Good schools/safe neighborhoods? (Little Rock, North Little Rock: homes, to buy, private schools)

[feyleona13]

Hi everybody! We're moving to Little Rock in about eight weeks and are looking to buy a house. My boys are 10 and 12 and both special needs kids (one is autistic and the other has ADD). We are looking for somewhere that is fairly safe, not incredibly expensive, up to about a 30 minute drive from the city and has good schools. Any suggestions? We don't mind slightly rural, but don't want to be out in the styx, either. Thanks so much, in advance!!

[jenni-b]

There are several smaller towns within commuting distance of Little Rock, including Conway, Benton/Bryant, Cabot, Lonoke, and Sheridan. Of those I would recommend Conway, as it is probably the least conservative and not as dominated by white-flight types. I personally wouldn't recommend any of the others at all, but some people seem to like them.

[bchris02]

Originally Posted by jenni-b

There are several smaller towns within commuting distance of Little Rock, including Conway, Benton/Bryant, Cabot, Lonoke, and Sheridan. Of those I would recommend Conway, as it is probably the least conservative and not as dominated by white-flight types. I personally wouldn't recommend any of the others at all, but some people seem to like them.

I would recommend Maumelle. They are in the process of building a new high school there that is supposed to be state of the art. Its also very convenient to Little Rock and North Little Rock. Conway is very popular but is a hefty commute to Little Rock. During off hours its only about 30 minutes but during rush hour prepare to sit for 45 minutes to an hour on I-40. Also take into account gas prices won't be cheap forever before committing to a commute that long. Benton/Bryant are about like Conway except for the commute is a little easier due to the recent widening of I-30. Stay away from Cabot, Lonoke, and especially Sheridan. They are rural and a few decades behind the rest of central Arkansas.

[DTSSB]

I think Conway has good schools. I agree with the other two posts, stay away from Lonoke and Cabot. Cabot is awful! I would NEVER put my children in any of the schools in Cabot's district again!! Administration has changed recently and Cabot is on a spiral downwards and QUICK!!

[PurpleLove08]

I'd vote Maumelle and North Little Rock.
North Little Rock also has good safe homes in the Lakewood area. The schools in NLR area are good as well. They are very willing to help parents in many ways. Since one of your children has autism, they would be very accommodating.

[InLondon]

I thought Chenal was a lot nicer than Maumelle.

[PurpleLove08]

I also think Chenal is a lot more expensive...

As far as Conway having good schools, I agree but they are also overcrowded.

[abouttomove]

I live in Maumelle and LOVE it!

[Monkey27]

Originally Posted by feyleona13

Hi everybody! We're moving to Little Rock in about eight weeks and are looking to buy a house. My boys are 10 and 12 and both special needs kids (one is autistic and the other has ADD). We are looking for somewhere that is fairly safe, not incredibly expensive, up to about a 30 minute drive from the city and has good schools. Any suggestions? We don't mind slightly rural, but don't want to be out in the styx, either. Thanks so much, in advance!!

Maumelle and West Little Rock are both good areas with good public and private schools.

Since it's been 8 weeks...where did you end up Fey?