Little Rock Area, AR 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

The Little Rock area offers a unique blend of Southern charm and modern amenities that make it an excellent location for buying a home in a 55+ community. One of the most significant benefits of retiring in this location is the affordable cost of living. The people in this area are known for their friendliness and hospitality, and there are many opportunities to get involved in the community through volunteering and social clubs. With a rich history, vibrant arts scene, and numerous outdoor recreation opportunities, there is always something to explore in this area.

Additional resources for the area:

• The Little Rock Visitors Bureau is the official tourism organization for the city of Little Rock.
• The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce provides visitors with information about local businesses, events, and attractions.
• The Pine Bluff Convention and Visitors Bureau has information on local attractions, restaurants, shopping, and events, as well as resources for planning a visit or relocation.

Little Rock Area Affordability and Cost of Living 

The Little Rock area is a relatively affordable location for retirees. The cost of living in the area is 20 to 30 percent lower than the national average. Housing costs are particularly affordable, with median home prices well below the national average. The median home price in Little Rock is $188,000. Groceries, healthcare, utilities and transportation costs are also lower than the U.S. average. Recreation and entertainment options are abundant and affordable, with many parks, museums, and cultural attractions available to residents.

Arkansas has a relatively low tax burden compared to other states. Income tax in Aransas ranges from 2 to 4.9 percent but Social Security, military pensions, and up to $6,000 of other retirement income is exempt. The average sales tax rate is 9.47 percent and both groceries and clothing are taxable. Property taxes are also relatively low, with the average effective property tax rate in the state being just 0.52 percent. Arkansas does not have an estate tax or an inheritance tax, making it an attractive option for retirees who want to leave a larger legacy to their heirs. 

Little Rock Area Climate and Geography 

Summers in the Little Rock area can be quite humid, with temperatures averaging around 90 degrees with 80 percent or higher humidity in July and August. However, residents also enjoy a long growing season and plenty of outdoor activities during the warmer months. Winters are generally mild, with average temperatures hovering around 50 degrees during December and January. The area receives about 50 inches of rainfall annually, with the wettest months being May and June.

Little Rock and the surrounding areas are home to rolling hills, forests, and numerous rivers and lakes. The Arkansas River runs through Little Rock and provides opportunities for boating and fishing. Pinnacle Mountain State Park and Petit Jean State Park are nearby and are popular with hikers, campers, and fishermen. The Ozark National Forest is also a popular destination for hiking and exploring, and is located just a few hours north of the metro area.  

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment Near Little Rock  

Little Rock offers plenty of activities for residents and visitors. Whether you enjoy golf, shopping, or cultural experiences, this region has something for everyone.

Golf and Racquet Sports Near Little Rock AR

• The Country Club of Little Rock
• Burns Park Golf Course
• Rebsamen Golf Course

Hiking, Biking and Boating Near Little Rock AR

• Arkansas River Trail
• Pinnacle Mountain State Park
• Petit Jean State Park
• Lake Catherine State Park

Museums and Historical Sites Near Little Rock AR

• William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum
• Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
• Historic Arkansas Museum
• Old State House Museum

Performing Arts Near Little Rock AR

• Robinson Performance Hall
• The Rep Theater
• Arkansas Symphony Orchestra
• Reynolds Performance Hall at University of Central Arkansas

Shopping Near Little Rock AR

• The Promenade at Chenal
• Park Plaza Mall
• McCain Mall
• Conway Commons

Parks and Gardens Near Little Rock AR

• Bernice Garden
• Riverfront Park
• Burns Park
• The Garden at the Governor's Mansion

Festivals and Fairs Near Little Rock AR

• Riverfest
• Arkansas State Fair
• Toad Suck Daze Festival
• World Championship Duck Calling Contest and Wings Over the Prairie Festival

Little Rock AR Health and Wellness 

The Little Rock area offers a variety of health and wellness options for 55+ active adults. There are several major medical centers in the area, including the Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock and the Conway Regional Medical Center in Conway, that offer top-notch medical care and facilities. Additionally, there are a number of wellness centers and fitness facilities throughout the area that offer classes and programs specifically designed for older adults. These facilities provide access to exercise equipment, pools, and other resources that can help retirees stay fit and active.

In addition to traditional medical care and fitness options the area is also home to a variety of alternative health and wellness resources. These include yoga studios, meditation centers, and massage therapists that can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. With access to both traditional and alternative health and wellness resources, adults in the area have a wide variety of options for maintaining health and well-being.

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Little Rock AR Area 55+ Communities

Day One

Morning:

• Start the day with a cup of coffee and breakfast at Boulevard Bread Company, known for its artisan bread and pastries.
• Head over to the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, where you can take a tour and learn about the history of the Civil Rights Movement.
• Visit the Little Rock Zoo, which is home to over 500 animals, including lions, tigers, and bears.

Afternoon:

• Have lunch at The Root Cafe, which offers fresh, locally sourced meals.
• Take a leisurely stroll through the Garvan Woodland Gardens, which features over 4 miles of walking trails and stunning gardens.
• End the day with a visit to the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, which houses a world-class collection of art.

Evening:

• Have dinner at Samantha's Tap Room & Wood Grill, which serves modern American cuisine and craft beers.
• Check out a show at the Robinson Center, which hosts a variety of performing arts events.

Day Two

Morning:

• Start the day with breakfast at The Pancake Shop, a Little Rock institution known for its delicious pancakes.
• Meet with your local 55places expert retirement community agent to learn about and tour area 55+ communities. The agent will be able to answer questions about real estate in the area, community amenities, and more.

Afternoon:

• Have lunch at Bruno's Little Italy, a family-owned Italian restaurant that has been serving Little Rock for over 70 years.
• Spend the afternoon exploring the Arkansas River Trail, which offers over 17 miles of biking and hiking trails along the river.

Evening:

• Have dinner at Brave New Restaurant, which offers stunning views of the Arkansas River and a menu of contemporary American cuisine.

Getting to the Little Rock Area

To get to the Little Rock area, there are several transportation options available:

By Air: The closest major airport is the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT), located about 10 miles east of downtown Little Rock. It is served by several major airlines, including Delta, American, United, Southwest, and Frontier. Many of these airlines operate nonstop flights to major hubs such as Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, and Denver.

By Car: Little Rock is easily accessible by car via several major highways. Interstate 40 runs east-west through the city, while Interstate 30 runs southwest to northeast, connecting Little Rock to Dallas. Other major highways include US Route 67/167, which runs north-south through the city, and US Route 65, which connects Little Rock to Springfield, Missouri, to the north.

By Bus: Greyhound operates a bus station in downtown Little Rock, providing connections to many cities across the country.

By Train: Amtrak operates a station in nearby Malvern, about 45 minutes southwest of Little Rock. The station is served by the Texas Eagle route, which connects Chicago to San Antonio and Los Angeles.