Maumelle is a thriving city
The young city of Maumelle has definitely hit its growth spurt. First developed in the 1970s, Maumelle officially became a city in 1985 and is currently one of the fastest-growing areas in all of Arkansas. “When I moved here nearly 30 years ago, there were only 8,000 people, and now, we’re up to 19,000,” says Donna Ibbotson, a Realtor with Crye-Leike Real Estate Services who’s been selling homes in the area since 2007. “People want to come here because we have a small-town vibe, but we’re close to a lot of things.”
Situated 17 miles from Little Rock along the Arkansas River, residents here relish the wealth of parks, trails and sporting facilities, but above all they value the neighborly atmosphere. “Our parks and recreation department does a lot for the city. They put on events like the Easter egg hunt at Rolling Oaks Soccer Complex,” Ibbotson says. “This community is very family-oriented, which is why most people live here. It’s been a great place to raise my kids and my grandkids. Everybody knows everybody which I guess for some people could be a good thing or a bad thing.”
Go hiking, biking or fishing at Lake Willastein Park
At Lake Willastein Park, which sits in the heart of the city, residents can hike or bike along the paved paths, cast a line at the park’s namesake lake, or watch their kids romp around the playground. History buffs flock here, too, to explore the three World War II bunkers that were once used to store ammunition.
Maumelle Community Center, on Edgewood Drive, features an indoor track and basketball courts, as well an outdoor pool. Several leagues are also offered throughout the city, including recreational and competitive soccer at Rolling Oaks Soccer Complex on FairPlay Way and softball and baseball at Maumelle Diamond Center on Country Club Parkway.
Just a few miles south of Maumelle lies the longest pedestrian bridge on the continent, the Big Dam Bridge. Open only to foot traffic and cyclers, this 4,200-foot pathway crosses the Arkansas River and connects users to trails throughout the area, as well as major attractions, including the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum on President Clinton Avenue in Little Rock.
Maumelle’s curb appeal
Those looking to move to Maumelle will find homes built from the 1970s to the present day. They come in a wide range of styles, including ranch houses, Colonial Revivals and contemporary brick homes with two-car garages. “Most of the subdivisions have sidewalks and plenty of green space,” Ibbotson says. “You’ll see a lot of mature trees, except in the new neighborhoods. We have lots of new construction going on.”
The average sale price hovers around $300,000. A 1970s three-bedroom home could be found for around $200,000, while a four-bedroom new build might fetch upwards of $500,000. “If homes are priced properly, they’ll sell within a few weeks,” Ibbotson says.
Spend the day putting around at the Country Club of Arkansas
For a relaxing day of golf, locals have two courses to choose from. The public Country Club of Arkansas, on Country Club Circle, offers 18 holes meant to cater to both beginners and seasoned players alongside a driving range. The private Maumelle Country Club, on Club Manor Drive, also features an 18-hole course, as well as a clubhouse, tennis and pickleball courts, a pool and a restaurant.
Maumelle Boulevard serves as a hub for shopping and dining
Restaurants wind all the way down the major thoroughfare Maumelle Boulevard, offering an array of cuisines. Ranked by the Arkansas Times as one of the best restaurants in the area, Cypress Social features upscale fare and scenic views of Murray Lake. Cheers In Maumelle serves up traditional favorites alongside exotic offerings like fried alligator. And a grocery run can easily be handled at the Kroger or Walmart Supercenter right along the same stretch of road.
For a night out, Overtime Lounge is a popular watering hole, especially when the game is on. It boasts a beer garden alongside its several wide-screen TVs and pool tables.
Maumelle High preps students for the future
Public school students may attend Pine Forest Elementary, Maumelle Middle and Maumelle High. Part of the Pulaski Special District, the middle and high schools score C-plus Niche grades, while the elementary school earns a B-minus. Through a partnership with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, students Maumelle High have the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school.
Maumelle students can apply to attend the school of their choice. Two college-prep-focused charters, Maumelle Charter Elementary and Maumelle Charter Middle, are also here for those seeking alternative options.
Hop on Interstate 40 East to get to Little Rock
Interstate 40 runs along the city’s eastern border, allowing for a straight 17-mile drive to Little Rock or a 20-mile trip to the Clinton National Airport. Baptist Health Medical Center – Little Rock is 12 miles away by way of Route 100 East.
Photography Contributed By
Alan Battles
