[nj gamblers anonymous]

I have a chance to possibly take an assistant coaching job at UALR, which would be a pretty good opportunity because it's a Division 1 school etc, and I am just trying to figure out more about Little Rock and Arkansas as whole. To be honest I'm not really thrown off by the preconceived notions everyone has of Arkansas as a whole being a bunch of hillbilly racists etc. I've gotten the same things over my lifetime about new jersey with people calling it ugly, toxic, etc when in all reality it's actually a pretty state with a lot to offer. From all my travels it's in my humble opinion to be the most well layed out and organized areas for people to live in from a suburban standpoint. Granted the cost of living is ridiculously high which isn't pleasant, but that's many places in the northeast as well.

Anyway, as said before Arkansas doesn't concern me, it's Little Rock. I say this because I've heard some torubling things about the city in terms of violence, and it's sort of thrown me off a little. I've also heard that the area around UALR isn't the greatest either so that' also bothering me a bit. My main questions are if all areas of Little Rock are rough, and is the area around UALR that bad? Also, I'm a younger guy, 23, and was wondering if there were any areas of the city that had a younger sort of more vibrant atmosphere with things happening on weekends etc? I'd ideally like to live in a place like that, but if little rock as a whole is that bad then i guess i would just find a suburb and live out there. Also, what is the general cost of a 1 bedroom apartment? I've looked and so far I'm shocked to see that some cost almost as little as my rent from my last apartment when I was sharing it with 2 other people. Is the cost of living that much lower everywhere? Any info would be greatly appreciate thanks for your time.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by nj gamblers anonymous

I have a chance to possibly take an assistant coaching job at UALR, which would be a pretty good opportunity because it's a Division 1 school etc, and I am just trying to figure out more about Little Rock and Arkansas as whole. To be honest I'm not really thrown off by the preconceived notions everyone has of Arkansas as a whole being a bunch of hillbilly racists etc. I've gotten the same things over my lifetime about new jersey with people calling it ugly, toxic, etc when in all reality it's actually a pretty state with a lot to offer. From all my travels it's in my humble opinion to be the most well layed out and organized areas for people to live in from a suburban standpoint. Granted the cost of living is ridiculously high which isn't pleasant, but that's many places in the northeast as well.

Anyway, as said before Arkansas doesn't concern me, it's Little Rock. I say this because I've heard some torubling things about the city in terms of violence, and it's sort of thrown me off a little. I've also heard that the area around UALR isn't the greatest either so that' also bothering me a bit. My main questions are if all areas of Little Rock are rough, and is the area around UALR that bad? Also, I'm a younger guy, 23, and was wondering if there were any areas of the city that had a younger sort of more vibrant atmosphere with things happening on weekends etc? I'd ideally like to live in a place like that, but if little rock as a whole is that bad then i guess i would just find a suburb and live out there. Also, what is the general cost of a 1 bedroom apartment? I've looked and so far I'm shocked to see that some cost almost as little as my rent from my last apartment when I was sharing it with 2 other people. Is the cost of living that much lower everywhere? Any info would be greatly appreciate thanks for your time.

If I were you I would post this on the Little Rock thread as well. I don't know much about Little Rock, what I do know, a lot of the crime is pretty centered in a couple of areas.

You will continue to be shocked at the rental prices, I am sure and yes, there are areas that are geared to the younger set, but again, I am not the one that could tell you where they are.

I am glad you are not concerned about the stereotyping we get in AR. Most of us do not go to church in our overalls, we have gone past the 8th grade and only occassionally marry our cousins. We do not make our own moonshine, nor do we run around with white sheets over our heads trying to eleminate groups of people. Yes, there is some racism, just like most places, yes, there are a lot of people that spend their Sundays and the rest of the week in church and some will try to convert you. Most will not.

The difference about people in AR and some other places, they are really downhome and if you don't cope an attitude you will love them and they you.

Now, hope you get the job, what an opportunity at your age...good luck. I will pray for you, I will not spend the day in church praying though.

Nita

[bchris02]

Originally Posted by nj gamblers anonymous

Anyway, as said before Arkansas doesn't concern me, it's Little Rock. I say this because I've heard some torubling things about the city in terms of violence, and it's sort of thrown me off a little. I've also heard that the area around UALR isn't the greatest either so that' also bothering me a bit. My main questions are if all areas of Little Rock are rough, and is the area around UALR that bad? Also, I'm a younger guy, 23, and was wondering if there were any areas of the city that had a younger sort of more vibrant atmosphere with things happening on weekends etc? I'd ideally like to live in a place like that, but if little rock as a whole is that bad then i guess i would just find a suburb and live out there. Also, what is the general cost of a 1 bedroom apartment? I've looked and so far I'm shocked to see that some cost almost as little as my rent from my last apartment when I was sharing it with 2 other people. Is the cost of living that much lower everywhere? Any info would be greatly appreciate thanks for your time.

