The Best Arkansas Suburbs for Families, Retirees & Remote Workers (2026 Edition)

By Christy Robinson, Executive Broker | REALTOR®, MRP

Keller Williams Realty

Central Arkansas Lifestyle Specialist • Future-Focused Market Strategist

Choosing the right suburb is no longer just about commute time or square footage. In 2026, homebuyers are thinking differently. They’re prioritizing:

• School districts

• Safety

• Fiber internet

• Walkability

• Lifestyle amenities

• Home value stability

• Long-term appreciation potential

• Access to nature

• Community culture

And as more people relocate to Central Arkansas from larger states like Texas, California, Tennessee, and Florida, the demand for quality suburbs is rising faster than ever.

As someone who works daily with families, retirees, and remote professionals across Central Arkansas, I see firsthand where people gravitate — and where they stay long-term because the lifestyle simply works.

This is your 2026 guide to the best Arkansas suburbs, broken down by lifestyle category so buyers can choose with confidence.

⭐ SECTION 1 — Best Arkansas Suburbs for Families in 2026

(Focus: Schools, safety, amenities, affordability, community feel)

Families moving to Arkansas in 2026 overwhelmingly look for strong schools, suburban convenience, and a sense of community. Here are the market leaders for long-term family living:

🥇 1. Bryant — #1 for Families, Schools & Stability

Why it ranks first:

• Award-winning school district

• Safe, clean, master-planned suburban layout

• Consistent property appreciation

• Active new construction + strong amenities

Bryant remains the gold standard for families in Central Arkansas. With Hurricane Lake Estates, new subdivisions, amazing parks, and a strong sense of community, it has virtually everything long-term family buyers want.

Best neighborhoods:

• Hurricane Lake Estates (luxury + lake life)

• Midtown Bryant (walkable & central)

• West Pointe & Springhill (affordable + high-demand)

🥈 2. Cabot — Top Schools + Affordability + Growth

Cabot is exploding — in the best way. Families love it for its mix of affordability and school excellence.

Why families choose Cabot:

• One of the highest-rated school districts in the state

• Tons of new construction

• Family-friendly community events

• Lower taxes compared to Pulaski County

• Close to the Little Rock Air Force Base

Best neighborhoods:

• Greystone (golf course, lakes, luxury)

• Magness Creek (established, great resale)

• Northfork (modern new builds)

• Austin + Ward (affordable acreage)

🥉 3. Conway — Education Hub + Family-Friendly Suburbs

Conway blends affordability with education and community charm.

Why families choose Conway:

• 3 colleges = strong educational culture

• Tons of parks, trails, and family amenities

• West Conway & Centennial Valley are stable, desirable, and growing

• Strong job market

• Affordable price per square foot

Best neighborhoods:

• Centennial Valley (golf community)

• Chapel Creek (newer builds + fiber internet)

• West Conway corridors (great schools + demand)

⭐ 4. Maumelle — Safe, Master-Planned & Very Livable

Maumelle remains one of the safest and cleanest suburban areas in Central Arkansas.

Why families choose Maumelle:

• 30+ miles of trails

• Two lakes

• Strong amenities

• Sports leagues + community center

• Great access to Little Rock without the congestion

Best neighborhoods:

• Maumelle Valley

• Country Club of Arkansas

• Edgewater (lakeside)

⭐ 5. Greenbrier — Small-Town Charm + Low Taxes

Greenbrier is perfect for families wanting privacy, affordability, and acreage.

Why families choose Greenbrier:

• Highly ranked schools

• Quiet, rural-suburban blend

• Fiber internet now widely available

• Lower property taxes

• Tons of new construction on large lots

Best neighborhoods:

• The Meadows

• South Greenbrier

• Wooster corridor

⭐ SECTION 2 — Best Arkansas Suburbs for Retirees in 2026

(Focus: Safety, low maintenance, access to healthcare, quiet living)

Retirees want comfort, convenience, and community — without overwhelming upkeep. These suburbs offer all of that and more.

🥇 1. Maumelle — #1 for Retirees & Low-Maintenance Living

Maumelle checks every box.

Why retirees love Maumelle:

• Low crime

• Golf course communities

• Lakes for walking & recreation

• One of the best community centers in the state

• Close to Little Rock medical systems

• Sidewalks + wide streets + quiet neighborhoods

Perfect for:

Those wanting a peaceful, clean, well-kept town with quick access to urban medical care.

🥈 2. Benton — Affordable, Spacious & Convenient

Benton is a hidden gem for retirees who want:

• Lower prices than Bryant

• Excellent parks

• Great small-town feel

• Easy I-30 access

• Newer single-level homes

• Access to Saline Memorial Hospital

Bonus: Benton has a strong retiree community already.

