$185,008Average Value$355Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Blending history with modern amenities in a scenic rural setting
The neighborhood of Downtown Hot Springs is a well-maintained historic district with boutique shops, restaurants and museums, many of which pay homage to the old days when members of the organized crime vacationed here. In fact, the area was once a favorite of gangster Al Capone, who came to town to enjoy the natural thermal baths and remotely run crime in Chicago. Officials put an end to that in the 1960s, shutting down illegal gambling. But while the gangster are gone, their mark remains on a city that has recently become hip. “A very unique place,” says Exp Realty’s Emilia D’Auteuil, a member of the Hot Springs Board of Realtors. “It has a lot of history, but it also has a lot of charm.”
Downtown Hot Springs is a living piece of American history tucked into the Ouachita mountains.
Downtown Hot Springs is best known for its thermal spring water.
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Bathhouse Row ties the past to the present
These days the only mobsters you’ll find here are at the Gangster Museum of America on Central Avenue in the heart of downtown. And while this city’s connection to the mob is well-known, it is technically hot springs that put it on the map. The natural wonders fed Bathhouse Row, a collection of eight large buildings along Central Avenue between 1892 and 1923. “Downtown Hot Springs is the heart of the city. It’s the reason Hot Springs exists,” says Chris Rix, a resident who runs Rix Realty-Advantage Team Realtors. “People used to come from all over to sit in the waters because it was thought they cured arthritis and other illnesses. It was a peaceful valley of the vapors.”
Bathhouse Row is run the National Park Service. In fact, the entire downtown neighborhood is part of Hot Springs National Park. The former Fordyce Bathhouse is now the city's visitor center and museum. Qapaw Baths still offers the original spa experience, while Buckstaff Bathhouse offers modern spa treatments. The rest of the buildings have been converted for other uses, including the park’s cultural center, a luxury hotel and a brewery.
Oaklawn’s track and casino are located less than 2 miles from the neighborhood. The track opened in 1904 and still holds regular races during the season, from early December through early May. Each year, it 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.
Downtown Hot Springs is home to the iconic Bathhouse Row.
Downtown Hot Springs is home to the Gangster Museum of America.
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A shopping and dining district with an artsy vibe
Independent retailers line Central Avenue. Businesses such as Bathhouse Soapery and Spa City Tropical Winery were named with history in mind. And several art galleries are featured among the district’s contemporary offerings. “Downtown Hot Springs is very touristy, but I love it,” says Nikki Reed, a Realtor for Crye-Leike Hot Springs and longtime city resident. “It has kind of an artsy vibe.” Rix says the neighborhood stands out for its diversity. “You could kind of compare it to the vibe of Athens [Georgia], or the ambience of Austin.”
Entertainment and dining options also are found along Central Avenue. The Ohio Club is a popular bar established in 1905. Superior Bathhouse Brewery, one of the original bathhouses converted for modern use, serves up comfort food and beer made with thermal spring water. DeLuca’s Pizza was featured on Dave Portnoy’s One Bite pizza reviews in 2023, where it scored an 8.7 out of 10. Deluca’s won AY Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Award for best burger in 2022. Brick House Grill is another well-known stop.
Downtown Hot Springs features vingage stores, handmade goods, unique restaurants, and more.
Superior Bathhouse Brewery is a popular brewery Downtown Hot Springs.
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Events include Running of the Tubs, World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade
Central Avenue hosts a Gallery Walk on the first weekend of every month and the annual Running of the Tubs. That event, an homage to the history of Spa City, consists of competitors racing in modified bathtubs. Nearby Bridge Street is the focus of other community events, including the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The popular procession lasts for only 98 feet.
Surrounded by Hot Springs National Park
Despite being in the heart of the city, downtown residents have easy access to rural areas, including Arkansas’ Ouachita Mountains. “You can literally be in a campground, walk over a mountain and be downtown in 10 minutes,” Rix says. The park offers 26 miles of trails popular with hikers, mountain bikers, birdwatchers and photographers. Mountain bikers also have access to the Northwoods Trails, more than 30 miles of world-class mountain-biking terrain. “There are different trailheads throughout downtown. That’s why there are so many cycle shops on Park Avenue,” Reed says. The trail system hosts the Gudrun MTB Festival each November. The three-day event features several races, skills competitions and demonstrations. The area also is known as a fishing hot spot. Nearby Lake Hamilton is heavily stocked with 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. The lake also is a seasonal center of social activity. “During the summer, it’s packed every day of the week,” Reed says.
