Living in Conway, Arkansas
College-town energy. Strong schools. A growing restaurant scene. Parks and sports facilities that rival cities twice its size. And a commute to Little Rock that keeps you connected without giving up the quality of life that makes Conway feel like its own place — not a suburb.
This guide covers everything you need to know about living in Conway — from neighborhoods and schools to roundabouts and restaurants.
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Contact Richard HawkinsYour Guide to Conway
Conway Quick Snapshot
Conway is a mid-size city in Faulkner County, about 30 miles north of Little Rock on I-40. It is home to three colleges — the University of Central Arkansas, Hendrix College, and Central Baptist College — which gives it a college-town energy that most Arkansas cities this size do not have. Strong public schools, a growing restaurant and retail scene, excellent parks and sports facilities, and a cost of living that lets you stretch your dollar further than most Little Rock neighborhoods.
Conway works for families who want strong schools and room to grow, professionals who work remotely or commute to Little Rock, university faculty and staff, first-time home buyers looking for value, and retirees who want amenities without big-city traffic.
Where Conway Is Located
Conway sits along the I-40 corridor in Faulkner County, roughly 30 minutes north of Little Rock depending on traffic. It is close enough to the capital city to take advantage of its employers, medical facilities, and entertainment — but far enough away to feel like its own community, not just another suburb.
To the north, you have access to Greenbrier and Vilonia. To the south, Mayflower and Maumelle sit between Conway and Little Rock along I-40. The drive to the Little Rock airport (Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport) takes about 35 to 40 minutes from central Conway.
I-40 Corridor
Conway's direct I-40 access is its primary transportation advantage. The interstate connects you to Little Rock to the south, Russellville and Fort Smith to the west, and Memphis to the east.
Commute to Little Rock
The I-40 commute from Conway to downtown Little Rock runs 30 to 45 minutes depending on time of day and which part of Little Rock you are heading to. West Little Rock is closer; downtown and the medical district add time.
Nearby Communities
Greenbrier (10 minutes north), Vilonia (15 minutes northeast), Mayflower (10 minutes south), and Maumelle (20 minutes south along I-40/430). Each offers its own character and price points.
Conway: The City of Roundabouts
If you are new to Conway, this is the thing everyone tells you about first. Conway currently has 37 active roundabouts — more than any other city in Arkansas — with more planned. The city has intentionally chosen roundabouts over traditional traffic signals as a long-term transportation strategy.
Why? Roundabouts keep traffic flowing without the stop-and-go of red lights. They reduce severe crashes by eliminating high-speed T-bone and head-on collisions. And they cost less to maintain over time than signalized intersections. If you have never driven a roundabout before, they take a day or two to get used to — and then you wonder why every city does not use them.
Why Roundabouts?
Continuous traffic flow (no waiting at red lights), fewer severe accidents, lower maintenance costs than signal systems, and better fuel efficiency for drivers. Conway's data shows they work — and the city keeps building more.
New to Roundabouts?
Yield to traffic already in the circle. Do not stop inside the roundabout. Signal your exit. Give it two or three drives and it becomes second nature. Most Conway residents who were skeptical at first now prefer them over sitting at stoplights.
Road Projects and What Is Coming
Conway is actively investing in its transportation infrastructure, which is both a sign of growth and something buyers should be aware of. More construction means more convenience long-term, but it also means temporary disruptions while projects are underway.
Current and planned projects include the Hogan Lane and Highway 64 roundabout, a future roundabout at Salem Road and Meadowlake Road, and improvements along Dave Ward Drive, Hogan Lane, Oak Street, and German Lane. The city's transportation plan prioritizes connectivity, traffic flow, and safety — which is consistent with Conway's roundabout-first approach.
For home buyers, road projects can affect commute patterns and neighborhood accessibility. Properties near newly completed infrastructure often see a bump in convenience and value once the construction phase ends.
Conway Community Center
The Conway Community Center is a significant investment in quality of life that many buyers do not know about until they visit. It is a city-run facility designed to provide high-quality, diverse, and accessible programs, recreation, services, and facilities for residents of all ages and backgrounds.
