Hot Springs : Arkansas
Living a Resort Community Lifestyle in Hot Springs, Arkansas
The historic city of Hot Springs National Park is one of America's great old resorts. Hot Springs has the honor of being the first country’s “national park” (1911). Its downtown Historic District protects the thermal waters and the historic and opulent buildings on Bathhouse Row. Fordyce Bath House is the centerpiece and museum headquarters. Approximately 800,000 gallons of 143-degree water flows from the springs each day. The water comes from 47 springs on the western slope of Hot Springs Mountain. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the south.
There are many restaurants, at least a dozen art galleries, and plentiful community festivals. Hot Springs has a Master Plan to help maintain its place as a tourist destination. One of its initiatives is to develop trails such as the Hot Springs Creek Greenway.
Where to Retire in Hot Springs and Home Prices
Active adults have many choices if they choose Hot Springs as their retirement community. One of the country's largest active adult 55+ communities, Hot Springs Village is located near here. The median home value was $224,487 in early 2023 (Zillow). In the desirable Lake Hamilton district south of town homes start at about $200,000, with homes on the lake going for much more. Real estate taxes are typically well below $1000.
What Is Special about Hot Springs
World-famous Bathhouse Row, consisting of eight turn-of-the century structures, Garvan Woodland Gardens, Mid-America Science Museum, Hot Springs National Park, Oaklawn Park thoroughbred racing, Hot Springs Mountain Tower, Nineteen parks and 7 miles of trails, all make Hot Springs special.
What Is Not Special about Hot Springs
Traffic in the season
Climate and Physical Environment
Hot Springs is in the Diamond Lakes Region of the gentle and scenic Ouachita Mountains. Use think to find out more about taxes and what is like to retire in Arkansas. Or go here to to learn about other of the 100 best places to retire
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
The Hot Springs fine arts community earned the city the No. 4 position among America's Top 100 Small Arts Towns. Key festivals include the Hot Springs Music Festival, and the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival (held each October at the historic Malco Theater). The grandkids will appreciate Magic Springs Crystal Falls theme parks.
Crime
Crime here is over double the national average according to both City-Data and CityRating. Of course crime is all about neighborhood, and generally will be low in neighborhoods where retirees would be attracted.
Medical Facilities
St. Joseph's Regional Health Center, National Park Medical Center, and Levi Hospital.
Transportation
The city boasts a newly-renovated 840-acre airport. Mesa Airlines connects from here to reach Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, Harrison, Arkansas or Kansas City, Missouri.
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