In the early 1900s, Conway was Central Arkansas’ activity hub. The city was the only organized municipality in 651 square miles, so farmers would venture to the city to sell their crops and get a good night’s sleep in a bunk at the local wagon yard. Folks seeking an education were also attracted to the city’s two colleges. Today, Conway is a suburb of Little Rock, the state capital, but the city of nearly 70,000 people still has amenities that attract residents. It is the county seat of Faulkner County and one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., as its population rose almost 3% in 2023. “It’s a little big city,” says Corina Jordan, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty. “Homes have larger lots and there is a country feel. You are everybody’s neighbor.”
Residents often work in state and local government offices. The Acxiom Corporation, an information technology company, and the Conway Regional Health System are other large employers.
East Conway lets you have the city-based amenities while enjoying the countryside rural living.
Conway is the county seat of Faulkner County.
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Ranch-style homes for below-average prices
The median price of a Conway home is $240,000, much lower than the national average. Homes stay on the market for an average of 37 days. Midcentury ranch-style homes with brick exteriors stretch across the city. Homes in East Conway, which is bisected by Interstate 40, tend to be less expensive. Gelinda Mudgett, an executive broker for Re/Max Elite, says Conway is ideal for people who want a bit more space than they would get in a larger city. City houses usually sit on lots of a quarter-acre to a half-acre.
Downtown Conway houses are traditional style and were built in the latter half of the 1900s.
The New Traditional Homes in Conway Offer a Quality Craftsmanship in Conway.
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Conway Public Schools and three colleges
The city’s students are served by Conway Public Schools, which has an A grade from Niche and is ranked as the third-most diverse school district in the state. Conway High School, the district’s only high school, has an A grade. The city is home to three colleges including the University of Central Arkansas, also called UCA, which has around 12,000 students.
Conway High School provides the highest quality education in Downtown Conway.
SW Conway has the University of Central Arkansas available for college students.
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Easy access to Interstate 40
Interstate 40 runs vertically through the eastern part of Conway, taking drivers south toward Little Rock, just over 30 miles away. Within the city, Rock Region Metro operates a point-to-point public transportation service. Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, 35 miles south, has direct flights to several domestic destinations. Conway Regional Health System has 48 departments across the region, including Conway Regional Medical Center, a 170-bed hospital.
A bike-friendly city with fishing at Lake Conway
The city was named a silver-level “Bicycle Friendly Community” by the League of American Bicyclists, making it the most bicycle-friendly city in Central Arkansas. The organization cited the city’s “low-stress on-road bike network” as a reason for the designation. Conway has dedicated more than $60 million on park and trail projects in recent years to improve its connectivity, both with itself and with its nature. The work is ongoing: About 25% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, less than the urban U.S. median of 55%. Most of the city’s parks are used for athletics. The 6,700-acre Lake Conway was recently renovated and is a popular fishing spot.
Clear Lake Water at Beaverfork Park in Conway.
Welcome to Don Owen Memorial Park.
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The Toad Suck Daze festival brings toad racing to town
Many of the city’s museums and performing arts centers are near UCA’s campus in Southwest Conway. The Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre often performs in the city. Movie theaters and other entertainment centers are spread across town. Toad Suck Daze is the city’s annual festival, featuring concerts, carnival rides and the World Championship Toad Races.
The Faulkner County Museum in Conway features a unique model train exhibit.
Cardon Settlement Park is a National Register of Historic Places Include the Blockhouse.
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Downtown Conway has boutiques and local businesses
Downtown Conway has around 40 upscale boutiques and restaurants, with Oak Street being a particular hot spot. Jordan says the city's culture centers around supporting local businesses. Several large shopping centers, filled with name-brand retail stores and chain restaurants, are along I-40.
Go on a shopping spree in Downtown Conway.
Conway Commons is one of the larger shopping centers in the East Conway area.
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Hot summers and cold winters
The city experiences four seasons, with hot and humid summers and cold winters. It is near Tornado Alley, and residents are sometimes urged to take shelter. The city’s violent and property crime rates have dropped in recent years, according to data from the Conway Police Department. Both rates are above state and national averages, according to FBI crime data.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
