Private Backyard Includes Patio And Additional Off-Street Parking! PET FRIENDLY!! DIRECTIONS: Head East on
Small Pets Only deposit $75 and $25 monthly fee This newly renovated duplex two bedroom one bath apartment brand new kitchen with all new appliances. Updated bathroom, freshly redone new flooring all the way through.
Property Id: 1321823Welcome to your new home at 1317 S. Battery St.! This charming unit in Little Rock offers modern amenities including stainless steel appliances, privacy fenced backyard. With a garage and washer/dryer hookups, this pet-friendly property is perfect for small dogs. Don't miss out on this opportunity - schedule a tour today!
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
