North Little Rock

Tree-lined streets meander throughout the bucolic neighborhood of Lakewood. "The most attractive part of Lakewood is our lakes," says Evan Blake, executive director of the Lakewood Property Owners Association (POA). "We've got six, and they are all within steps of every home." In addition to its natural surroundings, Lakewood is a shopping destination with its own mall and popular dining spots. "Lakewood is fantastic," says Christy Robinson, Realtor for Keller Williams Realty. "It's definitely one of the more popular areas of North Little Rock." There are several parks in the Lakewood area. Delmont Park has a gazebo, a playground structure, a swing set and a picnic area with a grill. The densely wooded Pugh Memorial Park features The Old Mill, a historic re-creation of a water-powered grist mill from the 1880s that appears in the opening scenes of the film "Gone with the Wind" and has a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. There's also the tree branch-based bridge and toadstool sculptures. Lakewood also offers water-based recreation. Residents can go to Lake No. 1, which has its own park, and the 60-acre Lake No. 2, which has a dock that's a popular fishing spot. Every June, the town throws a community-wide picnic that includes evening fireworks. “We are very close-knit,” Blake says. “There are block parties and sandlot baseball games, for example. There's always something for everyone.” Lakewood Village is a 360,000-square-foot shopping plaza that offers specialty shops and familiar retailers like Lane Bryant and Shoe Carnival, as well as 14 restaurants. Residents can drive 2 miles via back streets to get to McCain Mall, which has 12 restaurants, mostly chains, and more than 80 stores. One of the most popular dining destinations in Lakewood is North Bar, known for its unique, sometimes high-calorie, burger combinations, like the Donut Burger. BBQ Bologna Burger and PB & J Bacon Burger. The eatery is currently operating out of a food truck located at the Filling Station while their brick-and-mortar restaurant is being rebuilt after a fire gutted the building in 2023. Another local favorite is Gadwall's Grill, a neighborhood staple since 1989. "They're known for their award-winning club sandwich," Blake says. "But everything they serve is pretty good." Lakewood's first development dates back to 1953 with a grouping of homes placed on 20 lots. Sponsored by the Arkansas Home Builders Association, the houses were ranch-style, designed using different colors and textures, including brick, concrete and wood. "Back then, people could choose personalized features," Blake says. In addition to those midcentury homes, Lakewood now comprises other styles like split-level, Tudor and contemporary, and prices range from $225,000 to $530,000. Lots sizes range from 1/8 acre to 5 acres, and most homes have garages. The POA plays a vital role in shaping the community's quality of life and property values. "You are not required to join," Blake says. "But if you do, you have access to all kinds of activities, our community pool and more." Students can begin their education at Lakewood Elementary School, which has a B grade from Niche. Niche gave both North Little Rock Middle School's campuses a C score. North Little Rock High School offers advanced placement classes and has a C-plus. Lakewood sits close to U.S. Route 167 Downtown and Interstate 40. Little Rock is a 7-mile drive via Interstate 30, and Rock Region METRO has several bus stops in town. Residents can drive 11 miles on the I-30 to Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport.

Though a tornado ripped through North Little Rock’s Amboy neighborhood in March 2023, today, the vibe is as “Up” as the mural by that name on the Amboy USA building. “Amboy is such a supportive, loving community,” says Erika Franklin, principal broker of Lux Real Estate Group, who was born and raised in Little Rock and knows the area well. “We had a windy day recently, and a neighbor called to let us know that our sign blew down. Neighbors look out for each other in Amboy. That’s hard to find.” Also hard to find are the neighborhood’s midcentury homes for under $150,000, its walkable municipal park, one of the largest in the state, and its down-home eateries and vibrant music scene. First-time buyers or those seeking an investment opportunity don’t have to look further than the neighborhood’s abundance of ranch-style houses in need of love, which tend to hover around $100,000. Recently renovated three bedrooms, often featuring new kitchens, restored hardwoods, carports or attached garages, and fully fenced backyards, can list from $130,000 to $200,000. Larger split-levels, Cape Cods and Contemporary homes start around $300,000 and can run as high as $650,000. “The neighborhood has a great bundle of homes for everyone,” Franklin says. “People start families, grow their family and retire here.” Though family-oriented, Amboy also scored higher than the U.S. average on crime, according to the CAP Index, something homebuyers should keep in mind. Designated bike paths are confined to Burns Park and the river areas in Amboy. The 4 Rock Region Metro bus connects residents to Downtown Little Rock and other city areas. Interstate 40 also runs past Amboy, giving residents access to Memphis, 140 miles to the east, and Oklahoma City, 330 miles to the west. The North Little Rock School District serves the Amboy community and scored an overall C-plus from Niche. Amboy Elementary is one of the closest grade schools, and North Little Rock Middle School is divided into sixth and seventh/eighth-grade campuses next door to each other. At North Little Rock High, underrepresented students earned academic honors from the College Board to help them stand out on college applications. The school