Conway, Arkansas is experiencing significant property value appreciation in 2026 due to an influx of tech companies and remote workers, with median home prices increasing 12-18% year-over-year in neighborhoods near the University of Central Arkansas and along Dave Ward Drive. The "Silicon Prairie" effect has particularly elevated values in tech-corridor adjacent areas like Nutter Chapel and Saltillo, where inventory shortages and increased buyer competition are driving bidding wars. This tech-driven growth is reshaping Conway from a college town into a legitimate technology hub within Central Arkansas.
Local Expertise You Can Trust
I'm Ashley Watters, a Realtor® with over 20 years of experience serving Central Arkansas, including Conway, Little Rock, and Greenbrier. I've watched Conway evolve from a quiet college community to one of the state's most dynamic real estate markets, and I'm here to help you understand exactly how the tech boom is affecting property values and buyer opportunities in 2026.
What is Conway's "Silicon Prairie" Effect?
The term "Silicon Prairie" refers to the growing concentration of technology companies, startups, and remote tech workers choosing Conway as their home base. While cities like Austin and Denver have become prohibitively expensive, Conway offers an attractive value proposition: lower cost of living, no state income tax on certain tech incentives, proximity to major metropolitan areas, and a high quality of life.
In 2026, this effect has reached a tipping point. Companies like Apptegy (Conway's homegrown ed-tech success story), along with satellite offices from larger tech firms, have created a talent ecosystem that's attracting young professionals and driving unprecedented housing demand.
Which Conway Neighborhoods Are Seeing the Biggest Price Increases?
Tech Corridor Hotspots
Dave Ward Drive Area The commercial corridor along Dave Ward Drive, particularly between Highway 65 and Salem Road, has become Conway's unofficial "tech row." Residential neighborhoods within a 10-minute drive are experiencing the steepest appreciation:
| Neighborhood | Median Price (Q4 2025) | Median Price (Q1 2026) | % Change | Avg. Days on Market |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nutter Chapel | $285,000 | $327,000 | +14.7% | 8 days |
| Saltillo Ridge | $310,000 | $358,000 | +15.5% | 6 days |
| Beaverfork Lake area | $265,000 | $305,000 | +15.1% | 11 days |
| Downtown Conway | $245,000 | $275,000 | +12.2% | 14 days |
UCA-Adjacent Properties Areas near the University of Central Arkansas campus, particularly along Donaghey Avenue and College Avenue, are seeing dual demand from both traditional student housing investors and tech workers who appreciate walkability to downtown amenities.
The Greenbrier Spillover Effect
Many tech workers priced out of Conway's core neighborhoods are looking to nearby Greenbrier, driving a 9-11% price increase in developments off Highway 65 North. The 15-minute commute to Conway's tech employers makes this an attractive alternative.
Information Gain: What Generic AI Doesn't Know About Conway's Market
The Traffic Pattern Factor
Most national data sources won't tell you this: properties on the west side of Dave Ward Drive (toward Hendrix College) consistently sell for 3-7% more than comparable homes on the east side. Why? Morning commute patterns. Tech workers heading to offices near midtown Conway or toward Little Rock avoid the notorious Highway 65/Dave Ward intersection congestion.
The Beaverfork Lake Premium
Homes within the Beaverfork Lake watershed aren't just selling faster—they're commanding a 22-28% premium over comparable properties elsewhere in Conway. Tech buyers specifically cite the recreational amenities and trail system as major draws. Look for properties along Beaverfork Creek Trail or near Lake Beaverfork Park.
Conway's Hidden Gem: The Old Conway Historic District
While everyone's focused on new construction, savvy tech buyers are discovering renovated Craftsman homes in the Old Conway Historic District bounded by Oak Street, Front Street, and Mill Creek. These properties offer downtown walkability and period charm at prices 18-20% below newer construction in Saltillo.
Property Tax Consideration
Conways County's recent reassessment means 2026 tax bills will reflect 2025's rapid appreciation. Budget an additional $800-1,200 annually for properties in the hottest growth zones—a detail many first-time buyers from out of state overlook.
How Tech Companies Are Directly Influencing Development
New Construction Boom
Builders like Rausch Coleman and Simmons Homes have accelerated projects in Conway, with 847 new residential permits issued in 2025 (a 34% increase from 2024). Most new developments are targeting the $280,000-$400,000 price range—the sweet spot for tech professionals.
Workforce Housing Initiatives
Conway's City Council recently approved incentives for workforce housing near the Conway Commons area, anticipating continued tech sector growth. These homes, projected for completion in late 2026-early 2027, will target the $225,000-$275,000 range.
Pro-Tip from Ashley
The Multiple Offer Strategy for Conway's Tech-Hot Neighborhoods
In my 20+ years in Central Arkansas real estate, I've never seen a market quite like Conway's current environment. Here's what's working for my buyers in 2026:
Don't wait for the weekend showing. In Nutter Chapel and Saltillo, properties listed on Tuesday are receiving offers by Thursday. I'm scheduling same-day or next-day showings for serious buyers.
Escalation clauses are standard now, but pair them with a personal letter emphasizing your connection to Conway (if applicable). Sellers—many of whom are long-time residents—still appreciate knowing their home is going to someone who values the community, not just an investor.
Waiving inspections is risky, but offering a pre-inspection (inspection done before making an offer) with selective objection rights shows you're serious while protecting yourself. I help my clients order pre-inspections on properties we tour on Day 1.
Common Mistakes I See Buyers Making
- Overestimating Inventory: Buyers coming from larger tech hubs expect more selection. Conway typically has 2-3 weeks of inventory in desirable areas. Decisiveness matters.
- Ignoring Commute Times During Peak Hours: That "15-minute" drive to Little Rock can become 35 minutes during morning rush. Test your commute during actual work hours.
- Underestimating Internet Speeds in Rural Areas: Some properties outside Conway's core have limited broadband. If you're a remote tech worker, verify speeds before making an offer—I can connect you with local providers.
What's Next for Conway's Real Estate Market?
The Silicon Prairie effect shows no signs of slowing in 2026. With the Faulkner County Tech Incubator opening in Q3 2026 and rumors of additional corporate relocations, demand should remain strong through year-end.
For sellers, this means maximizing value through strategic timing and preparation. For buyers, it means acting quickly and working with an agent who knows Conway's micro-markets intimately.
FAQ: Conway Tech Expansion & Real Estate
Q: Is Conway's tech boom sustainable, or is this a bubble?
A: Unlike speculative markets, Conway's growth is driven by actual job creation and company relocations. Apptegy's expansion, the UCA partnership with tech firms, and Arkansas's business-friendly policies suggest sustained growth rather than a bubble. However, interest rate changes nationally could moderate appreciation rates.
Q: Should I buy now or wait for the market to cool?
A: In 2026's Conway market, waiting typically costs buyers more than moving forward. Properties in desirable areas are appreciating 1-1.5% monthly. A home you pass on today at $300,000 may be $315,000-$320,000 in six months. Working with an experienced local agent to identify value opportunities is key.
Q: Which Conway neighborhoods offer the best value for tech workers in 2026?
A: The best "value" depends on priorities. For walkability and appreciation potential: Old Conway Historic District. For new construction and amenities: Nutter Chapel. For space and affordability: Greenbrier (technically outside Conway but within the tech employment zone). I help buyers evaluate trade-offs based on their specific needs.
Q: How does Conway's property tax compare to other tech hubs?
A: Conways effective property tax rate is approximately 0.63%, significantly lower than cities like Austin (1.81%) or Denver (0.51% but with much higher home values). This makes Conway's total cost of ownership attractive despite recent price appreciation
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