Central Arkansas city anchored by Little Rock Air Force Base
The suburban Arkansas community of Jacksonville sits 15 miles northeast of downtown Little Rock and is home to Little Rock Air Force Base, its residential and economic anchor. “The Air Force base is the pillar of the city,” says Alicia Averitt Haley, designated executive broker for the North Little Rock branch of PorchLight Realty. “The people living around this area are mostly military, so it is vital.” Easy access to parks and recreation and proximity to the attractions of the state capital add to the city’s appeal. “The economy is excellent and the people are very friendly,” says local Caroline Pittman, associate broker at Aclin Realty.
Little Rock Air Force Base employs about 7,200
Jacksonville’s transformation from a small Central Arkansas town into a modern city began with the installation of Little Rock Air Force Base in 1955. The population exploded between 1950 and 1960, growing from 2,500 to more than 14,000. Today about 30,000 call Jacksonville home and the base is its largest employer, with roughly 7,200 military and civilian personnel working there. The base contributes nearly $800 million to the local economy each year, and it features the world’s largest C-130 training program. “We have a lot of civil servants working there,” Pittman says. “I think that is one of the reasons we have so much stability.” Health care is the key driver of the regional economy, with several large hospitals in Little Rock.
The Traditional Homes in Jacksonville Typically With Features Such As Brick Exterior.
The Traditional Homes in Jacksonville Offer a Stylish and Comfortable Living Environment.
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Cost of living is low compared to Little Rock, Conway, Bryant
The city offers a cost of living among the lowest of central Arkansas’ largest cities. The median sales price of $170,000 is roughly a third of that in Little Rock, Conway and Bryant. Housing is concentrated south of U.S. Highway 67/167, which separates most of the city’s established residential areas from the Air Force base. Small traditional homes and larger midcentury homes make up the bulk of the housing options. However, contemporary homes can be found north of the interstate and on the city’s edges in planned subdivisions. “The market is extremely stable. You put a home up, and it’s gone,” Pittman says. “We also have a lot of growth and new development.” Homes built after 2000 typically feature brick construction, which makes them more energy efficient and helps lower electric bills. Residents enjoy a temperate climate with hot, muggy summers and mild winters. Central Arkansas doesn’t get much snow, but it does experience severe weather in the form of storms and tornadoes.
Seafood Lovers can’t get Enough of The Hook Catfish in Jacksonville.
The Fried Pie Shop located on Highway 67 in Jacksonville.
Chicken Field Pie is One of the Famous Foods at The Fried Pie Shop in Jacksonville.
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Dupree Park is the center of recreational activity
Dupree Park is the centerpiece of the city’s recreational spaces, spanning almost 170 acres. The popular destination features athletic fields, a fishing lake and a disc golf course among its many options. Several other parks offer dedicated baseball facilities, basketball courts and playgrounds. The city also features a water park, a dog park, a community center, a youth center and a sport shooting complex run by the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission Foundation. The nearby Arkansas River, which runs through downtown Little Rock, offers boaters and anglers plenty of opportunities.
Jacksonville Museum of Military History Is Purpose of Educating Patrons on the Military.
Classic Bell UH-1 Helicopter at Jacksonville Museum of Military History in Jacksonville.
F105 Model at Jacksonville Museum of Military History in Jacksonville Neighborhood.
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Jacksonville North Pulaski School District rated C by Niche
The Jacksonville North Pulaski School District serves about 4,400 students and earns a C from Niche. The district offers a choice program to eligible students who want to attend school in another district. Jacksonville Christian Academy is a private option for students in kindergarten through 12th grade rated B-minus by Niche.
Downton features shopping centers, established businesses
Most dining options are concentrated along the U.S. Highway 67/167 corridor, which bisects the city. More restaurants, along with several small shopping centers, can be found downtown, which is conveniently located between U.S. Highway 67/167 and Arkansas Highway 161, the city’s other main thoroughfare. “The Chamber of Commerce here is strong,” Pittman says. “Most of our businesses have been here for a long time.” Downtown hosts several signature events, including holiday celebrations and the annual end-of-summer FestiVille on Main Street. Jacksonville is a dry town, but downtown Little Rock offers plenty of nightlife. “We’re literally minutes from the River Market District, which is the heartbeat of Central Arkansas entertainment,” Pittman says. Downtown Little Rock is also the region’s cultural center. Museum of Discovery and the William J. Clinton Library and Museum are featured attractions.
Dupree Park Is the Biggest and Most Popular Park in Jacksonville.
Jacksonville Residents can Enjoy a Baseball Game at Excell Park.
Arkansas Game & Fish Foundation is the Largest Public Shooting Range in the State.
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Interstate 440 connects directly to Little Rock
U.S. Highway 67/167 and Arkansas Highway 161 connect to Interstate 440 and provide quick access to Little Rock. “A lot of residents work at the state capitol and commute,” Pittman says. The Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport is about 15 miles away via I-440, which also connects to Interstates 30 and 40. Unity Health opened a small, state-of-the-art medical center in the city in 2023. UAMS Medical Center and Arkansas Children’s Hospital are among the larger facilities in Little Rock.
Crime statistics for Jacksonville are not readily available.
Proud military veteran with 20 years of service. Married with two grown kids, I've traveled extensively and navigated the ups and downs of home ownership. I'm dedicated to serving my community and committed to helping you achieve your real estate goals.
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