Best Places to Live Near Little Rock AFB

The “Right” Place to Live Near Little Rock AFB Depends on One Thing

Most PCS housing decisions come down to your #1 priority:

• Shortest commute (time matters)

• Family-focused neighborhoods (space + schools)

• Most amenities (shopping, dining, entertainment)

• Best long-term value (resale + rental potential)

This guide makes it simple: pick what matters most, then choose the area that wins for your situation.

If you’re still deciding whether to buy or rent, start with the full PCS to Little Rock AFB housing guide first.

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Quick Ranking — Best Places to Live Near Little Rock AFB

Here’s the plain-English ranking military families usually end up with:

Best for shortest commute

Jacksonville

Best for family-focused buying (popular for VA buyers)

Cabot

Best “middle ground” (commute + value)

Sherwood

Best for amenities + access to highways

North Little Rock

Best for big-city feel (but longer commute)

Conway

Now let’s break each one down the right way.

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#1 Jacksonville, AR — Closest to Little Rock AFB

If you want the easiest day-to-day life during a PCS, Jacksonville is the most common choice because you’re close to base.

Why military families choose Jacksonville

• Typically the shortest commute to Little Rock AFB

• Strong military presence (PCS-friendly rental and buying options)

• Easy access to key roads and base routes

• Often provides the most “PCS speed” when timelines are tight

Who Jacksonville is best for

• Families who value time and want less driving

• Anyone arriving quickly and needing housing fast

• Buyers who want to stay close to base for flexibility

Want the Jacksonville deep dive?

Jacksonville AR PCS housing

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#2 Cabot, AR — The “Family Buy” Powerhouse Near Base

Cabot is one of the most requested locations for military families relocating to Little Rock AFB, especially those using a VA loan and planning to buy.

Why Cabot wins for many PCS buyers

• Popular for families who want space and neighborhood feel

• Strong long-term buying appeal

• Often a great match for military families staying longer than a short assignment

Who Cabot is best for

• Families planning to buy with a VA loan

• People prioritizing a more suburban lifestyle

• Buyers thinking about long-term value and resale

If you want a VA-focused Cabot page (you do), here’s the structure Ashley should own:

VA loan Realtor in Cabot, AR

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#3 Sherwood, AR — The Commute/Value Sweet Spot

Sherwood is a strong “balanced choice” for military families that want a shorter drive than Conway but more variety than pure base-adjacent areas.

Why Sherwood is a smart PCS move

• Solid commute range to Little Rock AFB

• Access to major amenities without feeling too far out

• Often competitive for buyers on value

Who Sherwood is best for

• Buyers wanting a blend of commute + cost

• Families who want access to both base and Little Rock

• Anyone who wants flexibility without overpaying

VA loan Realtor in Sherwood, AR

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#4 North Little Rock — Amenities, Highways, and Convenience

North Little Rock is ideal if you want more city access and highway options while still staying within reasonable commuting range.

Why military families choose North Little Rock

• Strong access to interstates and key routes

• More shopping, dining, and “city convenience”

• Great option for dual-income households

Who North Little Rock is best for

• Military families who want amenities and convenience

• Buyers that value location access over “suburban feel”

• People who want a broader range of home types

 North Little Rock PCS housing

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#5 Conway — More Amenities, But Longer Commute

Conway can be a great choice for some PCS families, but it’s not for everyone because commute time becomes a lifestyle factor.

Why Conway still makes the list

• Big-city feel (relative to the region)

• Strong restaurant, shopping, and community options

• More variety in housing types and neighborhoods

Who Conway is best for

• Families prioritizing amenities and lifestyle

• Longer assignments where commute is worth it

• People who want a larger city environment

 Conway PCS housing guide

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VA Loan Tip — How to Pick the Best Area Without Losing the House

A lot of PCS buyers focus only on the area and forget the strategy. The fastest way to lose time is having a weak plan.

If you’re using a VA loan, your offer needs:

• Strong pre-approval

• Clear timeline (aligned with PCS reality)

• Smart concessions strategy

• Confidence around appraisal and repairs

Ashley Watters helps military buyers structure VA offers that compete.

VA loan Realtor in Arkansas

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Your Next Step — Build a PCS Housing Plan (Not Just a “Search”)

If you’re PCSing to Little Rock AFB, the goal is not “look at homes.”

The goal is to secure housing with a plan that reduces stress and protects your benefits.

Start here:

 PCS to Little Rock AFB housing guide

 military & veteran Realtor in Arkansas

Ashley Watters, Realtor®

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FAQs — Best Places to Live Near Little Rock AFB

What is the closest city to Little Rock Air Force Base?

Jacksonville is the closest city to Little Rock AFB and is often chosen for the shortest commute.

What’s the best area for military families near Little Rock AFB?

It depends on your priorities: Jacksonville for commute, Cabot for family-focused buying, Sherwood for balance, North Little Rock for amenities, and Conway for a bigger-city feel.

Is Cabot too far from Little Rock AFB?

Cabot is a common choice for military families and is often considered a reasonable commute for those who value family-focused neighborhoods.

Should I buy or rent when PCSing to Little Rock AFB?

It depends on assignment length and flexibility needs. Many families buy for longer assignments and rent for shorter timelines.

Can I buy a home sight-unseen near Little Rock AFB?

Yes—many military families do using video tours, inspections, and remote closing planning.

Do VA loans work well in Central Arkansas?

Yes—VA loans are commonly used by military buyers, but strategy matters for appraisal, repairs, and offer structure.

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H2: Talk to a Military Housing Expert in Central Arkansas

If you want a clear plan for your PCS—where to live, what to avoid, and how to buy with a VA loan—Ashley can help.

📱 Call/Text 501-951-9200

🌐 ArkansasHouseSearch.com

Ashley Watters, military & veteran Realtor in Arkansas

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