The city of Hot Springs brings people together. Nicknamed “The Spa City” today, the area was called “The Valley of the Vapors” by Native American tribes that first inhabited the Ouachita Mountains. It was considered a common ground where everyone could relax in thermal mineral water. The city’s hot springs and mountains were officially named the Hot Springs Reservation in 1832, making it the oldest park in the National Park System. The city would again become neutral ground in the 1930s when it became a popular vacation destination for mobsters like Al Capone and Frank Costello. Its streets were rife with gambling, bootlegging and other vices, but not violence. A federal crackdown in the 1960s eliminated the city’s gangster ties.
Today, Hot Springs has nearly 38,000 residents, up slightly from around 35,000 residents in 2010. Many more people visit its 47 natural hot springs each year, with 2021 seeing a record 2.16 million visitors enter Hot Springs National Park. The Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort is the city’s biggest employer, followed by CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs, the only level II trauma center in Southwest Arkansas. Walmart Inc., National Park Medical Center and the City of Hot Springs are other large employers. “The amount of amenities for the town, and the personal, community feeling of Hot Springs, combined with the cost of living is hard to find,” says Benjamin Kilgore, a Realtor and executive broker with Lake Hamilton Realty.
Hot Springs features 26 miles of trails in the National Park.
Hot Springs is known as the "Spa City," for both its natural springs and downtown resort-like atmosphere.
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Waterfront condos and Colonial Revival homes
The median price of a Hot Springs home is around $230,000, well below the United States average. Houses spend an average of 52 days on the market. Downtown Hot Springs is filled with historic Victorian and Colonial Revival homes, while waterfront condos and ranch-style houses are prominent in the Lake Hamilton neighborhood. These homes tend to be more expensive and can be optimal for investors looking to operate short-term rentals.
Hot Springs homes often feature Victorian inspired architecture.
Hot Springs' residential streets are shaded by old growth trees.
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Bathhouse Row lets visitors relax away the day
The nearly 5,000-acre Hot Springs National Park offers hiking and camping among its many activities. The park’s Bathhouse Row, on Central Avenue, comprises eight bathhouses from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Hale Bathhouse, the oldest on the street, has a sauna nestled inside a thermal cave. The city has three area lakes for kayaking, fishing and scuba diving, including the 40,000-acre Lake Ouachita, the state’s largest lake.
The Ozark on Bathhouse Row displays the area's notable Spanish Colonial Revival Architecture.
The Maurice Bathhouse is one of the historic buildings on Bathhouse Row and is slated for future restoration.
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Water slides and a reminder of the city's past
Outside of its spas, things remain wet in Hot Springs. Magic Springs Theme and Water Park has rollercoasters, water slides and an outdoor concert amphitheater, which holds more than 10 performances each summer. The park is usually open from May through early November. The annual Stueart Pennington's World Championship Running of the Tubs sees teams race custom, wheeled bathtubs through city streets. Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort has Thoroughbred horse racing and hosts the Arkansas Derby, one of the biggest prep races before the Kentucky Derby. The resort also has slots, table games and sports betting.
Some tourists visit Lake Hamilton via Duck Tours.
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort is located in Hot Springs.
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Lakeside School District gets a high Niche grade
Students are served by five school districts. Lakeside School District is the highest rated by Niche, holding an A grade. The Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, a public school that requires an application, has an A-plus individual grade.
Arkansas School For Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts is an exclusive school for bright minds.
Lakeside High School is a part of the Lakeside School District that serves Hot Springs families.
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Intracity Transit buses get people around town
U.S. Route 270 runs through the southern part of the city. Hot Springs is around 55 miles from Little Rock, the state capital. Intracity Transit buses take riders down the city’s major streets. Hot Springs Memorial Field is a commercial airport with a few domestic flights. More flights are available at Little Rock’s Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport. CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs is a 280-bed hospital.
Classic cuisine and retail boutiques
Many city restaurants serve twists on barbecue and classic American cuisine. Pizza parlors are also popular. Downtown Hot Springs has retail boutiques and other distinct shops. Uptown Hot Springs is a shopping mall with name-brand stores. The Hot Springs Farmers & Artisan Market is open year-round on Saturdays.
Downtown Hot Springs features vingage stores, handmade goods, unique restaurants, and more.
