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Lake Hamilton

Lake Hamilton

$547,995 Average Value
$189 Average Price per Sq Ft
1 Home For Sale

A fun-filled lakefront community

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.”

Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort is a short drive from Lake Hamilton.
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort is a short drive from Lake Hamilton.
Lake Hamilton offers scenic views and year-round recreation.
Lake Hamilton offers scenic views and year-round recreation.
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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.

Vacation rentals are common along Lake Hamilton’s shoreline.
Vacation rentals are common along Lake Hamilton’s shoreline.
Estate homes on Lake Hamilton can reach prices over $3 million.
Estate homes on Lake Hamilton can reach prices over $3 million.
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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.

Lake Hamilton is a frequent vacation spot for Arkansas families.
Lake Hamilton is a frequent vacation spot for Arkansas families.
Lake Hamilton’s shoreline features numerous scenic inlets.
Lake Hamilton’s shoreline features numerous scenic inlets.
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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.

Sam’s Pizza Pub on Lake Hamilton is known for casual lakefront dining.
Sam’s Pizza Pub on Lake Hamilton is known for casual lakefront dining.
Luna Bella near Lake Hamilton offers upscale Italian cuisine.
Luna Bella near Lake Hamilton offers upscale Italian cuisine.
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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.

Lakeside Primary School earns an A- on Niche.
Lakeside Primary School earns an A- on Niche.
Lakeside High School serves 1,114 students.
Lakeside High School serves 1,114 students.
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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.

Aaron Bloodworth
Photography Contributed By
Aaron Bloodworth
Hunter Severtson
Video By
Hunter Severtson

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Schools

Source:
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. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Lake Hamilton Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$407,500
Median Sale Price
$337,250
Median Single Family Sale Price
$415,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$235,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
4%
Last 12 months Home Sales
4
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-7%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$189

Area Facts

Number of Homes
40
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Median Year Built
2017
Months of Supply
3.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,742
Significantly above the national average
1,930
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,444
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
14,810

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Lake Hamilton Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
2,943
Median Age
49
Population under 18
20.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
29.9%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$83,626
On par with the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$129,561

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
98.4%
Above the national average
89%
College Graduates
26.9%
Advanced Degrees
9.5%
% Population in Labor Force
55.2%
Below the national average
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
58''
Average Winter Low Temperature
32°F
Average Summer High Temperature
93°F
Annual Snowfall
2''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

32 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

19 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

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.
Lake Hamilton