Little Rock (Fayetteville, Jacksonville, Clinton: real estate, transfer, neighborhoods)

[hoppysing]

How about some pros and cons of living in Little Rock??????

[strumpeace]

Pros -- Cultural center of Arkansas; good restaurants; good museums; River Market district is great; relatively easy to get from one place to another; funky cool neighborhoods like Hillcrest and Heights; within a day's drive of great recreation spots; shopping; decent concert selection; beautiful scenery, especially along Highway 10 going toward Perry County and along the Arkansas River

Cons -- Does not have as much 'to do' as bigger cities; sometimes can seem unwelcoming to outsiders; crime; public schools are not very good; outside of the River Market, downtown offers very little, especially on evenings and weekends

Overall evaluation -- I'd move back there in a heartbeat. I loved it. I made some good friends there, attended a great church there, and had a good job there.

[LivingInLittleRock]

I just moved to Little Rock from Fayetteville a few months ago. I do not regret it at all. Little Rock has definately become my home. I agree with everything that strumpeace said! However, there are two, maybe three public elementary schools that I would send my kids to. I also enjoy going to downtown any time! They have a lot of our favorite restaurants and bars down there. It's a growing city with a lot to offer! Are you relocating down here?

[jelcy85]

I am currently looking at transferring from Cincinnati, any thoughts?

[jenni-b]

Well, I think I'd have to know something about you.

And Cincinnati.

[Sneezyone]

Pros:
- proximity to Memphis and Dallas
- Clinton library and associated activities
- affordable private schools
- family-friendly: childcare, parks, free movies, etc.
- minimal traffic
- affordable real estate
- Tons of catfish joints
- U-pick farms and farmers markets nearby

Cons:
- few big concerts (Dora Live! doesn't count)
- no pro sports
- cable/DSL access limited to city limits (WLR, NLR, LR)
- low wages
- high cost/much hassle to travel to coasts and overseas
- feels insular and cliquish
- Ach! No Thai food!
- heat & humidity!

[jenni-b]

there's a Thai place in the River Market, sneezyone! and Saigon Cuisine (on Cantrell near Mississippi) serves Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese food. also there's a Thai place in Jacksonville.

but I would agree for the most part with the rest of your cons.

to other's pros I would add that it's easy to get around and small enough that everything's accessible. places like Dallas make me crazy, with the driving and driving to get anywhere. also, there are some good public magnet schools.

no big concerts, but lots of clubs with smaller shows and some great bands. and occasionally some bigtime bands in smaller venues! a nice variety of locally owned restaurants and boutiques. a good mix of people. an abundance of natural beauty in and around the city. and lots of small southern city charm.

[Sneezyone]

Originally Posted by jenni-b

there's a Thai place in the River Market, sneezyone! and Saigon Cuisine (on Cantrell near Mississippi) serves Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese food. also there's a Thai place in Jacksonville.

but I would agree for the most part with the rest of your cons.

Do they have a decent yellow curry, serve "sticky" rice? What are the names? Whoo, I miss phad thai! My DD keeps complaining that the restaraunts here don't serve "real rice" LOL.

[jenni-b]

the one in the River Market is Bangkok Thai Cuisine, it's in the market hall which unfortunately means it's not open for dinner. (which I definitely a problem with! I guess they just cater to downtown workers and farmer's market goers, but as a downtown dweller I'd patronize them a lot more if I could get dinner there!)

Saigon Cuisine is the one on Cantrell, and it's one of my favorite restaurants in Little Rock. I work over that direction and their pho and spring rolls is one of my favorite lunches. I do tend to focus on the Vietnamese dishes when I'm there, but I had their red curry last time and it was Teh Yum.

the one in Jacksonville is called Thai Taste, and I think it's on Main Street. haven't been there in several years but it was pretty good last time I was there.

[Sneezyone]

Originally Posted by jenni-b

the one in the River Market is Bangkok Thai Cuisine, it's in the market hall which unfortunately means it's not open for dinner. (which I definitely a problem with! I guess they just cater to downtown workers and farmer's market goers, but as a downtown dweller I'd patronize them a lot more if I could get dinner there!)

Saigon Cuisine is the one on Cantrell, and it's one of my favorite restaurants in Little Rock. I work over that direction and their pho and spring rolls is one of my favorite lunches. I do tend to focus on the Vietnamese dishes when I'm there, but I had their red curry last time and it was Teh Yum.

the one in Jacksonville is called Thai Taste, and I think it's on Main Street. haven't been there in several years but it was pretty good last time I was there.

I prefer sit down so I'll probably start with the one on Cantrell. Thanks for the suggestions!