Discover Hot Springs, Arkansas: The Spa City Where Healing Waters Meet Timeless AdventureNestled in the lush Ouachita Mountains and cradled by Lake Hamilton, Hot Springs, Arkansas, is a one-of-a-kind destination where 47 natural thermal springs bubble up from the earth at a soothing 143°F, earning** earning it the nickname "The Spa City." As the 11th most populous city in Arkansas with a 2025 population of 36,888 (up 1.2% from 2024), Hot Springs spans 38.2 square miles in Garland County at an elevation of 597 feet. With ZIP codes 71901–71903 and 71913–71914, seamless access via US-70, US-270, and Hot Springs Memorial Field Airport (HOT), and the proud motto "America's First Resort," this National Park city blends healing history, Southern charm, and outdoor thrills into an irresistible escape.A Diverse, Welcoming CommunityHot Springs’ vibrant population mirrors its inclusive spirit: 70.8% White, 18.2% Black or African American, 9.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Asian, and growing multiracial families. The median age is 42.3, with 19% under 18 and an average household size of 2.21. Known for its affordable living (median home value $175,000, cost of living 15% below national average), the city boasts a median household income of $48,125 and an unemployment rate of 4.8%. From historic Central Avenue to lakeside neighborhoods, Hot Springs welcomes retirees, young professionals, and families with open arms.A Legacy of Healing and Historic GrandeurHot Springs’ story begins thousands of years ago with Native American tribes like the Quapaw and Caddo revering the thermal waters for healing. European settlers arrived in 1807, and by 1832, President Andrew Jackson designated the area as the first federal reservation—predating Yellowstone as America’s first national park. The 1890s Gilded Age brought opulent bathhouses like the Buckstaff and Fordyce (now a National Park Service visitor center), attracting legends from Al Capone to Babe Ruth. Hot Springs National Park—encompassing Bathhouse Row and 5,500 acres of protected forest—preserves this legacy, drawing 3 million visitors annually. The city’s Gangster Era (1920s–1960s) adds intrigue, with sites like the Gangster Museum of America chronicling figures like Owney Madden.An Economy Fueled by Tourism and InnovationHot Springs thrives on tourism (generating $2.1 billion annually), healthcare, and manufacturing. CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs and National Park Medical Center anchor healthcare, while Triumph Airborne Structures and Berry Global drive industry. The Hot Springs Metro Partnership and Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce foster growth through initiatives like the 2025 Downtown Revitalization Plan, enhancing walkability and attracting tech startups to the Hot Springs Tech Hub. With Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort employing 1,500+ and generating $400M in economic impact, the city balances heritage with forward momentum.Education for Every PathThe Hot Springs School District (serving 3,600 students) includes award-winning Hot Springs World Class High School, while National Park College (NPC) offers 60+ programs, including culinary arts and nursing. Fountain Lake and Lake Hamilton districts serve surrounding areas, and Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts (ASMSA)—a statewide residential magnet—ranks among the nation’s best. With 32% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, Hot Springs invests in education from STEM labs to adult literacy programs at the Garland County Library.Culture, Cuisine, and Unforgettable ExperiencesHot Springs is a playground of art, adventure, and flavor. Stroll Bathhouse Row for spa treatments at Quapaw Baths or Superior Bathhouse Brewery (the only brewery in a U.S. national park). Savor Southern staples like McClard’s BBQ (since 1928) or Vault 1905 in a historic bank. Art explodes at the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival (October) and Gallery Walk (first Friday monthly). Thrills await at Oaklawn (live racing December–May), Magic Springs Theme & Water Park, or Garvan Woodland Gardens (70 acres of tulips, waterfalls, and holiday lights). Outdoor lovers hike Hot Springs Mountain Tower (216 ft, panoramic views), kayak Lake Hamilton, or boat Lake Ouachita—the largest lake entirely in Arkansas.Events That Light Up the YearThermal Springs Music Festival (June): Classical concerts in historic venues World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 17): 98 ft of pure fun Hot Springs Arts & Crafts Fair (October): 300+ vendors Lights on the Lake (Nov–Dec): 1M+ lights at Lake Hamilton Safe, Connected, and Future-ReadyThe Hot Springs Police Department’s Community Outreach and Real-Time Crime Center ensure safety, while Entergy Arkansas and Hot Springs Utilities deliver reliable service. The 2025 Mobility Master Plan expands trails and transit, and HOT Airport connects to Dallas and Memphis. The 311 system and Visit Hot Springs app keep residents engaged.In Hot Springs, healing waters flow, history whispers, and adventure calls. Whether you’re soaking in a thermal bath, betting on a horse, or hiking a mountain trail, this city offers restoration for the body and soul. Ready to dive in? Visit cityhs.net or visithotsprings.org to plan your escape. Welcome to Hot Springs—where the water’s hot, and the living is legendary.