Exploring Little Rock: A Student's Guide on Where to Live Near Little Rock's Best Colleges

Alright! You got into college! The next four years are going to be super thrilling. Little Rock is a city with quite a checkered past. Despite its name, this Southern town is known to be a little more country than rock, but it has been modernized. Chances are, you're not just attending a new school but moving into a new neighborhood. On top of that, you'll be on your own for the first time. Time to start adulthood! According to Sigmund Freud, "Maturity is the ability to postpone gratification." This means accepting that the privileges of adulthood come with responsibility.

Do keep in mind, you are not denying gratification, only postponing it to its proper time and place. No doubt you are familiar with the idea of research. It's not just for term papers! Here are a few descriptions of the great universities in Little Rock and the neighborhoods they're in. You're sure to find an apartment best suited for you and your lifestyle. 

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Current Pricing for Homes for Rent in Little Rock

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Let's start with the major university of the city. You'll be pleased to know that it is one of the most affordable public universities in the state. Not only will your education be affordable, but these neighborhoods are budget-friendly as well. 

University Park

This is the neighborhood most Little Rock students live in. It is named for being so close to the University. Being near Interstate 630 makes it very accessible, though you will find most of the places you want to go are right nearby. 

Broadmoor

While the old-fashioned homes in this neighborhood are quite comfortable, it really caters to those who love the outdoors. Broadmoor Lake is great for pulling rainbow trout and catfish. The park has tennis courts and a swimming pool. 

College Terrace

At only two blocks west of the UA Little Rock campus, this neighborhood is one of the most conveniently located. The Mexican Consulate is located right nearby, as is the St. Luke United Methodist Church. 

Arkansas Baptist College

This historically black college is located in the more urban part of Little Rock and is the only Baptist-affiliated Historically Black College west of the Mississippi River. The core values of this institution are mission-driven and historically grounded. 

Downtown 

Here's where all the action is! A streetcar will get you wherever you need to go, be that to campus or one of the many restaurants, museums and shopping areas. 

South End 

If you'd prefer to live in a more close-knit suburban area, this might be more your speed. Gardeners and fans of fresh produce will enjoy Crump Community Garden. Southside Park is a great place to spend your weekend. 

Capital View 

This neighborhood is also close to downtown while being more close-knit. It's a diverse neighborhood but still just old-fashioned enough to be quaint. It's a walkable and dog-friendly neighborhood with a considerable number of parks. 

Philander Smith University 

This campus isn't all far from Arkansas Baptist College. It is also historically black, but more on the secular side, focusing more on health-based sciences. It is a comparatively small institution, but that comes with the advantage of a more intimate learning environment. 

Central High

This historical district is named for the famous high school that in 1957 was the hub of the desegregation crisis. One of the more famous landmarks here is the Magnolia/Mobile Service Station, a gathering place during the Civil Rights Movement. 

Hillcrest

The tree-lined streets and charming homes make this personable community a joy to live in. There are many shops and eateries, but the pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the Hillcrest Farmers Market. Great place to live after graduation. 

Oak Forest 

True to its name, Oak Forest is home to a myriad of mature trees, oak and otherwise. It's a quiet and clean neighborhood that it easy to walk in with many outdoor spaces and a friendly atmosphere. 

Pulaski Technical College

This branch of the University of Arkansas is for students in need of a more real-world, hands-on approach to learning. The small class sizing and caring faculty lead to a high-quality education essential to success in life. Once you get your Associates, you can easily transfer to UA Fayetteville. 

Riverdale 

This is a scenic area right on the Arkansas River just a few miles west of Downtown. It's bicycle-friendly and home to many restaurants and the Riverdale 10 Cinema as well as Murray Park. If you like golfing, check out Rebsamen Golf Course.

Heights

This town gets its name from being built on the high bluffs that overlook the Arkansas River. It's a fashionable and elegant neighborhood known for superlative dining and shopping areas. on Kavanaugh Boulevard. 

Jacksonville-Sherwood

This neighborhood combines all the convenience of the city with the charm of the country. It's a very woodsy area with a diverse rental market. McCain Mall and Lakewood village are places to shop. If you hanker for catfish, try The Hook.

Remington College of Nursing

If you'd like to specialize in the field of nursing. there is a Remington College branch on President Clinton Avenue that may just be the place best suited for you. A career focused education is an ideal way to develop the skills and knowledge you will need on the job. 

Cammack Village

You'll find this place right by the Big Dam Bridge. (No, really, that's what it's called.) It's the second-longest pedestrian bridge in the nation. Though located near the banks of the Arkansas River, the real jewel of this neighborhood is Baker Park, a lush green area. There is also a public pool for warm days. 