For families, it means youth programming, fitness facilities, community events, and a gathering space that does not require a gym membership or a drive to Little Rock. For retirees, it offers social connection and activity without the isolation that smaller towns sometimes create. The Community Center is one of those amenities that does not show up in listing photos but makes a real difference in daily life.
Parks, Recreation, and Sports Facilities
Conway takes parks and recreation seriously. The city's Parks and Recreation department exists to provide leisure and recreational opportunities for health, happiness, and well-being — and they back that mission with real infrastructure.
The city maintains multiple parks with trails, green space, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Youth sports leagues run year-round. Adult athletics include basketball, volleyball, tennis, and more. And the sports facilities are a genuine standout for a city of Conway's size.
Don Owen Sports Complex
A 44,000-square-foot indoor facility with basketball courts, volleyball, racquetball, and wallyball. This is not a small-town gym — it is a legitimate sports complex that hosts leagues, tournaments, and community events year-round.
McGee Center
A 46,000-square-foot facility with basketball courts, volleyball, racquetball, meeting rooms, and court rentals. Between Don Owen and McGee, Conway offers nearly 90,000 square feet of indoor recreation space.
Curtis Walker Park
Outdoor fields, walking trails, and green space. One of several city parks that provide space for youth leagues, family outings, and community events throughout the year.
Conway Tennis Center
Dedicated tennis facility with court rentals and programming. Part of Conway's broader commitment to offering diverse recreation options beyond the typical baseball-and-basketball model.
Schools, Colleges, and University Culture
Education is woven into Conway's identity more than almost any other city in Central Arkansas. The combination of a strong K-12 public school district and three colleges creates a community where learning, research, and student life shape the culture, economy, and housing market.
Conway Public Schools (K-12)
The Conway School District is the 8th largest in Arkansas, serving approximately 10,174 students across 16 campuses — including 9 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, Conway Junior High, and Conway High School. The district covers the majority of Conway city limits plus portions of Holland and Mayflower in Faulkner County. With 9 elementary schools and 4 middle schools, campus zone assignments vary significantly — always verify which campus a home feeds to before purchasing.
University of Central Arkansas
UCA is the largest university in Conway with approximately 10,000 students. It drives a significant portion of the local economy through employment, student housing demand, and campus events. UCA's presence shapes the dining, retail, and cultural life of central Conway.
Hendrix College
A private liberal arts college with a national reputation. Hendrix's campus anchors The Village at Hendrix — a walkable entertainment and dining district that has become one of Conway's most distinctive destinations. Faculty and staff add to the professional buyer pool.
Central Baptist College
A smaller private college that adds to Conway's overall college-town identity. CBC's campus and community contribute to the diversity of Conway's educational landscape and local employment base.
Restaurants and Conway's Growing Food Scene
Conway's restaurant scene has grown significantly in recent years — and it is still expanding. The combination of a college-town appetite, a growing population, and new development along Oak Street and The Village at Hendrix has attracted a mix of local favorites and new arrivals that give Conway a dining identity beyond the typical suburban chain corridor.
Downtown Conway Dining
Downtown Conway has a walkable core with local restaurants, coffee shops, and bars that give it a distinctly non-chain feel. This is where you find the restaurants that people drive from Little Rock to visit — not the other way around.
The Village at Hendrix
This entertainment district launched with La Pista Pizzeria and Roost & Tap Kitchen, and continues to grow. The Village offers a planned, walkable environment with dining, green space, and events — a unique concept for Central Arkansas.
Oak Street Growth
Oak Street has become one of Conway's most active dining corridors with new restaurants opening regularly. El Fuego Mexican Grill is among the recent additions, and the area continues to attract new concepts.
New Arrivals
Conway continues to attract new restaurants — Waldo's Chicken & Beer and Chicago Flamin Grill are among the recent and upcoming additions. The food scene is evolving, not just growing, with more variety and quality arriving each year.
