An Overview of Central Arkansas
Not only is Little Rock the geographical center of the state, it is the hub of business, the arts, government and healthcare in Arkansas. With a lively entertainment district downtown in the River Market, the opening of the William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Library, a thriving business district, the historic Quapaw Quarter and Hillcrest neighborhoods and a dynamic west Little Rock business, arts and residential center, the city is surprising in its diversity.
As a regional healthcare hub, the Little Rock metropolitan area is home to more than 30 hospitals providing efficient, comprehensive, personal, innovative healthcare to more than 2 million people in the region and across the state. In addition to healthcare, the region has attracted companies in the communications, retail, information systems, robotics, software engineering, call center, transportation, wood products, aerospace, electric equipment, health and beauty products, steel products and processed foods categories. The area is home to ALLTEL Communications, Acxiom Corp. and Dillard's Department Store, with many Fortune 500 companies like International Paper, Kimberly Clark and SBC Corp. running major operations here. Its diverse economy provides stability during downturns that often adversely affect other states.
The quality of life in the Little Rock area can be defined in just one word - outstanding! Little Rock is the dividing line between the lush flat land to the east and the rolling hills of the Ozarks and Ouachitas to the west. State parks and wilderness areas just minutes from downtown offer hiking, biking, mountain climbing, canoeing and camping. Outdoorsmen will find abundant opportunities including Stuttgart, the famous duck capital of the world, only one hour east of Little Rock.
From family-oriented Toad Suck Days in Conway to the nationally noted Hot Springs Film Festival, many of the region's events celebrate the arts. Though the most popular outing by far is visiting the region's hundreds of unique dining spots, entertainment ranges from baseball, horseracing and ice hockey to comedy clubs and concerts featuring nationally known artists in North Little Rock's ALLTEL Arena. A thriving arts community offers local theatre, ballet, symphony and arts education. The Museum of Discovery, Little Rock Zoo, William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Center and many historic sites provide fun and educational experiences for all ages. To learn more about Central Arkansas cultural and entertainment offerings, visit www.littlerock.com.
Quality of life can also be defined by minimal traffic hassles and short commuting times. In the region, residents can choose from urban lofts in downtown Little Rock's River Market district, suburban neighborhoods with greenbelts and riding paths, historic homes in many downtown areas and stately homesteads and barns on working farms that demonstrate the rural experience at its best. Housing is affordable, as are energy prices, healthcare and education. Personal taxes are modest compared with many other areas and government services offer residents quality amenities.
Take a closer look at our region by exploring our communities! With the capital city of Little Rock at its heart, the region is made up of smaller cities with unique lifestyles and offerings. Conway is home to Hendrix College, a nationally ranked liberal arts institution, and the University of Central Arkansas, best known for its ability to prepare healthcare, music and education professionals. Benton offers quiet neighborhoods and an outstanding public school system, along with a downtown area that still provides a unique shopping experience on the town square. Among the fastest growing communities in Arkansas, Searcy is home to Harding University and offers easy access to water sports on Greers Ferry Lake and world-class trout fishing on the Little Red River.
Take time to explore these and many other communities that make up the Little Rock metropolitan area. See what many businesses and residents find so attractive about Central Arkansas. Visit the Metro Little Rock Alliance website at www.metrolittlerockalliance.com for more information about these communities:
- Little Rock
- North Little Rock
- Jacksonville
- Benton
- Searcy
- Conway
- Morrilton