A Guide to Working and Living in Little Rock: Major Companies and Charming Neighborhoods

I'm Melissa, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Little Rock, Arkansas. Arkansas has a reputation as being a rather rural state. That isn't far from true. After all, its state nickname is "The Natural State" and is defined by hot springs, the Ozark Mountains and vast rivers. It is also true that the state's economy leans heavily on agriculture. However, Little Rock is a very modern, industrialized city where the residents work hard and play hard. If the life of a farmhand or bauxite miner just isn't for you, then you may find something more white collar in Little Rock. You will also no doubt find your new place of business to be in a charming neighborhood where you can put your feet up at the end of the day and have a little fun on the weekend.

North Little Rock School District

Now, this place has some history! History isn't always pretty, so let's concentrate on the here and now of NLR High. They are currently in the market for teachers who can teach social studies and art as well as maintenance workers. The students here are diverse and encouraged to succeed and embrace critical thinking. New teachers in Arkansas are being implemented in a one-year paid residency program as of spring 2007. A bachelor's degree is required as is a background check.

South Main District

The locals call it SoMa. It's a quirky and creative neighborhood where a monthly vintage market and a weekly farmers market are opportunities for everyone to share what they've created. The Community Bakery Café is the place to go for an unbeatable slice of pecan pie. The Bernice Garden is a popular place to celebrate special events.

Lakewood

As the name suggests, this neighborhood has scenic lakes, but it has the conveniences of a family-friendly suburb. Lake Number One has a rock bridge dating back to 1931 and has paved pathways. For something more urban, Lakewood Village Shopping Park is the place for shopping and dining. This walkable neighborhood is a peaceful place to live.

Riverdale

Again, an appropriate name!, Riverdale is right by the Arkansas River and just a short drive from downtown. It's a great place for biking, hiking or golfing. If you prefer indoor activities, the Riverdale 10 Cinema is the best movie theater in Arkansas and now serves beer and wine. (And for some of these productions, you need it!) For a unique dining experience, try a little place called Eat My Catfish.

Acxiom

If you're looking to make it in the database marketing industry, Acxiom is the place to be hired. Its most recent development is data-driven healthcare and marketing of pharmaceuticals. They are in the business of providing anonymized customer data to marketers. This allows for more relevant ads to be delivered effectively. The main office is in Conway, but there is a corporate office in Little Rock on Main Street. Internships are available. Benefits include health, retirement, EAP and paid parental leave.

Main Street Creative Corridor

It is called the Creative Corridor due to being the home of Ballet Arkansas, the Arkansas Repertory Theatre and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. This vibrant neighborhood in the heart of the city is a cultural anchor. Take home and wear a little piece of art from Bella Vita Jewelry. After a day of enjoying fine arts, enjoy fine dining at Allsopp & Chapple. If you prefer sandwiches or pizza, there are places you can grab one of those too!

Downtown Little Rock

Of course, any downtown area is the place to be for excitement, inspiration and opportunity. Downtown Little Rock considers its greatest strength to be its dynamism. They have an ambassador team in case you need directions, an escort or even just someone to take your picture. Pocket Park is a great place to go on your lunch break or take the dog and/or kids on the weekend.

South End

Just south of Downtown is a close-knit, historically black community. Crump Community Garden is for anyone who likes to cultivate flowers and vegetables. Catch a ball game at Southside Park where the kids can play on a splash pad. Every October, this is where the Arkansas State Fair happens. South End may be a quiet residential area for the most part but it has its own brand of fun.

Arkansas Children's Hospital

If you're a nurse or doctor who specializes in pediatrics, this is the place to work. If your game is medical research, you can find your niche here too. Their mission is to make children healthier today for a better tomorrow. The summer science program gives college students the opportunity to have some hands-on experience with clinical research. Due to a recent million dollar donation from Katie and Miles Stephens, the hospital is expanding and thus may experience new hiring opportunities. Currently, they're in the market for nurses and an orthoptist.

Midtown

This unique neighborhood is a fabulous blend of both the old and the new. If you love to spend your weekends shopping, you'll love Midtowne Shopping Center, Park Plaza Mall and Breckenridge Village. If you prefer to get on your bike and ride, you can always head out to Allsopp Park or the primary loop of the Arkansas River Trail. Plus, there are so many bars, coffee shops and restaurants that you're sure to find something to fit your taste.

Briarwood

This cozy little subdivision has homes dating back to the 50's but many of them have been recently updated with double-glazed windows and modernized baths and kitchens. The Target and surrounding stores at the Park Avenue Shopping Center are the main places to shop. It's a walkable neighborhood, great for young families.