system is also due for capital improvements in 2024. Along MacArthur Drive, homestyle burgers and hotdogs are on the menu at Mojo’s. Mick’s Bar-B-Q is down the street, praised for its ribs and pulled pork sandwiches. The yum-yum sauce at Keihiro Hibachi and Sushi comes highly regarded, and Cozy’s snow cones are a cool summertime treat. The MacArthur Mini Mart and dollar stores are nearby for quick snacks, but to stock up on groceries, residents head to Kroger or Edwards Cash Saver off Camp Robinson Road. Burns Park, with its seasonal merry-go-round, playgrounds and picnic pavilions, is within walking distance of most Amboy homes. Here, residents can explore miles of paved and unpaved trails on foot or by bike, walk and socialize with their dogs, try their aim at the archery range or enjoy their favorite sport. The park offers soccer, golf, tennis, disc golf, pickleball, baseball and basketball facilities. Parkgoers can also see history by visiting a covered bridge and pre-Civil War cabin, a World War II tank and a Union Pacific caboose, all within the park. Located next to the 32,000-acre Arkansas Army National Guard installation that borders Amboy, the St. Joseph Farmstead is an urban farm with trails, animals and a farm stand open year-round. Garden plots are also available on the property for the community to lease. McCain Mall is the biggest enclosed shopping center in the region, but Amboy has a treasure trove of its own. Arkansas Record-CD Exchange is the state’s largest vinyl seller and offers other vintage media, such as cassettes, 8-tracks and DVDs. Music lovers can also check out the Argenta Arts District, an area North Little Rock with breweries and pubs that feature live music. The Simmon Bank Arena, which brings in big-name bands, is right next door.

Known for its soul food, the North Argenta neighborhood lies just 3 miles north of downtown Little Rock. This area may not exude the same liveliness as the adjacent Argenta Arts District, but folks rarely leave here with an empty stomach. “North Argenta is not quite there yet as far as being hip and new, but it deserves love,” says Christy Robinson, a Realtor for Keller Williams Realty with over 15 years of experience selling in Little Rock. More than a stop for visiting foodies, North Argenta attracts lifelong residents with its affordably priced homes and proximity to downtown. North Argenta is a blend of residential and industrial space, and its homes tend toward compact, single-story styles like bungalows, Cape Cods and cottages lining the leafy streets. Though lot sizes are typically modest, homes are shaded by mature trees and have wooded backyards, with driveways tucked to the side. Many homes were built between the 1930s and ‘50s, but some newly constructed properties with brick-and-vinyl siding can also be found. Depending on square footage and condition, asking prices run from $75,000 to $200,000, with the median single-family home selling for about $100,000. Kids can attend North Little Rock Schools, starting at Seventh Street Elementary, which earns a C-minus from Niche. North Little Rock Middle School, which is split into a sixth-grade campus and a seventh- and eighth-grade campus, scores a C grade. North Little Rock High receives a C-plus and assigns its students to one of three college-readiness academies, including Health and Human Services; Business, Hospitality and Future Technology; and Digital, Visual and Performing Arts. In the heart of North Argenta, highly-rated soul food awaits. Among the best-loved is Lindsey’s Hospitality House, known around the region for its catfish and slow-cooked meats sold by the pound. The eatery has partnered with Fat Jaws Soul Food and Southern Eats, a new business in downtown Little Rock whose dishes now appear alongside Lindsey’s staples. Just two blocks north, Walker’s has a cafeteria-style setup, so hungry residents can pile on as much or as little savory macaroni and cheese and fried chicken as they desire. Even dining options line Main Street in the Argenta Arts District to the south. When it comes to cooking at home, Tom’s Fish Market sits just a few blocks up Pike Avenue with what locals consider to be the highest-quality catfish and buffalo fish in town. To stock up on more than seafood, head to Kroger 4 miles northeast next to McCain Mall, the largest enclosed shopping center in Central Arkansas. Residents who want to stay active will find athletic opportunities concentrated just a couple blocks north at the North Little Rock Community Center. The fitness center is complete with weights and typical machines like treadmills, and the gymnasium is always bustling with pickup basketball games. It’s right next to North Little Rock Public Library’s Laman branch for a bit of mental exercise as well. North Argenta also has an outdoor offering in 17th Street Park, though it is more suited for toddlers. Although oddly not located on its namesake road, this tiny mulched, fenced-in playset has just two slides and a narrow grassy field surrounding it. Situated where Interstate 40 meets Interstate 30, residents of North Argenta have easy access beyond the greater Little Rock area. They’re also just a few blocks from Argenta Arts District and right across the river from downtown Little Rock, approximately 10 minutes or 3 miles away from attractions like the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. If residents are looking for a getaway that’ll take them airborne, they’re less than 15 minutes from hopping on a flight at Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport. In the event of an emergency, Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock is 10 minutes to the east, right along I-40 near McCain Mall. Rock Region Metro bus stops throughout the neighborhood provide car-alternate options for travel.

