Hot Springs

Lake Hamilton, a vibrant community south of Little Rock that attracts more than just vacationers to its buzzy waterfront setting, offers an appealing blend of southern comfort and year-round entertainment. “Everybody here is nice, whether they are local or a transplant. It’s very laidback. That’s what I love about this area,” says Archie VanGorder, a Realtor with 1st Choice Realty in Hot Springs who previously built homes in the area. “But it’s also a big tourist spot, so everybody is here to have a good time.” Whether they are out on the water or enjoying other nearby attractions, it’s a safe bet that residents are having fun. “This is a great place to come to because we don’t just have the lake season. We also have the racetrack in Hot Springs, which is a big draw, too, and that season runs from December through May.” The allure of Lake Hamilton is reflected in its home ownership. “Lots of second homes here. We get a lot of people from Little Rock, Memphis and even Dallas because it’s not your typical tourist trap with one season,” VanGorder says. “I would say there’s more transplants than locals.” Estate-style homes priced from about $1 million to more than $3 million stand out among a variety of lakefront offerings. Established ranch-style homes and country cottages also can be found along the water, and they are typically priced between the mid-$600,000s and the high $700,000s. Condos are the most common lakefront dwellings. Prices range from about $300,000 for a low-rise unit to the mid-$700,000s for units in larger, gated complexes. Amenities include everything from pools to private boat slips. Small traditional designs, contemporary homes in subdivision settings and new construction also can be found inland. Prices range from around $200,000 to about $600,000. Because of the increased in-season tourist population, both condos and single-family homes are attractive to investors, who can generate extra income with short-term rentals. VanGorder says the lake is surprisingly underutilized during the week, so that’s when he goes. On the weekends, however, the lake is packed, brimming with the activity of locals and tourists. “Every weekend, at different locations, boats and party barges congregate to socialize and drink beer,” says Sally Adams, an executive broker with Lake Homes Realty who sells real estate throughout Garland County. She adds that the best time of year to enjoy the lake is September through early November, when it is not packed with tourists. The lake is one of the most heavily stocked in the state thanks to the nearby Andrew H. Hulsey Fish Hatchery. Each year from May through July, anglers have the chance to win cash prizes by catching any of 66 fish that are tagged and released into Lake Hamilton and Lake Catherine as part of the Hot Springs Fishing Challenge. Each tag has a specific amount attached to it, and the grand prize is the fish wearing the $20,000 tag. The lake has hosted major regional and national fishing tournaments for much of the 2000s, and although Hot Springs officials recently announced that the city would be taking a break from those duties, Lake Hamilton is still scheduled to host the World Bass Fishing Championships in 2026. Residents also enjoy access to the fun and games at Oaklawn Racing Casino. Races are typically held Thursday through Sunday. Oaklawn, which opened in 1904, hosts “The Racing Festival of the South” each year/ The series of races is highlighted by the Arkansas Derby, one of the premier prep races for the Kentucky Derby. Aside from the races, the casino is its own draw. It has offered traditional games of chance such as blackjack, craps and slot machines as well as sports wagering since 2019, when legislation was passed to expand its gambling options. Lakefront living has its privileges, including access to the community’s top dining destinations. “A lot of houses on the lake, and a lot of restaurants to go to by boat,” VanGorder says. Sam’s Pizza Pub is a family-run institution that serves up sought-after comfort food, including the best burgers around, according to Adams. Fisherman’s Wharf is a popular steak and seafood restaurant where patrons can engage in a little fowl play by feeding crackers to the ducks that gather at the dock in search of snacks. Nearby Luna Bella is a highly rated upscale restaurant and the proverbial hidden gem. “It’s in a non-descript building in a strip mall, but it has a reputation for great food,” Adams says. “The plain exterior belies a really nice interior.” Other stops of note include Pop’s Lounge at the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs. “Locals go there to meet friends, and it’s become kind of a hangout,” Adams says. Away from the lake, Jose’s Mexican Grill & Cantina anchors a collection of eateries along the Highway 7 corridor, known locally as Central Avenue. JC Penney, Walmart and Kroger are among the shopping options located just north of the community along Central Avenue. There is more to the community than fun, as its students are served by one of the top school districts in the state. Niche rates the Lakeside School District as the best district in Garland County and the fourth best in Arkansas. Students attend five A-rated schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. They start at Lakeside Primary, move to Lakeside Intermediate in second grade, Lakeside Middle in fifth grade, Lakeside Junior High in seventh grade and Lakeside High in ninth grade. All five schools are located within walking distance of each other in neighboring Hot Springs. Access in and out of Lake Hamilton is conveniently provided by Highway 7, a scenic state highway that bisects the community. It’s actually the longest state highway in Arkansas and runs from Missouri to Louisiana. But it’s less than a 5-mile trip into Hot Springs. Nearby State Highway 270 connects to Interstate 30, which leads directly to Little Rock about 60 miles away. Residents enjoy the luxury of flights to Dallas and Memphis from nearby Memorial Airport. Expanded commercial service is available at the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock.