Downtown Hot Springs is a living piece of American history tucked into the Ouachita Mountains.
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Long, humid summers are the norm
Data from the Hot Springs Police Department says the city’s property crime rates have fallen in recent years while its violent crime rates have remained steady. The city’s violent crime and property crime rates are above the state and national averages, according to FBI crime data. The city experiences four seasons, with long, humid summers and shorter winters. Tornadoes are possible, particularly in the spring.
Written By
Ryan Kohn
Photography Contributed By
Aaron Bloodworth
Video By
Grace Kim
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Hot Springs, AR sell after 84 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Hot Springs, AR over the last 12 months is $298,000, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Lakefront Living in a Private Cove | Lake Hamilton Welcome to 117 Waverly Street, offering elevated lakefront living on Lake Hamilton in a quiet cove with a rare park-like setting. Situated on over half an acre with approximately 83 feet of shoreline and an existing swim dock, this property blends privacy, views, and a central Lake Hamilton location. Enjoy expansive water views from the
Welcome to 335 Arlington Park Drive, nestled in one of Hot Springs' most sought-after neighborhoods next to Hot Springs Country Club. This beautiful new construction 5-bedroom, 4.5 -bath home offers spacious living with modern comforts and classic charm. Step inside to a grand living area featuring 12 foot ceilings, with decorative wood beams that add warmth and character, perfect for both
Welcome home. Where tranquility meets modern living. This charming condo boasts 2 bedrooms and 2 Bathrooms, fireplace in the living room/ dining combo . The well-appointed kitchen, featuring warm wood cabinetry, ample counter space, and a full suite of appliances that convey. One of the true highlights of this property is the outdoor living space. The covered patio is your gateway to nature,
Welcome home. Where tranquility meets modern living. This charming condo boasts 2 bedrooms and 2 Bathrooms, fireplace in the living room/ dining combo . The well-appointed kitchen, featuring warm wood cabinetry, ample counter space, and a full suite of appliances that convey. One of the true highlights of this property is the outdoor living space. The covered patio is your gateway to nature,
Ready to make your mark on a property? Here is a blank slate home waiting on the right person to finish it up. New wiring, plumbing and HVAC. Home is ready for insulation, floors and walls on this 3/1 floorpan. You can turn this into a cozy home for yourself and family OR it is priced to make a great rental property for the investors looking to expand their portfolio.
Large Home on a large lot in the lovely neighborhood of Oak Bend...3 Bedrooms on the main floor including the Primary Suite...walking inside from the 2 car garage is the laundry room and an access to the back deck...the large kitchen has a breakfast area, newer appliances and granite counters--with the formal dining room just outside of the other end of the kitchen...The great room has vaulted
SPACIOUS, UPDATED TRI-LEVEL HOME IN PRIME HOT SPRINGS LOCATION! This beautifully updated 4 bedroom, 3 bath home offer the perfect blend of space, comfort, and functionality. Situated on a quiet, family-friendly street where neighbors know each and kids often gather to play. Located just five minutes from Lakeside School District, area lakes, shopping, dining and medical facilities. Inside,
Gorgeous corner lot with easy access to amenities. Fiber internet available in this area for easy work from home advantage. Enjoy the community amenities of deeded lake access to Lake Catherine via neighborhood boat ramps, community pool, tennis/pickleball and basketball courts, picinic pavilion with fire pit, disc golf course, playground and park. Clubhouse has banquet room, bar & grill, etc.
