Tim Ernst

Pinnacle Mountain State Park offers an incredible variety of outdoor recreation for locals — from a playground and picnic area to beginnger and advanced hiking trails to ranger-led activities and one-of-a-kind river valley views from the summit.

Generally, anything lying west of Interstate 430 is considered West Little Rock, and this section of town is an expansive one. Cantrell Road and Chenal Parkway are the major veins that carry into West Little Rock’s spacious neighborhoods, thriving retail centers and outlying areas full of recreational opportunities.

The area is known for its gated neighborhoods and million-dollar homes, but there are other housing options as well. Apartments, condos and even country estates with horse stables are found in the area. Notable developments include Brodie Creek, which boasts charming homes reminiscent of Seaside in Florida; Woodlands Edge, which offers ample green space and eco-friendly houses; The Ranch, known for its access to the Little Maumelle River and scenic views; and Pleasant Valley, which is a little older than its West Little Rock counterparts, but is known for houses with character and wide, tree-lined streets — not to mention proximity to the private Pleasant Valley Country Club.

Wildwood Place is another community beloved for its manicured streets and proximity to Wildwood Park for the Performing Arts, which offers scenic beauty and world-class music, festivals and events.

West Little Rock has many other perks, too. Most big box retailers like Old Navy, Barnes & Noble, PetSmart, Academy Sports and The Home Depot settled here. West Little Rock is also home to the metro’s only Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, making after-work grocery runs so much better. Pleasant Ridge Town Center is anchored by Belk but known for its all-star cast of local favorites such as Beyond Cotton, Scarlet, Fleet Feet Little Rock, HOWSE and Cobblestone & Vine.

This part of town is also in close proximity to nature; hiking up Pinnacle Mountain or sailing on Lake Maumelle is just minutes away. Hit up Two Rivers Park for cycling, fishing, sunset watching from the bridge or a run on the wide, paved paths.

Vince Palermo

West Little Rock homeowners have plenty of land to build on, meaning homes in the area tend to be larger than older Little Rock neighborhoods.

Wil Chandler

West Little Rock dwellers enjoy some of the city's best shopping at Pleasant Ridge Town Center. Like at Scarlet (pictured), a trendy boutique, which carries the latest fashions for women.

Nature Awaits

Arkansas’ newest preserve is just steps away from The Ranch neighborhood. Next to Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Ranch North Woods is 234 acres of fields and forest, views of Pinnacle Mountain and nearly two miles of the Little Maumelle River. It's rare to find such a natural wonder so near to the big city, but gems like this are common around the metro.

See more neighborhoods and communities of Metro Little Rock.