🧳 Arkansas Relocation Guide 2025-2026: Moving to Central Arkansas Made Easy

Welcome to Your Move!

Relocating to a new area — even within the same state — brings excitement, opportunity, and a long checklist.

If you’re thinking about moving to Central Arkansas — which includes Little Rock, Conway, Benton, Bryant, Cabot, Maumelle, North Little Rock, Greenbrier, Austin, and Ward — this guide covers every detail: cost of living, housing, schools, jobs, weather, and community life.

By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect and where to start.

💰 Cost of Living & Housing Overview

Arkansas ranks among the most affordable states in the U.S., with an overall cost of living index around 85–90 (U.S. average = 100).

🏠 Housing Prices (2025 Estimates)

Area	Median Home Price	Median Rent (2–3 Bed)
Little Rock	$275,000	$1,200–$1,400
Conway	$265,000	$1,100–$1,300
Benton / Bryant	$280,000–$320,000	$1,250–$1,500
Cabot	$260,000	$1,100–$1,300
Greenbrier / Wooster	$250,000	$950–$1,150

Property taxes in Arkansas average about 0.61% of assessed value — well below the national average — and utilities tend to be 10–15% lower than in most states.

🌦 Weather & Climate

Central Arkansas has a humid subtropical climate — four true seasons, with mild winters and warm summers.

• Average winter highs: 50–55°F

• Average summer highs: 90°F

• Average annual rainfall: 50 inches

• Tornado season: Spring (March–May) and fall (October–November)

💡 Pro Tip: Homes with storm shelters or safe rooms are valuable in resale — especially in Cabot, Conway, and Bryant, where open plains make weather planning a must.

🏘 Best Neighborhoods & Suburbs to Consider

Little Rock / Pulaski County

• Chenal Valley: Upscale master-planned community with golf, shopping, and top-rated schools.

• Hillcrest & The Heights: Historic homes, walkable, boutique shops, and local restaurants.

• Midtown: Central access and affordability — ideal for professionals.

Surrounding Suburbs

• Benton / Bryant (Saline County): Excellent schools and newer developments — a favorite for families.

• Conway (Faulkner County): University town with small-city amenities and a growing tech sector.

• Cabot (Lonoke County): Affordable, strong schools, and an easy commute to Little Rock or LRAFB.

• Maumelle: Planned suburban community with trails, golf, and river access.

• Greenbrier / Wooster / Austin / Ward: Rural charm, acreage options, and lower taxes — perfect for buyers wanting space.

🧑‍💼 Employment & Economy

The Central Arkansas job market remains steady heading into 2025.

Top industries:

• Healthcare: UAMS, Baptist Health, CHI St. Vincent, Conway Regional

• Education: University of Central Arkansas, Pulaski Tech, multiple K-12 districts

• Aerospace & Defense: Little Rock Air Force Base, Dassault Falcon Jet

• Finance & Insurance: Simmons Bank, Bank OZK, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield

• Technology & Startups: Conway Tech Park and Little Rock Technology Park

• Manufacturing & Logistics: Tyson Foods, Dillard’s, Caterpillar, L’Oréal distribution

💡 Tip: Many remote workers relocate to Central Arkansas for its lower housing costs and faster internet expansion, especially in suburbs like Conway, Benton, and Cabot.

🎓 Education Options

• Public Schools: Top-rated districts include Bryant, Benton, Conway, Cabot, and Greenbrier.

• Private Schools: Pulaski Academy, Episcopal Collegiate, Mount St. Mary Academy, Abundant Life School.

• Colleges & Universities:

  • University of Central Arkansas (Conway)

  • University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR)

  • Hendrix College (Conway)

  • Pulaski Tech (North Little Rock)

  • Harding University (Searcy, nearby)

🚗 Commuting & Transportation

Average commute time: 20–30 minutes across most of Central Arkansas.

Route	Typical Drive Time	Notes
Benton → Little Rock	25–30 min	I-30 expansion improving flow
Bryant → Little Rock	20–25 min	Popular commuter corridor
Conway → Little Rock	30–35 min	Via I-40, scenic and direct
Cabot → Little Rock	25–30 min	Access via 67/167 freeway

• Public Transit: Rock Region METRO in Pulaski County, limited CARTS service beyond.

• Airport: Bill & Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) offers direct flights to 12+ major U.S. cities.

🏥 Healthcare & Wellness

Central Arkansas offers some of the state’s best medical access:

• University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) – teaching hospital and trauma center

• Baptist Health – system-wide coverage across multiple counties

• CHI St. Vincent – regional leader in cardiac care

• Conway Regional Health System – award-winning community hospital

For wellness, fitness centers, yoga studios, and boutique gyms are abundant across Bryant, Maumelle, and Conway.

🌳 Lifestyle, Culture & Things to Do

• Outdoor Recreation: Hike Pinnacle Mountain, kayak on the Arkansas River, or camp at Lake Ouachita.

• Entertainment: Simmons Bank Arena concerts, minor league baseball, The Rep Theatre, and downtown River Market nightlife.

• Shopping & Dining:

  • The Promenade at Chenal – upscale shopping and dining.

  • Outlets of Little Rock – outlet shopping destination.

  • Conway Commons and Cabot Marketplace – suburban retail hubs.

• Events & Festivals:

  • Riverfest (Little Rock)

  • Toad Suck Daze (Conway)

  • Bentonville Film Festival

  • Arkansas State Fair (Little Rock)

🔒 Safety & Quality of Life

Arkansas cities vary in crime rates, but most Central Arkansas suburbs are considered safe and family-friendly.

• Safest Suburbs (2025): Bryant, Benton, Cabot, and Greenbrier rank high for low violent crime and good community engagement.

• Tip: Use resources like CityProtect.com or NeighborhoodScout for block-by-block data before deciding where to buy.

📦 Relocation & Moving Tips

1. Research utilities early — Entergy (electric), Central Arkansas Water, and AT&T/Fidelity for internet.

2. Book movers 6–8 weeks in advance — especially for summer relocations.

3. Check local Facebook groups for real-time service recommendations and community Q&As.

4. Ask your Realtor® about local inspection norms, taxes, and insurance zones (flood or wind).

5. Set up your driver’s license & registration within 30 days of moving.

6. File for the Arkansas Homestead Credit to save on property taxes.

🧭 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Arkansas a good place to move? Yes — it’s one of the most affordable, centrally located, and naturally beautiful states in the U.S., with strong job stability and friendly communities.

Q: What’s the best place to live near Little Rock for families? Bryant, Benton, and Cabot rank highest for schools, affordability, and newer construction.

Q: How much money do I need to live comfortably in Central Arkansas? Most families live comfortably on $65,000–$85,000/year, depending on home size and lifestyle.

Q: Is Arkansas a good place for remote workers? Absolutely. Central Arkansas offers strong broadband expansion, coworking spaces in Conway and Little Rock, and low home costs for office space.

✅ Final Thoughts

Moving to Central Arkansas means finding the best of both worlds: affordable living, Southern hospitality, and growing opportunity.

Whether you choose Little Rock’s energy, Conway’s community, or Cabot’s family appeal, you’ll discover why so many new residents call this region home in 2025.