How Diamondhead blends resort-style and lakeside living
Diamondhead is an amenity-rich community near the shores of Lake Catherine and the Ouachita River. The area received its cityhood in March of 2024, expanding it from its roots as a 55-plus community. Access to the water, Lake Catherine State Park and highly rated schools are increasing its desirability to buyers. Diamondhead is just over 10 miles from downtown Hot Springs, offering access to the city's shops, restaurants, trails and spas.
What buyers can expect from Diamondhead's real estate
The community's streets wind through lush, wooded areas. Sections of Diamondhead overlook the golf course or the waters of the Ouachita River. Homes here reflect styles from the 1970s to 2020, including ranch-style, midcentury modern, New Traditional and some contemporary builds. "There's a wide spread of homes," says Realtor Ben Kilgore with Lake Hamilton Realty. "There's also so much new construction here... the last four homes I sold were brand new builds." Prices for a home in Diamondhead range from the low $200,000s to the mid-$800,000s. The closer homes are to the water or golf course, the higher their prices. A POA costs about $50 to $100 a month to keep things running smoothly. Diamondhead used to have a gated entrance, but after becoming a city, the gate was left open, Kilgore says. The city has an in-community Police Department that helps maintain a sense of security.
What programs give Diamondhead its community feel
Diamondhead is a retirement-friendly community with programs and amenities that give it a resort-style vibe. "Diamondhead is nice because it feels like you're out in the woods, but there are a lot of amenities and you're a short drive from stores," Kilgore says. In addition to the Diamondhead Golf Club, residents have access to a swimming pool, playground, sports courts, a country club/community center and a community market located outside the gate. Diamondhead has a POA and Lions Club that offers:
- Bingo nights on the first and third Saturdays of the month
- A Fall Festival with live music, local vendors, food trucks and crafts
- A Christmas Craft Day with gifts, craft supplies, artisans and baked goods
- A monthly meal delivery program for residents in need run by the club's volunteer chefs
Outdoor activities in and around Diamondhead
Settled in the Diamond Lakes Region of Arkansas near Hot Springs, there are a lot of ways residents can get outdoors. Golfing, boating and fishing are some of the most popular activities here. The Diamondhead Golf Club is a favorite of residents. The 18-hole, par 72, PGA-certified course also features an on-site restaurant, 19th Hole, a classic bar and grill with live music. There is also the Diamondhead QuickStop and Tee Time Cafe, which serves coffee, sandwiches, pastries and pie.
Lake Catherine is "Just up the road," Kilgore says. "In fact, once you go past the old gate, the road runs out at the park entrance." Lake Catherine State Park has over 2,000 acres, with trails that lead to a waterfall, boat and paddle launches, picnic and camping sites. There's also a full-service marina with bait, fuel and snacks. There are also spots popular for bass, catfish and trout. Hot Springs National Park is about 13 miles away, with multi-use trails and scenic areas with several access points near downtown.
What to know about school options in Diamondhead
Diamondhead sits at the convergence of three school districts. The east side attends the Malvern School District, the west side attends the highly rated Lakeside School District and there’s a small part of the northeastern corner of Diamondhead that attends the highly rated Magnet Cove School District. Lakeside School District features highly rated Lakeside Primary, Intermediate, Middle and High Schools.
What commuting from Diamondhead looks like
The community is near major thoroughfares, Arkansas state routes 171 and 290. "It only takes about 15 minutes to get into Hot Springs," says Realtor Jessica Smith with Partners Realty. These roads bring residents to Interstate 270, about 8 miles away, and to Hot Springs' major dining and retail area, which includes big box stores, grocery stores, medical services, and restaurants, 12 miles away. Downtown Hot Springs is also about 12 miles away, beloved for its original 19th-century storefronts, boutiques, and restaurants. Hot Springs Memorial Field Airport is 15 miles from Diamondhead.