Think of Midtown as a sprawling center of retailers and large employers – an area that’s easily accessed. Cantrell Road and Interstate 630 pass through Midtown as they link downtown and west Little Rock, a rapidly growing area that has blurred Midtown’s boundaries.

Live
Residential areas surround Midtown’s business centers, and the neighborhoods are primarily full of ranch-style variations and modern homes with large yards. Established from the 1950s forward, these areas are lush with mature landscaping and canopies of trees. More recently developed areas such as River Ridge – the homes are on a ridge overlooking the Arkansas River – still see plenty of new construction and renovations. Many homes inhabited by people who’ve lived there many years are being purchased by families with young children.

Work
With Midtown as a hub of the retail industry in Little Rock, many of the job opportunities in the area are related to retail. However, the presence of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and St. Vincent Infirmary Medical Center provide job opportunities for a wide cross-section of professionals. The Plaza West building is full of offices for all types of professionals in industries including medicine, law and communications.

Play
Shopping centers consist of the recently renovated Park Plaza Mall and the neighboring upscale outdoor shopping center known as Midtowne Little Rock. Park Avenue, a new mixed-used development, is also in the works. There’s talk of a cinema, restaurants, retailers, apartments and office space. The anchor tenant, Target, is set to move in first in October 2010. Other Midtown staples include the Little Rock Zoo, War Memorial Stadium and War Memorial Golf Course. War Memorial Park recently underwent renovations that include an expanded playground.

Experience
Although this expansive area does have major roadways crisscrossing through it, the residential streets are tucked away and quiet. Many of the neighborhoods are smaller, with limited roadways in and out. Not only does it make the roads safer, but also more conducive to family play outdoors.