Top Neighborhoods
North Little Rock offers a patchwork of neighborhoods that can make or break your relocation. Choosing wrong means regretting it every morning in traffic or staring at a barren strip mall from your window.
Quick Compare: Top Neighborhoods in North Little Rock
| Neighborhood | Vibe | Rent Range | Best For | Walk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hillcrest | Historic, walkable, trendy | $1,100-$1,500 | Young professionals, foodies | ~78 |
| Lakewood | Family-centric, suburban | $950-$1,300 | Families, dog owners | ~45 |
| Downtown | Urban, gritty, evolving | $850-$1,200 | Budget-conscious urbanites | ~85 |
| Park Hill | Quiet, residential, hilly | $900-$1,250 | Remote workers, introverts | ~35 |
| Birchwood | Working-class, accessible | $750-$1,000 | First-time renters, commuters | ~55 |
Hillcrest
Overview: North Little Rock's crown jewel for walkability and character. Centered around the vibrant Kavanaugh Boulevard corridor, where historic bungalows sit blocks from independent businesses.
The Numbers:
- 🏠Rent: $1,100 - $1,500/mo (1BR) | $1,400 - $1,900/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $245k - $295k
- đźš— Commute: 8 min to downtown LR | 15 min to Baptist Health
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~78 (Very walkable)
Local Intel: Parking on Kavanaugh is a nightmare after 5pm. Use the free lot behind the Hillcrest Station shopping center. The neighborhood floods slightly during heavy rain near the Darragh Street bridge—check flood maps before renting east of Kavanaugh.
Who Thrives Here: Remote workers who treat coffee shops as their office. You'll see the same faces at Mugs Cafe every morning.
Pros & Cons:
- âś… Real walkability: 15+ restaurants, 3 coffee shops, and a grocery store within 10 minutes on foot
- âś… Historic architecture with actual character (no vinyl siding boxes)
- ❌ Street parking only for most rentals—garages are rare
- ❌ Noise from Kavanaugh nightlife can reach residential blocks on weekends
Schools: North Little Rock School District (average). Nearby: Crestwood Elementary (6/10), North Little Rock High (5/10).
The Verdict: Move here if you want to ditch your car for errands. Avoid if you need suburban quiet or have multiple vehicles.
Lakewood
Overview: The definitive family neighborhood, anchored by the sprawling Lakewood Park and the quiet streets branching off McCain Boulevard. Think 1970s brick ranches and well-kept yards.
The Numbers:
- 🏠Rent: $950 - $1,300/mo (1BR) | $1,200 - $1,600/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $215k - $265k
- đźš— Commute: 12 min to downtown LR | 20 min to I-430 business corridor
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~45 (Car-dependent)
Local Intel: The Lakewood Park trail is the neighborhood's social network—morning walkers and evening runners create a natural security system. McCain Boulevard gets gridlocked at 5pm; use John F. Kennedy Boulevard as a parallel cut-through to get to I-40.
Who Thrives Here: Families with elementary-aged kids and dogs. The park's playground and disc golf course are legitimate community hubs.
Pros & Cons:
- âś… Lakewood Park: 120 acres with walking trails, baseball fields, and a dog park
- ✅ Solid value—larger yards and square footage for the rent
- ❌ Zero walkable amenities; you'll drive for coffee, groceries, and restaurants
- ❌ Older housing stock means frequent HVAC and plumbing issues
Schools: North Little Rock School District (average). Lakewood Elementary (7/10) is above district average.
The Verdict: Perfect for families prioritizing space and greenery over nightlife. Skip it if you want walkability or hate yard maintenance.
Downtown (North Little Rock)
Overview: The River Market District bleeds into North Little Rock's downtown, offering true urban living at a discount. Old warehouses converted to lofts, the Arkansas River Trail, and gritty authenticity.
The Numbers:
- 🏠Rent: $850 - $1,200/mo (1BR) | $1,100 - $1,500/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $185k - $235k (condos/lofts)
- đźš— Commute: 4 min to downtown LR | 18 min to Airport
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~85 (Walker's Paradise)
Local Intel: The Junction Bridge pedestrian walkway connects you directly to Little Rock's River Market—use it for dinner instead of driving. Weekend parking fills up fast near the Dugan's Pub area; residents get passes but guests struggle.