Midtown 

Midtown is a suburban neighborhood by the Interstate. There are three hospitals in this area for you to learn from and maybe someday work at. Whether you like playing bridge, dancing or even just walking in the park, Midtown has something for you. 

Maumelle 

It's a little jaunt on the other side of the river, but not a bad place to live if you don't mind the commute. With two lakes as well as the Arkansas River, Maumelle is easily a fisherman's paradise. If you prefer the mountains to water, Maumelle has you covered there too with Pinnacle Mountain. 

West Markham

The winding roads of West Markham are lined with trees, giving the place a shaded yet cozy feel. Grassy Flat Creek and Rock Creek run through, adding to the neighborhood's natural beauty. This neighborhood is perfect for people who love to walk their dog by a babbling brook. 

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. 

If you want to go to med school, the medical sciences branch of the University of Arkansas should be your Alma Mater. With their core values of integrity, respect, safety, teamwork, excellence and creativity, tomorrow's doctors are being given their first start here. It was the first medical school in Arkansas with lofty plans to lead the state in health. 

River Mountain 

As the name suggests, River Mountain is a picturesque local that is close to nature. If you like the comfort of the suburbs but like to go on weekend adventures hiking, fishing or riding your bicycle, this is the place for you. Pleasant Valley Country Club welcomes golf enthusiasts. 

Reservoir

This little suburb gets its name from the adjoining Little Rock Reservoir Park which houses - would you believe it?- a reservoir. It's a student-friendly environment. Some of your neighbors may be classmates. It's more useful to own a car in this neighborhood, though many residents carpool. 

Rock Creek

This emerging area of West Little Rock provides a dense suburban vibe. Many of the homes here only go as far back as the 70's and 80's with more being built. If you like some music with your meal on the weekend, JJ's Grill comes highly recommended. 

Westwood Pecan Lake

This residential neighborhood is just brimming with suburban charm. It's diverse, but with a friendly sense of community. While you will need a car to get around, there are trails where you can walk for fun and exercise to better enjoy the "Country in the city" feel. 

Otter Creek Crystal 

Most of the people who live here are homeowners, but quite a few renters live here as well. It's a very tranquil neighborhood, some would say bordering on dull. There is plenty of access to nature with urban conveniences. 

Strayer University 

The headquarters of this private university is located in Washington D. C. but has 64 campuses throughout the U. S. including one in Little Rock. It caters to busy adults with flexible course schedules and online classes. This campus is on Main Street and not very far from the Historic Arkansas Museum and many shops and restaurants. 

Briarwood

This is a calm suburban neighborhood surrounded by activity. Shopping is done on West Markham Street, entertainment can be found on Fairpark Boulevard and anything else you can hop on the freeway for. Meriwether and Boyle Parks are within easy access. Most of the homes are mid-century ranch styles. 

Boyle Park 

The aforementioned Boyle Park is the namesake of this lively neighborhood. Several parks and the Little Rock Zoo make for many soothing green spaces. Park Plaza Mall is great for shopping and dining. Many of the homes are classic ranch styles. 

Wakefield

This neighborhood is just a ten-to-fifteen-minute drive from Downtown. There are many convenient amenities as well as a number of creeks, lakes and green spaces. It's also an affordable place to live with a mix of vintage ranch-style homes and newer domiciles. 

Upper Baseline 

Upper Baeline prides itself on being a walkable neighborhood. The housing prices are on the low side with traditional brick homes usually with loblolly pines in the yard. Shopping areas are easily accessible and the Interstate Park is a great place to catch a baseball geme. 

Walnut Valley

Walnut Valley is a charming place with a strong sense of community. There was a problem with tornadoes a couple of years ago, but the neighborhood has sense pulled itself together. The affordable houses are mostly midcentury brick and ranch style. Nature lovers will find lots of green spaces to relax in.  

In Conclusion

Little Rock is an intersection of urban meeting with rural. It has that bit of classic Southern charm people have come to expect from Arkansas and yet it has all the conveniences of big city living. Forget everything you saw in The Beverly Hillbillies! They have indoor plumming and everything. And that everything includes an opportunity for much more than Jethro's sixth grade education. However, no matter how sophisticated and well-read you become, don't forget to keep in touch with nature. Parks, zoos and other green spaces are essential for balancing yourself and keeping your mind calm. Fortunately, most Little Rock neighborhoods are rich in that. Whichever Little Rock neighborhood you decide is the best fit for you, we at apartmenthomeliving.com hope you find a place where you can call home and make some fond memories while learning lessons that will last a lifetime.