Downtown Little Rock offers the widest variety of living options. In addition to upscale condominiums, lofts, and studio apartments in the busiest part of town, downtown Little Rock is characterized by the beauty of its historic neighborhoods.
THE QUAPAW QUARTER
The Villa Marre
Located just south of Little Rock’s business district, the Quapaw Quarter is the oldest and most historic district of Little Rock and is an excellent choice for living. This historic district is home to the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion and the Museum of Arkansas Military History in MacArthur Park—the oldest municipal park in the city. Throughout the Quapaw Quarter, a variety of stunningly beautiful homes from the Antebellum and Victorian eras can be found, in addition to several examples of Craftsman-style architecture. Scott, Center and Spring streets, in particular, are where many such homes stand today. The exterior of the Villa Marre, for example, is known nationally as featured on the CBS sitcom Designing Women. In addition to beautiful and uniquely historic homes, the Quapaw Quarter features some of Little Rock’s oldest churches and schools, such as the St. Edward Church and School, established in 1885.
SOMA
Shops in SOMA
The Quapaw Quarter is situated next to the South on Main (“SOMA”) area, which offers a vibrant new nightlife, exceptional dining, and comfortable living. Stretching from I-630 on the North side and Roosevelt Boulevard to the South, SOMA is characterized by quaint streets full of excellent local establishments that provide a wide and unique range of dining, shopping, and nightlife. Antique stores, art galleries, and locally owned restaurants serving critically-acclaimed cuisine are found along South Main Street. Community Bakery, for instance, established in 1947, is a long-time favorite of all Little Rock residents and visitors. The Root Café offers an eclectic, down-home dining environment and features only food grown by Arkansas farmers. The newer South on Main restaurant and bar offers fine dining with a southern twist, excellent live music acts, and an impressive selection of unique drinks to enjoy while taking in its charming atmosphere. These are just a few of the many excellent dining and nightlife options in the SOMA district. A wide array of quaint living options, including houses, town homes, and studio apartments, surround the Main Street area and reflect the historic charm of the area.
