Central Arkansas Housing Boom Fuels Suburb Growth

Central Arkansas is witnessing a construction boom as builders break ground on new neighborhoods from West Little Rock to Benton, Conway, Cabot and North Little Rock. Demand surges from families, out-of-state migrants seeking lower costs and more space, and a robust military buyer pool at Little Rock Air Force Base, where VA loans with zero down payment dominate.[1][2] New construction homes start around $240,000 in active markets like Conway, Cabot, Bryant and Benton, with metro-wide median prices at $220,000-$240,000 and annual appreciation of 4-6%.[2] In 2025, single-family permitting hit a median value of $254,680, nearly double earlier stages, as cities logged gains: Sherwood up 86%, Little Rock 61% and Vilonia 43%.[4] Conway's median hit $255,000 in a seller's market, Cabot $265,000 and Bryant $285,000, with homes selling in 20-35 days.[2] Multi-family projects concentrate in Little Rock's southwest, Conway and North Little Rock, including a boost at Pointe North Hills in Lakewood.[4] Inventory improves but stays tight in suburbs, absorbing demand.[2] Builders cite available land, predictable processes and family-friendly prices as keys, with stability projected through 2026 at 3-5% appreciation.[1][2] Little Rock medians sit at $205,000 and North Little Rock $185,000, balanced overall with seller edges in top school districts.[2] This growth positions Central Arkansas as a haven amid national housing pressures.