[endlosung]

Well we looked around Harrison, and it is a low crime area, but I feel the look of "you aint from these parts are you" So we are putting in an offer in hot springs, well 8 miles north on 7. more toward hot springs village, I do not like the crime stats. on hot springs, they are higher then the nat. avg. and higher than most anywhere I have ever lived.
I am told that the high crime is contained in the "black" areas of hot springs.
I spent a month there and did not feel like I needed to not go into town, the auto theft rate is very high there.
I have even heard that hot springs village has had some drug arrests in it.
We are looking at 6 ac. on a mt. ridge with great view. city water,and natural gas. no associating fees and no Mobil homes or modular allowed. min 1800 sf homes site built only.
I am a gun nut so called the local club. and found that the person who runs the club is from my area, and we talked about it for an hour, this is a non, or not to judgmental community, Harrison on the other hand, I can more easily tell you how many people were not praying at neighbors mill coffee shop over their muffin than that were. Every one it seems was talking about how much more they can do to serve "god", since I am an atheist, I do not think my views will wash in areas that produce the ilk of Benny hinn,jim baker,and Mr. I was deceived when I was caught with a hooker, "swaggart".
I have never told any one that they need to believe as I do, but a Christian will not think twice before calling you [evil,demon possessed,sinner,ect.] or any number of other names just because you do not believe as they do.
Not to pick on Christians, Islam does the same or worse will fly a plane into your building if you do not see as they do. I digress, How do any of you who have moved to hot springs feel about the crime?

[woopig_sooie]

I would assume that most of the crime is drug related. There is alot of drugs in and around Hot Springs. Meth to be more exact. Seems like most of my "friends" from college went to Hot Springs to get their "fix".

I woudn't have any reservations about living in Hot Springs. It is a fun town, and very scenic with all the lakes in the very near area. You will be living near the Quartz crystal mines. Did you happen to check those out while you were there?

[markmccorkle]

The crime rate in hot springs is quite a bit higher than most other places in arkansas, and you were accurately informed: the crime rate is mostly concentrated in the 'black' community. Downtown hot springs is a charming area with many cultural events year 'round. We were looking for a place in hot springs, but finally decided on Malvern (because we couldnt afford what we wanted in Hot springs)
Oaklawn Jockey Club (horse racing) is a BIG attraction and partly accounts for the elevated crime rate as well. I've never felt unsafe while visiting and shopping in hot springs though.

[prowler]

There's been some discussion here regarding the escalating crime rate in Hot Springs. There's also been a hint that crime is higher in the "black" community.

After spending only a short amount of time in Hot Springs (proper) what section of town is considered the black community? We came in from the north (Rte 7) and spent a few nights on the south side of town and then left Hot Springs heading toward Mena on Rte 270. While we were there, a mugging occurred on the north end of town by a crippled black male asking for a ride and then pulling a screwdriver on the driver.

The congestion in/around the racetrack was mind boggling during our stay there and we soon learned to gauge our touring at certain times of day to avoid that hassle. We never came across - or noticed - a black community.

Roger

[bmacdo]

There's a job I'd be quite interested in there but I bailed as soon as I saw the crime numbers. Somebody had better start getting a handle on it before it scares all the professionals away. I was very surprised to see a number that's higher than found in most large urban areas in the US. Wow!

[prowler]

Just my $ .02 regarding crime in Hot Springs, but does everybody know the complete history of Hot Springs, Arkansas? Local and State corruption was business as usual until a few decades ago. Criminals from all over the country could get a "pass" while visiting the city - Hot Springs being a neutral zone.

http://library.thinkquest.org/TQ0312485/gangsters.htm

Roger

[markmccorkle]

Working in Hot Springs is acceptable, its just not suitable for us to live there. There are several surrounding areas that are very nice for family living. If you dont mind a 30 minute or less commute. Lakeside, diamondhead, bismarck, magnet cove are all nice little communities with great school systems.

[from the hip]

Most of the crime I have seen there is by city leaders and their meryy band of real estate developers. They have been doing fraudulent real estate ventures for years and ripping off people for thousands. It is the same group of people every time and the government, law officials and the like are either directly involved or cover for those who are. Even zoning and planning laws revolve areound what is best for these crooks. If you move there just watch your money and don't invest money unless you seriously vet the folks involved. I could name names but some research will tell you everything and keep me out of trouble.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by from the hip

Most of the crime I have seen there is by city leaders and their meryy band of real estate developers. They have been doing fraudulent real estate ventures for years and ripping off people for thousands. It is the same group of people every time and the government, law officials and the like are either directly involved or cover for those who are. Even zoning and planning laws revolve areound what is best for these crooks. If you move there just watch your money and don't invest money unless you seriously vet the folks involved. I could name names but some research will tell you everything and keep me out of trouble.

why did you think it was necessary to dig up a post that is almost 4 years old?

NIta

[20yrsinBranson]

Originally Posted by markmccorkle

The crime rate in hot springs is quite a bit higher than most other places in arkansas, and you were accurately informed: the crime rate is mostly concentrated in the 'black' community. Downtown hot springs is a charming area with many cultural events year 'round. We were looking for a place in hot springs, but finally decided on Malvern (because we couldnt afford what we wanted in Hot springs)
Oaklawn Jockey Club (horse racing) is a BIG attraction and partly accounts for the elevated crime rate as well. I've never felt unsafe while visiting and shopping in hot springs though.

I've been to Hot Springs and I never even noticed any "black" people there. Maybe I wasn't paying attention. Anyway, I never much gave the "crime" a second thought. Have you ever been to Kansas City or East St. Louis? Good Lord, how bad could the crime in Hot Springs POSSIBLY be?

I thought it was really nifty. Loved the old spa buildings and architecture. Not sure what it's like to live there, though. The OP might check out Bella Vista while they are at it too.

20yrsinBranson