Who Thrives Here: Young professionals on a budget who want urban energy without Little Rock prices. Also ideal for Arkansas River Trail cyclists.
Pros & Cons:
- âś… Unbeatable access to both downtown LR and NLR nightlife
- âś… Arkansas River Trail literally at your doorstep for running/biking
- âś… Cheaper than downtown LR equivalents (15-20% less)
- ❌ Higher property crime rates—bike thefts are common; lock everything
- ❌ Limited grocery options (corner stores only; you'll drive for real groceries)
Schools: North Little Rock School District (average). Closest: Seventh Street Elementary (4/10).
The Verdict: Best for budget-conscious urbanites who want city access. Avoid if you have kids or need a full-service grocery within walking distance.
Park Hill
Overview: North Little Rock's quietest central neighborhood, built on rolling hills with winding streets and mid-century homes. Feels tucked away despite being minutes from everything.
The Numbers:
- 🏠Rent: $900 - $1,250/mo (1BR) | $1,150 - $1,550/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $225k - $275k
- đźš— Commute: 10 min to downtown LR | 16 min to Baptist Health
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~35 (Car-dependent)
Local Intel: The hill on Park Hill Drive is a killer bike workout but offers sunset views of downtown. The neighborhood's older residents still organize block parties—knock on doors to find them. Crime is spotty; the eastern edges near Asher Avenue see more issues.
Who Thrives Here: Remote workers who value peace and quiet over action. Introverts who want space without isolation.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Extremely quiet—no through traffic, minimal nightlife noise
- âś… Larger lots and mature trees compared to newer suburbs
- âś… Quick access to I-30 via Asher Avenue
- ❌ Virtually no walkable businesses; you're driving everywhere
- ❌ Some streets need repair; potholes are common after winter
Schools: North Little Rock School District (average). Park Hill Elementary (6/10).
The Verdict: Ideal for homebodies and remote workers. Avoid if you crave walkability or want to be near restaurants and bars.
Birchwood
Overview: A working-class workhorse neighborhood with solid bones and improving amenities. Located near the intersection of JFK Boulevard and McCain Boulevard, offering practical accessibility.
The Numbers:
- 🏠Rent: $750 - $1,000/mo (1BR) | $950 - $1,250/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $165k - $205k
- đźš— Commute: 14 min to downtown LR | 12 min to I-430 corridor
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~55 (Somewhat walkable)
Local Intel: The Birchwood Community Center is a hidden gem for cheap fitness classes. JFK Boulevard is your lifeline—keep it clear for commutes. The neighborhood's eastern edge touches a commercial strip with decent cheap eats.
Who Thrives Here: First-time renters, essential workers, and anyone prioritizing affordability and commute position over aesthetics.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Most affordable central option—rents 20% below city median
- âś… Excellent highway access for commuters
- âś… Gentrifying slowly; property values are ticking up
- ❌ Traffic noise from JFK Boulevard can be constant
- ❌ Fewer parks and green spaces than other neighborhoods
Schools: North Little Rock School District (average). Birchwood Elementary (5/10).
The Verdict: Smart choice for budget-focused renters who commute. Not ideal for families seeking parks or quiet streets.
Final Advice
For young professionals: Hillcrest wins for walkability and social scene, but Downtown offers 30% savings if you don't mind grittier surroundings. Budget an extra $100/month for parking in Hillcrest.
For families: Lakewood is the clear winner—Park Hill is quieter but lacks the park infrastructure. Avoid Downtown entirely due to property crime and lack of kid-friendly amenities.
For retirees: Park Hill offers peace and quick medical access (Baptist Health is 10 minutes). Hillcrest's walkability is tempting but weekend noise may wear on you.
Traffic reality check: Northbound I-430 at 5pm is a parking lot—any neighborhood east of I-430 adds 15+ minutes to that commute. The McCain Boulevard corridor is the city's spine; living near it means easy access but constant traffic exposure.
One counterintuitive pick: Birchwood is worth a look even if you can afford more. The affordability gap is significant, and you're still 12 minutes from everything. For remote workers, that $200/month savings beats a walk score you won't use.