[sunnysmile]

We are currently living in Baltimore and have decided to get out of this area. We wanted to buy a home in the county there and were thinking about the Hot Springs/Garland County area { want to be in the county} . Is that area a nice place without alot of congestion but still near needed conveniences like hospitals/schools/malls etc { witihin 10 mile range} ?

We were hoping to get a brick single family home with about 1/2 to 1 acre of of land, 3 bedroom,2 bath and 1-2 car garage and around 1500-2000 sq ft living space for under $150,000...and hope the home would be in " move in condition" . Does this sound attainable and are there any other counties that may be a better option for what we are looking for? I retire from the Navy early next year and thats when we plan to move. Thanks for any advice :}

p.s...has that state been able to get casinos yet with poker tables?

[Crackerjack]

I have been to Hot Springs several times and it a nice city. It is growing but I wouldn't consider it large. I don't know about schools and such so a local will have to answer you on that one. I did see a good number of retirees there. Eureka Springs is another beautiful town but it costs more to live there. Also look into Springfield, Missouri, a nice area and my relatives bought a large home near there for hardly anything. A real inexpensive place to live.

[goody2shoes2001]

My husband is from Hot Springs. It's a great place for someone to retire. Hot Springs Villiage may be the area you are looking for since it is for the most part a retirement village complete with it's own shopping centers, Dr.'s offices, etc. and as a plus it also has a gated community.

Garland County has several smaller towns that are really nice. Hot Springs itself is not easily navigated. The streets take a while to learn and the race track and downtown areas stay congested.

To answer your question about gambling, no there are no casinos nor is there a lottery.

If retirement is the reason you are relocating, Mountain Home, Mountain View and Cherokee Villiage also are good communities.

[sunnysmile]

Thansk for reply....there are a few reasons why we wish to move. One reason is that we are currently living about 50 miles away from Washington D.C and we are a bit worried our location is becoming increasingly unsafe { terroriit attacks/military attacks} because it may be a highly targeted area. Also we should be able to sell our 3 bedroom-1500 sq ft. home for around $200,000 and be able to get a home simliar to this one for much less in the Garland county area. I will be retiring next year from the navy but will only be 44 years old and will probably get another job but could esily make ends meet with a $10-$15 an hr job. Im assuming that most of the homes in that area do not have basements ?

[golding]

We are from Mena, AR in Polk county. It is about 90 miles west of Hot Springs and a wonderful retirement community. It is a rural area and is situated in the Ouachita Mountains. Check out ww.gomenaarkansas.com just add another w to the first.

[Crackerjack]

Goldring, Mena is a nice area. The Ouachita mountains are really beautiful.
Sunnysmile, I have seen basements in Arkansas but most don't have them but you can find them if you look.
Goody2shoes2001, I forgot about Mountain View! That is a really nice town, a little on the small side but for someone retiring that wants quiet, that is a good one!
Also, is Harrison a good city to live? I have heard people talk good about it but I would like someone in Arkansas to comment. Thanks!

[kdhredsatin]

Hot Springs/Garland County is a great place to live. Hot Springs Village as mentioned in other posts is a community within itself. That's a good safe place. Most area lakes, and there are many are also great places to retire. Lake Hamilton, Lake Catherine etc. With you being in the military you won't have any trouble learning the area. Spent 10 years in the air force, after traveling in the military you seem to learn that easily. Lots of fun things to do in Hot Springs. Saline County is next to Garland, it's growing leaps and bounds, lots of new stores, restaraunts, etc. but still plenty of area to "live in the country". Schools systems are good in both areas. There is a near by Air Force Base in Jacksonville about an hour from Hot Springs, for those base privledges. You shouldn't have any problems finding a home as you mentioned for the range your looking for. Try doing a search for hot springs village, they have their own web site. It has good info.

[chemaster]

For this amount of money you should be able to get something decent.

removed

[diamonds]

I am located in Pike county and I love it here. I am about 55 miles S.W. of Hot Springs on Lake Greeson. I strongly recommend this area.

[arkie-gal]

Arkansas is a great place to live. One of my favorite places in the state is Hot Springs -- it's big on tourism, Oaklawn Park is wonderful, lots of lakes -- but I wouldn't want to live there. If you are retired Navy, you might want to consider the Jacksonville, Conway, Searcy, Heber Springs area. Close to Little Rock Air Force Base if you want to shop at the commissary, BX or take advantage of the base clinic. Also, the area is central to the state and all of its natural wonders. Coming from the DC area, you will probably be in shock at what $150K can buy in real estate, depending on the area. Good Luck!