Hot Springs Village Inside Out

  I spend a lot of time talking about Hot Springs Village, Arkansas – what it’s like to live here, the golf courses, lakes, neighborhoods, amenities, cost of living, retirement lifestyle, and all the little things you discover only by spending time inside the Village. But that doesn’t mean I’m qualified to answer every question about living in Hot Springs Village. Not even close. Take dating in retirement. I’ve been married to Rhonda for almost half a century. If you’re looking for advice about the Hot Springs Village dating scene, I am most definitely not your guy! The same goes for what it’s like to move to HSV as a single person, rebuild your social life after losing a spouse, navigate serious healthcare needs, become an avid golfer, master pickleball, or experience retirement after completely giving up work. I can show you what I see, introduce you to people who know far more than I do, and share my own experiences, but sometimes the most accurate answer I can give you is, “I don’t know.” And that’s really the point of this episode of HSV Inside Out. My goal has never been to convince you that Hot Springs Village is the perfect retirement community for everybody. It isn’t. My goal is to show you as much of the real Hot Springs Village lifestyle as I can. The good, the bad, the interesting, and occasionally the ridiculous, so you can decide whether it might be right for you. There are things I know because I’ve experienced them, things I observe because I live here, and things I’m not qualified to tell you. Knowing the difference matters. So pull up a chair on the porch. We’re talking about some of the questions you probably shouldn’t ask me…and why admitting what we don’t know may be one of the best ways to help you figure out whether Hot Springs Village, Arkansas belongs on your retirement shortlist.   • 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 recorded this I was not thinking of what happened 25 years ago, 9/11. But it seems fitting in the face of the largest act of terrorism against our country. The whole point of terrorism is in the name – to create fear, terror! Doing hard things is always more difficult when the risks are great. So it was on 9/11 when 2,977 victims died and 343 NYC firefighters, 27 NYC police officers and 37 NYC Port Authority personnel sacrificed themselves. In the United States, we live in the greatest country the world has ever known. Our freedoms give us limitless opportunities while providing us the ability to live quiet, peaceful lives. I’ve never done anything remotely close to the first responders who rushed in during 9/11. Today’s episode is not even a third cousin to that kind of “scary.” But fear is a funny thing – it has a drastic scope and scale. And it provides us a degree of courage we might not otherwise have – knowing that soldiers through history have risked (and often given) their lives – so the rest of us can battle our own much, much smaller fears. Growing older well requires courage and resilience. Strength. Commitment. Endurance. Permit some encouragement to embrace the fears that may be stopping you from going forward. Do it anyway. Be smart. Be wiser! Above all, be thankful you have the ability and opportunity. Randy ———————————- There’s a difference between doing something dangerous and behaving recklessly. As we get older, understanding that difference may become more important than ever. In this episode of Hot Springs Village Inside Out, I’m riding my Yamaha XMAX through Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, on wet roads. And yes, that makes me a little nervous. But that’s also the point. It’s easy, especially as we get older, to slowly make our lives smaller. We stop doing certain things because they make us uncomfortable. We avoid something new because we’re afraid we might fail, fall, look foolish, or discover that we’re not as capable as we once were. Before long, fear can begin making decisions for us. I don’t want that. Learning to ride the XMAX has certainly reminded me that fear isn’t always a signal to stop. Sometimes fear is simply telling us, “Pay attention. This matters. You’re doing something unfamiliar.” That doesn’t mean ignoring legitimate danger or taking foolish risks. Riding on wet pavement requires more caution. It means slowing down, staying smooth, increasing following distance, avoiding sudden inputs and respecting the conditions. But there’s a big difference between respecting fear and surrendering to it. Retirement can give us an extraordinary opportunity to try things we never had the time—or perhaps the courage—to try before. Maybe it’s riding a scooter. Maybe it’s traveling somewhere unfamiliar, learning a new skill, starting a business, making new friends, moving to a new community, creating something, or simply saying yes when our first instinct is to retreat to what feels safe. One of the things I’ve discovered about riding around Hot Springs Village on the Yamaha XMAX is that the scooter is becoming more than transportation. It’s giving me experiences. It’s challenging me. And every time I do something that makes me a little uncomfortable and come out the other side, my world gets a little bigger. Maybe that’s something worth protecting as we grow older. We don’t need to become reckless. We don’t need to prove anything to anybody. But we should be careful about allowing fear to quietly take things away from us. Do some scary things. Be smart. Be careful. Respect the danger. But don’t let fear shrink your life. Sometimes that little knot in your stomach is a reminder that you’re still very much alive.   • 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 did you do over Labor Day weekend? Rhonda and I took a brief trip about 90 minutes north of Hot Springs Village. It’s remarkable how many places you can visit within mere hours of Hot Springs Village. We decided to spend a couple of nights away, but it could have been a fairly easy day trip. Just another compelling reason to consider Hot Springs Village. Inside, it’s great. Outside is, 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

