Maumelle, AR

Some of the earliest recorded settlers here in Maumelle came to the land in 1812, when most of the area was farmland. The neighborhood's name comes from the French word mamelle, meaning breast, probably because the nearby mountain has a conical shape. The town was incorporated as a city in 1985 and continues to grow.

No museums exist in the neighborhood, but residents love the Maumelle Family Fest held in April of every year. This is a two day festival off the shores of Lake Willastein. Here, people can enjoy free musical entertainment, food, drinks and art. Kids love the fair rides and games; the fest has a wonderful way of bringing the community closer together in the midst of a fun activity.

Most of the restaurants in Maumelle are locally owned, although a few chain restaurants can also be found here. A wide variety of cuisine ensures that everyone's palate is satisfied whether your group craves brunch, Japanese food or Italian. Nightlife in Maumelle has a calm atmosphere due to the neighborhood's lack of clubs. Residents can always find a dance club or lively bar in Little Rock.

Many residents boast that Sashimi Japanese Steakhouse has the best sushi in town. This hibachi and sushi restaurant always draws in a crowd with its tender fillet that melts in your mouth and the legendary Maumelle Roll for sushi lovers. The fried rice comes in large quantities, but you won't ever have trouble finishing it.

On Club Manor Drive, The Pasta House has affordable prices for perfectly seasoned pasta dishes that come in heaps on your plate. Diners love the chicken Milano because of the tangy sun-dried tomatoes and creamy blend of Parmesan garlic sauce. Make sure to save room for dessert because the creme brulee really ends the meal on a high note.

If you love eating breakfast out, Morningside Bagels on Maumelle Boulevard makes bagels from scratch every day. The soft bread combined with one of the various cream cheese flavors makes you want to come back every morning. Some toppings include strawberry cream cheese, cheddar and chive cream cheese, and lox.

You won't find many bars here, but Beef 'O' Brady's Family Sports Pub on Audubon Drive comes stocked with beer, game day food and multiple TVs to watch the games on. Kick back and relax after a long day with friendly staff and prompt service.

A large amount of the residents here prefer to drive their own car around town; close access to Interstate 40 and other state routes makes travel into Little Rock and other neighborhoods easy. Public parking can always be found, and the neighborhood offers a large amount of bike paths for those who prefer not to drive everywhere. Walking can be quite easily done in the neighborhood.

The bus system known as CATA runs both buses and a rail system throughout the greater Little Rock area. Monthly passes can be purchased to help cut down on travel costs. Uber does not service this neighborhood, but Little Rock Yellow Cab and Maumelle Taxi Cab can be called for a quick ride to a local area.

Maumelle houses fifteen different public parks that ensure every member of the community has close access to exercise and nature. Many of the parks lie off of the water because of the land's multiple lakes and rivers.

Lake Willastein Park can be found off of Lake Willastein Drive and has 53 acres of land to roam. Families love to fly kites in the open grass, and small children giggle as they feed the nearby duck and geese. A playground and pavilion provide the perfect entertainment for an afternoon in the sun followed by a picnic. Multiple trails let people walk, run or bike throughout the park. Feel free to bring your dog here, and make sure you come see the fireworks over the water on the Fourth of July.

Many of Maumelle's residents have memberships at the Maumelle Country Club because of its many amenities. The large 18-hole golf course has natural surroundings that give off a relaxing environment while you play. Monthly tournaments are held here for the residents who love to compete. A full-sized pool and kids pool are popular in the summertime and two lighted tennis courts allow both day and night play.

When compared to Little Rock, Maumelle costs about 8 percent more to live in. A one-bedroom apartment averages at around $673 per month, although residents never have trouble finding a cheaper or higher-end living option.

Gas prices in the neighborhood equal the national average, but if you rely on public transportation, a one-way bus ticket costs $1.35. A day pass costs $3.75, and discounts can be received for children up to age 11. A beer at a local restaurant can be found for $4.

Maumelle doesn't distinguish itself as a major shopping region, although a few small stores such as Walmart and Dollar Tree make their homes here. For large department and high-end shopping, residents typically travel into Little Rock.

Women here love shopping at Bella Boutique on Commerce Drive because it always carries trendy clothing at affordable prices. The shop allows customers to order items for delivery from anywhere in the country in addition or to purchase clothing at its retail location. The most popular items here include graphic T-shirts and shirts with cut-outs.

A Mary Kay cosmetic shop on Maumelle Drive supplies the neighborhood with the company's one-of-a-kind products. June's Hallmark over on Audubon Drive serves as the go to place for quality cards and gifts. The neighborhood sweet tooth's never miss a chance to stop in and sample the light and fluffy truffles, hand-dipped chocolate pretzel sticks, and all the holiday treats.

Residents typically purchase weekly groceries from Kroger or the Walmart Neighborhood Market. For fresh locally grown produce, head to the Maumelle Farmers Market, which opens on Saturdays from May through October in the parking lot of the FCC church in Maumelle.