Click here for area slideshow

What are you looking for on this page?

Village History

In 1955, developer John A. Cooper opened Cherokee Village in the Ozark Mountains of north central Arkansas. The previous year, Cooper had researched Census Bureau figures and discovered that Americans were retiring at an amazing rate. "We found out that in a radius of 500 miles from northern Arkansas, someone was retiring every 12 seconds; every 12 seconds someone was receiving a gold watch," Cooper said. Armed with that information, others might have invested in a gold watch manufacturing plant. Instead, he opened the country's first master planned retirement community.

It was a futuristic concept. He developed a community built for recreation and vacations during a persons working life, and also a community designed for people who would climb out of bed, put on their golf shoes instead of wing tips, and spend their days enjoying the fruits of 40 years of labor. It was a radical concept for its day, but it proved successful for John Cooper and many others.

Today, Cooper Communities, Inc., has developed five communities spanning four states. Following Cherokee Village (purchased by an original partner), Cooper opened Bella Vista Village (near Fayetteville) and Hot Springs Village in Arkansas. Then Tellico Village in Tennessee, and Savannah Lakes Village in South Carolina, Stonebridge Village in Branson, Missouri, and two more communities under development in West Virginia and Mississippi. To date more than 100,000 people have chosen to become a part of one of these "Villages".

The first lot was sold in Hot Springs Village in May of 1970. Initial development was about 4,000 acres, today it is over 26,000. With cooperation from the Property Owners Association, Cooper has built facilities and developed the infrastructure of Hot Springs Village at a cost of over $70 million. Cooper Communities has posted a profit every year since its inception, with Hot Springs Village being the most financially successful of the "Villages". Hot Springs Village alone has over 10,000 permanent residents and 32,000 property owners who collectively contribute almost $10 million each year in the form of POA dues.

Property Owners Association

The amenities of Hot Springs Village, (ie. the golf courses, tennis courts, lakes, swimming pools, fitness center, nature trails, etc.) are owned and governed by the people, not the developer. The property owners vote to elect a board of directors, who in turn, hire a city manager and staff, and set policy. All property owners can attend regularly scheduled POA meetings, and even run for elected positions. The POA provides the following services:

. Builds and maintains all streets within the Village (over 450 miles of road).

. Maintains lake Lago, our water supply, and water treatment and sewage plants.

. Police department and guard stations at the controlled access points.

. Fire departments and fire stations (3 stations located throughout the Village).

. Ambulance service and paramedics with life support systems and 911 service.

. Establishes covenants and restrictions for property use and upkeep.

. Maintains the RV campgrounds with hook-ups and dump station.

Funding for the POA is provided by a monthly assessment fee, plus nominal user fees for golf, tennis, etc. The monthly assessment, set by a vote of 51% of the property owners, is only $32.00 a month per lot owned, and has increased only from $12.00 since 1970. Here in Hot Springs Village, WE THE PEOPLE, truly rule. POA Phone: (501) 922-5556

Amenities

Golf

Hot Springs Village boasts eight of the most beautiful 18-hole golf courses you will find anywhere. Property owners will have access to 144 challenging holes of golf (162 including Diamante, for members there). The eight courses owned by the POA are for the benefit of all property owners. There are two POA-owned country clubs with restaurants; the Desoto Club and the Balboa Club. One private country club inside the Village, Diamante, was ranked the fourth best new golf course in the US in 1995 by Golf Digest Magazine.

Course Information

Balboa Country Club (501) 922-1504
18 Holes 6782 Yards Par 72 Opened 1987
Restaurant, 20,912 sq. ft. clubhouse, Lounge, Pro Shop, 19th Hole Cafe, Driving Range

Coronado (501) 922-2355
18 Holes 3946 Yards Par 62 Opened 1982
Executive Course, Casa Coronado Grill, Pro Shop completed 1985

Cortez (501) 922-1590
18 Holes 6610 Yards Par 72 Opened 1977
Wood n' Iron Restaurant, Pro Shop completed 1981, Driving Range

Desoto Country Club (501) 922-0001
18 Holes 6713 Yards Par 72 Opened 1973
Restaurant and 12,500 sq. ft. clubhouse, Pro Shop, 19th Hole Cafe, Driving Range

Diamante Private Country Club (501) 922-4191 (see below)
18 Holes 7560 Yards Par 72 Opened 1995
Private Club. Course Ranked by Golf Digest Magazine in 1995: 4th Best New Private Course. Ranked #1 course in Arkansas for 3 years in a row.
This course is restricted to Diamante property owners, their guests, and Club Corporation reciprocal establishments.

