If you drive north on Highway 67 toward Jacksonville during the late afternoon you may see an unexpected sight: huge planes descending and suddenly disappearing into the horizon â€" to Little Rock Air Force Base (LRAFB) in Jacksonville.

Positioned between the growing cities of North Little Rock and Cabot, this city has served as home for more than half a century for Little Rock Air Force Base. While Jacksonville’s population is topping 30,000, more than 11,000 military personnel, civilians and their families live and work at Little Rock Air Force Base.

C-130 Training

LRAFB is the only C-130 training base for the U.S. Department of Defense. It is also the host unit of the 19th Airlift Wing. Military personnel at the base are regularly called upon to assist as the supply mechanism for the military for destinations around the world.

In 2005 the base was inundated with incoming flights from around the world bringing supplies for distributions to evacuees of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The base answered the call of need, just as it has in the past and will continue to do during emergencies at home and abroad.

Jacksonville Community Center

Jacksonville residents enjoy the Jacksonville Community Center with its indoor pool, racquetball courts and walking track. Residents also enjoy a vibrant business community that provides services to the area around the base. North Little Rock, about 15 minutes away, also gives shoppers access to any additional retail needs.

Housing options are plentiful here. Being located in a smaller community provides additional bonuses such as more acreage and house for the prices. Good buys can be had starting at about $75,000, and large custom homes are available for between $250,000 and $450,000.