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  Today, we take a short drive to demonstrate the magic of the eastern side of Hot Springs Village, where there’s a concentration of golf courses. When you come visit and book your stay at Reunion Resort Villas (and include a discovery package that includes golf at the Diamante Country Club), you’ll be able to experience three golf courses all within a golf cart drive distance.   • 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

  John & Mildred Cooper Nature Preserve (Part 1) Don’t Over-Think It: Dragging Your Feet To Retirement Let’s take a hike through a portion of the John & Mildred Cooper Nature Preserve. The John & Mildred Cooper Nature Preserve is a scenic, 440-acre wilderness area tucked away off Rocoso Drive in Hot Springs Village. Named after the Village’s founders and owned by The Nature Conservancy, the preserve offers a more rugged, “back-to-nature” experience compared to the community’s paved paths, featuring over 3 miles of natural-surfaced trails. Hikers can explore three distinct interconnected routes—the Saline River Trail, Cooper Trail, and the popular Piney Woods Loop—which meander through lush forests and offer peaceful views of the Middle Fork of the Saline River. It is a favored destination for birdwatchers and those seeking a quiet, moderately challenging trek through the Ouachita Mountain foothills, though visitors should come prepared for unpaved terrain and seasonal mud after heavy rains. Today’s conversation was sparked by the umpteenth time a couple told me, “We should have done this much sooner!”    • 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

  Not all neighborhoods inside Hot Springs Village are the same. Choosing the right one can make all the difference in your retirement. In this episode, we break down the key differences between golf course living, lakefront homes, wooded interior lots, and everything in between. From tee boxes to fairways, open water to quiet coves, and mountain views to dense tree cover. You’ll learn what each option really feels like day-to-day. We also talk about differences in home styles, including newer brick homes vs. more modest properties, as well as important structural considerations like basements, crawl spaces, and single-story vs. multi-story living. If you’re considering a move to Hot Springs Village, this episode will help you think more clearly about what matters most so you can choose the neighborhood that fits your lifestyle the first time. In This Episode Golf course living: tee box vs. fairway vs. green Golf communities (near the course, not on it) Lakefront living: large lakes vs. small lakes Open water vs. cove living Lake communities without waterfront property Interior lots: wooded, mountain views, and neighborhood density Home styles: newer vs. older, large vs. smaller homes Foundations: slab, crawl space, partial and full basements One-story vs. multi-story living How to decide what’s right for 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

  Retirement isn’t just about money. For most couples, the biggest challenges don’t come from a lack of savings—they come from a lack of alignment. Different expectations. Different visions. Different assumptions about what life will look like after the working years are over. And if those differences aren’t addressed before retirement, they tend to show up afterward, in ways that create frustration, confusion, and sometimes regret. In this episode of Hot Springs Village Inside Out, we walk through six essential conversations every married couple needs to have before retiring, especially if you’re considering a move to a lifestyle-focused community like Hot Springs Village. Because retirement done well isn’t accidental, it’s intentional. The 6 Questions Every Couple Must Answer 1. What do we actually want our days to look like? Retirement isn’t lived in big ideas like “freedom” or “relaxation.” It’s lived in ordinary days. What does a typical Tuesday morning look like? Are you together all day, or doing your own things? Do you want structure or total flexibility? Clarity here prevents daily friction later. 2. How much do we really need to live? This isn’t about how much you’ve saved—it’s about what your life actually costs. Beyond the basics, consider: Dining out Travel Hobbies Healthcare Giving and helping the family When you understand your true lifestyle costs, you replace uncertainty with confidence. 3. Where do we want to live—and why? Where you live shapes everything: Cost of living Access to healthcare Social opportunities Daily lifestyle Many couples exploring Hot Springs Village are drawn to the natural beauty, slower pace, and affordability, but the key is making sure the lifestyle matches what you truly want. Visiting a place and living there are not the same. 4. What role will work still play in our lives? Retirement doesn’t always mean stopping completely. Some people want: part-time work, consulting, or passion projects. Others are ready to be fully done. The important thing is understanding what work means to each of you because it often provides purpose, identity, and structure. 5. How will we stay healthy—physically and mentally? Your health will shape your retirement more than anything else. What’s your plan for: Daily movement (walking, golf, pickleball, fitness) Mental engagement (learning, reading, curiosity) Social connection (friends, community, relationships) Isolation, not finances, is one of the biggest risks in retirement. And your environment plays a major role in helping you stay active and connected. 6. What does this season of life mean for us? This may be the most important question of all. What is this chapter about? Rest? Adventure? Giving back? Family? Personal growth? If you don’t define this season, you risk drifting into it. And just letting life happen. Final Thought The goal isn’t just to retire. The goal is to build a life you don’t outlive: financially, emotionally, or relationally. And the couples who get this right? They don’t leave it to chance. They talk about it. They think it through. And they move forward. Together. Considering Hot Springs Village? If you’re exploring whether Hot Springs Village is the right place for your retirement, this show is designed to help you make that decision with clarity and confidence. Join the Conversation Which of these six questions have you already talked through as a couple? And which ones have you been avoiding? Thanks for watching and listening! I appreciate 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

