Neighborhoods Near Little Rock AFB | Where LRAFB Military Families Live 2026

When you PCS to Little Rock Air Force Base, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is where to live. The base itself is in Jacksonville, AR, but military families spread across a wide swath of Central Arkansas depending on their priorities: school quality, commute time, lifestyle, budget, or proximity to specific employers.

Ashley Watters has helped dozens of LRAFB families find the right neighborhood. This guide gives you an honest, detailed comparison of every major community within commuting range of LRAFB.

Neighborhood Comparison at a Glance

Jacksonville: Closest to the Gate

Distance from LRAFB: 5–10 minutes
Median home price: $140,000–$220,000
School district: Jacksonville/North Pulaski SD (JNPSD) — B− overall
County: Pulaski

Jacksonville is the city immediately adjacent to LRAFB and is home to the largest concentration of military families in the region. Advantages: incredibly short commute, strong military community, very affordable housing, and improving schools. Disadvantages: JNPSD schools are not yet competitive with Cabot, and some parts of Jacksonville are older and less developed than surrounding communities.

Best neighborhoods in Jacksonville: Foxwood, Quail Run, Woodland Hills, and subdivisions near the main gate on Military Drive. Look for homes in the $150,000–$200,000 range for solid 3-bedroom options.

→ Full Jacksonville Military Living Guide

Cabot: The Military Family Favorite ⭐

Distance from LRAFB: 18–22 minutes east on US-67/167
Median home price: $190,000–$290,000
School district: Cabot School District — A-rated
County: Lonoke (slightly lower property tax than Pulaski)

Cabot consistently ranks as the #1 choice for LRAFB military families with school-age children. The A-rated Cabot School District, clean communities, and strong home values make the 20-minute commute an easy trade-off. Cabot has grown significantly in recent years with newer subdivisions, expanded retail, and more dining options.

Best neighborhoods in Cabot: Cabot Heights, Diamond Lakes, Providence, and newer subdivisions on the north end of town near Cabot High School. Expect to pay $200,000–$275,000 for a quality 3–4 bedroom home.

→ Full Cabot Military Living Guide

Sherwood: The Middle Ground

Distance from LRAFB: 18–25 minutes via I-440/US-67
Median home price: $175,000–$260,000
School district: Pulaski County Special SD (PCSSD) — Sylvan Hills area is strongest
County: Pulaski

Sherwood is a suburb of North Little Rock offering a good balance between commute time and access to Little Rock amenities. The Sylvan Hills area has the best schools in the district. Homes are more affordable than Cabot with a similar commute time to base. Easy access to North Little Rock employers, VA medical, and the Little Rock metro.

Best neighborhoods: Sylvan Hills corridor, Woodland Hills, and areas off Kiehl Ave for best school access.

→ Full Sherwood Military Living Guide

North Little Rock: Urban Convenience

Distance from LRAFB: 20–30 minutes via I-40
Median home price: $155,000–$245,000
School district: North Little Rock School District — C+ overall
County: Pulaski

North Little Rock (NLR) appeals to military families who want urban conveniences, shorter access to the VA Medical Center (Eugene J. Towbin Healthcare Center is in NLR), and proximity to Little Rock entertainment. The Lakewood and McCain areas have the best schools and most desirable neighborhoods. Older homes in NLR can offer great value, while newer construction exists in the McCain corridor.

Maumelle: The Planned Gem

Distance from LRAFB: 25–30 minutes via I-40/I-430
Median home price: $235,000–$380,000
School district: Maumelle Charter School system + Pulaski County SD — B+
County: Pulaski

Maumelle is a master-planned city on the Arkansas River, west of Little Rock. It’s known for its extensive trail system, Lake Willastein, excellent parks, and some of the cleanest, most well-maintained streets in Central Arkansas. The Maumelle Charter School system offers an excellent educational option. Higher home prices reflect the premium community quality.

Conway: Lifestyle Capital

Distance from LRAFB: 30–35 minutes via I-40
Median home price: $225,000–$335,000
School district: Conway School District — B+; Conway High School is consistently top-ranked
County: Faulkner

Conway is home to the University of Central Arkansas, which gives the city a vibrant, youthful energy. Excellent schools, strong healthcare (Conway Regional Medical Center), thriving downtown, and growing arts and restaurant scene. The longest regular commute on this list at 30–35 minutes, but many families find the lifestyle trade-off worth it.

→ Full Conway Military Living Guide

Bryant/Benton: South of Little Rock

Distance from LRAFB: 35–45 minutes via I-30/I-430
Median home price: $220,000–$310,000
School district: Bryant School District (Bryant) / Benton School District (Benton) — both A−
County: Saline (lowest property tax rate in the metro)

Bryant and Benton are the fastest-growing communities in Central Arkansas. Both have strong school districts, Saline County’s low property tax rates, and a mix of newer construction at various price points. The longer commute to LRAFB is the main drawback, but families who work in south Little Rock or have dual employment considerations may find these communities ideal.

Greenbrier: Rural Feel, Metro Access

Distance from LRAFB: 35–40 minutes via I-40 then Hwy 65
Median home price: $200,000–$280,000
School district: Greenbrier School District — B+
County: Faulkner (lower tax rate)

Greenbrier offers a genuine small-town feel with access to Conway (15 min) and Little Rock (45 min). Lower property taxes in Faulkner County, good schools, and more land per dollar than urban communities. Popular with families who want space and quiet without full rural isolation.

More LRAFB Neighborhood Resources

• Living in Jacksonville AR Near LRAFB
• Living in Cabot AR Near LRAFB
• Living in Sherwood AR Near LRAFB
• Living in Conway AR Near LRAFB
• Schools Near Little Rock AFB
• LRAFB BAH vs. VA Mortgage 2026
• Little Rock AFB Base Guide

Base Housing vs. Living Off Base: The Real Decision

LRAFB on-base housing is managed by a private partner and available to most active-duty families. On-base makes sense if: you want zero commute, a built-in military community, or your BAH doesn’t stretch far in the private market. Off-base buying makes sense if: you have 2+ years remaining on orders, you’re VA-eligible, and you want to build equity rather than pay rent. Central Arkansas home values have appreciated steadily, and VA financing makes the math work in ways impossible in high-cost markets like San Diego or Northern Virginia.

Using BAH to Buy Instead of Rent

At E-6 with dependents, 2026 Little Rock BAH rates support a home purchase in the $220,000–$270,000 range using VA financing — zero down. That’s a solid 3–4 bedroom home in Jacksonville, Sherwood, or North Little Rock — and in some cases Cabot or Conway. The government’s allowance covers your mortgage while you build equity that belongs to you.

Ashley Watters is a military spouse, VA loan specialist, and REALTOR® with eXp Realty who does virtual consultations for families still at their current duty station. She can help you pick the right community, get pre-approved through a VA lender, and even close remotely before your report date. Call or text: (501) 951-9200.