Live
West Little Rock is known for its gated neighborhoods and million-dollar homes, but there are other housing options. There’s Brodie Creek, a neighborhood with homes reminiscent of Seaside in Florida or Harbortown in Memphis, and Woodlands Edge, an eco-friendly development. You’ll also find “normal” homes, apartments and even country estates with horse stables. This suburban style has its tradeoffs, or course. Locals nearer downtown jest that west Little Rock is full of neighborhoods with no sidewalks, and indeed you will have to drive almost anywhere you want to go.

Work
You’ll notice a stretch of road near the I-430, I-630 interchange called Financial Centre Parkway. Several brokers and dealers have offices nearby, and all over west Little Rock, the financial industry has a big presence. Hundreds of people work at Ally Bank, for example. Other national companies, like AT&T, also have a corporate presence, alongside local entities like the Arkansas Farm Bureau and the Arkansas Heart Hospital. Wherever you work, consider the commute – there’s no major east-west artery going through the area.

Play
In addition to its free-standing big box retailers, west Little Rock is a shopping destination because of three shopping centers: Shackleford Crossing, a mixed-use development; Pleasant Ridge, a bustling 27-acre open-air development; and The Promenade at Chenal, a 340,000 square-foot open-air facility. If shopping’s not your thing, west Little Rock has the space for other indoor activities that require large spaces, like bowling alleys and movie theaters. You’re also close to nature, so you’re a short drive away from hiking Pinnacle Mountain or sailing on Lake Maumelle.

Experience
The French word “Chenal,” attached to several area neighborhoods, streets and businesses, hints at the prestige associated with west Little Rock. This expansive part of town is generally thought of as one of the more well-off areas of central Arkansas. While there are community events here, like the über-popular Greek Food Festival, there’s less going on than in other Little Rock neighborhoods. For some, that’s part of the appeal – many neighborhoods here offer respite from the city’s pace. However, this section of town has been the fastest-growing in recent years.