Magellan (501) 922-4497
18 Holes 6600 Yards Par 72 Opened 1996
3,000 sq. ft. Pro Shop, Restaurant, Driving Range

Ponce De Leon (501) 922-4250
18 Holes 6946 Yards Par 72 Opened 1991
4,000 sq. ft. clubhouse with Cafe, Pro Shop, Driving Range.

Isabella (501) 922-5505
18 Holes 7061 Yards Par 72 Opened in September of 2000
Clubhouse with Cafe, Pro Shop, Driving Range

Granada (501) 922-3095
7000 Yard, Par 72 Championship. Opened in Fall of 2004.
Large Clubhouse and Pro Shop, Terrace on the Green Restaurant, Driving Range.

Green Fees $

Hot Springs Village Golf Course Green Fees For Property Owners:$20.00-$22.00 (18 holes)

$17.65 (18 holes) after 2:00 PM Property Owners with cart
$34.00-$36.00 (18 holes) Family Prime Time
$28.88 (18 holes) after 2:00 PM Family with cart
$61.89 (18 holes) $12.90 per cart per seat Non Property Owners
$41.66 (18 holes) after 2:00 PM $12.90 per cart per seat Non Property Owners
$1,302.00 annual unlimited green fee Property Owners Only: Super Senior $802.07
$775.47 annual cart lease per seat: individual Property Owners Only
$300 + tax annual private cart fee Property Owners Only. Unlimited play
$15.00-$18.00 annual computer tee time reservation system for Property Owners only
Persons 80 years and older: 1/2 price on all fees; free on Tuesday and Thursdays. Soft spikes on all courses.
**Green fees and cart fees vary by Course and time of day.

Diamante Private Membership Golf Club

In 1995 Club Corporation of America, in a joint venture with Cooper Communities, Inc., opened a premier 18-hole, championship golf course country club neighborhood, which was named by Golf Digest Magazine as the fourth best new private course in the United States. At 7,560 yards, it is the longest course in Arkansas, but the five sets of tees offer a variety of challenging configurations. The fairways are zoysia grass and the greens and tee boxes are bentgrass. The $7.4 million invested in this club shows.

The facilities include a 9,000 sq. ft. clubhouse and restaurant with no food or beverage minimums, pro-shop, driving range, four clay-surface tennis courts, and a swimming pool. Tennis\swim\social memberships are also available without property ownership restrictions.

Golf privilege is linked to 450 property-owner, non-equity memberships. Golf members enjoy unlimited use of the course without green fees. Immediate family members can play at reduced rates, and accompanied guests are allowed at non-member rates. Diamante participates with over 200 reciprocating associated facilities around the world, which are owned or managed by Club Corporation of America (CCA). Full-golf membership dues are around $350 per month.

While Diamante is Club Corporation's first private club in Arkansas, CCA subsidiaries and affiliates hold some of the finest international clubs and resorts, including; Pinehurst Resort and Country Club (N.C.), Inverrary Country Club (FL), The Homestead (VA), Mission Hills (CA), Indian Wells (CA), Princeville Resort (HI), and St. Andrews Old Course Hotel (Scotland).

All categories of membership require payment of a membership initiation fee and monthly country club dues.

Lakes

Hot Springs Village's recreational man-made lakes offer some of the finest fishing and boating in central Arkansas! There are almost 1,900 acres of spring-fed, sky-blue water, and each tree-lined cove is home to bass, crappie, catfish and bream. Within a short 15-minute drive from the west side of the Village, our property owners have access to Lake Ouachita, the largest lake in the state, boasting a whopping 975 miles of shoreline and covering 48,000 acres.

