Hillcrest Little Rock AR Real Estate Market Data 2026
Hillcrest is a historic residential neighborhood located in central Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas. Centered along Kavanaugh Boulevard and bounded roughly by Markham Street to the south, North University Avenue to the east, and the hillside terrain overlooking the Arkansas River valley, Hillcrest has long been regarded as one of Little Rock's most walkable, eclectic, and architecturally distinctive neighborhoods, featuring a mix of Craftsman bungalows, Tudor revivals, and mid-century homes nestled among mature oak-lined streets.
Key Takeaways:
Median home price of $285,000 positions Hillcrest as a premium Little Rock neighborhood while remaining exceptionally affordable by national standards, according to Central Arkansas MLS (CARMLS) data
Walk Score of 72 makes Hillcrest the most walkable residential neighborhood in the Little Rock metro area, according to Walk Score data
Architectural diversity spanning 1900-1970 creates a distinctive housing stock that attracts buyers seeking character and craftsmanship, according to the Quapaw Quarter Association historic records
Average days on market of 22 signals strong buyer demand in a metro where the citywide average is 38 days, according to Arkansas Realtors Association MLS statistics
Owner-occupancy rate of 68% provides a stable farming foundation with long-term homeowner relationships, according to U.S. Census Bureau data
Market Overview & Price Trends
Hillcrest occupies a premium position within the Little Rock real estate market, commanding higher prices per square foot than most neighborhoods while maintaining the deep affordability that characterizes central Arkansas. According to CARMLS data and Pulaski County Assessor records:
| Year | Median Price | YoY Change | Sales Volume | Avg DOM | Price/Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $245,000 | +12.8% | 165 | 14 | $148 |
| 2022 | $272,000 | +11.0% | 142 | 18 | $162 |
| 2023 | $278,000 | +2.2% | 128 | 28 | $166 |
| 2024 | $280,000 | +0.7% | 135 | 25 | $168 |
| 2025 | $285,000 | +1.8% | 140 | 22 | $172 |
According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency House Price Index, Hillcrest's five-year appreciation of 32% significantly exceeds the Little Rock MSA average of 24%, reflecting the premium buyers place on walkability, architectural character, and central location.
How does Hillcrest compare to other premium Little Rock neighborhoods?
According to CARMLS data and Pulaski County Assessor records, Hillcrest holds a distinctive market position:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Price/Sq Ft | Avg DOM | Walk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hillcrest | $285,000 | $172 | 22 | 72 |
| The Heights | $325,000 | $165 | 28 | 45 |
| Downtown Little Rock | $248,000 | $195 | 32 | 85 |
| Chenal Valley | $385,000 | $142 | 35 | 18 |
| Cammack Village | $310,000 | $158 | 30 | 35 |
According to Redfin market data, Hillcrest commands the highest price-per-square-foot among Little Rock's residential neighborhoods (excluding Downtown condos), reflecting the premium buyers assign to its walkable, tree-canopied streets and proximity to Kavanaugh Boulevard's restaurants and shops.
Hillcrest's unique combination of walkability, architectural character, and relative affordability creates a farming environment where agents who develop genuine neighborhood expertise significantly outperform generalist competitors. US Tech Automations helps agents build this expertise through automated neighborhood analytics and market reporting tools.
Housing Stock & Architectural Analysis
Hillcrest's architectural diversity is both its defining feature and a key factor in property valuation. According to the Quapaw Quarter Association and Pulaski County Assessor records:
| Architectural Style | % of Housing Stock | Price Range | Avg Sq Ft | Era |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Craftsman Bungalow | 35% | $195,000-$320,000 | 1,450 | 1910-1935 |
| Tudor Revival | 18% | $275,000-$425,000 | 1,800 | 1920-1940 |
| Colonial Revival | 12% | $250,000-$380,000 | 1,700 | 1925-1945 |
| Mid-Century Modern | 15% | $220,000-$340,000 | 1,550 | 1950-1970 |
| Ranch | 10% | $185,000-$280,000 | 1,350 | 1955-1975 |
| Renovated/Mixed | 10% | $310,000-$475,000 | 1,900 | Various |
According to the Little Rock Historic District Commission, portions of Hillcrest fall within designated historic districts that offer preservation tax credits but also impose renovation restrictions. Agents farming Hillcrest should understand these regulatory dynamics, as they significantly affect buyer decision-making.
What types of homes are most common in Hillcrest Little Rock?
