This Arkansas City Sits Along A Shimmering River With Small-Town Charm And A Retirement-Friendly Vibe

If you're a traveler coming to Arkansas, chances are you're heading straight to Little Rock, and for good reason. Between its big-city amenities, historical background, and rich cultural scene, the state capital has a lot to offer. It's even home to a highly sought-after suburb that offers luxury living, elite shopping, and scenic nature right at your doorstep. But as great as it is, Little Rock still doesn't have the type of small-town charm, community feel, and peaceful views that make Maumelle, a humble hub just 20 minutes away, a retirement-friendly haven.

It's the proximity to the capital that makes such a quiet-feeling city so accessible, though, especially to those traveling from far away. Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport is just around 20 miles away. Be warned, however, that Little Rock, being a very popular foliage viewing destination, has been named the priciest city in the U.S. to rent a car in the fall, so those on a budget might want to visit during summer, spring, or winter. The good news is that Maumelle itself is relatively walkable, especially in its more central parts, so you can get a taxi or rideshare to cover the distance and then start your exploration on foot.

Once in the city, you'll see just why Neighborhood Scout ranks the "Maumelle South" neighborhood higher than 89.9% of neighborhoods in Arkansas when it comes to retirement living. The streets are peaceful and quiet, there's a great range of housing options, and there's an overall sense of safety. There's even a great center alongside Willastein Lake where seniors can socialize and get a good workout in.

One of Maumelle's biggest selling points is, hands-down, its access to nature. Retirees, in particular, will love exploring the Little Maumelle River Water Trail, an 8.2-mile stream that's free of rapids, so you can safely paddle, canoe, and kayak. Get your binoculars ready, since the area is known for wildlife sightings, too. Just keep in mind that paddling in high waters can get dangerous, especially around trees, so time your adventure carefully. For a more laid-back experience, you can always book a guided trip through Rock Town River Outfitters. The river's main park is not only the perfect boat launching spot, but also a waterfront campsite complete with hiking trails and great viewing spots. The restrooms are clean, and the sites come with picnic tables and fire pits. It's a great place for fishing, too — just make sure you have a license and permit with you.

If you want to keep your waterfront adventures closer to home, head to Lake Willastein. Despite its humble size, this is an attraction-filled spot, complete with the Veterans Memorial, the Maumelle Bunker, and, of course, the beautiful Lake Willastein Park. The latter is the perfect walking spot in the city thanks to its easy, comfortable path. There are plenty of benches scattered around for when you need a rest or just want to admire the surrounding scenery. It's a clean, safe space, and dogs are welcome, too! Don't forget to take advantage of the nice fishing area, but remember that you aren't allowed to feed the local wildlife. The park is open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Beyond its waterfront allure, Maumelle offers a comfortable yet activity-rich environment perfect for retirees and anyone else seeking a more relaxed pace of life. Golfers will get to choose between two courses: Maumelle Country Club and The Country Club of Arkansas. The former is praised for its good layout, friendly staff, and delicious, freshly-made food. The latter is also quite popular, with 4.3 stars on Google with over 120 reviews. Its course is interesting yet not too difficult, and it's a good-value experience overall.

And as briefly mentioned above, Maumelle Center on the Lake is a must-see for any retiree. It offers everything from social clubs and musical events to grief counseling and finance classes. It even organizes trips from time to time, so it's definitely worth looking into membership information. There's also a great cafe on-site that currently offers breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday for under $7 per meal.

Just a few minutes away from the center, you'll find Hometown Kountry Marketplace, the local antique store that's loved for its reasonable prices and varied selection, which includes everything from clothes and jewelry to furniture and books. It also has free popcorn on-site, so, if nothing else, go for some window shopping accompanied by a fun snack. Maumelle also serves as the perfect spot for day trippers looking to explore all of the region's charming small towns. Think places like Jacksonville, an overlooked city right outside Little Rock, and an Arkansas paradise of trails and local eateries. The drive there shouldn't take more than 25 minutes.