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.
Downtown Hot Springs features 26 miles of trails in the National Park.
Lake Hamilton is a lakeside neighborhood in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
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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.
Downtown Hot Springs homes often feature Victorian inspired architecture.
Downtown 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.
Lake Hamilton is located close to Hot Springs National Park.
Piney is located just minutes from the iconic Bathhouse Row.
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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.
Downtown Hot Springs is home to Veteran Memorial Park.
Some tourists visit Lake Hamilton via Duck Tours.
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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.
Lake Hamilton Intermediate School has a 17:1 student teacher ratio.
Langston Magnet School
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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.
Rockwell just down the road from Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort.
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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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On average, homes in Hot Springs, AR sell after 73 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Hot Springs, AR over the last 12 months is $301,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Lake Catherine View Condo with Open Boat Slip — Sold Mostly Furnished & STR-Ready Experience lakeside living in style at this beautifully furnished 2-bedroom, 2 bath condo in the Diamondhead Golf Resort community. Positioned to capture peaceful views of Lake Catherine, this residence offers effortless comfort, generous space, and direct access to the water. The main level features an inviting
Step into this beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home situated on a spacious corner lot. Every inch has been thoughtfully updated — from the fresh paint and new flooring to the modern kitchen and stylish bathrooms. The bright and inviting living spaces make it perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Enjoy the convenience of being close to the local park, ideal for walks, playtime, and
Welcome to this beautiful gem! Your opportunity is here to own a charming multi-level home full of character and history, boasting a stunning tree with branches that hold so many memories! Built in 1923, this 5-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence offers 1,700 sq ft of living space, an office, bonus room and is ideally located within minutes of the Historic Bathhouse Row. Step inside to discover classic
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,
Discover a home that truly fits your lifestyle in this 3-bedroom, 2-bath, 2,088 sq. ft. retreat nestled in one of the area’s most desirable neighborhoods. The bright, open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area is perfect for entertaining or relaxing at home. The spacious kitchen features abundant cabinetry, a walk-in pantry, and generous counter space — ideal for everyday living or hosting
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.
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