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
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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 85 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Hot Springs, AR over the last 12 months is $297,000, down 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Situated on 2.1 acres with expansive views, 307 Whispering Hills offers the space, setting, and layout that are hard to find. This 4-bedroom home features 3 full baths, 2 half baths, two fireplaces, an elevator, full-home generator, and a 4-car garage with plenty of room for vehicles, storage, or a workshop. Large windows throughout the home take advantage of the beautiful surroundings and bring
Looking for the perfect place to call home? Just listed in the Lakeside School District, this beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bath home built in 2015 is ready for its next family to make lasting memories. Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, this home offers everything a growing family needs—a fully fenced backyard for kids & pets to play safely, a storage shed for extra space, & a covered back deck where you
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
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
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
Experience lakefront living at its finest in this spacious 2,455-square-foot condo offering breathtaking water views and exceptional amenities. Located within a gated community, this 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath residence includes a private boat slip, community swimming pool, and expansive upper and lower decks perfect for relaxing or entertaining while enjoying the lake scenery. The versatile floor plan
Beautifully updated townhome in Carmel Bay with stunning views of Lake Hamilton from the comfort of your living room and covered deck. Master suite is on the main level with access to the deck. The walk in shower and garden tub make it an oasis. Upstairs has 2 large suites with full bathrooms and generous walk-in closets. One has a balcony overlooking the lake. This gated complex has a boat ramp
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.
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
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,
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.
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.
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)
Property Id: 1524562Welcome to your dream home at 414 Woodlawn Ave in Hot Springs! This charming single-family property features 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, hardwood floors, central air, and off-street parking. With a spacious lawn, washer/dryer hookups. Don't miss out on this gem for $1375/month, available starting June 10, 2026. No smoking allowed.
Property Id: 2564760Welcome to 411 Palmetto Street, a beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home located on a quiet street in Hot Springs, AR 71901, walking distance from Langston Elementary School. This move-in-ready property features hardwood & luxury laminate flooring throughout, central heat and air, and all-new appliances, including a stainless steel refrigerator, stove/oven, and
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