Locals tend to disagree about where midtown begins and ends. As the city’s development rolls westward, what used to be the region’s western edge is now the middle of the city, but the downtown area is still the eastern edge.

The neighborhoods within this area are primarily full of ranch-style variations and modern homes. Established from the 1950s forward, these areas are lush with mature landscaping and canopied with trees. More recently developed areas such as River Ridge â€" the homes are on a ridge overlooking the Arkansas River â€" still enjoy new construction and renovations.

Universities

Major landmarks include two teaching institutions: the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. UAMS, the state’s teaching hospital, enjoys vigorous growth as a result of healthy financial support for its research and an impressive roster of world-renowned physicians.

UALR’s metropolitan campus continues to develop, most recently with the Jack Stephens Center, a $25 million athletic complex for basketball and volleyball. Just minutes away is St. Vincent Medical Center. Also located in midtown are the Little Rock Zoo, War Memorial Stadium and War Memorial Golf Course.

Prime Shopping

Park Plaza Mall, anchored at both ends with Dillard’s, completed a major renovation in 2007. It is home to such mall staples as the Gap, Victoria’s Secret, Eddie Bauer, Bath & Body Works, Banana Republic and other favorites.

Directly across the street from the indoor mall, Midtowne Little Rock is an upscale outdoor shopping center with a great mix of local and national retailers, including Pottery Barn, J. Jill, Ann Taylor Loft, Evolve and The Container Store. Opening in fall 2009, Park Avenue will be a multi-use, open-air shopping center with restaurants and local and national retailers.