  If you’re considering a move to Hot Springs Village, there’s something you need to understand right away: This isn’t one kind of place. It’s many. And that’s exactly what makes choosing the right neighborhood so important. It’s also what makes our ability to showcase or describe the neighborhoods so difficult. In this episode of Hot Springs Village Inside Out, I take you on a walk through one area near Lake Coronado, but more importantly, we go much deeper than what you can see on the surface. Because here inside the Village, neighborhoods can vary dramatically depending on: Whether you’re near a lake, a golf course, a mountain or woods Whether you’re on the water or simply in a lake area Whether you’re on a golf course or just nearby The terrain (flat vs. hilly vs. mountainous) The age of the neighborhood (some date back over 50 years) The density of woods (especially the differences between the east and west sides) And even within those categories, there are layers.   • 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

  There are places inside Hot Springs Village that simply stop you in your tracks. Lake Lago Lookout is one of them. Perched high above the water, this scenic overlook delivers a sweeping view that captures what makes Hot Springs Village so special—rolling hills, dense forest, and the quiet beauty of the Ouachita Mountains stretching into the distance. In this episode, I take you to one of the Village’s “must see” spots… not just for the view, but for what it represents. Because this isn’t just about a pretty place. It’s about what your everyday life could feel like here.   • 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 will be left of you? That’s not a question most of us sit around thinking about—but sometimes life has a way of putting it right in front of us. In this episode of Hot Springs Village Inside Out, I reflect on legacy… not in terms of money or possessions, but in terms of impact. What do we leave behind in the lives of others? What actually matters when life gets quiet? For those planning retirement—or already living it—this conversation takes on even greater importance. Because retirement isn’t just about slowing down… It’s about what you do with the time you’ve been given. And places like Hot Springs Village don’t just offer a lifestyle… They offer something more: The space, the pace, and the people to build a life that outlives 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

  Here are the questions: What are your recommendations to look for in deciding on a new home builder in the village?  Should you have a full home inspection by outside company upon closing on that new home?  Why does Brick seem to be the most used siding inside HSV? My husband and I are planning to move to HSV. In looking at properties online, I’ve noticed many people sell within 2 years of buying. Why?  Are they typically relocating within the  Village, or is there a predominant reason they are unhappy with living there? Thanks for all the great info from you both. HSV Inside Out has been a great resource! We are putting our house on the market in San Antonio next week.You had mentioned an Airbnb you all had stayed in. Are you aware of any that might be willing to do long term rentals say 3-6 months ? We may be short term homeless until we ca purchase a new home. 😊 Appreciate any knowledge you may have. Hot Springs Village sounds too good to be true. We’ve not yet visited, but are planning to come this summer. What are some downsides? We can’t thank you enough  for the youtube videos you produce. Extremely informative !!!! You certainly have great subject matter and are easy to listen to and understand. My wife, and I are planning our 2nd trip to HSV this May. We are staying at a VRBO inside the village (East end). Same place we stayed last time (that was October 2024). We have visited 3 places in South Carolina, and 2 in Tennessee. But HSV is the first we’re visiting for a 2nd time. Our plan, at this time is to think like we lived there. Drive to Little Rock and Hot Springs (for shopping, and mostly doctors, well their offices). Take some hikes, maybe I’ll play a round of golf. visit the fitness center. Look at the stars… go to Walmart and the grocery stores. Just wondering if you had anything specific we should or should not miss. An activity, a trail, a restaurant. One real estate thought. We live in a NW suburb of Chicago. Nice neighborhood, good schools. We have a 1,650 sq ft house (3 bed 2 1/2 bathrooms). And believe it or not, we’ll be lucky to buy a house (new construction or less than 5 years old) in HSV for what we can sell our house for. I have a friend who recently inherited a house in the village and we would like advice on the possibility of holding an estate sale. We’ve been reviewing houses for sale inside Hot Springs Village online. If we wanted to do some rennovations – like new flooring, painting, and maybe moving one wall or creating another rear opening – what advice do you guys have on finding a good contractor? In one episode we recall hearing Randy talk about the grade of lots and how some lots might not cost as much as others, but the cost to build on them might be substantially more. He mentioned having a builder look up using their software so we could estimate the building costs in advance. What if I’d rather not contact a home builder, is there some other way to make a wise decision? Is there a bad time to come visit 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

