Walnut Valley - Little Rock, AR

Most neighborhoods in the Little Rock area hold homes with a mixture of ages, but Walnut Valley stands out as unique as nearly all its buildings were built within one time period — between 1970 and 1999. When walking or driving around the neighborhood, you’ll notice many homes look the same because of this.

No museums reside in the area, but you can find plenty in Little Rock. However, the area does host a small art scene, with a few art galleries just north of Walnut Valley. Reflections Gallery & Fine Framing, Eileen’s Gallery of Fine Arts and The Firefly Studio open to the public, allowing you to explore a multitude of amazing artwork. Catch a flick at close and convenient Market Street Cinemas, or take in one of the annual performances held by the Arkansas Festival Ballet.

Most restaurants don't directly reside within the Walnut Valley neighborhood, and instead tend to lie to the north and south of the area. Options include American, Asian, Middle Eastern and Mexican, with variations of each and fusion cuisine available as well.

Jason’s Deli makes patrons savory sandwiches, crispy salads and meals created with fresh ingredients. Honored by Parents Magazine as one of the best family restaurants in America, this establishment features an atmosphere that invites adults and children alike. Delighting guests who seek healthier dining choices, the deli features trans-fat-free menu options and doesn't use MSG, artificial colors and high-fructose corn syrup in its dishes, making it the first major restaurant to ban these ingredients.

For lunch, try the Irish potato soup by the cup or bowl. Developed in partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center, the Might Wild Salmon Salad features a mixture of organic greens, beets, beans and nuts topped with grilled Alaska sockeye salmon drizzled with oil and vinegar dressing. The menu also denotes vegetarian items and endless gluten-sensitive options. For a quick sandwich, try a famous favorite like the Reuben the Great or the New York Yankee, or build your sandwich just the way you like it. Take your children along and order from the kid's menu — your little ones get free ice cream with every visit.

Pho Thanh My delivers delectable Vietnamese dishes with amazing consistency. Don’t expect an elegant atmosphere, but do expect excellent food. Dig into the bun bo hue FTW — a spicy menu option with large pieces of jalapeno peppers. If you prefer some crunch, try the crispy deep-fried crab wontons. Treat yourself with taro boba tea at the end of your meal.

Located at The Burgundy Hotel, Table 28 features interesting menu options you won’t find anywhere else, such as quail lollipops served with tabasco butter and a gorgonzola fondue. Other unique choices here include bone marrow served with onion marmalade, Himalayan salt and toast or tongue and cheek — a grass-fed beef option cooked in a red wine reduction served with leeks and horseradish sauce. Locals say dining at this gourmet restaurant resembles dining in San Francisco or New York, but with a Southern accent. Easy to get to, this restaurant features plenty of outdoor seating and a friendly staff as well.

Walnut Valley provides sports bars, pubs and pool halls for the nightlife experience. Twin Peaks, a log cabin establishment, features plenty of big-screen TV’s to catch the game. This establishment compensates for its somewhat-limited menu with ice-cold beer that satisfies you after a hard day. West End Smokehouse and Tavern serves as the next best option for area nightlife.

Besides walking the neighborhood, bicycling, taking public transit or driving, other transportation options in Walnut Valley include taxi and Uber.

On-street parking stands available, but be prepared to feed a meter and heed signs posting permitted parking times and restrictions. Crowne Plaza Little Rock and La Quinta Inn Little Rock both provide paid parking for added convenience when you head downtown.

Use Financial Centre Parkway just south of the Walnut Valley neighborhood to access Interstate 430 and Interstate 630

While no dedicated bike lanes exist in the area, biking in this neighborhood tends to be a safe pastime.

Situated south of Breckenridge, discover Shackelford-Walnut Valley Park, a favorite with locals. The park remains open from dawn to dusk and has older metal playground equipment you won’t find at any other area park. Swings, teeter-totters, a merry-go-round, a climbing dome, a slide and bouncers keep children entertained and delighted. Considered a community park, it has some shaded area with two covered picnic tables for family gatherings. The community pool here gives residence a place to cool off at the height of summer. Other features include a tennis and basketball court, walking trail and a creek running through a grassy area.

The cost of living in Walnut Valley sits 2 percent lower than Little Rock’s average. Lower rental costs drive costs down, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment running $748 per month on average, or 1 to 2 percent lower than the national average. A one-way ticket on local transit costs only $1.35, and gas sits equal to the national average both in Walnut Valley and Little Rock proper. Expect to pay around $3 for domestic brews and $4 for imported options at local bars and pubs.

The major shopping area lies west of Walnut Valley at Rock Creek Square Plaza Shopping Center and north at Valley Village Shopping Center. Residents frequent some local boutiques and specialty stores within the area, such as Martinous Oriental Rugs and Footlights Dance Apparel in Little Rock. More shopping options sit scattered along Chenal Parkway. For higher-end women's clothing and accessories, stop at RK Collections Boutique to find the designer duds you seek.

Walnut Valley residents pick up groceries at Kroger or head to a specialty shop like Community Bakery and Old Mill Bread. K Oriental Store also caters to all your ethnic culinary needs. Unfortunately, no farmers markets service the area, but a jaunt into Little Rock provides you with several nearby options.