NJ to Little Rock. It will likely be a big culture shock to you. Little Rock still has a very small town feel. The crime problem has cleaned up a lot since its worst in the early 90s. The area around UALR can be shady, but I wouldn't recommend living there anyways unless you are a student living on-campus. Little Rock lacks that young professional atmosphere you find in most larger cities. There are a few bars downtown, and a honky-tonk redneck club called the Electric Cowboy out on I-30, but most nightlife consists of crowding around a TGI Friday's or Chili's bar. Social life in this town depends on having a good group of friends to do things with. Churches are best for meeting people but if you are non-religious you can still find ways to find your niche. Hillcrest/Heights, Riverdale, and West Little Rock should be the areas you look to live.

[jenni-b]

The area around UALR is not the best in Little Rock, but it's nothing to fear.

As far as places to live, I think you'd enjoy Hillcrest (the Kavanaugh area) or maybe a loft apartment downtown.

There is a vibrant nightlife downtown, lots of places to listen to music and hang out. I'm not much of a West Little Rock person and from what bchris describes, and what you say you're looking for, I don't think you'd like it there.

[nj gamblers anonymous]

http://www.city-data.com/forum/5289579-post44.html

found that post and it pretty much reaffirmed my fears. As someone who lives 20 minutes away from camden new jersey I think I have a fairly good idea of what Little Rock is like especially the area around UALR etc. From what it sounds like it's similar to the Rutgers Camden Campus, if you're on it you should be ok, but if you go anywhere off of it really be prepared for the worst etc. Also like rutgers camden it doesnt sound safe at night at all or at the very least very uncomfortable. With that said I could still commute in and work there, but could anyone recommend any apartments or small houses for rent in a nice suburban area 15-20 minutes outside of the city?

[bchris02]

Originally Posted by nj gamblers anonymous

http://www.city-data.com/forum/5289579-post44.html

found that post and it pretty much reaffirmed my fears. As someone who lives 20 minutes away from camden new jersey I think I have a fairly good idea of what Little Rock is like especially the area around UALR etc. From what it sounds like it's similar to the Rutgers Camden Campus, if you're on it you should be ok, but if you go anywhere off of it really be prepared for the worst etc. Also like rutgers camden it doesnt sound safe at night at all or at the very least very uncomfortable. With that said I could still commute in and work there, but could anyone recommend any apartments or small houses for rent in a nice suburban area 15-20 minutes outside of the city?

Just live north of I-630 if you are concerned. Most areas north of I-630 are just fine. In my opinion, there are a lot of reasons to not like Little Rock but fear of crime is not one of them. It tends to be blown out of proportion as most of the crime is drug related and localized to specific areas. You probably won't be happy in the suburbs because the Little Rock suburbs are really just small towns that one day found themselves on Little Rock's doorstep. They don't have the same feel as large city suburbs do. There is one exception to this and that is Maumelle. It is a safe, fast growing suburb worth checking into if you really don't want to live in Little Rock.

[PurpleLove08]

Congratulations on the new job. I hope to one day work for UALR.

In any case, I wouldn't really recommend living by UALR unless it was off University in the neighborhood behind Park Plaza. There are some decent homes in the area. The only downside would be the traffic depending on the time of day and everything.

I really wouldn't worry about the violence. Lots of random crime doesn't happen, IMO. It's mostly crime between those that know each other and a lot of times its family members or those involved in shady things. If you're not involved in shady things and have good relations with your family...have no fear.

Compared to last year actually, crime is down.

There really isn't a lot of nightlife but once you make friends, you can create your own fun.

I hope you enjoy Little Rock and once you're settled and everything, please tell us how you're liking it.

[Robert_J]

My wife got her master's degree from UALR and most of the classes were at night. No problems at all. She took all of the standard precautions like not walking to the car in the dark unless it was in a group.

Even though I moved, I still try and follow all of the AR sports teams. Which sport? I know that UALR is limited but in that area but I'm still a fan.

-Robert

[nj gamblers anonymous]

Thanks for the responses everyone. It's for the women's soccer team which is division 1 so it should be a really good opportunity. They need me down there by the first week of august which is why I'm scrambling to find more about the area etc. I've heard good things about the Hillcrest area (i think that's what its called). Could anyone give anymore info about it?

[jenni-b]

It's a lovely neighborhood, full of Craftsman bungalows and little shops and neighborhood restaurants and bars. Great area for walking; there's a nice tree-filled park and wide sidewalks always full of people and dogs. It would be very convenient to UALR for you.

IMO it's the best neighborhood in Little Rock. (I even prefer it to the Heights; it's a little funkier, less hoity toity.)

If you can afford it, definitely go for it!