  Today’s real estate update with Rick Marshall of McGraw Realtors showcases how affordable waterfront homes inside Hot Springs Village can be. One of the great things about Hot Springs Village is the economic diversity that makes it affordable for people in a variety of financial positions. Yes, you can find million-dollar homes on Lake Balboa, but you can also consider a $200K townhome like this one, located at 6 Opalo Place, Hot Springs Village. Contact Rick Marshall at McGraw Realtors: (501) 601-RICK (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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

  One of the things people ask me all the time about Hot Springs Village is this: “What do people actually do there?” The better question might be…What DON’T people do? Today I want to take you along on a walk through one of the Village’s gathering areas near the DeSoto Nature Trail. In this same area, you’ll find the Hot Springs Village Dog Park and the lawn bowling center, where folks gather to play bocce ball and enjoy lawn bowling. These are some gathering places inside Hot Springs Village where community happens. As you’ve seen in this series so far, there are many of these places.   • 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

  Everybody – and I do mean EVERYBODY – I interact with who is considering Hot Springs Village as their retirement destination is concerned about money. That doesn’t mean everybody’s financial situation is the same. Hardly. I’ve talked with audience members who have a strong cash/investment position and have no money concerns. I’ve talked with other audience members who must watch their expenses closely. Most are somewhere in between, but the dollars still have to make sense because at this stage of life, we’re all concerned with getting it as right as possible. Today, let me pull the curtain back and share our numbers. Your mileage may vary, but I hope to illustrate how life inside Hot Springs Village can be built according to your ability and preferences. It’s your money, and you get to decide how much, or how little, you’d like to spend.   • 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 Archery Range inside Hot Springs Village is located just off Fenix Way. Tucked away in the pine trees, it’s a beautiful place where archers of all skill levels can congregate to do what they love. It’s not fancy or high tech, but it’s inviting. So much so, I’d love to visit when people are performing their sport. Here’s a link to the Hot Springs Village Property Owners’ Association website listing the outdoor activities provided by the POA: click here.   • 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 Lake Balboa beach and associated amenities are located at 476 Ponce de Leon Drive. This is one of two beaches inside the Village. Lake DeSoto has the other one. Balboa Beach is the largest beach and features a sand surface. There are six shade shelters with picnic tables available to rent throughout the season, four of which have grills. There is also a playground for children on the other side of the parking lot – Balboa Park. The Pavilion is large, capable of accommodating some of the largest gatherings inside the Village. It’s a popular gathering place for a number of state groups, including HSV Texans. This summer, Balboa Beach will be a go-to destination for many residents and visitors. This is where the July 4th celebrations take place each year, 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

  Click here to book a reservation at the HSV RV Park. The Hot Springs Village RV Park is a private park for members and sponsored guests. In a serene rural setting between Lake Pineda and Lake Coronado, the park features 21 sites: 12 pull-through (Sites 1-12) and 9 back-in (Sites 13-21). The HSV RV Park offers full-service hook-ups with water, sewer, and 30/50-amp service at each site, along with grills, fire rings, and picnic tables. Concrete picnic slabs are available on Sites 13-21. There are no bathrooms or showers onsite so all RVs must be self-contained. Registered RV Park users may use the showers at the Coronado Fitness Center. The Fitness Center is located only one mile away from the RV Park and can be accessed by a nature trail.   • 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

  Want to follow along on Google Maps? Click here. We’ll leave the Cortez Pavilion and make a loop around the northside of Lakes DeSoto and Cortez to show you a bit of the Village, along with a lake community on the west side. Look for more drives throughout the Village to get a sense of the variety of neighborhoods within Hot Springs Village. Enjoy the ride. Note: For editing purposes, the video’s speed isn’t always in real 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________