⭐ 3. North Little Rock (Lakewood & Overbrook)

North Little Rock offers a surprising mix of convenience, amenities, and established quiet communities.

Why retirees choose NLR:

• Lakeside neighborhoods

• Excellent access to shopping + healthcare

• Walkable communities

• Close to downtown LR

• Established, stable subdivisions

Best neighborhoods:

• Lakewood

• Overbrook

• Indian Hills

⭐ 4. Conway (West Conway)

Retirees moving to Conway want calm living that still feels modern.

Why retirees choose Conway:

• Safe suburban communities

• Attractive single-level floorplans

• Great healthcare through Conway Regional

• Strong local arts + community events

Best neighborhoods:

• West Conway

• Centennial Valley

• Chapel Creek

⭐ 5. Cabot (Greystone)

Greystone is one of the most retiree-friendly communities in the region.

What they love:

• Golf

• Quiet streets

• Nature

• Lake views

• Low-maintenance living

• Close to medical

• Minutes from retail + restaurants

⭐ SECTION 3 — Best Arkansas Suburbs for Remote Workers in 2026

(Focus: Fiber internet, coffee shops, new construction, coworking spaces, quiet streets)

Remote work has permanently changed homebuyer priorities — and Central Arkansas is one of the best states in the country for work-from-home affordability.

These suburbs lead the way.

🥇 1. Conway — Fiber Internet Capital + Young Professional Hub

Conway is the best place in Central Arkansas for remote workers due to its strong tech infrastructure.

Why remote workers choose Conway:

• Widely available fiber internet

• Tons of coffee shops

• Younger demographic

• Strong rental + resale market

• Newer construction

• Walkable downtown

It’s one of the most “work-from-anywhere-friendly” cities in the state.

🥈 2. Cabot — Quiet Neighborhoods + Fast-Fiber Growth

Cabot’s new neighborhoods are being built with modern layouts perfect for dual offices.

Why remote workers choose Cabot:

• Fast fiber internet expansions

• New-construction floorplans include office/flex rooms

• Quick access to both Little Rock & Jonesboro areas

• Safe, quiet suburban environment

Perfect for buyers wanting peace and affordability.

🥉 3. Maumelle — Commuter-Friendly + Quiet + Clean

Ideal for hybrid schedules.

Why remote workers choose Maumelle:

• Fast access to downtown LR

• Quiet master-planned neighborhoods

• Walkability

• Strong amenities

• Newer office-ready floorplans

⭐ 4. Greenbrier — Affordable Acreage + Fiber

For those wanting space + internet.

Why remote workers choose Greenbrier:

• Large lots

• Peaceful surroundings

• Lower taxes

• Fiber availability

• New construction with dedicated offices

⭐ 5. Sherwood — Affordable, Close to Everything

Sherwood is a sleeper pick for remote workers.

Why:

• Great affordability

• Easy access to Little Rock

• Quiet neighborhoods

• Good internet

• Strong community

⭐ SECTION 4 — “Best Of” Quick Rankings

Best for Families:

1. Bryant

2. Cabot

3. Conway

4. Maumelle

5. Greenbrier

Best for Retirees:

1. Maumelle

2. Benton

3. North Little Rock (Lakewood)

4. Conway

5. Cabot (Greystone)

Best for Remote Workers:

1. Conway

2. Cabot

3. Maumelle

4. Greenbrier

5. Sherwood

⭐ SECTION 5 — Where Should You Move in 2026?

Here’s your personalized cheat sheet:

If you want the top school district:

→ Bryant or Cabot

If you want new construction + affordability:

→ Cabot, Conway, Greenbrier, Benton

If you want luxury communities:

→ Maumelle, Bryant, Cabot (Greystone)

If you want walkability + culture:

→ Conway or North Little Rock

If you want acreage:

→ Greenbrier, Austin, Wooster

If you want convenience + low stress:

→ Maumelle or Benton

If you want fast internet:

→ Conway, Cabot, Greenbrier

👩‍💼 Final Thoughts

The “best” suburb is the one that matches your lifestyle — not someone else’s.

As Central Arkansas continues to grow, each community offers a unique blend of value, character, and opportunity. The key is choosing the suburb that aligns with:

• Your long-term goals

• Your budget

• Your lifestyle

• Your future plans

• Your family needs

And when you choose right, you don’t just buy a home — you unlock long-term stability, appreciation, and quality of life.

📲 Ready to Find Your Perfect 2026 Suburb?

Whether you’re a family, retiree, or remote worker, I’ll help you compare communities, floorplans, schools, internet availability, pricing, commute times, amenities, and long-term value.

Contact Christy Robinson — Let’s Make a REALESTATEMENT.