Shopping and Everyday Convenience
One of the things that surprises people about Conway is how self-contained it feels. You do not need to drive to Little Rock for groceries, medical care, banking, or most everyday errands. Conway has a full range of grocery options, big-box retailers, pharmacies, medical clinics, gyms, and coffee shops spread across the city.
Downtown adds local boutiques and specialty shops that give Conway character beyond the big-box corridor. And if you do need something Conway does not have, Little Rock is a 30-minute drive down I-40. Most Conway residents report that they make the Little Rock trip for specific events or specialty shopping — not for daily life.
Downtown Conway and The Village at Hendrix
Downtown Conway has a historic, walkable core that feels more like a small Southern college town than a suburb — because it is not a suburb. Local restaurants, bars, coffee shops, boutiques, and community events give downtown a personality that chain-heavy retail corridors cannot replicate. Weekend evenings have a casual energy with live music, outdoor dining, and a social scene that draws from both the university community and long-time residents.
The Village at Hendrix is a newer addition that brings a planned, walkable entertainment district to Conway. Anchored by Hendrix College, The Village includes dining (La Pista Pizzeria, Roost & Tap Kitchen), green space, community events, and residential options nearby. It is a concept that most Arkansas cities do not have — and it adds a lifestyle element that appeals to buyers who value walkability and community design.
Major Employers and Local Economy
Conway's economy is anchored by education and healthcare, with a growing base in retail, logistics, professional services, and technology. The three colleges provide steady employment and a consistent flow of economic activity. Conway Regional Medical Center is a major employer. And the I-40 corridor supports distribution and logistics operations that benefit from Conway's central location.
A significant portion of Conway's workforce commutes to Little Rock for employment in state government, healthcare, finance, and corporate sectors. This commuter dynamic means Conway benefits from Little Rock salaries and Conway's lower cost of living — a combination that supports strong housing demand across all price ranges.
Education
UCA, Hendrix, CBC, and the Conway School District are collectively among the largest employers in Faulkner County. University employment adds stability and a professional buyer pool.
Healthcare
Conway Regional Medical Center and associated clinics provide healthcare employment and services that reduce the need to travel to Little Rock for medical care.
Little Rock Commuters
A large segment of Conway homeowners work in Little Rock and commute via I-40. This brings Little Rock-level income into a Conway cost-of-living environment — which is a big part of why Conway's housing market stays active.
Conway Neighborhoods by Lifestyle
Conway does not break down into named neighborhoods the way Little Rock does. Instead, it breaks down by lifestyle and location. Here is how I describe the different areas to buyers:
Near the Colleges
Walkable to UCA and Hendrix. Older homes with character, some renovation opportunities, and a college-town feel. Popular with faculty, staff, and buyers who want walkability and proximity to campus events and dining.
West Conway
Newer subdivisions, family-oriented neighborhoods, and proximity to schools and retail along the western growth corridors. This is where a lot of Conway's newer construction inventory is concentrated.
Central Conway
Established neighborhoods near downtown and the historic core. A mix of older homes, updated properties, and smaller lots with walkable access to downtown dining and shopping.
East Conway
A mix of established and newer development with slightly more rural character as you move further east. Larger lots and a quieter feel compared to the west side growth corridors.
Newer Subdivisions
Scattered throughout Conway, primarily on the west and south sides. Open floor plans, covered patios, two-car garages, and family-oriented design. This is where most of the $250K to $400K inventory sits.
Rural Edges
As you move outside Conway city limits into Faulkner County, you find larger lots, acreage, and a more rural feel — while still being within the Conway School District. Buyers who want space without losing school district access look here.
Conway Housing Market Overview
Conway's housing market is active across multiple price ranges, supported by steady demand from families, university professionals, healthcare workers, and Little Rock commuters. Here is how the market breaks down by price tier:
Who Conway Is Best For
Families
Strong schools, excellent parks and sports facilities, safe neighborhoods, and a community that genuinely invests in youth programming and recreation. Conway is one of the best family cities in Central Arkansas.
First-Time Buyers
More home for your money than most Little Rock neighborhoods, strong resale demand, and access to the Conway School District. The $200K to $300K range here is one of the best entry points in Central Arkansas.