North Little Rock's Rose City neighborhood is a suburb that exudes small-town vibes. "Rose City is what I would call an 'old-school town,'" says Alicia Averitt Haley, executive broker for PorchLight Realty, who's been representing the area since 2006. "It is small, and everyone knows each other. Most people love living there because it is where they grew up, or their family is from there, and they want to keep the area alive." Rose City's wide, tree-lined residential streets meander throughout the neighborhood, and home styles comprise bungalows, small ranch-style and new construction. There are a few fixer uppers that are available as investment opportunities. Lots tend to run 1/8 acre or less, suitable for a small garden or gathering area. Prices here range from $35,000 to $189,000. Some homes have garages, but the majority have carports for parking. "I like to compare it to Mayberry," says Shirley Able, assistant director for the NLR Rose City Neighborhood Association, who grew up and raised her children here. Students can start their education and walk to Glenview Elementary, which is equipped with a STEAM lab. The school has a C-minus grade from Niche. Sylvan Hills Middle School has a C from Niche. North Little Rock High School offers coursework and exams in advanced placement and has the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Additionally, the school is a member of the Environmental and Spatial Technologies Initiative, which enables students to familiarize themselves with technology through partnerships with technology firms. It has a C-plus grade from Niche. Residents can walk or drive the .6 miles via local streets to Rose City Community Center, which has a gym, fitness classes, a game room, a kitchen and reservable meeting rooms. It also boasts an adjoining park with a basketball court, two hard tennis courts, two playgrounds, two picnic pavilions and a grill. School Street Park has two colorful playsets, a basketball court and a multi-purpose grassy field. The community is very civic-conscious, and there are several programs in place that assist disadvantaged locals. The City of Little Rock, in conjunction with the Trinity United Methodist Church, hosts a daily food drive for those who are either unsheltered or in need. A free athletics program run by the North Little Rock Police Athletic League is popular among the youth. "Every season, there's a new sport for the kids in the community," Abel says. A new health clinic is scheduled to open in Rose City in 2024. Rose City has its own supermarket, Value Foods, which is within walking distance of most homes. On the western end of U.S. Highway 70, Rose City's main thoroughfare, offers a variety of dining options, including Shotgun Dan's Pizza, considered one of the most popular restaurants in the city. Sweet Poppas Cafe has traditional breakfast dishes like biscuits and gravy. Deli-Mart is a local business that offers sandwiches for lunch on weekdays alongside a limited selection of groceries. The biggest shopping complex in Little Rock, McCain Mall, lies only 5 miles northwest via Interstate 40. "What I love about living here is that we're convenient to everything," Abel says. Downtown Little Rock is a 5-mile drive via Interstate 30, and Rock Region METRO has several bus stops in town. Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport is a 7-mile drive on Interstate 440.

Located on the outskirts of North Little Rock, Galloway Galloway offers a more rural pace of life outside the city. While the neighborhood is more remote than its neighbors, the community is notable to both locals and visitors for a few community gems. Galloway is home to Me & McGee Market, one of the most popular farmstand markets in the state, and several recreation options at beaches and boat launches along the Arkansas River. Combined with accessibly priced homes and quick access to multiple interstates, Galloway is a place where many residents have made a lifelong commitment to their community. Most of the community's residential streets are on the southern side of Galloway. These neighborhoods are filled with homes that were built from the 1990s onward and have features like cross-gabled roofs, spacious backyards, and even some lakeside views. Depending on square footage and features, asking prices range from $185,000 to $300,000. “There’s not really a whole lot out there, but the biggest reason people move here is because it’s super, super cheap,” says Christy Robinson, Realtor for Keller Williams Realty. Galloway, like most of North Little Rock, is defined by the area’s many lakes, streams and proximity to the Arkansas River. “The river that separates us from Little Rock is a very popular attraction. We have submarines and tugboats, and we do a lot of events on the river,” says Shara Hutchcraft, communications director for North Little Rock. Galloway residents often spend their free time at Willow Beach on Blue Heron Parkway. Known for never being too crowded, this recreation area alongside the Arkansas River doubles as a campground and offers two group shelters, picnic tables, and a quiet fishing spot. Further up the river on England Road is Ott Park, an ATV rider’s paradise boasting four-wheeling paths and year-round mudding opportunities. The pride of the Galloway neighborhood is the Me & McGee Market, which is the best-rated market in all of Arkansas. This family-owned operation draws people from all around the greater Little Rock area and beyond for its fresh offerings, which range from plants and fruits and vegetables to jellies, jams and meats of all kinds. It also offers a beloved