Hot Springs Village Inside Out

Melissa Speers has served the Jessieville school system for years, the last eight as the Superintendent. This week, I sat down with her in her office to learn more about the K-12 school system just outside the gates of Hot Springs Village. Some of you with children are considering making Hot Springs Village your home. You've asked for more insights into the two school districts that serve Hot Springs Village. Last month, we visited with Darin Laundry, the Superintendent of Fountain Lake, the other school system serving Hot Springs Village. I encourage you folks with school-age children to contact the offices of these school systems to schedule a tour. Visit Hot Springs Village while school is in session to experience these two fine school systems as you make your decision. Contact Melissa's office if you'd like to tour the school system with your child. (501) 984.5381 Office || melissa.speers@jsdlions.net  Check out the Jessieville School District's Facebook page, too.   • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel (click that bell icon, too) • Join Our Facebook Group • Support Our Sponsors (Click on the images below to visit their websites.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Rick Marshall, #1 Waterfront Specialist with McGraw Realtors, joins me for our monthly Hot Springs Village real estate update - for September 2025. We'll also tour a house not yet on the market (at the time we recorded) - 13 Caribe Lane, Hot Springs Village (see the video tour below). CLICK HERE to see details on this listing.   It's just one reason to work with Rick. You can get a jump on the house you want. Besides, Rick is a valued sponsor of this show, so you're getting one of the best realtors inside Hot Springs Village, AND you're supporting our program. At the end, we'll also see if we can stump our realtor! Here is Rick's September market update.   • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel (click that bell icon, too) • Join Our Facebook Group • Support Our Sponsors (Click on the images below to visit their websites.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Sometimes it's the smallest things that make the biggest differences in our lives. Here inside Hot Springs Village, those little things are easier to notice...and to enjoy! Here are about four areas where the itty-bitty things add up for me. What about you?   • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel (click that bell icon, too) • Join Our Facebook Group • Support Our Sponsors (Click on the images below to visit their websites.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

I love Hot Springs Village. A lot! I have ever since September 2018, when I first drove through the gates as an Airbnb guest. But... There are a few things I dislike. Some of them very much. It's not a comprehensive list, and it's not objective. It's my list, and it's 100% subjective based on my preferences and my experiences. My list is numbered, but it's not in order of my dislike (or hatred) except for the first one. That's the biggest one for me.   • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel (click that bell icon, too) • Join Our Facebook Group • Support Our Sponsors (Click on the images below to visit their websites.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Getting retirement right isn’t just about money — it’s about designing the life you want. It's about taking advantage of today - the present. In this episode of Hot Springs Village Inside Out, we explore the keys to making retirement work: avoiding common regrets, figuring out the right place and time, and building a lifestyle that fits your values. Discover why Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, continues to be one of the best places to retire, offering affordability, natural beauty, and a vibrant community. If you’re planning retirement or already living it, this conversation will help you think about what really matters so you can get it right the first time.   • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel (click that bell icon, too) • Join Our Facebook Group • Support Our Sponsors (Click on the images below to visit their websites.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Will Owens, Golf Course Superintendent for the Diamante Country Club, joins me to tour the course. A 17-year veteran at Diamante, Will shares a bit of history and his insights into one of the premier private golf courses in Arkansas. Enjoy!   • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel (click that bell icon, too) • Join Our Facebook Group • Support Our Sponsors (Click on the images below to visit their websites.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

The Reunion Resort Villas is now open for business. What began as an idea five years ago has come to fruition thanks to Brandon Tedder, owner and founder. The Reunion Resort Villas brings a new level of luxury overnight accommodations to the Village. Guests can be within a mile of three golf courses (Diamante Country Club, Isabella, and Granada), as well as numerous restaurants. The resort features three 4-bedroom units and four 1-bedroom studio suites. Sorry, NO PETS are allowed! The Villas features a 4-bedroom option, suitable for accommodating up to eight guests. Currently priced at $585 nightly plus taxes. No extra cleaning fees! Add a golf cart for $35 a day. The Reunion Resort Villas also feature 1-bedroom studio suites that accommodate up to two guests. Currently priced at $185 nightly plus taxes. No extra cleaning fees! Add a golf cart for $35 a day.   • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel (click that bell icon, too) • Join Our Facebook Group • Support Our Sponsors (Click on the images below to visit their websites.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Darin Landry is the Fountain Lake School District's Superintendent. I work with top-level leaders every day, so I quickly recognized him as a high-performer, both in his own vision of making Fountain Lake a top-performing school district and in assembling a high-performing team. Fountain Lake schools serve the Saline County part of Hot Springs Village. We sat down in a conference room at the district headquarters to learn more about the uniqueness that is the Fountain Lake School District, home of the Cobras. 4207 Park Ave, Hot Springs, AR, United States, Arkansas (501) 701-1700 Peyton Albright: palbright@flcobras.com   • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel (click that bell icon, too) • Join Our Facebook Group • Support Our Sponsors (Click on the images below to visit their websites.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________

