No matter where you live in central Arkansas, you're bound to spend some time in Riverdale. Some people come for a brief escape â€" a round of golf, a bike ride down the River Trail or a pick-up game of sand volleyball. Others come, especially on Thursday afternoons, just to watch the river roll by while enjoying a cold drink on the huge deck at Cajun's Wharf, a popular restaurant, bar and live music venue.

If it sounds like a great neighborhood to live in, you're right. In fact, several newcomers, especially younger ones, make their first central Arkansas home in Riverdale.

The attractive outdoors environment partly accounts for this phenomenon, but the neighborhood's mix of housing options also explains a lot. Several quality apartment complexes and condominiums of all price ranges give new residents plenty to choose from.

There are also single-family homes here, including several on a ridge with river views or access. Best of all, Riverdale's centrally located for the times you do want to leave. But with plenty of dining, shopping and even employment opportunities in the area, you don't necessarily have to go anywhere.

Getting Around

Riverdale seems detached from the rest of the city, but several smaller streets connect you to other areas. To cross the railroad tracks, take the overpass on Cedar Hill Road, which continues its journey into Hillcrest. From Cantrell Road, take Alsopp Park Road (later Lookout Road) and then Evergreen Drive to quickly get to Midtown. And if you're out by the Big Dam Bridge, begin winding up the hill on Overlook Drive if you're headed anywhere but downtown.