Lake Segovia 11 acres 29 feet deep .9 mile shoreline
Lake Pineda 63 acres 41 feet deep 3 miles shoreline
Lake Desoto 200 acres 74 feet deep 6.5 miles shoreline
Lake Cortez 245 acres 65 feet deep 10.5 miles shoreline
Lake Coronado 380 acres 73 feet deep 10 miles shoreline
Lake Balboa 944 acres 83 feet deep 20.6 miles shoreline
Lake Isabella 25 acres
Lake Granada 54 acres 35 feet deep
Lake Estrella 21.6 acres 35 feet deep
Lake Sophia 35.7 surface acres 21 feet deep
Lake Maria 27.1 acres 23 feet deep

Two marinas serve Lakes Desoto (501) 922-1500 and Balboa (501) 922-3435. Boat rentals and fishing licenses are available as well as boat slip rental: covered $850/year, uncovered $500/year. Balboa area Dry Boat or RV storage: Uncovered $115.00 annual (under 26'), $130.00(over 26'). Covered 12' x 30' $375 annual with $35 deposit.

Annual private boat registration with motor is $42.15, $17.39 without motor Property Owners only.

Boat Rental:
Fishing Boat (hourly) $45.00 plus gas and oil
Fishing Boat (daily) $125.00-$215.00 plus gas and oil
Boats can also be rented on half-day or full-day basis at reduced rates.

Beaches with swimming and picnic areas are located on Lakes Cortez and Balboa.

Tennis

If tennis is your game, you're in luck! Our active Senior Men's Tennis Team won the National Championship in 1995. Both men and women have leagues for all levels of play. The Village has sixteen pro-surfaced, lighted courts (Diamante has four additional clay-surfaced courts). At our Coronado Recreation Complex we have a pro shop and two full-time teaching pros.

Court Rental: $3.20+tax Daily 2 hour for Non Members $6.05+tax Or, Annual Fee: $248+tax.
Coronado Tennis Center: (501) 922-5054 Desoto Tennis Center: (501) 922-5055

Coronado Complex and Fitness Center

The Coronado Recreational Complex, completed between 1976 and 1985 offers just about any activity a fitness enthusiast could ask for. This 24-acre site on the shore of Lake Coronado boasts 13 lighted tennis courts, a 3,000 sq. ft. 25-meter swimming pool, sauna, whirlpool, massage therapy facilities, Nautilus equipment and free weights. Enjoy a good cardiovascular workout on the stationary bicycles, rowing machine, Stairmasters and treadmills, or take advantage of the 14 miles of hard and soft surface bike paths and nature trails winding nearby. The 18,200 sq. ft. structure accommodates a variety of activities for over 120 Village social and civic organizations. The photographic darkroom, conference rooms and a library are here, as well as the 500-seat capacity auditorium and ballroom utilized for dances and arts and crafts exhibits. Annual usage fees for the Natatorium and Fitness Center for Property Owners are $308.85, or $4.26 daily. A nearby RV Park includes 10 spaces and hook-ups for utilities, with one waste dump station. The non-property owner rate is $15.00 per night, (limit seven consecutive nights- non-P.O). Coronado Center Phone: (501) 922-1230

Ponce De Leon Performing Arts Center

Completed in 1992, this $2.5 million state-of-the-art 658 seat auditorium is a real cultural center. Theatrical productions, musicals, art exhibits, and choral performances make for a busy box office. Highlights include the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Ballet and the Village Players. The center has become the focal point of diverse cultural and social activities.

Desoto Games Area

This area offers an array of activities for every member of your family. The Desoto games area includes a diving pool, tot pool, and a 3,000 sq. ft. swimming pool. There are badminton courts, shuffleboard lanes, basketball courts, Bocce Ball, a miniature golf course, and horseshoe pits located adjacent to the pools. Also, a fenced-in playground area with swings, slides and merry-go-round, and other facilities for toddlers. Phone: (501) 922-5055

Health Care Facilities

The Hot Springs area has been known as "healing grounds" since the days when Native Americans bathed in the warm therapeutic springs of the "Valley of the Vapors". Today, anything from the most simple procedures to coronary bypass surgery is available from the many local specialists in the area.

Excellent health care facilities are found in the Village and in nearby Hot Springs, Benton and Little Rock. Four hospitals are located in Hot Springs: St Joseph Regional Health Center, National Park Medical Center, the Levi National Arthritis Hospital and The Hot Springs Rehabilitation Hospital. Additionally, Southwest Hospital and Saline Memorial Hospital are located in Benton. Saline Memorial also offers home health and hospice services.