Cammack Village

Technically, it is a city that is part of the Little Rock-Conway metropolitan area. However, its small population of less than 800 gives it more of a neighborhood feel. It is served by the Little Rock School District. Baker Park is a nice place to take the kids, especially for the festival on Christmas and the egg hunt on Easter.

Caterpillar

As said in the intro, much of Arkansas' economy is dependent on agriculture. Well, you can't have a farm without farming equipment! The modern farmers and miners owe a lot to mechanical engineers. For the past century, Caterpillar has been the number one manufacturer of heavy equipment used for farming, mining and construction. Caterpillar believes in the power of everyone and working collaboratively, so teamwork skills will be essential for working here. They have a manufacturing facility in North Little Rock.

River Mountain

This is by far the best place in Little Rock to buy a house. Many of the residents here are homeowners and, overall, it has a dense suburban feel. The public schools in the area are highly rated, making it a great place to start a family. There are many places to eat and shop, but as the name suggests, it's also a great place for people who like mountain biking.

Walnut Valley

This tranquil, residential neighborhood is home to the mature trees that the neighborhood is named after. It's one of the friendliest neighborhoods in Little Rock with a strong sense of community and great schools, making it a great place to have a family. The houses tend to be brick ranch styles and midcentury split-levels. You'll find it has an urban/suburban mix, so quiet as it is, it's never boring.

West Markham

This sparse suburban area is mostly made up of brick ranch homes shaded by numerous lush trees. Suburban as it is, it is close enough to the wilderness to go hunting and fishing on the weekends. The River Trail and Pinnacle Mountain are suited for nature lovers who only take pictures and memories. Art lovers will enjoy a stroll through Art Group Gallery and cinephiles will enjoy an evening at the AMC with an IMAX theater.

L'Oréal

Because you're worth it! No, really, you are. Their employee page even reminds you that life is too short for a boring career. L'Oréal has cornered the market on beauty products with 36 iconic brands. There is a manufacturing plant in North Little Rock that hires chemists, shipping supervisors, color experts, tech experts and more. You can find a challenging and satisfying job here whether your talents are making cosmetics, maintaining the machinery, getting them packed and delivered of just making sure everything runs as smoothly as liquid lipstick.

Hillcrest

This historic neighborhood in the heart of Little Rock was the first neighborhood in Arkansas to be serviced by a street car line and was home to the Clintons in the late 70s. The architectural styles are quite diverse, ranging from Queen Anne to modernistic. Check out Harvestfest in October for live music, delicious food and unique shopping opportunities from local vendors.

Rock Creek

This dense suburban area is a great place to own a house and raise a family. It's safe, diverse, affordable and has great schools in the area. The building styles vary from two-story brick and wood structures of the 70s and 80s to modern houses with a traditional feel. It's close to the highway and shopping and dining areas.

Outlying West

This neighborhood is defined as anything west of I-430. This spacious area is known for gated communities and ritzy mansions, but there are more modest homes as well. There are plenty of good spots for shopping and dining. If your taste is more hiking or cycling, Two Rivers Park and Pinnacle Mountain are nearby. Lake Maumelle is great for sailing.

Union Pacific Railroad

Would you like to work on the railroad all the live-long day? The railroad industry is more modernized than it comes across in such folk songs, but it still needs dedicated workers. Whether this is your first job or a trade you're experienced in, UP will provide you with opportunities to learn and make a difference. This is the place to develop your talents while developing innovation that will lead to success. Benefits include full health insurance, paid parental leave, 401(k) and stock options.

Capital View

This is a quaint and diverse neighborhood close to Downtown. You'll find it has the perfect blend of suburban charm and urban convenience. The streets are walkable and dog friendly. The neighborhood gets its name from being just two miles from the Arkansas State Capitol. Homes range from small bungalows to Craftsman style.

East Little Rock

This area is defined as anything east of I-30. Try the trendy East Village for breweries and loft-style living. Ranch style homes are available for families with a traditional style. The East Little Rock Community Center is a great place to get in shape no matter what the weather. There are great schools in the area that no doubt take field trips to the William J. Clinton Library and Museum.

Mabelvale

This residential area started out as a small railroad town, but it was annexed to Little Rock in the 1970s. It hosts a blend of old and new homes. Morehart Park is the place to go for outdoor recreational activities. Outlets of Little Rock is the most popular shopping area. For good homestyle cooking, the locals go for Three Sams BBQ.

Arkansas has an economy supported mainly by farmers and miners. However, it also depends on teachers, doctors, nurses, engineers, chemists and yes, even data brokers. Whatever your line of work is, you can find a place to work and live comfortably in Little Rock, Arkansas.