food truck known for savory burgers. If locals want to cook at home and Me & McGee doesn’t have everything they need, Walmart Supercenter is 6 miles northwest on East McCain Boulevard. The store is also next to McCain Mall, the largest enclosed shopping center in Central Arkansas. For dining options, Jose’s Mexican Grill and Cantina, just off U.S. Highway 165, offers the works: taquitos, fajitas, and carne asada, as well as a full-service bar with highly rated margaritas. Further down the highway, Scott Station offers a little bit of everything, including its famous onion rings and The Killer Dog, a 13-inch frank smothered with chili. Galloway itself doesn’t have any schools, but families are able to send their children to Pulaski County Special School District. Students can attend Harris Elementary School, which has a C-minus rating on Niche, before feeding into Mills Middle School, which is not rated on Niche but has a score of 4 on Great Schools. Wilbur D. Mill University Studies High School earns a C-plus on Niche and has a “Teen Court” program, where budding lawyers can learn about the legal system by hearing disciplinary cases from their peers. University of Arkansas at Little Rock is just 17 miles away from Galloway. Interstates 40 and 440 and Highway 70 run directly alongside Galloway, making it well-connected to the rest of the state. While the community is a bit far removed from the rest of the city, it is still only 12 miles from Downtown Little Rock and 10 miles from the arts district of Argenta in North Little Rock. Galloway is also within 10 miles of Little Rock’s Union Station, an Amtrak station on W. Markham Street, and Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, both of which offer long-distance domestic travel options.

Developed in 1922 by Justin Matthews, a prominent local developer, Park Hill was North Little Rock’s first planned suburban development. Today, it is jam-packed with beautiful homes in various architectural styles, beloved dining options and convenient retail. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. “The biggest draw is the quaint and charming style of the homes," says Alicia Averitt Haley, executive broker for PorchLight Realty, who has been in the market for 20 years. "It is definitely convenient to all access points for Central Arkansas." One of the major draws is Park Hill’s historic homes. The overarching homestyle is 1920s Craftsman bungalows, but buyers can find ranch styles, cottages, and contemporary homes built more recently. Some properties feature wide raised back decks and dense woods for a backyard or have hidden carports and broad, fully fenced yards. Prices range from $100,000 to $415,000, but buyers can expect a two-bedroom ranch style to sell for approximately $175,000, while a three-bedroom Craftsman will go for $260,000. Children are districted for the North Little Rock School District, which scores a C-plus on Niche, serves a little over 8,000 students, and offers complimentary breakfast and lunch for every child. Students head to Ridge Road Elementary, North Little Rock Middle and North Little Rock High School. According to Niche, the elementary school ranks as a C-minus, the middle school scores a C, and the high school scores a C-plus. Upon entering North Little Rock High, students are assigned one of three career academies – business, hospitality and future technology, digital, visual and performing arts, or health and human services. Idlewild Park boasts a reservable clubhouse, mulched playset area, basketball and tennis courts, fire pit, and community garden. Just a block southeast, Fearneyhough Park offers a playground in a secluded, safe place. Crestview Park features a fenced-in playground atop a hill with panoramic city views. In the neighboring Lakewood, T.R. Pugh Memorial Park is a densely wooded site and features The Old Mill, a relic in the opening scene of “Gone with the Wind.” It also earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places and is a source of pride with residents around the area. You can also peruse the park's tree branch-based bridge and toadstool sculptures. Residents make the short drive to the Kroger in Levy, just a mile away, to pick up weekly groceries and household items. For more retail therapy, the North Park Mall features familiar chains like Walgreens, Dollar General and Hobby Lobby. The Half of Half Name Brand Clothing is designed to deliver department store and name-brand clothing at 25% off. Along John F. Kennedy Boulevard is one of the most popular restaurants in the entire city. North Bar rose the ranks for its extensive list of eclectic sandwiches, including its lauded PB&J burger. Other favorites include the Dark Side Coffee Co., which provides a cozy and quiet lounge, and Hoggs Meat Market, which offers sandwiches and meat available for purchase. The Filling Station food truck court and farmers market is open Wednesday through Sunday in Park Hill. It provides residents with local food trucks, produce and products from nearby artisans, and everyone is welcome, including pets. The Edgemont House offers over 8,000 square feet of space for private events in a restored Spanish Colonial Revival home with an adjoining cottage. Able to hold up to 150 attendees, this venue has gardens and a confined courtyard. The city operates the Rock Region Transit bus line throughout the city. Park Hill is along Route 4 Levy/Amboy, which runs directly into the city. For those who wish to drive themselves, Interstate 40 runs coast to coast from Wilmington, North Carolina, to Barstow, California and is just south of Park Hill.