Jacksonville/Sherwood Little Rock, AR

Once a tiny farming community called Sylvan Hills, Sherwood became an official city and gained amenities over the course of the 20th century. Jacksonville started as the Gray family settlement but expanded with the development of a road between Little Rock and Memphis. Following the Civil War, Nicholas Jackson purchased land in the area and had the Cairo and Fulton Railroad build a depot in the new town.

Explore more about the area's military involvement at the Jacksonville Museum of Military History. Tracing Arkansas' past from the Civil War through World War II, the artifacts and exhibits delight history buffs. Get a closer look at the Mighty Mite jeep.

Sherwood Fest showcases the area's strong sense of community. An annual event held in the fall, this festival gives you the opportunity to enjoy a pancake breakfast, live entertainment and more. In true Sherwood Forest style, you can test your archery skills.

It's easy to find your favorite chain restaurant in Jacksonville and Sherwood. Locally owned diners bring the regional flavor, ranging from classic Southern fare to international flair.

Get a taste of authentic Thai cuisine at Chang Thai & Asian Cuisine in Sherwood. A spiciness scale helps you choose the level of heat that works for you, from fiery to subdued. Coconut shines as the real star of the menu. The Miang Kham appetizer, beloved by regulars, blends an array of fresh spices with toasted coconut, all tucked inside a leaf.

The frequently busy parking lot lets you know that Papitos Mexican Grill is a hit with the locals. And no wonder, since the menu includes affordable prices and flavor-packed Mexican dishes. Sample seafood enchiladas, chile verde and steak charro. Thanks to its generous menu, you can find a new favorite dish every time you visit.

The Hook Catfish Restaurant, a long-standing local staple, features a casual, mom-and-pop ambiance that makes you feel right at home. Complement your catfish dinner with traditional Southern sides, including hush puppies, fried okra and coleslaw. Between the freshly cooked food and pleasant service, the Hook embodies Arkansas hospitality and down-home eating.

With Little Rock and North Little Rock so close, your nightlife options are wide open. Don't miss the local bars, pubs and lounges that bring neighbors together on weekend nights. Visit Mondo Boogie's Secret Lair for live music, or drop by Smokey's Pub for a friendly atmosphere where the bartenders remember your preferred drink. With karaoke, a dartboard and pool tables, Smokey's makes sure that you and your friends never get bored.

Many residents of Jacksonville and Sherwood find it convenient to own a vehicle for transportation. Major roads accessible in the area include U.S. Route 67, U.S. Route 167, Arkansas Highway 107, Interstate 440, Interstate 40 and Interstate 30. Parking mostly relies on street parking or private lots.

Some neighborhoods, such as downtown Jacksonville, have sidewalk infrastructure and a fair density of attractions. For the most part, however, pedestrian activity in this community is limited. If you want to bike to work, Jacksonville and Sherwood residents make it happen despite a lack of bike lanes. Cyclists can find many recreational trails winding through local parks.

Hailing a cab in these suburbs usually doesn't work. Instead, use the convenience of your phone or go online to reserve a cab from companies including Arkansas' #1 Taxi, Affordable Taxi and Yellow Cab Company.

The Central Arkansas Transit Authority provides service in the Jacksonville and Sherwood areas, primarily via the #36 bus route. The Jacksonville-Sherwood Express travels between Jacksonville and downtown Little Rock during weekdays.

Within Jacksonville and Sherwood combined, you can find over 20 parks. You never have an excuse to stay indoors. Bring the dog, the kids, the sports league, your running shoes, or a picnic basket.

Neighborhood dogs have options galore, including the Dupree Dog Park, conveniently tucked inside the sprawling Dupree Park in Jacksonville. In Sherwood, Fairway Park includes a shaded and fenced section for off-leash pets. The Sherwood Dog Park also has a drinking fountain for hot days.

Kids with energy to spare don't have far to go to find playground equipment. Austin Lakes, Fairway, Delmont and three other parks within Sherwood include play structures. Jacksonville's young residents can enjoy Excell, Pleasure Park, Stagecoach and Stonewall, while Paradise Park contains an open play area.

Work out at nearly any park in the region. Austin Lakes, Jimmie White and Storer Parks play home to walking trails for low-impact workouts. Cool off at multiple outdoor swimming pools, or play a friendly match at the basketball courts and tennis courts. Fishing piers and picnic pavilions invite you to unwind during the summer months.

The affordable cost of living stands out as a big draw of the Jacksonville and Sherwood areas. Sherwood's cost of living lands at 1 percent lower than the Little Rock average, while Jacksonville costs 6 percent less than life in the city. Renting a standard one-bedroom home in this area is only $503 per month.

Beer prices run between $8 and $9, roughly comparable to national prices. Traveling to downtown Little Rock via the Jacksonville-Sherwood Express, operated by CAT, costs less than $3 for round-trip fare. Gas prices in the region stand at 5 percent less expensive than the national average.

When you shop in this neighborhood, expect to find midrange boutiques, gift stores and antique stores. Outfit your home with the vintage treasures at Oliver's Antiques in Jacksonville. In addition, collectors have a chance to discover unique collectible items at Oliver's. Though the home decor for sale at Aspen Leaf caters to gift-givers, you may be tempted to buy a cool trinket for your own residence. In Sherwood, Unique Ideas lives up to its name. Vivid and eclectic accessories line the shelves.

McCain Mall, in nearby North Little Rock, serves as a shopping hub for many Jacksonville and Sherwood residents. Favorite retailers such as the Limited and Sephora share space with regional offerings, including Ozark Candy and Nuts.

Both Jacksonville and Sherwood host farmers markets. Maintained by Keep Sherwood Beautiful, the Sherwood Farmers Market operates on Thursday evenings, with vendors selling both fresh produce and gourmet treats. From May to October, you can find the Jacksonville Farmers Market open on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Enjoy the convenience of multiple major chains. Stock up on basics at Walmart Supercenters and Kroger stores. Delgado's Market, in Jacksonville, fulfills your need for authentic Mexican groceries, from bakery items to bottled drinks. In Sherwood, Floyd's Meat & Seafood caters to the savvy chef and the beginning cook alike, with a selection that ranges from fresh crawfish to buffalo steaks.