Three decades is a long time to reside in one neighborhood, but that’s about how long Drs. Francie Wilson (an otolaryngologist) and David Lipschitz (geriatric medicine) have lived in Hillcrest.
Natives of Los Angeles, and Johannesburg, South Africa, respectively, the couple have been married for 38 years and moved to Hillcrest soon after they came to Little Rock in 1978.
“When we first moved to Little Rock, we were shown around by a realtor who favored neighborhoods on the west side of town,” Francie says. “We really preferred older homes, but the only older properties she showed us were in the Heights and out of our price range.”
After renting out west for a year, an acquaintance recommended Hillcrest to the couple. Francie says it was exactly what they were looking for.
“We drove around and saw a sold sign, called the agent to let him know we were interested if the deal fell through, and ended up buying the house next door (which hadn’t even gone on the market yet) the very next day,” she recalls.
Their historic home, the “Tucker House,” has been witness to many of their most wonderful moments, including the raising of the couple’s three children: Riley, Forbes and Evan.
Hillcrest Favorites:
FRIENDLY NEIGHBORS. “Hillcrest has an old-fashioned vibe with its older homes and tree-lined streets, coupled with a contemporary vibrancy: our residents are a heterogeneous lot, and all are very friendly and can be seen out and about at all hours of the day biking, pushing strollers, walking dogs or patronizing local businesses.”
COFFEE AROUND THE CORNER. “My son and I have become addicted to the pour-over coffees and cookies at Mylo, and meet there virtually every day after work for a treat.”
DINING WITH LOCAL FLAIR. “We all love H.A.M. for their delicious sandwiches, and also eat at The Pantry, Afterthought and Cañon Grill quite often. Bossa Nova, Acadia and Kemuri also have great food, and we just love the fact that we have so many choices within walking distance. (That’s especially important on snow days, when Cañon Grill and H.A.M. are always open!)”
BOUTIQUE SHOPPING. “I especially love browsing in Box Turtle and Hauswerk because they have so many unique things.”
ECLECTIC EVENTS. “When my kids were younger, our favorite Hillcrest activity was the annual Fourth of July parade. Now that they’re older, it has to be the Pumpkin Roll, which takes place virtually across the street from our house.”