Little Rock, AR Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Little Rock, AR: What You Need to Know

Little Rock is the capital of Arkansas. It’s proudly associated with Bill Clinton, who served as attorney general and then governor before he became U.S. president.

The Cost of Living in Little Rock

Little Rock is an affordable small city with a population of 197,312. Its cost of living rate, food, and housing costs are 11.5%, 11.3%, and 19% lower than the national average, respectively. Little Rock’s median gross rent is $850 while the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $765. The only downside – Arkansas charges 6.50% to 11.625% in sales tax, one of the highest rates in the United States.

Know Your Neighborhoods

Downtown Little Rock is enjoying a renaissance and attracting more residents. It has plenty of apartments, condos, and houses with a varied mix of architectural styles to choose from. Surrounding neighborhoods such as Capitol Area and Center City are also good choices for their convenience. A large percentage of Little Rock residents are renters. Suburbanites love Shannon Hills for its rustic charm, good schools, and proximity to Little Rock. Bryant is also within commuting distance plus it has excellent schools.  

The Local Culture

You’ll see President Bill Clinton’s name in many places in Little Rock. Clinton was born in Hope, Arkansas, but he lived in Little Rock for 16 years, and he was instrumental in bringing about major economic and educational initiatives. The William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum is located in Little Rock. Among the places named after the Clintons are: Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge, Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library and Learning Center, and the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service.

The Local History

Jean-Baptiste Benard de la Harpe, a French explorer, gave the city its name. In 1722, he described the first outcropping of the rock he’d seen along the banks since leaving New Orleans as la petite roche or “the little rock.” Arkansas became part of the United States under the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Under the deal, the U.S. bought a vast territory west of the Mississippi River from France. Little Rock became a city in 1835, and Arkansas became a state in 1836. 

In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Brown vs. Board of Education that segregation in schools was unconstitutional. The ruling’s enforcement put Little Rock on the map. In September 1957, the National Guard escorted nine African American students into Little Rock Central High School as ordered by President Dwight Eisenhower, officially ending school segregation. 

Shopping in Town

Bargain hunters will love Little Rock, which boasts of the only outlet mall in Arkansas – Outlets of Little Rock – in addition to Midtowne Shopping Center and Park Plaza Mall for big-name retailers. Shoppers looking for specialty items and souvenirs should visit boutiques and gift shops in neighborhoods such as The Heights, Riverdale, and Hillcrest Historic District.