The city of Little Rock offers many of the major medical facilities you would expect to find in a large cosmopolitan: Arkansas Children's Hospital, Baptist Medical Center, Doctor's Hospital, St. Vincent Infirmary Medical Center, University Hospital, Veteran's Administration Hospital and Little Rock Air Force Base Hospital.

St. Joseph's Village Medical Clinic opened inside the Village in the fall of 1993. Located on four acres, the 13,000 sq. ft. facility was designed to meet current outpatient medical needs, as well as future growth. The Village Diagnostic Center is here, with laboratories and x-ray services available and will include mammography and Cat Scan examinations. St Joseph's Cardiac Rehabilitation offers stress testing on site. Also offered are two ophthalmology offices, two physical medicine rooms, an internal medicine unit, and additional space for physicians' offices. Inside the Village are several dental offices and a chiropractic clinic The Village also has two local pharmacies.

National Park Medical Center opened an urgent care clinic across from the west gate during the summer of 1994. The clinic provides full family health care services, including lab and x-ray. Walk-in emergency services is staffed by two full-time physicians.

For long-term care there is the Good Samaritan Cedar Lodge, a $9.5 million facility with 82 independent living apartments and an adjacent center for occupational, speech and physical therapy. Also part of the "Good Sam" center is the Greenwood Manor, an new assisted living residence with comfortable apartments available for individuals and married couples. When full-time nursing care is not yet necessary, Greenwood Manor is the ideal home. The warm, friendly in-home staff is available 24-hours to ensure timely administration of medications, scheduled transportation for shopping, church, theatre, social events, three meals per day in the lovely family dining room, on-site activities and assistance with personal care.

Shopping

Hot Springs Village has a vibrant business community with a Chamber of Commerce separate from the city of Hot Springs. Several commercial enclaves inside and outside of the Village gates offer a variety of goods and services: Medical offices, banks, mortgage companies, stock brokerage offices, attorneys, restaurants, grocery stores, service stations, florist, video stores, beauty salons, clothing stores, lumber, cement production, hardware store, travel and insurance agencies, bakery, jewelry store, clock shop, decorator centers, real estate offices, post office, and much more. In addition, Hot Springs is just 12 miles away, and offers abundant shopping and entertainment of all kinds, as does the larger city of Little Rock, just 45 minutes away. A new commercial shopping center has been developed at the east end of the Village, and includes a 37,000 square foot grocery store, Gold Crown Hallmark store, Financial Planner, Hair and Nail Salons, and a video store and more.

Radio

Radio station KVRE, 92.9 on your FM dial, is transmitted from within the Village everyday, and is popular for the "oldies, but goodies" of the 1940's through '80's.

Newspapers

There is one award-winning newspaper published inside the Village each week. The Village Voice News (501) 984-6224 is published on Wednesday.

Police

In addition to the Sheriffs and Deputies of Garland and Saline counties, Hot Springs Village has its own police force. Seventeen commissioned law enforcement officers and a fleet of marked and unmarked vehicles offer 24-hour police protection. Also, the Village is secured by two manned access gates and two card-only access gates. Phone: 911 or the non emergency line: 501.922.0011

Fire and Ambulance Service

The Village has three fire stations located in various subdivisions, and emergency medical transportation via 911 and the Cedar Mountain Ambulance Service.

Real Estate Values

If Hot Springs Village is the lifestyle you are looking for, then we have the selection of homes you want at a price to fit your budget. We offer lake front, golf front, panoramic mountain views, as well as interior wooded locations with town homes, custom homes and homes sites.

You may want to find that perfect setting and build your dream house, working with any one of the Village's quality custom home builders. Or, if you prefer not to build, you may choose to purchase an existing resale home through one of our qualified Advantage Realty professionals.

Home Sites

. Average lot size: 95 x 140 (.31 acre)
. Interior lot: $10,000 - $35,000
. View lot: $28,000-$50,000
. Golf front lot: $30,000-$80,000
. Diamante lot: $12,000 - $115,000 (average .40 - .60 acre)
. Lake front lot: $140,000 average.