University Faculty & Staff
UCA, Hendrix, and CBC employees who want to live near campus in a community that embraces the college-town identity rather than just tolerating it.
Remote Workers
If you work from home, Conway gives you the quality of life, cost of living, and community amenities without the commute. And when you do need to go to Little Rock, I-40 is right there.
Little Rock Commuters
Buyers who work in Little Rock but want more home, more land, better schools, and a lower cost of living. The I-40 commute is the tradeoff — and for many families, it is worth it.
Retirees
Conway offers strong medical facilities, community recreation, a walkable downtown, and amenities without the traffic and pace of Little Rock. It is big enough to have everything you need and small enough to feel manageable.
Pros and Cons of Living in Conway
Pros
Strong sense of community
Conway feels like a real community, not just a collection of subdivisions. People know their neighbors, support local businesses, and show up for community events.
Excellent parks and sports infrastructure
Nearly 90,000 square feet of indoor recreation between Don Owen and McGee Center, plus city parks, trails, tennis, and youth sports leagues.
College-town energy
Three colleges bring culture, dining diversity, campus events, and a professional workforce that keeps the community feeling vibrant and evolving.
Growing restaurant scene
Conway's dining options have expanded significantly and continue to grow. The Village at Hendrix and Oak Street corridor are adding quality, not just quantity.
More home for your money
Dollar for dollar, Conway typically offers more square footage and larger lots than comparable neighborhoods in Little Rock.
Good I-40 access to Little Rock
The commute is real, but the infrastructure is solid. I-40 is a well-maintained interstate corridor with consistent travel times outside of peak hours.
Cons
I-40 commute can be tiring
If you work in Little Rock, the 30- to 45-minute drive each way adds up. It is manageable but not negligible — especially in bad weather or heavy traffic.
Growth means road construction
Conway is growing, and growth comes with construction projects. Dave Ward, Hogan Lane, and Oak Street improvements are positive long-term but disruptive in the short term.
Roundabouts take adjustment
If you have never driven roundabouts regularly, there is a learning curve. Most residents adapt quickly, but it is worth mentioning for buyers relocating from areas without them.
Nightlife is limited compared to Little Rock
Conway has bars, live music, and campus events — but if you want the full range of nightlife options that a larger city offers, Little Rock is where you will go.
Campus zones matter
With 9 elementary schools and 4 middle schools, which campus your child attends varies by address. Two homes in the same area can feed to different schools.
Popular homes move quickly
Well-priced homes in desirable campus zones can attract offers within the first week. Hesitation can mean missing out.
Conway vs Little Rock vs Benton/Bryant
Conway vs Little Rock
Conway offers more home for your money, strong schools, and a college-town lifestyle. Little Rock offers urban amenities, shorter commutes to major employers, and a wider range of neighborhoods. The decision usually comes down to where you work and whether you value space or proximity more.
Conway vs Benton
Both offer strong schools and family-oriented communities. Conway has the college-town factor and I-40 access; Benton has I-30 access and closer proximity to south Little Rock employers. Different commute corridors, different vibes, similar value.
Conway vs Bryant
Bryant offers newer suburban construction and one of the highest graduation rates in the state. Conway offers more neighborhood variety, a college-town culture, and a different school district. Both are strong — the tiebreaker is usually commute direction and school preference.
Best Places to Live Around Conway
Greenbrier
10 minutes north of Conway. Smaller town, its own school district, more rural character. Appeals to buyers who want to be near Conway without being in the city.
Vilonia
15 minutes northeast. Small-town feel, its own school district, lower price points. Buyers looking for acreage and a quieter pace with reasonable access to Conway and Cabot.
Mayflower
10 minutes south on I-40. Smaller community between Conway and Maumelle. Some areas fall within the Conway School District, which makes certain Mayflower addresses attractive to school-focused buyers.
Maumelle
20 minutes south along I-40/430. Planned community with suburban amenities, closer to Little Rock but in the Pulaski County Special School District. Maumelle is the alternative for buyers who want the I-40 corridor but a shorter commute.
