Why People Are Moving to Conway, Arkansas

Conway is the fastest-growing city in Arkansas and one of the fastest-growing cities in the South. With a population of over 75,000 (Faulkner County tops 130,000), Conway offers small-city feel with big-city amenities — excellent schools, a thriving restaurant scene, three universities, and one of the lowest costs of living in the entire country.

Over the past decade, Conway has attracted military families, remote workers from California and the Northeast, retirees, and young professionals priced out of larger markets. If you’re relocating to Central Arkansas, Conway deserves a serious look.

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Cost of Living in Conway, AR (2026)

Expense Category	Conway, AR	National Average	Difference
Median Home Price	$185,000	$420,000	55% lower
Average Rent (2BR)	$950–$1,100/mo	$1,650/mo	35% lower
Monthly Utilities	$140–$175	$175–$210	~15% lower
Groceries Index	92 (national=100)	100	8% lower
State Income Tax	2–3.9% (top rate 3.9%)	Varies	Low vs CA, NY, IL
Property Tax Rate	~0.53% effective rate	1.07% avg	40% lower
Gas (avg/gallon)	~$2.65	~$3.30	20% lower

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Conway AR Neighborhoods — Where Should You Live?

Conway has distinct neighborhoods that suit different lifestyles. Here’s a quick orientation:

Neighborhood / Area	ZIP	Vibe	Home Price Range	Best For
West Conway (Harkrider corridor)	72032	Established, retail-rich	$150K–$320K	First-time buyers, retirees
North Conway (Breckenridge, Sherwood)	72032	Newer, family-suburban	$225K–$450K	Families with kids
East Conway / UCA Area	72034	College town, walkable	$130K–$275K	Students, young professionals
South Conway / Hwy 60 Corridor	72032	Growing, affordable	$140K–$260K	Budget-conscious buyers
Wooded Hills / Matthews Park area	72032	Upscale, wooded lots	$350K–$650K+	Move-up buyers, executives

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Conway Schools — What to Expect

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Military Families Moving to Conway Near LRAFB

Factor	Conway	Jacksonville (on-base adjacent)	Cabot
Drive to LRAFB gate	27–30 miles / ~35 min	5–10 min	18–22 miles / ~25 min
Median Home Price	$185K	$165K	$210K
School District Rating	B+ (Conway 5A)	C+ (Pulaski Co. Special)	A- (Cabot 6A)
BAH Coverage (E-5 w/dep, 2026)	Full coverage	Full coverage	Full coverage
New Construction Available	Yes — multiple subdivisions	Limited	Yes
Retail / Amenities	Excellent	Moderate	Good

Conway’s 2026 BAH rates (E-5 with dependents): approximately $1,500–$1,650/month — enough to comfortably cover a mortgage on a $220K–$260K home.

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Conway AR Job Market

Conway’s economy is anchored by healthcare, education, government, and a growing tech sector. Major employers include:

• Conway Regional Medical Center — largest private employer in Faulkner County
• University of Central Arkansas — 1,800+ employees, 12,000+ students
• Hendrix College — ~600 employees
• Acxiom (a LiveRamp company) — global data company headquartered in Conway
• Arkansas Department of Human Services
• Conway Public Schools — major employer district-wide
• Multiple manufacturing and distribution facilities along US-64 and I-40 corridors

Remote workers also find Conway attractive: fast internet infrastructure, low cost of living, and proximity to Little Rock’s airport (40 min) make it an easy base for professionals who can work from anywhere.

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What Is It Actually Like to Live in Conway?

Conway residents consistently describe the city as having a “big town with small town feel.” You get:

• A thriving restaurant and coffee shop scene (Oak Street corridor, Front Street)
• Excellent public parks, greenways, and Lake Conway recreation
• Strong church and faith community for those seeking that
• College sports culture (UCA Bears) and high school athletic traditions
• Low crime rates relative to Arkansas and national comparisons
• Mild winters (occasional ice/snow) and warm summers
• Active growth — new subdivisions, restaurants, and businesses opening regularly

The main adjustment for people from larger cities: you will drive everywhere. Conway is car-dependent with no meaningful public transit. But with a 10-minute commute to anywhere in town, this rarely bothers residents.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Conway, AR

Is Conway, Arkansas a good place to live?

Yes. Conway ranks consistently among Arkansas’s top cities for quality of life. It offers low housing costs (median $185K), excellent schools (Conway 5A, B+), three universities, a growing job market, and a friendly community feel. It’s particularly popular with families, military personnel, and out-of-state relocators.

What is the cost of living in Conway AR compared to other cities?

Conway’s cost of living is approximately 18% below the national average. Compared to the national median home price of $420,000, Conway’s $185,000 median represents a 55% savings. Monthly expenses — utilities, groceries, gas — all run 8–20% below national averages. Compared to Texas cities like Dallas or Austin, Conway buyers typically save $40,000–$70,000+ on home purchases alone.

How far is Conway AR from Little Rock Air Force Base?

Conway is approximately 27 miles from the main gate of Little Rock Air Force Base (LRAFB), a 30–35 minute drive via I-40. Many active-duty and veteran families choose Conway for its school district, newer housing stock, and lower prices compared to communities closer to base. 2026 BAH rates fully cover Conway mortgages in the E-5 to O-3 range.

Is Conway AR growing fast?

Yes — Conway is the fastest-growing city in Arkansas and consistently ranks among the fastest-growing cities in the South. The population has grown from ~56,000 in 2010 to over 75,000 today, with Faulkner County (which includes Conway) projected to surpass 150,000 residents by 2030. New construction, retail expansion, and job growth are all accelerating.