Undergound utilities, (electricity, water, sewer, phone and T.V or Digital Cable) are available in almost all of the 284 subdivisions located in Hot Springs Village. Refer to the developer's
(Cooper Communities, Inc.) Federal Property Report, or check with the Property Owners Association (POA) for information concerning a specific subdivision. Newly developed subdivisions may not yet have utilities installed. Applicable costs for utility hook up (i.e. telephone, cable and water/sewer) will be in addition to the purchase price of any lot when you build a new home.

New Construction

The cost of new home construction varies considerably, and is subject to the size of the structure and the quality of the materials. Homes can be built from $80.00 per heated and cooled squared foot, to a cost over $130.00 per foot, (excluding the cost of the lot). It is difficult to speak of an "average cost per square foot", but calculating several examples will help to understand the building costs involved.

In Hot Springs area there are many excellent-quality custom home builders. Some people choose to serve as their own general contractor while subcontracting labor at various stages.

The size of most residences in Hot Springs Village is between 1,600 - 2,200 square feet, however; many existing homes can be found exceeding 6,000 square feet. Square footage minimums may vary according to location. Most homes are built with brick or stone, and maintenance-free vinyl siding or wood. Other homes are built entirely of brick. The eastern one-third of the Village is the area of newest subdivisions, and is in general, the geographical area containing the newest home construction.

All construction must be approved by the Architectural Control Committee (ACC) which is comprised of representatives of the property owners and the developer. No mobile or modular homes are allowed inside the Village. Fences of appropriate height and material are allowed with approval by the ACC, though fences are not commonplace. There is no limit on how soon you must begin construction on a home, however; building and landscaping should be completed within one year of the start date.

In Hot Springs, architectural codes or covenants may vary with each subdivision, but are generally less regulated than those of the Hot Springs Village Architectural Control Committee.

Resale Homes

Prices of existing homes throughout the United States depend upon location, size and quality. This is also true for Hot Springs and the Village. At the lower end of the price range will be modest town homes and small single-family detached residences, (2-3 bedrooms with carport). The price of these homes will range from approx. $55,000 to $90,000.

Some town homes or duplex-style units can run upwards of $170 - $250,000 or more, depending on location and age. Most single family residences from 1,600 - 2,100 square feet will be priced from $135,000 - $225,000. The higher priced homes in this range will often be situated on or near a golf course. Homes with lake frontage will start around $200,000 and extend to over $1,000,000 in some cases. Lake front homes and home sites are generally the most expensive.

Providing assistance with all your real estate needs is a network of nationally-known and independent real estate offices. The members of The Hot Springs Village Board of REALTORS, using the Multiple Listing Service and other tools can present to you an extensive inventory of available homes and home sites to meet your needs.

Cost of Living

Taxes

The cost of living in Hot Springs Village, and in Arkansas in General, is surprisingly attractive. The state income tax is graduated up to 7% over $25,000 per year, however; there are several exemptions such as social security benefits, and the first $6,000 received under a public or private employer-sponsored retirement plans. If you are considered a full-year, part-year, or nonresident of the state, then income from all sources, unless exempt, may be considered taxable.

There is a 4.5% sales tax imposed on sales of personal property and certain selected services in the state. Also, there is a 1% sales tax and a 3% tourism tax collected from hotels, motels, resorts and restaurants within the city limits of Hot Springs.

Property taxes are assessed at 20% of market value. Taxes in the Jessieville School District and Garland County are $34.80 per $1,000 of assessed value ($696 per year for a $100,000 home). Taxes in the Fountain Lake School District and Saline County are $40.70 per $1,000 of assessed value ($814 per year for a $100,000 home). Property tax information is provided for information purposes only, and is subject to change. To ensure that you have the most up- to-date information, it is recommended that you call the county assessors offices listed below.

When the state and local taxes are combined (with property taxes) Arkansas residents ranked 47th in 1992 per capita taxes, paying on average $1,514 a year. The national average was $2,178. Source: The State Policy Reference Book 1995. Tax booklets containing appropriate forms are available at the County Revenue Offices, or by calling the State Income Tax Office: 1 (501) 682-7255, or 1-(800) 882-9275.

County Assessors and Collectors

Garland County Assessor: 1 (800) 340-6490 Collector: (501) 622-3710
Saline County Assessor: 1 (800) 794-5800 Collector: (501) 776-6520

Utilities

Water is charged at $11.41/month for the first 8,000 gallons, and $2.12 per 1,000 gallons above that. Sewage charges are $14.82/month. Sanitation is charged at $12.08/month. Billing period for water, sewage and sanitation is every two months: all services provided by HSV POA. Phone: (501) 922-5556 to set up account.