Cradled by the Ouachita River in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, Piney provides its residents a blend of slow-paced rural living and access to the eclectic amenities of nearby Hot Springs. The mostly residential community includes everything from manufactured homes to lakefront estates. Yet one thing all residents have in common is proximity to attractions such as Lake Hamilton, Hot Springs National Park, the historic Oaklawn racetrack and its adjacent casino. The Ouachita River becomes Lake Hamilton as it heads southward and offers some of the best fishing in southern Arkansas. The lake was created by damming the river, and residents live near natural hot spots such as Mazarn Creek, where rainbow trout and trophy-sized striped bass live in the warm waters below the dam. The lake is one of the most heavily stocked in the state thanks to the nearby Andrew H. Hulsey Fish Hatchery. Anglers can fish for trout, stripers, largemouth bass, crappie and bream. The lake has been a regular stop for regional and national fishing tournaments for much of the 2000s, and while such events are not as common as they used to be, Lake Hamilton will host the World Bass Fishing Championships in 2026. More outdoor adventure is available at Hot Springs National Park, which begins on Piney’s doorstep and stretches across 5,500 acres. Visitors can bathe in the thermal springs for which the city is named and take advantage of scenic pathways. “There’s North Mountain and West Mountain, and trails are all over both,” says Sally Adams, an executive broker with Lake Homes Realty who sells real estate throughout Garland County. "People love to pick out a trail and go for a hike.” The park’s Northwoods Trails comprise more than 30 miles of world-class mountain-biking terrain, with designated sections for every skill level. The trail system hosts the Gudrun MTB Festival, a three-day mountain biking event, each November. Nearby in Hot Springs is the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, with horse races typically held Thursday through Sunday at a track that opened in 1904. Each year, Oaklawn hosts “The Racing Festival of the South,” a series of races highlighted by the Arkansas Derby, one of the premier prep races for the Kentucky Derby. Aside from the races, the casino is its own draw. It has offered traditional games of chance such as blackjack, craps and slot machines as well as sports wagering since 2019, after legislation was passed to expand its gambling options. Most of Piney’s housing is located on or near the lake, and waterfront properties — some of which are in gated communities — are highly desirable. “Prices have definitely gone up,” Adams says. “Sometimes, buyers have to have a property, and they pay a premium for that. People will pay ridiculous amounts for a home because that’s their lake place.” The tradeoff for living on the water is the risk of flooding, so homeowners should be aware of the related insurance when purchasing a lakefront home. Single-family homes near or on the water typically range from $500,000 to $800,000, but there are also larger estates for around $1 million. New-construction waterfront townhomes are in the $700,000 range, and lakefront condos go for between $200,000 and $300,000. Homes farther inland are less expensive, with established houses priced between $150,000 and $350,000. Manufactured homes start at under $100,000. Students are served by the Lake Hamilton School District, which consists of six schools that provide for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Lake Hamilton Primary, Elementary, Intermediate and Junior High schools are all rated B-plus by Niche. Lake Hamilton Middle and High schools are rated B-minus and B, respectively. Known locally as Albert Pike Road, U.S. Highway 270 is a commercial corridor that runs through Piney and is lined with popular local eateries. Early Bird Café, formerly Jany’s Place, is known for its breakfast menu and cozy atmosphere. Burgers & More serves up homestyle comfort food classics. Harps is the local grocery store and there’s a Walmart Supercenter 3 miles away along Highway 270. In downtown Hot Springs, about a 5-mile drive, are more dining options, including the family-run Smokin’ in Style BBQ and Morrison’s Fried Pies, a highly rated local favorite. U.S. 270 also provides access to Interstate 30, which leads directly to Little Rock, about 60 miles away. Less than 10 miles away in Hot Springs is Memorial Airport, offering flights to Memphis and Dallas. Expanded commercial service is available at the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock. Piney is home to the Mid-America Science Museum, one of the country’s early interactive learning centers, which opened 1979. “They have really, really upgraded,” Adams says. “Kids love it, and it’s interesting for adults, too.” The museum’s main attraction is the Tesla Theater, which features the world’s most powerful conical Tesla coil. Its annual Tesla Fest is held each summer. Other attractions of note include Dino Trek, a permanent outdoor exhibit chronicling the creatures of the prehistoric era. The museum operates as a center for STEM-based learning, serving children and schools throughout the region. Regular events include Science Saturdays and Sensory Days.