According to Pulaski County property records, Craftsman bungalows represent approximately 35% of Hillcrest's housing stock, followed by Tudor Revival homes at 18% and mid-century modern designs at 15%. This architectural mix attracts buyers who prioritize character and craftsmanship over new-construction uniformity.
| Condition Category | % of Stock | Avg Price Premium | Buyer Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fully Renovated | 22% | +25% above median | Young professionals, relocators |
| Updated (kitchen/bath) | 35% | +10% above median | Move-up families |
| Original/Maintained | 28% | At median | Budget buyers, investors |
| Needs Work | 15% | -15% below median | Flippers, renovation buyers |
According to Pulaski County Assessor data, fully renovated Craftsman bungalows in Hillcrest command a 25% premium over unrenovated comparable properties, creating significant equity-creation opportunities for buyers willing to invest in historically appropriate updates.
Sales Volume & Transaction Analysis
According to CARMLS data and Pulaski County Recorder records, Hillcrest transaction patterns reveal distinct seasonal and price-tier dynamics:
| Price Tier | % of Sales | Avg DOM | Buyer Profile | Competition Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under $200,000 | 12% | 15 | First-time buyers, investors | Very High |
| $200,000-$275,000 | 32% | 20 | Young professionals | High |
| $275,000-$350,000 | 30% | 22 | Established families | Moderate |
| $350,000-$450,000 | 18% | 30 | Move-up buyers | Moderate |
| $450,000+ | 8% | 45 | Luxury renovations | Lower |
According to CARMLS statistics, the $200,000-$275,000 price tier generates the highest transaction volume in Hillcrest, attracting young professionals who value the walkable lifestyle and proximity to Little Rock's employment centers. Homes under $200,000 sell fastest (15 days average) but represent a shrinking share of available inventory as renovation activity lifts prices.
How quickly do homes sell in Hillcrest Little Rock?
According to Arkansas Realtors Association MLS data, the average days on market in Hillcrest is 22 days, making it one of the fastest-selling neighborhoods in the Little Rock metro. Properties under $250,000 in move-in condition typically receive multiple offers within the first week, according to local agent transaction reports.
Agents using US Tech Automations can track absorption rates and DOM trends in real time, adjusting pricing recommendations and listing strategies based on current market velocity rather than lagging quarterly reports.
Walkability & Lifestyle Data
Hillcrest's walkability is its most distinctive market advantage and the primary reason buyers choose it over comparably priced neighborhoods. According to Walk Score data and Little Rock city planning records:
| Walkability Metric | Hillcrest | LR Metro Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walk Score | 72 | 35 | 48 |
| Bike Score | 58 | 28 | 40 |
| Transit Score | 32 | 18 | 35 |
| Restaurants within 0.5 mi | 28 | 4 | 8 |
| Retail within 0.5 mi | 15 | 3 | 6 |
| Parks within 0.5 mi | 4 | 1 | 2 |
According to Walk Score's methodology and National Association of Realtors research on walkability premiums, each Walk Score point above 50 adds approximately 0.5-0.8% to property values. Hillcrest's score of 72 translates to an estimated 11-17% walkability premium over comparable non-walkable Little Rock properties.
Does walkability affect home prices in Hillcrest?
According to NAR research on walkability and home values, Hillcrest's Walk Score of 72 contributes an estimated 11-17% premium over comparable homes in non-walkable neighborhoods. This premium is particularly pronounced among millennial buyers, who rank walkability as their top neighborhood feature, according to NAR generational buyer surveys.
According to the National Association of Realtors, 62% of millennial buyers cite walkability as a "very important" or "extremely important" factor in their neighborhood selection, making Hillcrest's Kavanaugh Boulevard corridor a natural magnet for this demographic. Agents who highlight walkability data in their farming materials capture this buyer segment effectively.
