moving to Little Rock from Chicago (North Little Rock, Fayetteville: 2009, apartment, rental)

[confusedqcumber]

So my boyfriend and I are thinking about moving to Little Rock area from the suburbs of Chicago but I'm not sure if it would be a good place for us. We're 20 and 25 years old. I'm taking online classes and plan on getting a degree in Business Administration so how are the jobs there? I heard in North Little Rock the main source of jobs comes from a Walmart? We like the idea of being in more of a country area but would also like to be in close driving distance to stores and restaurants if that's possible. A good nightlife isn't really a big deal to us because we're not really the type to go out to bars and clubs. So yeah can you suggest a place that would work for us? We'd like to visit and check it out but we have no idea where to start!

[PurpleLove08]

I have been looking in the newspaper for jobs and I haven't seen a lot of jobs for those with a background in Business Administration.

Of course the newspaper isn't the end all be all of job openings. A quick search on indeed.com for the term "business administration" landed me 118 results. Are they all quality results? I doubt it. There are probably 70 good ones which isn't bad.


Can you describe exactly what you want to do with your business degree?

If you want a life that isn't city life but isn't really country, I would suggest Bryant. I know someone who commutes from Benton to NLR but I wouldn't recommend it unless you have a really fuel efficient car.
Sheridan also isn't a bad option either.

Of course you would pretty much have to commute to NLR or Little Rock if you live in Sheridan or Benton. I don't think you'll find many jobs that require a Business Administration degree. You'll have plenty of stores and things in Benton. I'm not all that knowledgeable about Sheridan. I haven't been there in years.

[bchris02]

Wow, Chicago to Little Rock...you'll be in for some culture shock. You might look in West Little Rock, Hillcrest/Heights, Riverdale, and North Little Rock. Little Rock lacks a lot of your higher end retail and restaurants you are probably used to but you will find a fare share of chain restaurants and mid-range stores, especially in West Little Rock. Sheridan is pretty much a country town with a Wal-Mart and basic fast food and its an hour commute to Little Rock.

[jenni-b]

Wal Mart is a big employer in NW Arkansas (Fayetteville/Springdale), not North Little Rock. That's an entirely different part of the state, but one you might be interested in. I can't help you there, but others here can.

As far as Central Arkansas, I personally would not recommend Sheridan or Bryant at all. Maybe the Conway area, if you want to be out of the city but within driving distance.

Of course LR doesn't have as many high-end restaurants and stores that Chicago does, but you'll find plenty of local restaurants and boutiques in addition to the usual chains that bchris mentioned, especially in the midtown and downtown area of Little Rock and in North Little Rock.

[RogMar]

Originally Posted by confusedqcumber

So my boyfriend and I are thinking about moving to Little Rock area from the suburbs of Chicago but I'm not sure if it would be a good place for us. We're 20 and 25 years old. I'm taking online classes and plan on getting a degree in Business Administration so how are the jobs there? I heard in North Little Rock the main source of jobs comes from a Walmart? We like the idea of being in more of a country area but would also like to be in close driving distance to stores and restaurants if that's possible. A good nightlife isn't really a big deal to us because we're not really the type to go out to bars and clubs. So yeah can you suggest a place that would work for us? We'd like to visit and check it out but we have no idea where to start!

I will second bchris's addition and add this..

I moved to the Chicago area for the last of my career and worked 20 years there. Although I have spent the majority of my life in the south, i did my best to stay level up in that environment.

Most importantly, don't expect much at all, and you won't be dissapointed. A lot of people move here and are seduced by the beauty, slower pace, cheaper living than where they came from, etc.

Then there's the ones that come with the "Naperville attitude", you know what I mean?

They're never going to be happy, and take great joy in reminding everyone that will listen about how things were *so* much better, where they came from.

I have a neighbor that just moved his daughter down here after many years of living in Downer's Grove.

Heh...talk about culture shock. We are very rural.

I think she actually got the nerve up to look out the window once last week.

[bchris02]

As long as you don't care about nightlife and are okay with ditching Nordstrom for Wal-Mart and Kohls, you might actually like Little Rock. It also helps if you are religious as church is the main social venue around here.

[jenni-b]

Wrong, wrong, and wrong. Sorry, but bchris just hangs with the wrong crowd.

[RogMar]

Originally Posted by jenni-b

Wrong, wrong, and wrong. Sorry, but bchris just hangs with the wrong crowd.

Concur

There's certainly night life in Little Rock, and I have the swizzle sticks to prove it.

[akafish77]

#15 Most Livable Cities
In Depth: America's Most Livable Cities - Forbes.com

#22 Best Places for Business and Career
Best Places For Business And Careers - Forbes.com

Finding a job should not be too hard. The last several months businesses have projected more hiring than firing, and that is during these times. Once the economy as a whole gets better, there will be no problem.

Is there anything that you can tell us about what you like to do. That will greatly determine how much you like Little Rock. If you are an outdoors person, than you should love it. If you make friends easily, then it is much easier to find things to do.

[ArkansasSlim]

Originally Posted by confusedqcumber

So my boyfriend and I are thinking about moving to Little Rock area from the suburbs of Chicago but I'm not sure if it would be a good place for us. We're 20 and 25 years old. I'm taking online classes and plan on getting a degree in Business Administration so how are the jobs there? I heard in North Little Rock the main source of jobs comes from a Walmart? We like the idea of being in more of a country area but would also like to be in close driving distance to stores and restaurants if that's possible. A good nightlife isn't really a big deal to us because we're not really the type to go out to bars and clubs. So yeah can you suggest a place that would work for us? We'd like to visit and check it out but we have no idea where to start!

Today's L.R. newspaper; Administrative employment - very limited; Management - Store manager/supervisor, one; Houses to buy - wide open depending on what you want. House/apartment rental - wide open and again depends on what you want. If you are outdoor types, L.R. would be a good central area to lakes, rivers, mountains and other sight-seeing. Crime is like all other communities large and small - there are places you don't go to or live in, but other places in the same community will be perfectly safe and secure. Medical - three of the best hospitals in the USA. Culture shock - sure, but with a willing attitude and heart anyone can adapt. I know - been there done that. Good luck.