Living in Conway AR Near Little Rock AFB | Military Relocation Guide

Quick Answer: Conway, AR is a growing city about 35–40 minutes northwest of Little Rock Air Force Base, located in Faulkner County. It’s a popular choice for military families who prioritize space, college-town energy, excellent amenities, and lower cost of living. Conway has abundant new construction, a thriving job market, and a strong community feel. Home prices range from $220,000–$350,000. Ashley Watters is a VA loan REALTOR® and military spouse who helps families PCS’ing to LRAFB find homes in Conway.

Why Some Military Families Choose Conway, AR

Conway isn’t the closest city to Little Rock Air Force Base — that’s Jacksonville at 5 minutes. But for military families who want more square footage, newer homes, a college-town atmosphere, and a slightly different pace of life, Conway is a compelling choice. The city is home to three universities (University of Central Arkansas, Hendrix College, Central Baptist College), which creates a vibrant, educated community feel.

The commute from Conway to LRAFB is approximately 35–40 minutes via I-40 east, then north on I-440 or Highway 67/167. For families where the service member has flexibility in their schedule or works shifts, this commute is manageable. Many military families in Conway own investment properties, since the rental demand from students and young professionals is strong.

Conway, AR at a Glance

  • Distance from LRAFB main gate: 35–40 minutes via I-40 East
  • County: Faulkner County (lower property taxes than Pulaski County)
  • Median home price: $220,000–$320,000 (2025–2026)
  • Average rent: $1,100–$1,650/month for 3BR
  • School district: Conway School District (highly rated)
  • Feel: College town with suburban growth — energetic, diverse, family-friendly
  • VA loan friendly: Yes — strong market, plenty of VA loan experience among lenders and sellers

2026 BAH Rates for Conway, AR (Faulkner County)

Conway is within the Little Rock BAH area, so service members at LRAFB receive the same BAH rate regardless of whether they live in Jacksonville, Conway, or anywhere else in the metro. Approximate 2026 rates:

  • E-4 without dependents: ~$1,137/month
  • E-5 with dependents: ~$1,479/month
  • E-6 with dependents: ~$1,575/month
  • E-7 with dependents: ~$1,674/month
  • O-3 with dependents: ~$1,872/month
  • O-4 with dependents: ~$2,007/month

In Conway, E-6+ families and officers often find the best value — their BAH stretches further here because Faulkner County property taxes are lower than Pulaski County. E4–E5 families may find Jacksonville or Sherwood more budget-friendly given the need for a longer commute (more gas, more car wear).

Best Neighborhoods in Conway for Military Families

  • Ridgepointe / Greenbrier Road corridor: Established and newer homes, mix of price points $220K–$310K, quick I-40 access for commute
  • Matthews Park area (Greenbrier): Just outside Conway proper, excellent schools, quiet streets, $215K–$280K — popular with military families
  • Meadows: Well-established Conway neighborhood, mature trees, good schools, $195K–$255K
  • New construction along Dave Ward Drive / Salem Road: Many builders active in Conway, offering to-be-built options with VA loan incentives
  • Villages at Pleasant Valley: Popular master-planned community, $240K–$330K, amenities and walking trails

Conway School District — Excellent Ratings

The Conway School District serves most of Conway and consistently earns high marks in Arkansas education reports. Military families with school-age children often appreciate Conway’s strong academics and extracurricular offerings:

  • Conway High School — one of Arkansas’s largest high schools, strong AP program, championship athletics
  • Carl Stuart Middle School and Ruth Doyle Middle School — serving grades 7–8
  • Multiple elementary schools — Bob Courtway, Ellen Smith, Florence Mattison, and more

The nearby Greenbrier School District (just west of Conway) is also highly rated and serves many Conway-adjacent neighborhoods — Ashley can help you identify which district a specific home falls in before you make an offer.

Buying in Conway with a VA Loan

Conway is a great VA loan market. The city’s strong growth has kept home values appreciating steadily, and sellers are experienced with VA financing. New construction builders in Conway often work with VA loans, though you’ll want an experienced agent to negotiate builder contracts in your favor.

Ashley Watters has helped multiple military families purchase homes in Conway using VA loans — including several sight-unseen purchases from across the country. She walks properties via video, coordinates inspections, and keeps you informed every step of the way even when you’re 2,000 miles away.

Conway for Military Retirees

Conway is especially attractive for retiring military members. The University of Central Arkansas provides continuing education opportunities, the job market is strong with major employers including Hendrix College, Conway Regional Medical Center, and numerous corporate headquarters. Arkansas does not tax military retirement pay, and Faulkner County’s property taxes are among the lowest in the state — making Conway an excellent place to put down permanent roots after your service.

See our full guide: Retiring Military in Arkansas — the complete guide.

Contact Ashley Watters — Your Conway Military REALTOR®

Planning a PCS to LRAFB and considering Conway? Ashley Watters is a military spouse, VA loan expert, and award-winning REALTOR® who understands your timeline and budget. She’ll help you find the right home in Conway — whether you want new construction, an established neighborhood, or a property with strong rental potential.

Call or text Ashley at (501) 951-9200 — she’s available across time zones and ready to help you navigate the Conway market.

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