Electricity (per KWH) is $0.13. Average home usage is 950 KWH. Contact: Entergy Corporation 1-(800) 368-3749 in Garland County, or First Electric Co-op 1-(800) 489-6716 in Saline County.

Telephone service is provided by Southwestern Bell, and the monthly charge is $27.95 for basic service Phone: Residential service, 1-(800) 464-7928 Business, (800) 499-7928. Cable TV (Cox Comm.) is $45.00 for enhanced basic monthly service (501) 984-5010.

Propane gas can be supplied to those residents wishing to use it for the fireplace, kitchen, etc.
Ferrellgas: (501) 623-8816. Aeropres: (501) 262-4300. Natural gas is not available in HSV.

Other

Automobile registration is $24.75 (3,000 lbs or less). Drivers license is $25.00-$30.00 for regular noncommercial, depending on the date of birth. $5.00 annual auto decal fee. Homeowners insurance on a $175,000 home with $500 deductible in the Village is approximately $575.00 per year.

Weather Summary

Hot Springs enjoys a mild climate with four distinct seasons. We golf and fish all year round.

Precipitation

Total precipitation is about 52 inches per year. Most precipitation falls in the form of rain. Occasionally, we will get one or two brief snowfalls with accumulations not usually over 6 inches, nor lasting more than two days at a time. Source: Southern Regional Climate Center, Office of Climatology

Temperature

The average monthly mean temperatures are typically as follows:

Jan. 40.7 Feb. 46.7 Mar. 48.3 Apr. 61.0
May 74.5 June 77.8 July 80.9 Aug. 78.4
Sept. 71.6 Oct. 62.5 Nov. 48.2 Dec. 47.0

The average high/low temperatures by month are typically:

Jan. 52.4 / 29.0 Feb. 59.9 / 33.5 Mar. 60.5 / 36.1
Apr. 74.5 / 47/5 May 84.8 / 64.2 June 88.9 / 66.6
July 91.9 / 69.8 Aug. 89.5 / 67.3 Sept. 83.7 / 59.5
Oct. 74.5 / 50.4 Nov. 57.6 / 38.8 Dec. 55.5 / 38.4

Profile of Residents and Property Owners

Since 1970 over 32,000 families from all 50 states and several foreign countries have decided to become a part of Hot Springs Village. Based on the 1990 census, year-round population was estimated at 6,200. In 1999 our Village has grown to over 13,000 residents. There are approximately 7.000 existing homes, and about 250 new homes are added each year. Some purchase property in the Village to live and work here, others in anticipation of someday retiring, some to invest in potential real estate appreciation, and some just love to vacation and enjoy all the wonderful private amenities we offer.

Over 50% of the population of permanent residents are less than 65 years old. We have over 450 school-age children who are bused to the two area local school districts. Approximately 75% of the population is retired or semi-retired.

Our residents and property owners are from all walks of life and levels of income. There are residents on social security, and residents who are independently wealthy. We live in homes from $50,000 to over $1,000,000. The most important aspect about our residents is that no one was transferred here, we all live here by choice.

The Village has 20 churches of all denominations, and there is a synagogue located in Hot Springs with a substantial and vibrant membership. There are over 120 civic and social organizations including Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, camera club, genealogy, coin collecting, bridge, dance, garden, woodworking, theatre, astronomy, ham radio and many more. So, being bored or inactive is totally your choice. There is much to do, or nothing at all!

Hot Springs Village

We have "Village" in our name and in our community spirit
yet, with 26,000 acres, we are hardly small!

We have retired and employed people here
yet, we have all ages of actively involved people.

We have woods, quiet, privacy, serenity
yet, we are close to two cities - Hot Springs and Little Rock.

We are a golfing community
yet, there is fishing, swimming, tennis, dance, bridge and more!

We have some very expensive homes
yet, there are all price ranges $50,000 and up.

We are not "fenced in"
yet, we do have security and controlled access.

We are all from some other place
yet, no one is made to feel like an outsider.

Anyone who has ever attempted to describe this special place feels their superlatives are inadequate. No one who sees it forgets its! Why not come see for yourself, soon!