Look at Hot Springs Village (not Hot Springs). It is a large (13,000 people) gated community bordering the Ouachita National Forest. Populated mostly by conservative, well-educated people. Homes start under 200k. Lake homes start around $350k and up. Townhouses start at around $130k. There’s almost zero crime, a low cost of living, low taxes, low insurance, four-season weather, and no traffic jams (only one stop light). Surrounded by 50 miles of wilderness forest to the north and west, it’s like living in an alpine village. We love it here.
Howdy, neighbor! I’m with you. The wife and I have lived in Hot Springs Village for the last six years and it’s the most serene and beautiful (and politically conservative) place we’ve ever lived. We’ll never move again. Now the rest of our extended family have moved here. Our daughter and son-in-law just bought a beautiful lakefront home here in the Village for $300,000! Amazing. We own a lakefront home too on the same lake so now we just get out the kayaks when we want to visit them. Fun stuff!
Great place.