Welcome to Metro Little Rock: West Little Rock
Tim Ernst
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 popular 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 state’s only Trader Joe’s and the Metro’s only Whole Foods and Costco Wholesale Co., 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, Cobblestone & Vine, and the brand new Three Fold Noodles + Dumplings Co., which offers not only its classic lunch and dinner time entrees but also offers Asian-fusion coffee and breakfast items.
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.
Farther West
Explore pastoral Ferndale, where Pulaski County residents live among pine trees and rolling hills while only being a couple of minutes from the city. Wanting to live closer to a lake and mountains? Roland might be the place for you. Similar to Ferndale, this small mountain town is perfect for residents wanting to feel like they live away from it all with the convenience of being 20 minutes from the nearest Starbucks.