"My wife and I are considering Benton, Little Rock, or Hot Springs (including Hot Springs Village). We have family in Little Rock. We want to find 5-10 acres." "Hot Springs Village is appealing to us because of all the golf courses, but we'd like to have a few acres. We know Benton is the nearest town to Little Rock. Would it be feasible for us to own a lot inside HSV so we could play golf, but to find some acreage between HSV and Benton?" "What is the drive like between HSV and Benton?" "We seriously considered HSV, but when we found out we couldn't find acreage so we could have horses, we decided we needed to look elsewhere. You've mentioned the drive from HSV to Benton. Do you think we might find something in that area?" These are just a few of the curiosities I've had about this area. It's exciting that so many of you are working hard to get this phase of life right! While Hot Springs Village isn't ideal for everybody, it seems some are fond of this area of Arkansas. So today, let's take a drive back from Benton to Hot Springs Village so you can see for yourself the drive down Highway 5 once we exit I-30 in Benton.   • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel (click that bell icon, too) • Join Our Facebook Group • Support Our Sponsors (Click on the images below to visit their websites.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Last Wednesday was an awful day for our country—the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Last Thursday, we remembered another awful day for our country that occurred 24 years ago, 9/11. I ventured out to my back porch to record today's show to provide a perspective that may help you navigate challenging times. Today's episode was recorded on the afternoon of Thursday, September 11, 2025. But don't fret, the subject isn't politics or any other specific topic that may trouble you. Instead, it's about how nature - and the beauty of Hot Springs Village - can help us get through tough times.   • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel (click that bell icon, too) • Join Our Facebook Group • Support Our Sponsors (Click on the images below to visit their websites.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Rick Marshall, #1 waterfront specialist with McGraw Realtors, shares an end-of-summer real estate update for Hot Springs Village, and he answers some audience questions, too. What can you tell us about the school systems - Jessieville and Fountain Lake? What help might a realtor provide for adult children who need to relocate our parents? We don’t live in HSV and need to move them closer to us, but we’re overwhelmed with the house and all the stuff. We’ve been searching online for a house that’s suitable for us (husband and wife) and my mother. So far, nothing seems quite right. Does HSV allow ADUs? NOTE: ADU stands for Accessory Dwelling Unit, which is a self-contained, independent living unit located on the same property as the primary residence. I’m worried about the condition of roofs because I hear that it really impacts homeowners’ insurance. As a buyer, what should I do to ensure I don’t make a mistake that could cost me? My husband and I are willing to consider a fixer-upper, but we have concerns about the availability of good remodel help. Can you provide any insights on that? We’ve seen (online) some older houses that look like they need a ton of work, but the lot seems very lovely. Are people demo’ing houses and completely rebuilding? Here's Rick's professional video of the property, 10 Delavaga Circle, Hot Springs Village: https://youtu.be/lIONZ6b4HGw?si=2MbxY97mHUA-eAd3   • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel (click that bell icon, too) • Join Our Facebook Group • Support Our Sponsors (Click on the images below to visit their websites.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________

What’s drawing people to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas? After countless conversations with my audience, I’ve learned a few surprising lessons about the people considering/planning to retire here. In this episode of Hot Springs Village Inside Out, I share three big takeaways that caught me off guard:✅ Many of you are planning your move 2–4 years in advance ✅ Some of you move to different places to expand your retirement experience ✅ Golf, pickleball, and lake life are bigger motivators for some than the cost of living ✅ Quite a few of you think Hot Springs Village is more "touristy" than it really is✅ A surprising number of you have never even visited Arkansas before considering the Village If you’re curious about life in Hot Springs Village—or just wondering why so many retirees are looking this way—this episode will give you an inside look at what’s happening. ? Thinking about retirement? Don’t just plan a move—plan a life. ? Subscribe for more stories, tips, and real-life insights about Hot Springs Village: @HSVInsideOut Email me: Hello@HSVInsideOut.com I continue to conduct Zoom calls with some of you so I can learn more - and help you. Got questions about the Diamante Country Club? CLICK HERE #HotSpringsVillage #RetirementPlanning #ArkansasRetirement #Pickleball #GolfLife   • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel (click that bell icon, too) • Join Our Facebook Group • Support Our Sponsors (Click on the images below to visit their websites.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________

