hillcrest

Great Areas of Central Arkansas Vol. 1: Little Rock - Hillcrest & The Heights

Central Arkansas is a great place to live and has many great neighborhoods to offer. Whether you are looking for the hustle-and-bustle of the vibrant downtown area, a quiet homestead in a beautiful suburban neighborhood, or something more quaint in between, Central Arkansas has the option for you at an affordable price. This series of blogs will describe the many great places to live in Central Arkansas:

Hillcrest

One of Hillcrest's many festivals

One of Hillcrest's many festivals

Hillcrest is one of Little Rock’s beautiful historic neighborhoods—it is often referred to as the Hillcrest Historic District by its residents. Hillcrest is the lower, southern section of the Pulaski Heights neighborhood and contains some of Little Rock's most historic construction in both commercial and residential areas. Often thought of as the "heart of Little Rock," it is located almost directly in the center of the city and was arguably the first fully established suburb in Little Rock, and among the first neighborhoods in Arkansas. Much of what makes Hillcrest an historic district and famous neighborhood are the highly sought-after houses of diverse architectural styles. Ranging from Prairie to Queen Anne styles, the houses were built from all different time periods to represent Hillcrest as a unique neighborhood. Hillcrest is also a great place to raise a family, with historic schools and churches nestled alongside the beautiful historic homes. Along Kavanaugh Boulevard, the central vein of Hillcrest and The Heights, you will also find excellent restaurants, coffee shops, and boutique stores. Bars and restaurants such as Ciao Baci, The Afterthought, The Fountain, and La Terraza also offer an eclectic mix of establishments that offer unique cuisine and live music to keep Hillcrest nights alive.

The Heights

The Heights' strip of restaurants and shops

The Heights' strip of restaurants and shops

Nestled along the North side of Hillcrest is The Heights, another beautiful Little Rock neighborhood. This district is located on the north side of Cantrell Road and University Avenue, and extends East toward downtown Little Rock, ending at the beautiful Country Club of Little Rock. The Heights is mostly newer than Hillcrest and contains many popular stores, restaurants, and bars that give the neighborhood a vibrant evening and night life. The Heights is also very family friendly, with many beautiful family homes, churches, and excellent schools. A leisurely stroll along the north half of Kavanaugh Boulevard and into the more historic part of the Heights offers plenty of options for dining and shopping, as well as pleasant views of a beautiful and comfortable neighborhood.