A sought-after gated community for more than 50 years
Like Walmart and the Razorbacks, Hot Springs Village is an Arkansas institution. The largest gated community in North America has offered resort-style living since 1970. “It took on a life of its own,” says Sally Adams, an executive broker with Lake Homes Realty who sells real estate throughout Garland County. “Buyers came down for their two-bedroom, two-bath retirement home, and when they got here and looked around, they realized how beautiful it was.” Today, this community of more than 17,000 is spread across 26,000 acres in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains about 15 miles north of Hot Springs. It features nine golf courses, 11 lakes and countless residential options. “The village has its own vibe going on,” Adams says. “Most owners are transplants from much colder climates and think they are in heaven. The people who came and stayed absolutely love it. They're having the time of their lives.”
Hot Springs Village is the largest gated community in the United States.
Hot Springs Village is home to 11 lakes.
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Golf course, lakefront homes stand out among a variety of options
Between the golf courses, the lakes and the natural beauty of Garland County, breathtaking views are a standard feature for residents. Golf course homes are prominent, and large waterfront options are the most expensive. Ranch-style homes make up most of the village’s older housing, while new construction concentrated on the community’s east side features a variety of architectural styles. Prices typically range from the low $200,000s to nearly $1 million. Condos and townhouses range from the low $100,000s to the mid-$400,000s. The median price is $330,000. While the village is not 55-plus, it is especially appealing to older homeowners. Arkansas does not tax Social Security benefits or military pensions. The relative affordability, however, has contributed to a shift in demographics. “There’s been an influx of younger people buying some of the older homes because they can get better deals,” Adams says. “It’s smaller, quieter and more country than Hot Springs.” Residents enjoy a moderate climate with all four seasons. Summers are typically muggy, and winters cold and wet, but extreme temperatures are rare. Tornadoes are the region’s most severe weather event, and snow will drop in on occasion.
Large homes line the shores of Hot Springs Village's lakes.
Hot Springs Village began in 1970 and the housing options span every decade.
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Lake Balboa, Balboa Golf Club among several outdoor recreational spaces
Lake Balboa and its adjacent golf course are recreational highlights. At almost 1,000 acres, the lake is the community’s largest. In addition to Balboa, residents can fish, swim and take part in water sports on lakes Coronado, Cortez and DeSoto. Residents can fish the other seven lakes as well. Hot Springs Village POA Lakes Management stocks the lakes with bass, crappie and other sportfish. Balboa Golf Club is known as one of the state’s top courses. Isabella Golf Club is part of the Arkansas Trail, which showcases courses throughout the state. Ponce De Leon Golf Club was opened in 1991 by John Daly, the same year the former UA golfer won the PGA Championship. Diamante Country Club is the community’s only private course. Residents also have access to tennis courts, pickleball courts and more than 30 miles of trails.
Hot Springs Village is home to 9 different expertly maintained golf courses.
Pickleball is a popular activity in Hot Springs Village.
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Ponce De Leon Center hosts performances year-round
Village amenities extend beyond the lakes and golf courses. The Woodlands Auditorium, a 650-seat theater at the Ponce De Leon Center, hosts dozens of yearly performances. The community offers more than 200 clubs and organizations. “There’s a mix of people from all over, which makes it a stimulating place to live,” says Jane Hollansworth, a Realtor with WALL Real Estate, who has sold properties in the village. Residents can try their luck in nearby Nearby Hot Springs, which offers a haven for gamblers at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort.
Hot Springs Village's Ponce de Leon Center hosts concerts, shows, and special events throughout the year.
Located 30 minutes from Hot Springs Village, Downtown Hot Springs features vintage stores, handmade goods, unique restaurants, and more.
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Walmart, dining options at residents' fingertips
A mix of restaurants and coffee shops are conveniently located within the community. Walmart anchors its shopping options. Hot Springs features a bustling downtown district filled with shops, restaurants and bars.
Hot Springs Village residents shop for groceries at Brookshire's located just outside the western gate.
Restaurants like Sunset Grill offer dining options within the gates of Hot Springs Village.
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Jessieville and Fountain Lake school districts are rated B-minus
A pair of school districts serves students. The Jessieville district serves part of the community’s west side, while the Fountain Lake district serves the rest. Both are rated B-minus by Niche.
Jessieville School District is one of 2 school districts that serve Hot Springs Village.
Fountain Lake School District serves eastern Hot Springs Village.
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Cart paths, State Highway 7 provide transportation in, around community
Cart paths offer convenient year-round transportation. “Even when it’s freezing, you’ll see golf carts running around with little heaters in them,” Adams says. The village is home to several health specialists. State Highway 7 provides access in and out of the community and leads directly to Hot Springs, where larger medical centers can be found, including CHI St. Vincent hospital. Nearby State Highway 5 provides access to Interstate 30, which leads to Little Rock and the Clinton National Airport about 50 miles away.
Guard-gated community has its own police force
Hot Springs Village has its own police department with a Uniform Patrol Division and a Criminal Investigation Division. The community’s west entrance has 24-hour gated security. The east entrance has security from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Only residents can enter from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
John has held a real estate license since 1990, however, he is most proud of being a husband, father, and grandparent. John currently is on the board of directors for North Pulaski Board of Realtors, Hearts and Homes, Convention Committee, and a member of three local Chamber of Commerce.
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.