I'm biased in favor of the Fall/Autumn inside Hot Springs Village because we made our first visit here in September 2018. You may want to consider visiting in the Fall.   • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel (click that bell icon, too) • Join Our Facebook Group • Support Our Sponsors (Click on the images below to visit their websites.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________

When I first appeared on this show to discuss how Rhonda and I were approaching our "retirement" years (even though we're not really retired), I was bombarded with questions from viewers wanting to know more about my spreadsheet and my cash-flow approach. Disclaimer: I am NOT a tax or accounting professional. I'm NOT a financial advisor. I'm just a guy trying to make the most of the resources we have. Hot Springs Village is a central character in this retirement strategy.  In recent months, interest has increased as audience members have shared their stories and concerns about retirement. This is just our approach. I hope it helps you find a strategy that can help you make your dollars go further!   • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel (click that bell icon, too) • Join Our Facebook Group • Support Our Sponsors (Click on the images below to visit their websites.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Retirement should be a time of peace and enjoyment — but choosing the wrong place to live can turn that dream into disappointment. According to AARP and other retirement studies, more than 30% of retirees who move out of state later say they wish they’d chosen differently. So, what are the biggest regrets we’ve heard — and how can you avoid them? Let’s break down the seven regrets I hear from our audience. 1. We Didn’t Visit Enough Before Moving Many retirees fall in love with a place on vacation, but vacation living isn’t the same as daily living. Tip: Spend extended time (even off-season) before committing. 2. We Underestimated How Much We’d Miss Friends & Family The emotional toll of distance can hit hard. Tip: Have a plan for staying connected or traveling back. 3. We Focused on the House, Not the Community A dream home doesn’t matter if you feel isolated. Tip: Evaluate neighborhood dynamics, not just square footage. 4. We Didn’t Consider Medical Access Enough Health surprises happen. Are facilities nearby? Specialists available? Tip: Research hospitals, urgent care centers, and the availability of providers. 5. We Didn’t Understand the Culture or Pace of Life Some want peace and quiet. Others miss the hustle and bustle. Tip: Select a location that aligns with your energy and lifestyle. 6. We Didn’t Budget Realistically Hidden costs, such as HOA fees (and unexpected increases), transportation, or travel, can strain a fixed income. Tip: Talk to real residents. Get a true picture of costs. 7. We Thought It Would Fix Everything A new zip code won’t solve personal or relationship challenges. Tip: Move with clarity, not desperation. While the vast majority of people we encounter here in Hot Springs Village love it and most wish they'd come here sooner, some people can regret moving here. Everybody has their unique situation and preferences. Be aware of them and adjust accordingly. Don't romanticize how you think things may be. Be as sure as you can. At this age, we need to get our retirement right!   • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel (click that bell icon, too) • Join Our Facebook Group • Support Our Sponsors (Click on the images below to visit their websites.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Today, I want to take a slightly different angle. We often talk about why people love retiring to Hot Springs Village. But not everyone who looks at the Village decides it’s the right fit. And that’s okay. So let’s talk about some of the reasons people choose not to retire here. Let's walk part of the Cedar Creek trail while we discuss it.   • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel (click that bell icon, too) • Join Our Facebook Group • Support Our Sponsors (Click on the images below to visit their websites.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Rick Marshall, #1 Waterfront Specialist with McGraw Realtors, gives us a market update for July 2025, plus he answers some viewer questions. Today's show was recorded from one of Rick's listings located at 25 Costa Del Lago Lane. Here's a video of the property produced by Rick: CLICK HERE. For more information, call Rick at (501) 601-7425.   • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel (click that bell icon, too) • Join Our Facebook Group • Support Our Sponsors (Click on the images below to visit their websites.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________

