West Little Rock
ENJOYING THE GOOD LIFE
Take a drive through Little Rock's west side and it doesn't take long to realize you've found a hot spot. Unprecedented growth during the past decade has expanded Little Rock westward, and there's no sign of it slowing down anytime soon. Financial Parkway and Highway 10, both off Interstate 430, are the two ways to take you through the expanding area.
A huge variety of people choose west Little Rock for its convenience and easy access to restaurants, shopping and entertainment. Numerous neighborhoods exist in the area, among which are the sprawling Chenal Valey and The Ranch.
Chenal Valley offers expensive homes, and the Chenal Country Club is coveted for its golf courses, including one designed by famed golf course designer Robert Trent Jones Jr. With several gated neighborhoods, the area is popular with professionals looking for privacy. Dining and shopping options are growing, with plans for more convenient specialty shop and boutiques.
The Ranch, located off Highway 10, is experiencing incredible residential and commercial development. Restaurants and shops are staking their claim, as are businesses adding additional locations to serve those moving west. Arkansas companies with national customers, such as arts and craft giant Leisure Arts, were early residents of this popular corridor. Local restaurants such as Caper's, Izzy's and Cothams supply tried and true award winning culinary experiences for diners.
Take Highway 10 east onto Interstate 630 south off Colonel Glenn and new subdivisions are replacing expanses of acreage. The Rave Motion Pictures multiplex has led the way for brisk commercial development in the area. Homes in Brodie Creek, a unique neighborhood reminiscent of Seaside in Florida or Harbortown in Memphis, are designed with real front porches and sidewalks to give neighbors the feel of a small town. The concept seems to work as more areas continue to develop in this southern section of Little Rock.
First time homeowners can find reasonably priced houses in areas such as Cherry Creek and Sandpiper both of which offer convenient access to a plethora of shops and entertainment off Financial Parkway and Bowman Road.
Other popular neighborhoods out west include the St. Michael and St. Charles areas, Carriage Creek and the Villages at Wellington, where families are often attracted to the community swimming pools and tennis courts and the rolling hills.
For an older, more established setting, look to Pleasant Valley, which features comfortable homes, tall trees and the popular Pleasant Valley Country Club.
Shopping opportunities are plentiful as many national retailers call west Little Rock home, including Home Depot, Target, Old Navy, Wal-Mart, Sam's, Chico's, Garden Ridge, Men's Wearhouse, Best Buy, Bed Bath & Beyond, Linens & Things, and Jos. A Bank Clothiers to name a few. The area is also home to many chain and local restaurants, coffee shops and sporting good stores.
Just west of Little Rock, Pinnacle Mountain State Park offers spectacular views and countless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, including hiking its many trails.