Downtown Hot Springs is home to Hot Springs National Park.
The Hot Water Cascade in Downtown Hot Springs allows visitors to interact with the Hot Springs.
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Affordable historic homes
History lives in the many pre-World War II homes featured throughout the neighborhood. Some date back to the 19th century. Several are on the National Register of Historic Places. A variety of single-story and multi-level homes features architectural styles that include bungalow, Colonial, American Foursquare, Victorian and Tudor. Contemporary homes in modern subdivision settings also can be found. Prices typically range from the mid-100,000s to the high 400,000s. “A regular home in Downtown Hot Springs goes for $100 a square foot, sometimes less. It’s extremely affordable,” D’Auteuil says. The residential settings offer walkability and plenty of curb appeal. “It’s a quaint Southern town with magnolia tree-lined streets,” Rix says.
Downtown Hot Springs homes are unique an vibrant.
The homes in Downtown Hot Springs reflect the area's storied past.
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Hot Springs World Class High offers the International Baccalaureate program
Langston Magnet School and Hot Springs Middle School, which serves students in grades seven through nine, are C-rated by Niche. Hot Springs World Class High School earns a C-plus. The conversion charter school offers the International Baccalaureate program, and it partners with the National Park Technology Center to provide related opportunities for students after graduation.
Park Magnet School is a public
Hot Springs World Class High School
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Still relatively isolated
It is not the hideaway it was during Capone’s heyday, but Downtown Hot Springs remains relatively isolated. Central Avenue is part of Arkansas 7, a scenic road that is the longest highway in the state. But it doesn’t connect to any major cities. U.S. Highway 70 provides access to Interstate 30 about 20 miles away. I-30 leads to Little Rock. It takes about an hour and 10 minutes to get to the state capitol, which is home to Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport. CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs Hospital is 4 miles from the neighborhood.
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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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Randy Whitehead,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Whittington Park
Adair Park
West Mountain Summit
Whittington Park
Baseball Trail Park / Whittington Park
Downtown Hot Springs Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Hot Springs, Hot Springs sell after 24 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Hot Springs, Hot Springs over the last 12 months is $282,495, down 76% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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.
Rare opportunity to own a Large 10.55 Acre tract of land near Downtown Hot Springs just off of Whittington Ave. close to Weyerhaeuser Corporate office. Perfect for a large Estate Home or Company Campus that wants to be in close proximity to Downtown Hot Springs. Priced extremely well for Investors! Property adjoins US Government Land.
Anxious Seller - Considering All Offers! Are you looking for two homes in Hot Springs? 113 Dell is a two-story home built in the 1920's with 1854 square feet of living space, perfect for anyone looking for the charm and characteristics of an older home. With 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, there is plenty of room for you to add your own personal touch to call this your home! Original hardwood
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
Located close to the Whittington Park for fun outdoor activities. Very close to National Forest. Lots of historic beauty in this area. You have Tiny town, the Aligator Farm, the Hot Springs Showmans Assoc, School of Math and Science and more Iconic Hot Springs. Take a stroll or bike ride down beautiful Whittington Ave. Drive or hike up West Mountain to enjoy scenic views taking in Hot Springs.
Property Id: 1442854Newly renovated apartments in a 1940 building with great character of knotting pine walls and hardwood floors. This upstairs apartment was completed in May, 2024. All new appliances. Hardwoods refurbished. Newly tiled kitchen and bath w/ new vanity & toilet. Situated across street from West Mountain trails. 10 minute walk downtown Central Ave. Sits in prominent,
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Randy Whitehead,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
5,587
Median Age
46
Population under 18
18.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
25%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$22,596
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$40,842
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
82.4%
College Graduates
19.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.1%
% Population in Labor Force
45.1%
Below the national average
65.1%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
32/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
64/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
