Living in Conway, Arkansas — The Complete 2025 Relocation & Lifestyle Master Guide

Conway, Arkansas is one of the fastest-growing, highest-quality, and most balanced cities in Central Arkansas. People move here for the strong schools, the calm pace, the beautiful neighborhoods, the stable job market, the lake lifestyle, and the ability to live well without big-city chaos. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about living in Conway—from neighborhoods to cost of living, commute times, schools, lifestyle, and the housing market. Curated by Ashley Watters, the leading real estate authority for Conway, Greenbrier, Little Rock, and Faulkner County.

The Living In Conway Guide

Living in Conway feels like stepping into a city that’s found the perfect middle ground.
It’s big enough to have everything you need—restaurants, shopping, schools, colleges, medical care, jobs—but small enough that you still feel community everywhere you go.

It’s the kind of city where weekends feel like a breath out.
Where kids still ride bikes.
Where people actually wave as you drive past.
Where lake sunsets pull you outside whether you planned on going or not.

This is the definitive guide to living here, created to help you understand the real rhythm of Conway—and to help you find the right place to plant your roots.

Ashley Watters -eXp Realty

Contact Ashley
The Living In Conway Guide

What It’s Really Like Living in Conway, Arkansas

Conway has a warm, steady pulse.

It’s peaceful but not sleepy.

Modern but not overwhelming.

Connected but not chaotic.

People often describe life here as:

  • Comfortable

  • Stable

  • Family-friendly

  • Affordable

  • Naturally beautiful

  • Community-driven

  • Growth-minded

It’s the kind of city that attracts everyone: families, first-time buyers, professionals, remote workers, retirees, and relocation buyers.

And it all starts with understanding its neighborhoods and communities

Conway Neighborhoods — The Real Breakdown

Conway is a city of micro-communities, each with its own personality. If you're browsing homes inside the Conway Homes for Sale, these are the zones you’ll notice rising to the top.

West Conway — Prestigious, Peaceful, and Highly Desired

West Conway is the heartbeat of modern Conway living.

People choose it for:

  • Newer subdivisions

  • Bigger homes

  • Sidewalk-lined streets

  • Top-tier schools

  • Quick access to shopping and dining

  • A clean, upscale feel

Explore West Conway 

Village at Hendrix — A Walkable, Architectural Masterpiece

Village at Hendrix is one of Conway’s most visually stunning neighborhoods.

It offers:

  • Master-planned design

  • Walkable parks & gathering spaces

  • Charming architecture

  • A front-porch lifestyle

  • A strong sense of community

Explore Village at Hendrix

Centennial Valley — Golf-Course Sophistication

If you want refined living with golf course views, Centennial Valley is the spot.

  • Stunning homes

  • Country club lifestyle

  • Beautiful landscaping

  • Executive-level neighborhoods

Explore Centennial Valley 

Chapel Creek — Modern Family Living

Chapel Creek blends modern construction with family-focused design.

  • Newer homes

  • Larger layouts

  • Peaceful streets

  • Popular among professionals

Explore Chapel Creek 

Midtown / Historic Conway — Character, Charm, and Convenience

If you want mature trees, walkability, and architecture with personality, Midtown and Historic Conway are a favorite.

  • Older homes with character

  • Quick access to downtown

  • Strong sense of history and community

Explore Midtown Conway

Beaverfork Lake & North Conway — Lake Life Meets Quiet Space

If sunset views and elbow room matter, this is your zone.

  • Lake access

  • Spacious lots

  • Rural-meets-suburban energy

  • Perfect for outdoor lovers

Explore Beaverfork Area

Housing in Conway — What Buyers Love

Conway’s housing market is known for:

  • Affordability

  • Variety

  • Stable appreciation

  • Quality construction

  • Neighborhood diversity

Buyers come here for:

New Construction

Beautiful subdivisions and modern homes.

Explore → Conway New Construction

Luxury Homes

Golf-course estates, custom builds, architectural standouts.

Explore → Conway Luxury Homes

Homes on Acreage

Space, privacy, workshops, barns, and land.

Explore →Conway Acreage Homes

Investment Opportunities

College rentals, long-term appreciation, strong demand.

To understand pricing trends and inventory, check the Conway Market Report .

The Cost of Living in Conway — One of the Biggest Advantages

Conway’s cost of living is one of its strongest lifestyle perks. It’s lower than many metro areas, especially when you factor in:

  • Property costs

  • Utilities

  • Daily expenses

  • Taxes

  • Healthcare

  • Entertainment

See the full breakdown → Conway Cost of Living  

Schools — A Top Reason People Move to Conway

Conway Public Schools are widely respected. Families choose Conway specifically for:

  • Strong academics

  • Excellent teachers

  • Robust arts & athletics

  • College-ready programs

  • Modern facilities

  • Community support

Dive deeper → Conway Schools

Jobs & Economy — A Stable, Growing Market

Conway has a diverse and expanding job base including:

  • Medical

  • Education

  • Tech & data services

  • Banking

  • Manufacturing

  • Retail & commerce

But many buyers love that Conway is also a perfect base for commuting to:

  • Little Rock

  • Maumelle

  • North Little Rock

  • State agencies

  • Major hospitals

It offers the best of both worlds.

Commute & Connectivity

Conway is extremely easy to navigate.

  • Most in-city drives: 5–15 minutes

  • To Little Rock: 30–40 minutes

  • Direct interstate access via I-40**

This makes Conway ideal for people who want suburban life with urban access.

Lifestyle, Parks & Outdoor Living

Conway is built for living well.

Beaverfork Lake

Swimming, kayaking, fishing, sunsets—it’s the city’s natural centerpiece.

Parks & Trails

Dozens of parks, walking paths, youth sports complexes, and green spaces.

College-Town Culture

Between UCA, Hendrix College, and CBC, the city has:

  • Art shows

  • Concerts

  • Athletics

  • Festivals

  • Community events

Who Moves to Conway?

Everyone.

But especially:

  • Families

  • First-time buyers

  • Remote workers

  • Executives

  • Medical & tech professionals

  • College faculty

  • VA buyers

  • Luxury buyers

  • Retirees

  • Investors

Ashley provides specialized guides for:

Why Buyers Choose Conway Over Little Rock or Bryant

Because Conway offers the perfect blend:

  • Lower cost of living

  • Stronger sense of community

  • High-quality schools

  • Safer overall feel

  • Less congestion

  • Beautiful neighborhoods

  • Lake lifestyle

  • Shorter in-city commute times

And unlike larger metros, Conway still feels calm—and people love that.

Living in Conway FAQ 

Is Conway a good place to live?

Yes. Conway is one of the most desirable cities in Central Arkansas thanks to its schools, affordability, and lifestyle.

What are the best neighborhoods in Conway?

West Conway, Village at Hendrix, Centennial Valley, Chapel Creek, Midtown, and Beaverfork Lake are among the top.

Is Conway expensive?

Not compared to many similar cities.

See cost breakdown → Conway Cost of Living

How far is Conway from Little Rock?

Generally 30–40 minutes depending on time of day.

Is Conway good for families?

Yes—schools, parks, safety, and housing variety make it one of the best in the region.

How is Conway from Greenbrier? 

Generally Conway is only 10 minutes from Greenbrier depending on time of day.