West Conway
Newer subdivisions on the western edge of town. Family-oriented, newer construction, strong school access. This is where much of Conway's residential growth is concentrated.
The Village at Hendrix
Not a separate city, but a distinct lifestyle zone. Walkable, dining-forward, community-designed. Homes near The Village carry a character premium that standard subdivisions do not.
Buying a Home in Conway
If you are seriously considering Conway, here are the things I tell every buyer before they start touring:
Get Pre-Approved First
Know your budget before you fall in love with a home. Pre-approval gives you real numbers and makes your offer stronger when you find the right one.
Verify School Zones
With 9 elementary schools and 4 middle schools, campus zone assignments vary. Do not assume — verify with the Conway School District before making an offer.
Test the Commute
If you work in Little Rock, drive the I-40 commute during rush hour before you commit. The drive is different at 7:30 AM than it is at 10:00 AM. Make sure it works for your daily routine.
Move Quickly on Good Homes
Well-priced homes in desirable campus zones attract interest fast. If a home checks your boxes, be ready to make a strong offer. Waiting a few days can mean losing it to another buyer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Conway
Is Conway AR a good place to live?
Yes. Conway consistently ranks among the best places to live in Central Arkansas. Strong schools, excellent parks and recreation, a growing restaurant scene, college-town culture, and a cost of living that stretches your dollar further than most Little Rock neighborhoods.
Is Conway good for families?
Very much so. The Conway School District, parks and sports facilities (including nearly 90,000 square feet of indoor recreation), youth sports leagues, and family-oriented neighborhoods make Conway one of the strongest family cities in the state.
How far is Conway from Little Rock?
About 30 miles via I-40. The drive takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic and which part of Little Rock you are heading to. West Little Rock is closer; downtown and the medical district add time.
Why does Conway have so many roundabouts?
Conway has 37 active roundabouts — more than any other Arkansas city. The city chose roundabouts over traffic signals because they keep traffic flowing, reduce severe crashes, and cost less to maintain. More are planned as Conway continues to grow.
What is the best part of Conway to live in?
It depends on what you prioritize. Near the colleges for walkability and culture. West Conway for newer construction and families. Central Conway for downtown access. East Conway for quieter, more established neighborhoods. Each area has a different character and price range.
Is Conway growing?
Yes. Conway is one of the faster-growing cities in Central Arkansas, with ongoing road projects, new restaurant openings, residential development, and continued investment in public infrastructure and recreation facilities.
What are home prices like in Conway?
Conway's housing market ranges from under $200K for entry-level homes to $400K+ for premium properties. The most active segment is $200K to $300K, which is the sweet spot for first-time buyers and families. The $300K to $400K range represents move-up homes with newer construction and upgraded features.
Does Conway have good parks and sports facilities?
Outstanding. Don Owen Sports Complex (44,000 sq ft), McGee Center (46,000 sq ft), Curtis Walker Park, Conway Tennis Center, city trails, and year-round youth and adult sports leagues. Conway's recreation infrastructure rivals cities much larger.
What colleges are in Conway?
Three: the University of Central Arkansas (UCA), Hendrix College, and Central Baptist College. Together they shape Conway's economy, culture, dining scene, and housing demand — creating a college-town atmosphere that is unique in Central Arkansas.
Is Conway better than Little Rock?
It depends on what you value. Conway offers more home for your money, stronger K-12 schools, better parks, and a college-town lifestyle. Little Rock offers urban amenities, shorter commutes to major employers, more diverse neighborhoods, and a wider range of nightlife and entertainment. Neither is better — they serve different lifestyles.
Thinking About Moving to Conway?
I help buyers across Conway, Little Rock, and Central Arkansas compare neighborhoods, school zones, commute routes, and home values — so you can make an informed decision, not a rushed one. Let's talk through your options — no obligation, no pressure.
Richard Hawkins, REALTOR®
Hawk The Realtor
Fathom Realty Central
10515 W Markham St Suite E3
Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 291-1495
Local guidance for buyers across Conway, Little Rock, Benton, Bryant, Cabot, and Maumelle.