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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Nancy Bergeron,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Hot Springs, AR sell after 92 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Hot Springs, AR over the last 12 months is $297,000, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Turnkey perfection in Red Oak Ridge! This fully reimagined home offers an unparalleled "better-than-new" experience inside an exclusive community with an evening-attended gate for added security and peace of mind. From the moment you enter through the stunning glass front door, you will be greeted by a spacious living room, beautiful hardwood flooring, and upgraded lighting. The flowing, open
Don’t miss your chance to own this cash-flowing turnkey duplex in one of Hot Springs’ most desirable locations! Fully occupied with reliable tenants and a proven rental history, this income-producing property is an excellent opportunity for investors looking to grow their portfolio or buyers wanting to take advantage of a smart house hack opportunity. With separate entrances, private living
Welcome to Eastgate ll. This 4 bedroom, 2 bath home has been tastefully remodeled w/ fresh paint, stylish lighting updates throughout, new landscaping & all new appliances. The house has a great one level floor plan highlighted by a privately situated master suite & bath. Enjoy the oversized garage, sparkling heated pool w/ water feature, and quiet cul-de-sac setting in this well-established
Welcome to this charming, all-brick home nestled in a highly desirable, established neighborhood! This meticulously maintained 3-bedroom, 2-full-bath ,wood burning fireplace, residence offers 1,675 sq. ft. of comfortable living space built to last. Washer, Dryer, Refrigerator stay. Rest easy knowing all the expensive, big-ticket updates have already been handled for you: a newer roof (4.5 years
Investment!! Lake Front/ Water Front. Experience the ultimate lake lifestyle in this stunning lakefront/waterfront condo on Lake Hamilton. This fully furnished unit is move-in ready and features a covered boat slip, making it a dream for water enthusiasts. Enjoy breathtaking views and seamless access to the lake. The interior is thoughtfully appointed. Offering a turnkey opportunity. Located in a
Prime Destination Investment: New Orleans Estate with Rare STR Licensing ?Unlock a High-Yield Turnkey Opportunity in Hot Springs’ Most Prestigious Enclave. ?Rarely does a property combine historic architectural grandeur with the modern "gold mine" potential of a fully transferable Short-Term Rental (STR) license. Situated at 112 Leigh Circle, this 3,500 sq. ft. New Orleans-style brick estate is
Video tour: PRIME INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY IN HOT SPRINGS! Looking for your next turnkey short-term rental or a picture-perfect getaway? This super cute, beautifully upgraded 1948 home perfectly blends classic character with modern comfort. Featuring a spacious 3-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom layout, this property is classic designed to impress. Fully Furnished. Step outside to a fully fenced
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, game room w/dry bar and pool table, and extra large laundry room and outside
Welcome to this roomy condo built in 2007, this condo has a double garage for extra storage or a boat plus a vehicle, and has deeded lake access, a pool, and super close to in town and great views.
Welcome to this spectacular 5 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath custom home located in the highly sought after Lakeside School District. Designed for everyday family living and elegant entertaining this home offers everything you could ask for in one convenient location. Step inside this spacious home to find soaring vaulted wood ceilings and a floor to ceiling fireplace anchoring the formal living room. The
Investor Alert! Fully furnished and turnkey short-term rental opportunity! This super cute and cozy 2-bedroom, 1-bath home is completely upgraded and ready to generate income from day one. Inside, you'll find beautiful hardwood floors and a dedicated laundry room. The exterior features excellent curb appeal with a welcoming front porch and a massive entertainment deck perfect for guests. Bonus
Whether you're looking for a proven short-term rental investment, a weekend getaway, or a charming primary residence, this fully furnished 2-bedroom, 1-bath bungalow is ready to enjoy from day one. Currently operating as an active short-term rental, the home is being offered turnkey with all furnishings and appliances conveying. Thoughtfully updated, the home features refinished original hardwood
Stunning New Construction in Lakeside School District – Gated Community with Lake Access Welcome home to this beautifully crafted 3-bedroom, 3-bath new construction residence located in the highly sought-after Lakeside School District. Nestled within a gated community offering private lake access, this home perfectly blends modern design, comfort, and low-maintenance living. Step inside to
Position your next residential development in one of Hot Springs' most desirable growth areas. This 10.96± acre tract offers a rare opportunity to develop a residential community just two blocks from Oaklawn and one block from the Oaklawn stables.The property is zoned **RN-5 (Residential Neighborhood 5)**, allowing for a variety of residential product types, including single-family homes,
Discover the perfect canvas for your next residential project or investment with this prime lot in the established Forrest Hill subdivision. Conveniently located on Hollywood Avenue, this property allows you to enjoy the peace of a quiet neighborhood while maintaining fast, easy access to historic downtown attractions and local amenities. Thanks to a stable market value history and remarkably low
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
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.
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.
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.
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
Welcome to the High School Loft apartments in Hot Springs Arkansas. This historic building built in 1914 and converted into apartments in 2005 then completely remodeled by us in 2022, features large open apartments with 14ft ceilings and huge windows bringing in tons of natural light and offering amazing views of downtown Hot Springs. We have state of the art security, with key fob access only to
Village Square of Hot Springs offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and value. Our beautiful community features spacious one, two, and three-bedroom apartment homes set in a peaceful neighborhood that's still close to everything you need. Our quiet setting makes coming home a relaxing retreat, while on-site management and maintenance ensure your needs are always met. At Village Square
Beautiful apartment homes, located conveniently in the Lakeside School District. Perfect for every income level! An Equal Housing Opportunity Contact Times: M-F 8:30a-5:00p (RLNE413924)
Welcome to The Crossing at Thornton Ferry, where comfort meets convenience in the heart of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Our gated apartment community offers spacious one, two, and three-bedroom homes designed with everyday living in mind. Residents enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with community perks including a refreshing swimming pool, a well-equipped fitness room, and plenty of green space to
Property Id: 2289421 The one-bedroom apartments at Whittington Park offer comfortable, practical living in a peaceful community setting. These thoughtfully designed homes feature functional layouts, plenty of natural light, and updated finishes that make everyday living feel easy and welcoming. Ideal for individuals or couples, each one-bedroom provides a cozy retreat with the space you need
Property Id: 2740631 Whats special QUIET SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD Newly Renovated 1-Bedroom Apartments Walk to Downtown!. Looking for convenience, and character? These beautifully remodeled 1-bedroom, 1-bath apartments are nestled in a quiet, safe neighborhood just a 5-minute walk to the Arlington Hotel and Kollective Coffee in downtown. 10min walk to Whittington Park.
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