Rockwell, a peninsula formed by one of Arkansas’ most popular waterways, is an appealing rural enclave just minutes from Hot Springs. Homes of all shapes and sizes dot the community’s waterfront, which provides residents with easy access to boating, fishing and dining. “Life on beautiful Lake Hamilton, that’s the biggest draw around here,” says Sally Adams, an executive broker with Lake Homes Realty who sells real estate throughout Garland County. “September, October and the first part of November are the best times. It’s absolutely beautiful. People are still out on the lake, but you don’t have the high tourist traffic.” Lake Hamilton, which was formed by damning the Ouachita River, offers some of the best fishing in southern Arkansas. It is one of the most heavily stocked lakes in the state thanks to the nearby Andrew H. Hulsey Fish Hatchery. Rainbow trout and trophy-sized striped bass are the primary rewards for anglers, but the lake is stocked with an array of other sportfish that include largemouth bass, crappie and bream. The lake has been a regular stop for regional and national fishing tournaments for much of the 2000s, and it will host the World Bass Fishing Championships in 2026. Several inlets within the community provide easy access to the water for those who live along its shores. Others can launch their boats into the river from Hill Wheatley Park, a community green space that features a swimming beach and walking trails. More outdoor adventure is available at Hot Springs National Park. Visitors can bathe in the thermal springs for which the city is named and take advantage of 26 miles of scenic hiking trails. The park is only 5 miles away. Also located in Hot Springs is Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. Races are typically held Thursday through Sunday from December into May. The racetrack, which opened in 1904, annually hosts “The Racing Festival of the South,” a series of races highlighted by the Arkansas Derby, one of the premier prep races for the Kentucky Derby. Aside from the races, the casino is its own draw. It has offered traditional games of chance such as blackjack, craps and slot machines as well as sports wagering since 2019 after legislation was passed to expand its gambling options. Lakefront properties include everything from small cottages to midsized ranch-style homes to large, multi-level homes. Private piers and boat docks are common throughout the community. Away from the water, the “big mish-mash” of properties, as Adams describes it, also includes established acreage homes and contemporary custom homes in walkable subdivision settings. Inland properties typically range from the low $200,000s to the mid-$400,000s, although newly constructed modern-style homes can list for as much as $600,000. Prices range from the mid-$500,000s to more than $1.5 million on the water. Lakefront condos starting in the low $300,000s offer a multi-family alternative. The allure of lake living means many properties are used as rentals and other investments. “A huge portion of the population of Garland County lives in second homes,” Adams says. “People from places like Texarkana and El Dorado come up here because they don’t have a beautiful lake. We also have lots of movers from Texas.” Students are served by the Lake Hamilton School District, which consists of six schools that provide for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Lake Hamilton Primary, Elementary, Intermediate and Junior High schools are rated B-plus by Niche. Lake Hamilton Middle and High schools are rated B-minus and B, respectively. U.S. 70 bisects the community, providing residents with access to shopping and dining. Walmart Neighborhood Market is a convenient grocery option. Rise & Dine Café, a highly rated breakfast restaurant known for its chocolate gravy, and HAWGZ Pizza, a popular food truck that offers outdoor seating, are top stops along the corridor. Additional retail and dining options are found along Highway 70 in Hot Springs. Walmart Supercenter, Kroger and a concentration of restaurants are available about 4 miles away. Nearby lakefront restaurants such as Sam’s Pizza Pub are featured dining destinations. “People get in their boat and love to pull up to restaurants,” Adams says. “People love Sam’s Pizza; that’s a hot spot. They have the best burgers!” Getting in and out of the community requires a car, as the closest available public transportation is in Hot Springs. U.S. 70 connects to Interstate 30, which provides direct access to Little Rock about 60 miles away. Residents do enjoy the luxury of flights to Dallas and Memphis from nearby Memorial Airport. Expanded commercial service is available at the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock.