Almost every veteran or retiree we talk to about relocating near Little Rock Air Force Base ends up choosing between the same handful of towns. None of them is objectively "best" — it comes down to whether you're still commuting to the base, whether you want a smaller town or more amenities, and what your housing budget looks like once you factor in the property tax exemption if you qualify for it.
Jacksonville — closest to the base, most military-connected
Jacksonville sits right next to Little Rock AFB and has the shortest possible commute for anyone still working on base, whether active duty, Guard, Reserve, or a civilian/contractor role. It's also the most affordable of the group and has the highest concentration of other military families, which some people value and others don't. Housing stock skews older and more modest than Cabot or Conway, but that's reflected in the price.
Cabot — larger homes, top-rated schools, longer commute
Cabot is a popular choice for families prioritizing school district quality and newer construction, and it's become one of the fastest-growing areas in the region. The tradeoff is a commute to the base that runs 20–30 minutes depending on traffic on Hwy 67/167.
North Little Rock — closer to Little Rock proper, more amenities
North Little Rock works well for a spouse commuting into downtown Little Rock for work, or families who want to be closer to shopping, hospitals, and the river trail system. It's a bit further from the base than Jacksonville or Cabot.
Conway — college town feel, strong for families staying long-term
Conway is home to three universities and has a different feel than the towns closer to base — more of a small-city, family-oriented community. It's a reasonable choice for retirees who are done with base access being a daily consideration and want good schools and a lower cost of living.
Little Rock — the most options, the most price range
Little Rock itself covers everything from historic in-town neighborhoods to newer subdivisions in West Little Rock, with the widest range of price points and housing styles. It's a longer commute to the base but the default choice for spouses working downtown or in medical/legal fields concentrated in the city.
| Area | Typical commute to LRAFB | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville | 5–10 min | Shortest commute, most affordable |
| Cabot | 20–30 min | Schools, newer construction |
| North Little Rock | 15–25 min | Amenities, spouse commuting to LR |
| Conway | 30–40 min | Long-term / retiree settling |
| Little Rock | 20–35 min | Widest price range, urban amenities |
Commute times are approximate and vary by exact neighborhood and traffic conditions.
Not sure which area fits your situation?
This is exactly the kind of question a local agent answers in five minutes that would take weeks to figure out from a map. Talk to a Central Arkansas REALTOR® who works with military buyers regularly →