What a great opportunity to purchase two homes selling as a package. The main house has 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths and an amazingly large main living area. Its open and inviting gathering space has vaulted ceiling and decorator nooks. And you get an additional sweet 1 bedroom, 1 bath guest cottage next door with generous amount of living space. Great set up for those needing additional living
Check out this unique opportunity to own a family compound with acreage on Lake Hamilton. A beautiful covered boat dock has additional concrete boardwalks and walkways to maximize your lake fun. The large yard leading to the lake has a gentle slope allowing for yard games or the addition of a stunning pool. Just outside the living room doors sits a massive wood deck for entertaining under the
Developers, investors, and builders take notice!! An 11 acre excellent development opportunity is available in the heart of Hot Springs just 2 blocks from Oaklawn Racing Casino and Resort . This property gives you an all access path to restaurants, shopping, and easy access to Central Ave/Highway 7. Already zoned multi-family (RN-5) with water and electricity at the road. Two entrance points
Gorgeous vista views of Lake Catherine! Build a lake home of your dreams with sunset views of peaceful Lake Catherine. Enjoy living in one of Hot Springs’ premier gated communities with an Olympic size pool, 18 hole PGA golf course, basketball and tennis courts, park and playground. 173 feet of shoreline. www.diamondheadcommunity.com for Diamondhead POA docs
CLASSIC BRICK HOME! MOVE IN READY ! CURRENTLY AN STR WITH LISCENSE.! 4 Bedrooms 2 1/2 Bathrooms, Classic kitchen and dining area, Formal living room, Den with fireplace and back patio, just off the kitchen. 2 bedrooms and 1 1/2 bathrooms are located on this main floor. Downstairs: 2 Bedrooms 1 full bath, den/media room, gameroom w/dry bar and pool table, and extra large laundry room and outside
Discover our stunning condo resort, just minutes from the beautiful Lake Hamilton! But that’s not all! Our prime location puts you just moments away from exciting entertainment options, including: *Oaklawn Racing and Casino: Try your luck at the races or enjoy a night of gaming. *Magic Springs: Perfect for family fun, this amusement park offers thrilling rides and water attractions. *Historic
Welcome to 150 Sun St, a newly renovated gem nestled in the heart of Hot Springs, AR. This charming home boasts three spacious bedrooms and a full bathroom, offering ample space for comfortable living. The kitchen comes equipped with a refrigerator, ready to cater to all your culinary needs. The property also features a carport, providing convenient, covered parking. With its prime location and
Luxury living at the perfect location! Located near Lake Hamilton and the Hot Springs Mall. Equal Housing Opportunity. Contact Times: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Saturday and Sunday closed.
Entire building remodeled in 2024. Kitchen is a kitchenette. These apartments include utilities and have the option to be rented fully furnished at a higher rate. the building sits halfway between downtown and Oaklawn.
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT! LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!!!! Higdon Ferry Apartments is located **directly** across the street from the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, at 605 Higdon Ferry Rd. in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Also nearby St. Vincent Hospital and multiple shopping centers. UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT Spring '24 with 5 star reviews flooding in. Newly renovated, modern 1 to 2 bedroom units designed for
Welcome to Indiandale Apartments. We are leasing and want to be your new home!We are located off Malvern Hwy 270 and conveniently located close to National Park Medical Center. We are within only 5 minutes of the heart of downtown and Lake Hamilton. Make Indiandale Apartments your new home.
Beautiful lakefront condo with balcony looking out onto Lake Hamilton and covered boat slip. Fully furnished two bedrooms, two full baths, well-appointed kitchen, and comfortable, relaxing living room. Great place for families or a quick getaway for two! Mi casa es su casa! Our space is outfitted just like your home. If you need it, we've got it. Come relax and have fun beside the lake!
Welcome to Grand Point Bay Apartments, on the banks of Lake Hamilton. Enjoy the beautiful lake view surrounded by lavish landscaping. Electric Fireplaces in every unit. Let Grand Point Bay Apartments be your new home.
Beautiful lakefront condo with balcony looking out onto Lake Hamilton with a covered boat slip and pontoon lift. Fully furnished two bedrooms, two full baths, well-appointed kitchen, and comfortable, relaxing living room. Great place for families or a quick getaway for two! Mi casa es su casa! Our space is outfitted just like your home. If you need it, we've got it. Come relax and have fun beside
Welcome to an exceptional community of well-appointed apartment homes - wonderfully situated off Highway 7 South in the heart of Hot Springs, yet only minutes away from Historical Downtown Hot Springs, Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, area lakes, and myriad shopping or dining options! Our community offers thoughtfully designed living spaces with a wide variety of features and amenities, all situated
Updated single & double occupancy historic motor court short term or extended stay property. Upstairs & ground level units all with mountain views. All apartments have 1 bedroom, 1 bath with shower tub combo, on demand hot water, central air, updated galley style kitchens with Quartz countertops, soft close cabinetry, dishwasher, gas range, refrigerator & deep sinks with commercial spray faucets.
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