Demographic Profile
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey and Pulaski County demographic records:
| Demographic Metric | Hillcrest | Little Rock | Pulaski County |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population (est.) | 5,800 | 202,000 | 399,000 |
| Median Age | 38.5 | 35.8 | 36.4 |
| Median Household Income | $72,500 | $52,800 | $55,200 |
| College Degree or Higher | 58% | 38% | 35% |
| Households with Children | 28% | 26% | 28% |
| Owner-Occupancy Rate | 68% | 48% | 53% |
According to American Community Survey data, Hillcrest's demographic profile skews toward educated professionals with household incomes 37% above the Little Rock median. The 58% college attainment rate is the highest among Little Rock's established neighborhoods, reflecting the area's appeal to healthcare professionals (UAMS proximity), legal professionals (state government), and creative-sector workers.
| Employment Sector | % of Hillcrest Residents | Key Employers |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | 22% | UAMS, Baptist Health, CHI St. Vincent |
| Government | 18% | State agencies, federal offices |
| Legal/Professional | 15% | Downtown law firms, accounting |
| Education | 12% | UALR, UAMS, school districts |
| Business/Finance | 11% | Stephens Inc., Dillard's HQ |
| Creative/Nonprofit | 8% | Arts organizations, nonprofits |
| Other | 14% | Various |
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, UAMS (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences) is the largest employer in central Arkansas with approximately 11,000 employees, many of whom prefer Hillcrest's proximity and walkable character for their residential choice.
Commission & Agent Economics
According to the Arkansas Realtors Association and CARMLS data, agent economics in Hillcrest reflect the Little Rock market's moderate price points:
| Commission Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Listing Rate | 3.0% |
| Buyer Agent Commission | 2.5-3.0% |
| Median Commission/Transaction | $7,125 |
| Avg Transactions per Agent (Metro) | 5.2/year |
| Active Agents (Pulaski County) | 2,800 |
| Agents Actively Farming Hillcrest | 30-40 |
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the median annual income for Little Rock real estate agents is $42,800, though agents with active Hillcrest farming programs report significantly higher earnings due to the neighborhood's above-average prices and faster transaction times.
| Farming Investment | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Mail (350 homes) | $580 | $6,960 |
| Digital Advertising | $300 | $3,600 |
| Community Sponsorships | $175 | $2,100 |
| CRM & Automation Platform | $125 | $1,500 |
| Photography/Content | $200 | $2,400 |
| Total | $1,380 | $16,560 |
According to NAR farming ROI benchmarks, agents farming Hillcrest with a $1,380/month investment need approximately 2.3 closings per year to break even. With 140 annual transactions across an estimated 30-40 farming agents, the market supports profitable farming for agents who maintain consistent outreach through platforms like US Tech Automations.
Platform Comparison for Hillcrest Farming
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Zurple |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geographic Farm Module | Dedicated | Limited | Basic | None |
| Historic Neighborhood Analytics | Built-in | No | No | No |
| Automated Mail + Digital Sync | Yes | No | Partial | No |
| Walkability Data Integration | Yes | No | No | No |
| Cost per Agent/Month | Competitive | $499+ | $1,000+ | $299+ |
| Farming-Specific ROI Tracking | Yes | No | No | No |
US Tech Automations is purpose-built for geographic farming in character neighborhoods like Hillcrest, where architectural knowledge and neighborhood-specific data differentiate top-producing agents from generalists.
Renovation & Investment Analysis
Hillcrest's older housing stock creates significant renovation-driven investment opportunities. According to Pulaski County building permit data and CARMLS sales comparisons:
| Renovation Scenario | Avg Investment | After-Renovation Value | Equity Created |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen + Bath Update | $35,000-$50,000 | $310,000-$340,000 | $40,000-$60,000 |
| Full Renovation (Bungalow) | $80,000-$120,000 | $375,000-$425,000 | $75,000-$110,000 |
| Historic Restoration | $100,000-$160,000 | $400,000-$500,000 | $80,000-$120,000 |
| ADU/Garage Apartment | $45,000-$65,000 | +$35,000-$50,000 | $15,000-$25,000 |
According to the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, qualifying historic renovations in Hillcrest can receive a 25% state income tax credit on rehabilitation expenditures, significantly improving renovation ROI. Agents who understand these incentives and can connect buyers with qualified contractors create substantial value.
Are Hillcrest homes a good renovation investment?
According to Pulaski County Assessor data and CARMLS comparable sales, fully renovated Craftsman bungalows in Hillcrest consistently sell for $375,000-$425,000, while unrenovated examples in the same size range sell for $195,000-$250,000. This $125,000-$175,000 spread, minus renovation costs of $80,000-$120,000, creates meaningful equity for renovation buyers.
How to Farm Hillcrest Little Rock for Listings
Define your Hillcrest farm boundaries. According to NAR farming methodology, select 300-400 homes within a specific Hillcrest sub-zone, focusing on streets with the highest owner-occupancy rates; use US Tech Automations to map ownership patterns.
Research ownership records through Pulaski County Assessor. According to the county's online portal, access ownership names, purchase dates, and property characteristics for every Hillcrest parcel at no cost.
Develop architectural expertise for your farm. According to the Quapaw Quarter Association, understanding Craftsman, Tudor, and Colonial Revival features allows you to provide more informed valuations and marketing — a significant differentiator in Hillcrest.
Launch a monthly "Hillcrest Market Report" mailer. According to Data & Marketing Association benchmarks, neighborhood-specific market data generates 2.5x higher engagement than generic postcards; include recent comparable sales with architectural descriptions.
Build relationships with Kavanaugh Boulevard businesses. According to the Hillcrest Merchants Association, cross-promotion with local restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques creates organic touchpoints with neighborhood residents and visitors.
Create a Hillcrest-focused social media presence. According to NAR social media data, 47% of buyers found their neighborhood through social media; post architectural features, local event coverage, and market updates specific to Hillcrest.
Host neighborhood walking tours. According to historic neighborhood marketing research, architectural walking tours generate 5x more engagement per attendee than traditional open houses in character neighborhoods like Hillcrest.
Connect with UAMS and state government HR departments. According to UAMS employment data, approximately 11,000 employees work within a 10-minute commute of Hillcrest, and many choose the neighborhood for its walkability; position yourself as the Hillcrest specialist for medical professionals and state employees.
Track renovation permits in your farm zone. According to Little Rock city building permit records, monitoring renovation activity helps identify properties likely to list within 6-12 months of project completion; US Tech Automations' data integration tools automate this tracking.
Measure and optimize your farming program quarterly. According to NAR productivity standards, track your cost-per-lead, listing appointment rate, and cost-per-closing across all channels; a healthy Hillcrest farming program should achieve cost-per-closing under $3,500 within 18 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Hillcrest Little Rock?
The median home price in Hillcrest is $285,000 as of early 2026, according to CARMLS data, positioning it as a premium Little Rock neighborhood while remaining deeply affordable by national standards.
Is Hillcrest a walkable neighborhood?
According to Walk Score data, Hillcrest earns a Walk Score of 72, the highest among Little Rock's residential neighborhoods, with 28 restaurants and 15 retail establishments within a half-mile of the neighborhood center on Kavanaugh Boulevard.
What architectural styles are found in Hillcrest?
According to the Quapaw Quarter Association and Pulaski County records, Hillcrest features primarily Craftsman bungalows (35%), Tudor Revivals (18%), mid-century modern homes (15%), and Colonial Revivals (12%), with construction dates spanning from 1900 to 1975.
How does Hillcrest compare to The Heights neighborhood?
According to CARMLS data, Hillcrest's median price ($285,000) is approximately 12% below The Heights ($325,000), though Hillcrest offers significantly higher walkability scores (72 vs. 45) and a more eclectic commercial corridor.
Are there historic tax credits available for Hillcrest renovations?
According to the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, qualifying renovations in Hillcrest's historic districts can receive a 25% state income tax credit on rehabilitation expenditures, subject to compliance with historic design guidelines.
How many homes sell per year in Hillcrest?
According to CARMLS records, approximately 140 residential transactions close annually in Hillcrest, representing strong but manageable volume for geographic farming agents.
What is the average rent in Hillcrest Little Rock?
According to ApartmentList and CARMLS rental data, the average rent in Hillcrest ranges from $850/month for a 1-bedroom to $1,400/month for a 3-bedroom home, with the 32% renter population primarily concentrated in multi-family conversions and smaller units.
Who lives in Hillcrest Little Rock?
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Hillcrest residents are predominantly college-educated professionals (58% bachelor's or higher) with a median household income of $72,500, working in healthcare (UAMS), government, legal, and education sectors.
Conclusion: Farm Hillcrest's Character for Long-Term Success
Hillcrest stands out as Little Rock's most distinctive and demand-resilient residential neighborhood, offering agents a premium farming opportunity in a market defined by architectural character, walkability, and educated professional demographics. The neighborhood's combination of stable demand, above-average prices, and fast transaction times rewards agents who invest in genuine neighborhood expertise.
US Tech Automations provides the geographic farming tools, automated market reporting, and multi-channel outreach capabilities that Hillcrest farming agents need to build and maintain neighborhood dominance in one of Arkansas's most compelling real estate micro-markets.
Related resources:
About the Author
Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.
