Lake Hamilton
Lakefront housing includes condos, variety of single-family homes
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.Eponymous lake offers good time and plenty of fish
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.Top dining destinations can be accessed by boat
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.Lakeside district comprises five A-rated schools
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.Pair of highways provides convenient access to local, regional travel
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.


Agents Specializing in this Area
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Nancy Bergeron
Keller Williams Realty Hot Springs
(682) 478-4903
373 Total Sales
8 in Lake Hamilton
$215K - $450K Price Range
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CANDACE MCCARTHY
Responds QuicklyHot Springs Realty
(501) 881-2245
99 Total Sales
5 in Lake Hamilton
$200K - $685K Price Range
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Stacy Dixon
Taylor Realty Group HSV
(409) 405-6795
71 Total Sales
2 in Lake Hamilton
$450K - $749K Price Range
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Randy Whitehead
ESQ. Realty Group
(501) 566-1532
41 Total Sales
3 in Lake Hamilton
$235K - $635K Price Range
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Jan Galloway
Trademark Real Estate, Inc.
(501) 359-5823
202 Total Sales
6 in Lake Hamilton
$288K - $775K Price Range
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Charlie Clifton
Responds QuicklyHome Design and Realty L.L.C.
(501) 483-0114
118 Total Sales
1 in Lake Hamilton
$319,400 Price
Schools
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Lake Hamilton | US |
---|---|---|
Homicide | 3 | 4 |
Sexual Assault | 3 | 4 |
Assault with Weapon | 3 | 4 |
Robbery | 2 | 4 |
Burglary | 4 | 4 |
Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 4 |
Larceny | 3 | 4 |
Crime Score | 3 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Lake Hamilton Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Lake Hamilton, Hot Springs sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Lake Hamilton, Hot Springs over the last 12 months is $1,022,975, up 145% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Neighborhood Facts
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
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Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Finances
Education and Workforce
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
Car-Dependent
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.
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