It happened about 3 weeks ago. An email hit my inbox to begin a conversation I hadn't considered having. Then, it happened again. And again. Each time it was slightly different - but the same. People who said they hadn't yet visited Hot Springs Village...and weren't sure if they ever would, for fear it was an exclusive community where they'd feel uncomfortable. After a handful of these encounters, I finally decided to set the record straight and combat this misconception about Hot Springs Village.   • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel (click that bell icon, too) • Join Our Facebook Group • Support Our Sponsors (Click on the images below to visit their websites.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________

In this special episode of Hot Springs Village Inside Out, we sit down with renowned golf course architect Tom Clark and John Paul to celebrate two monumental anniversaries in Hot Springs Village golf history — 25 years of Isabella Golf Course and 30 years of Diamante Country Club. John Paul served as the Director of Golf for the Hot Springs Village Property Owners Association for many years. He also served as the interim General Manager...twice! Tom shares the stories behind the designs, the inspiration behind the layouts, and the lasting legacy these courses have left on the community. Whether you're a passionate golfer, a resident of the Village, or someone who appreciates the beauty of thoughtful design, you’ll enjoy this heartfelt look back at how two legendary courses came to life — and why they still matter today.   • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel (click that bell icon, too) • Join Our Facebook Group • Support Our Sponsors (Click on the images below to visit their websites.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Today, we’re going to talk about something that doesn't always show up in the brochures, the spreadsheets, or the checklists. But in my opinion — and in the opinion of a lot of folks who live here inside Hot Springs Village — it's absolutely essential to getting retirement right. Today’s topic? How a place makes you feel. When most people think about retirement, the questions start off pretty predictably: “What’s the cost of living?” “Is there good healthcare nearby?” “Are there enough activities to keep me busy?” “What’s the climate like?” Those are important. We talk about those things a lot on this show — and we’ll keep doing it. But there’s another question — a deeper question — that gets skipped far too often: “How does this place make me feel?” It might sound a little soft or sentimental — until you realize that this is the question that often determines whether you feel at home…or like you’re just visiting. Here's the picture I'm able to paint about the Village. It's my experience and you'll find many others who express the same things. You drive through the gates of Hot Springs Village. The trees tower above. It’s quiet — really quiet — but not lonely. There’s a breeze coming off one of the lakes, and the sun’s beginning to dip behind the Ouachita Mountains. You roll the windows down a bit. You don’t realize it at first, but your breathing slows. Your shoulders drop. Something inside says, “This… this feels good.” And every time we enter the gates I turn to Rhonda and say, "I still love it here." That’s the feeling I’m talking about. It’s peace. It’s safety. It’s possibility. It’s maybe even the first time in a long time that you’ve felt like yourself again. It's science and common sense. Environmental psychologists have studied how physical spaces affect our well-being. Their findings? Things like: - Access to nature reduces stress and improves mood. - Safe, walkable neighborhoods increase happiness. - Sunlight and clean air lead to better sleep and more energy. - Being part of a close-knit, connected community increases life expectancy. These are the things you hear citizens of Hot Springs Village say consistently. “I feel better here.” “I sleep better.” “I feel like I belong.” And it’s not just emotion — it’s real, physiological change. You feel better because your environment is better. I’ve talked to a lot of folks who’ve moved here, and you know what they say? They don’t talk about tax savings or property values first — though those things are great. They talk about how they felt the first time they drove through the gates. One woman told me, “I didn’t even get out of the car. I just knew. It felt like home.” Another couple said, “We weren’t even planning to move yet. We were just looking around. But this place spoke to us. We couldn’t stop thinking about it.” Those are emotional responses. And they matter. Because when you’re choosing where to spend your next chapter — maybe the best chapter — of your life, don’t you want to feel inspired? Calm? Energized? Connected? Feelings matter. In our working years, we often tolerate stress. Some of us thrived on it. We get used to being overbooked, under-rested, and surrounded by noise — literally and figuratively. But retirement? That’s our chance to reset. It’s not just about what you’re retiring from. It’s about what you’re retiring to. You’re choosing the backdrop for your best years. And you deserve a place that not only fits your budget — but fits your spirit. And for many people, Hot Springs Village is precisely that. Now what? So here’s my challenge and encouragement to you, if you’re considering retirement: Yes — do the research. Crunch the numbers. Check out healthcare options, internet speeds, grocery store distances, all of that. Whatever really matters to you. But come visit. Walk a trail. Stand by a lake. At dusk, walk the cart path of a golf course. Talk to the people. Breathe the air.