Living in Oak Forest means entertainment is always within reach. With the University of Arkansas - Little Rock making up its southwestern corner, this neighborhood thrives as a hub for sports fans and art enthusiasts alike. Residents get the benefit of college-town energy and eclecticism without feeling like they're in the middle of a keg party.
Experience the beauty of UALR campus while you are in Oak Forest.
Oak Forest is the perfect setting for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
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Student housing and investment properties
Although most residential streets directly surrounding the university are filled with student housing – namely, apartment complexes – the housing stock west of campus is predominantly single-family homes built in the mid-20th century in various architectural styles. “Sure, you have a lot of students, but there’s also a lot of older families that have lived there forever,” Amber Wood, Realtor at Mid South Realty and area expert, says. Homebuyers have their pick of Craftsman homes with fenced-in backyards and mini porches, Tudor-inspired cottages with steep roofs, rustic brick and midcentury modern ranches, and small bungalows with vinyl siding and woodsy backyards. Depending on square footage and condition, houses typically cost between $70,000 and $150,000, although some listings can go as low as $18,000 and as high as $250,000. “One of the things I like most about Oak Forest is the affordability of homes for first-time homebuyers and investors," Glover Bryant says.
Rows of ranch style homes line the quiet streets of Oak Forest.
Some homes in Oak Forest have cozy front porches that welcome guests.
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University-sponsored fun
With the university in the neighborhood, an event is almost always going on. Locals catch soccer games and track meets at Coleman Sports and Recreation Complex or head to the Center for Performing Arts for student-run musicals and concerts. Jack Stephens Event Center is dedicated in the winter months to Trojans basketball, and Gary Hogan Field overflows with baseball fans every spring. When residents rather play than watch, Oak Forest’s namesake park awaits. The park's playset has yet to be modernized, but it's adored by residents for being quiet and safe. Fully fenced in, the space also offers a basketball court and a grassy field, ideal for group sports or picnics. For family fun, The Little Rock Zoo borders the neighborhood to the north, featuring over 700 animals and interactive exhibits.
Come to Gary Hogan field in Oak Forest and root for the Trojans.
There is not a bad seat at the Jack Stephens Center on the UALR campus in Oak Forest.
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University life and public schooling
Public school students attend Bale Elementary School, which has a C rating on Niche and a computer-based Accelerated Reader Program. Middle schoolers attend the C-rated Dunbar Magnet Middle School, the district’s only school designated specifically for the gifted and talented, followed by Central High. The school earns an A from Niche and requires all students to complete at least 75 hours of community service to graduate. For those 18 and older, the Adult Education Center offers free classes on everything from English as a second language to agriculture, all in a self-paced environment. Oak Forest is also home to the B-rated University of Arkansas - Little Rock and the state’s only Islamic school, The Huda Academy, which remains unrated by Niche.
Bale Elementary School in Boyle Park has been shaping young minds for years.
the Dunbar Magnet Middle School is an anchor for its community and its students.
Little Rock Central High School serves over 2,000 students grades 9-12.
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Health services and getting around Little Rock
Residents’ needs are well accommodated in Oak Forest. Locals are within 2 miles of UAMS Medical Center and CHI St. Vincent Infirmary, and Baptist Health Community Wellness Center is nearby as well. The center serves Arkansas’ uninsured, underinsured and under-served populations through health education and risk factor screenings. The National Research Corporation has recognized it as Arkansas’ “Best Community Health Program.” For commuters, Interstate 630 and U.S. Highway 30 East run along the northern and southern border, and bus stops can be found along Asher Avenue, South University Avenue and the streets surrounding the university. Downtown is less than 4 miles east, and according to Glover Bryant, "You can get pretty much anywhere in Little Rock from there in 15 to 20 minutes." For out-of-state travel, Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport is roughly 6 miles east.
It's a short drive north from Oak Forest to St. Vincent Infirmary.
Interstate 630 runs along the northern border of Oak Forest.
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Delectable doughnuts and savory seafood
With the university comes a flourishing food scene, too. "There is something for everyone, which is smart, as we have a wonderfully diverse population, and it is fun to explore the world over dinner," says Amy Glover Bryant, Realtor for Coldwell Banker. Many locals start their day at Doughboy Donuts, which serves traditional breakfast items like biscuits and pastries. For lunch and dinner, diners might spring for a pork roll and a bowl of pho at Mike’s Café or visit The Mighty Crab for big portions and scores of seafood. Asian grocery store Mr. Chen’s is popular for its specialty produce and meats, but most residents take the trip 1 mile north to Target at Park Avenue Shopping Center for groceries and everyday items. This plaza also brims with familiar chains like Panera Bread and Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen.
Get to Doughboy Donuts early in Boyle Park, just across S University Drive from Oak Forest.
Enjoy dinner out with a friend at
The Mighty Crab in Oak Forest.
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
Are you familiar with the Oak Forest neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Oak Forest
US
Homicide
9
4
Sexual Assault
8
4
Assault with Weapon
8
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
7
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Oak Forest Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Oak Forest, Little Rock sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Oak Forest, Little Rock over the last 12 months is $102,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath home has been thoughtfully updated and is move-in ready. The current owner has made numerous improvements including new flooring, fresh interior paint, updated electrical, roof replacement, and HVAC maintenance for peace of mind. Enjoy central heating and cooling, a spacious wood deck perfect for relaxing or entertaining, and a fully fenced yard that offers plenty
Adorable, updated little bungalow SUPER close to UALR! One bedroom/one bath with a separate dining space. A deep lot gives you a great backyard space and is fully fenced and on a corner lot! The interior features new flooring, new paint, updated vanity in bath, and new fixtures. New mini-split works great! Washer and dryer stay. This property is perfect for a student or faculty member. As an
There is enough elbow room for the entire family. This property offers 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms and 2 living areas. Updates include exterior and interior paint, new HVAC system, cedar pillars at the front and rear entrance, updated kitchen with new appliances, butcher block counter tops, vent and fixtures. All 3 bathrooms have new vanities, lights and plumbing fixtures with newly tiled
This 4-bedroom, 2-bath home has been thoughtfully renovated and is built to stand the test of time with solid block construction. The interior features a roomy, practical layout, and the generous backyard offers a great spot to unwind or host friends. Currently rented for $1,295/month. This property is currently occupied—please do not disturb tenants. No showings allowed without an agreed-upon
This cozy home features three comfortable bedrooms and one bathroom, perfect for small families or anyone seeking a manageable living space. The inviting living room provides a relaxing atmosphere, while the kitchen includes a refrigerator and electric stove for all your cooking needs.Additional features include washer and dryer hookups, a gas water heater, and a central cooling system to
Totally renovated 3BD/1BA right across from UALR ideal for college students or young professionals. Living room has lots of windows letting in tons of natural light. Granite countertops in kitchen. Separate dining room perfect for enjoying meals with family or friends. Carpet in bedrooms. Partially fenced yard. This property is managed by Hoffman Team so beware of scammers - we will never ask you
Renovated Duplex just a few blocks from Gary Hogan Field - home of the UALR Trojan Baseball Team. 2 beds/1 bath, Walk in Shower, new HVAC, new water heater, new appliances, a laundry facility has been added to the back of the building. Covered Parking. All utilities included in rent amount.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Caroline McGowan,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
9,806
Median Age
34
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$24,081
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$38,122
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
83.9%
College Graduates
20%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.6%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
61%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
52''
Average Winter Low Temperature
33°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
10''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
47/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
44/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
37/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
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.
