Retire in Hot Springs, Arkansas. No Social Security tax, low cost of living, 9 golf courses, and America's largest gated community.
Our picks for the most notable opportunities, areas, and properties in this market.
The largest gated community in the U.S. 26,000 acres, 9 golf courses, 11 lakes, 30+ miles of trails. The premier retirement destination in Arkansas with every amenity imaginable.
Centered around Lake Balboa with fishing, kayaking, and waterfront homes. Quieter than the golf-focused areas. Popular with retirees who want lake access without Lake Hamilton prices.
The most upscale area within HSV. Larger lots, custom homes, lake and golf access. Popular with retirees relocating from high-cost markets.
Homes along the Coronado course. Active golf community with clubhouse dining, social events, and a mix of full-time residents and seasonal snowbirds.
Walk to galleries, restaurants, Bathhouse Row, and the national park. Low-maintenance condo living in the heart of the city. Perfect for active retirees who don't want a yard.
Retire on the lake. Fish from your dock, watch sunsets, and enjoy the water lifestyle year-round. Many lakefront homes are single-story — ideal for aging in place.
Family-friendly area with lower prices and newer construction. Several patio home communities designed specifically for low-maintenance retirement living.
Mountain living in the Ouachitas. Quiet, private, and scenic. Popular with retirees who want acreage, nature, and distance from town.
Properties near Garvan Gardens — one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the South. Scenic views, walking trails, and a quiet residential setting.
The most affordable retirement-friendly area. Newer manufactured and site-built homes on 1–5 acre lots. Rural feel with easy access to Hot Springs amenities.
Essential tips for navigating this market in Hot Springs.
Arkansas does not tax Social Security income. Property taxes are among the lowest in the country. No estate tax. Your retirement income stretches 30–40% further here than in Florida, Arizona, or the Carolinas.
Hot Springs has two major hospital systems (CHI St. Vincent and National Park Medical Center), numerous specialists, urgent care, and VA services. Little Rock's major medical centers are about an hour away.
Look for single-story homes, wide doorways, walk-in showers, and main-floor master suites. Many HSV homes are already built with these features. Retrofitting costs $10K–$30K if not.
Hot Springs cost of living index is 82 (national average = 100). Naples FL is 118, Scottsdale AZ is 121, Charleston SC is 110. Your $400K budget buys twice the home here.
HSV alone has 100+ clubs, organizations, and activity groups. Hot Springs offers film festivals, art galleries, Oaklawn racing, craft breweries, and a downtown that comes alive every weekend.
Hot Springs is served by the Memorial Field Airport for private aviation. Little Rock National Airport (1 hour) has commercial flights. The city is compact and easy to navigate without highway driving.
Yes. Hot Springs is consistently ranked among America's top retirement destinations. No SS tax, low cost of living, mild climate, world-class recreation, and a welcoming community make it ideal.
No. Arkansas does not tax Social Security retirement benefits, making it one of the most tax-friendly states for retirees.
The largest gated community in the United States — 26,000 acres with 9 golf courses, 11 lakes, 30+ miles of trails, and full resort-style amenities. Homes range from $100K to $800K+.
Dramatically lower. Median home price in Hot Springs is $245K vs $400K+ in most Florida retirement areas. Homeowner's insurance is 60% less (no hurricane risk). Property taxes are lower.
Two major hospitals, numerous specialists, urgent care, VA services, and Little Rock's medical centers an hour away. Healthcare access is comparable to much larger cities.
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