Oak Forest, Little Rock,AR

Oak Forest is a charming neighborhood nestled in the northwest part of Little Rock, AR, offering a perfect blend of suburban calm and urban convenience. It’s an ideal spot for families, young professionals, and retirees alike, thanks to its friendly community vibe and well-maintained streets lined with mature trees. Residents often enjoy leisurely strolls in the nearby parks or weekend visits to local cafes and eateries that capture the neighborhood’s warm, welcoming spirit. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to call home or a community with a lively social calendar, Oak Forest has a little something for everyone.

One of the standout attractions in Oak Forest is the expansive and beautifully maintained Burns Park, which provides ample green space for outdoor activities such as picnics, jogging, and sports. This area also boasts excellent schools and family-friendly amenities, making it a great choice for those relocating with children. Local shops and restaurants contribute to a vibrant atmosphere, with unique dining spots offering everything from classic Southern comfort food to trendy new flavors. Additionally, residents appreciate the neighborhood’s strong sense of community, often gathering for seasonal events and neighborhood clean-ups that foster close connections among neighbors.

For those who commute or enjoy city life, Oak Forest offers easy access to Downtown Little Rock, which is just a short drive away. This proximity means you can quickly tap into the cultural events, theaters, museums, and bustling nightlife of the city center while returning to the serenity of a quiet neighborhood. Whether you’re heading to work or exploring local attractions like the River Market District or the Arkansas State Capitol, living in Oak Forest strikes a wonderful balance between accessibility and tranquility. Overall, this neighborhood is a fantastic choice for anyone moving to Little Rock who values community, convenience, and a welcoming atmosphere.

About 23% of the Oak Forest population aged 16 and older are married, which is notably lower than average. This could suggest a community with a younger, more transient population—perhaps made up of students, professionals, or renters. It may also reflect a neighborhood that attracts singles or couples without children, contributing to a more independent, urban lifestyle.

With only 16% of people over 16 having children, you can expect an easygoing environment that tends to attract residents seeking a quieter lifestyle. The atmosphere here leans more toward adult-oriented living. Without the constant rhythm of school schedules or kid-centered events, the community maintains a slower, more relaxed pace. This makes it especially appealing to singles, couples, and empty nesters who appreciate tranquil streets, and recreation on their own terms.

Oak Forest demographic details provide a clearer picture of what life is like in the neighborhood, offering insight into its character, community, and overall lifestyle. With a population of 8,579, the number of residents who reside in Oak Forest is about average in size compared to other Little Rock neighborhoods, striking a perfect balance between energy and tranquility. It’s large enough to offer plenty of amenities, activities, and a vibrant local scene, yet small enough to maintain a welcoming community feel and a more relaxed pace of life.

Oak Forest has a population density of 2,070, which strikes a balanced feel when compared to other Little Rock neighborhoods. The area offers just the right mix of activity and breathing room, creating a community that’s lively yet comfortable, with easy access to amenities and everyday conveniences.

With an average age of 38, you're likely to find a well-balanced community where multiple generations live side by side. This mix of age groups contributes to a neighborhood atmosphere that’s both active and welcoming, offering a blend of fresh perspectives and long-standing community values.

The Oak Forest crime map uses detailed block group boundaries from address-based crime data to visualize crime patterns across the neighborhood, highlighting both low-crime zones and areas with higher levels of reported crime. This crime heat map helps paint a clearer picture of local safety trends, showing how crime can vary from one part of the community to another. Keep in mind that areas with higher activity on the map don’t always equate to dangerous conditions — locations near entertainment districts, major roads, or tourist destinations often see more reports simply due to the larger number of people passing through.

Housing trends offer valuable insight into the accessibility and character of a neighborhood. In Oak Forest, the median home price is $99,769, which is less than many surrounding areas. This affordability makes it an attractive option for first-time buyers, young families, or anyone looking to enter the housing market without a significant financial barrier. Looking at appreciation rates and past market trends in Oak Forest can offer valuable insight into the neighborhood’s investment potential. Understanding how home values have changed over time helps buyers gauge future growth, assess long-term stability, and make more informed real estate decisions.

The median rent is around $1,028, which is on par with many comparable neighborhoods. This balanced pricing offers a mix of affordability and value, making it a practical choice for a wide range of renters.

School ratings in Oak Forest combine factors like student performance, graduation rates, and standardized test scores to provide a clear picture of overall educational quality. The use of NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) scores adds valuable context by offering a consistent national benchmark to see how local schools compare on a broader scale. Additionally, understanding the overall education level achieved by residents in Oak Forest can give insight into the community’s priorities and opportunities, helping families make more informed decisions about where to live and how well local schools may support long-term student success.