  One of the things I appreciate most about Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, is the variety of neighborhoods, homes, people, and lifestyles found throughout this enormous community. On this scooter ride, I take you through several neighborhoods surrounding Diamante Country Club, one of the most distinctive areas inside Hot Springs Village. But this episode isn’t really about big houses, beautiful landscaping, or even golf. It’s about what Diamante brings to Hot Springs Village. I can’t imagine HSV without Diamante. Hot Springs Village attracts people from all over the country and from virtually every walk of life. Many people who choose to retire here have enjoyed successful careers in business, education, medicine, government, entrepreneurship, and countless other fields. They arrive with decades of experience, knowledge and perspective — and many of them generously put those things to work inside Hot Springs Village. Diamante is certainly not the only place in Hot Springs Village where you’ll find accomplished people, but it’s home to many residents who have achieved considerable success during their working lives. I’m glad they’re here. Why? Because communities benefit from having people with different experiences, talents, resources, and perspectives. Throughout Hot Springs Village, retirees contribute countless hours through volunteerism, clubs, churches, committees, charitable organizations, and community projects. Others quietly offer their expertise, leadership, ideas, and financial support to causes they care about. All of that helps make HSV a stronger and more interesting place to live. That’s one reason I don’t view Diamante as somehow separate from the rest of Hot Springs Village. I see it as an important part of the whole. So climb aboard the Yamaha XMAX with me as we ride through some of the Diamante Country Club neighborhoods in Hot Springs Village. We’ll enjoy the scenery and take a look at some beautiful homes, but we’ll also talk about something bigger: the people who choose Hot Springs Village for retirement — and the many ways they continue contributing long after their working careers are over. Hot Springs Village is better because of the variety of people who call it home. And I’m happy Diamante is part of that story. For Diamante Country Club membership information, call Terri Socha at (501) 922-1114 or visit their website.   • 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 the best things in life happen because we simply decide to give it a go. A common thread runs through my thoughts today: don’t let age or fear keep you from trying. Uncertainty and inexperience should not stop you from taking a first step. There’s no need to know exactly how things will turn out. You don’t have to be good at everything you attempt. Whether it’s learning something new, taking up a new hobby, going somewhere you’ve never been, or pursuing an idea that keeps tugging at you, sometimes the only way to find out is to give it a go!   • 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

  This special episode addresses your curiosities that have NOTHING to do with Hot Springs Village. 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

  We made it to golf course #9! In this episode of HSV Inside Out, we ride the scooter to DeSoto Golf Course and the DeSoto Club, completing our tour of all nine golf courses inside Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. Along the way, you’ll get another ground-level look at the beautiful scenery, neighborhoods, and amenities that make Hot Springs Village such a unique place to live, retire, and play golf. If you’re considering moving to Hot Springs Village, or you’re a golfer wondering what life inside America’s largest gated community looks like come along for the ride as we put the finishing touch on our complete Hot Springs Village golf course scooter tour.   • 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

  This morning’s scooter ride takes us to Cortez Golf Course. From there, the ride gets a little more personal. We cruise through the neighborhood where Rhonda and I stayed in our favorite Airbnb, the very place where I first told her, “I could spend a lot of time here.” Looking back, that was an early hint that Hot Springs Village might someday become an even more important part of our lives. Along the way, we also stop by the Cortez Pavilion and pay a visit to the office of Hot Springs Village’s “world’s best dentists.” It’s part golf-course tour, part trip down memory lane, and another chance to show you a little more of what life inside Hot Springs Village looks like from the seat of the scooter. Up next, the OG of Hot Springs Village golf courses, DeSoto. That’ll complete our scooter tour of all 8 public courses, and Diamante.    • 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

  Hot Springs Village covers a lot of territory, and if you’ve never been here, it can be difficult to appreciate just how different one part of the Village can feel from another. In this episode, hop on the scooter with me as we head to the far east end of Hot Springs Village for a scenic ride around beautiful Lake Maria and Lake Sophia, then make our way to the Isabella Golf Course. There’s no better way to understand HSV than to see it firsthand, so come along for the ride and get a look at another beautiful corner of the Village. That makes 7 golf courses. Hot Springs Village has 8 POA-operated golf courses, plus one private course, Diamante Country Club. Next up, Cortez, then DeSoto (the OG).   • 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’ve never visited Hot Springs Village, this ride helps you get a feel for the place. For those considering Hot Springs Village as retirement, this ride shows how large and scenic it is. It highlights how unique this community really is. Hop on the Yamaha XMAX with me as we travel through the Village and visit six of Hot Springs Village’s nine golf courses along the way. But this isn’t really a golf video. It’s an opportunity to see the roads, neighborhoods, woods, scenery, and everyday surroundings that make up Hot Springs Village. The ride lasts more than an hour, so settle in and come along. It may be the next best thing to being here yourself. NOTE: I’m doing minimal editing so you can have some sense of time and distance around Hot Springs Village. And yes, 8 golf courses are part of the HSV POA, PLUS Diamante Country Club (a private club). DeSoto is the OG, and you’ll see it featured all by itself in the coming days (bringing the total of courses to NINE). So much for those who declare that HSV is NOT a golfing community! Click here for the HSV POA amenities list: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/181143264/ Click here for the 2026 HSV POA amenities fee schedule: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/728161868/   • 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 best ways to discover Hot Springs Village is to simply get out and explore. In this scooter tour, I ride through the Hot Springs Village RV Park before heading over to the Coronado Center, home to the fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, library, and community center. Whether you're visiting in an RV, thinking about retiring here, or already call the Village home, this ride offers a firsthand look at some of the amenities that make HSV such a special place. Come along and see what everyday life in Hot Springs Village looks like from the seat of a scooter.   • 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Where you choose to live in Hot Springs Village can shape your daily life just as much as the home you buy. In this episode, I take you along on a brief scooter ride through the Village as we explore the four primary home locations: lake communities, golf course communities, wooded interior lots, and mountain view communities. Each offers a distinctly different lifestyle, from peaceful water views and easy lake access to fairway living, secluded forest settings, or sweeping vistas of the Ouachita Mountains. If you're considering a move to Hot Springs Village, this episode will help you decide which location best matches the retirement lifestyle you're looking for.   • 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Many of you are interested in new, low-maintenance, energy-efficient, age-in-place home designs featuring smaller footprints (1500-2000 square feet). That's the one-sentence description of the Cottages of Isabella by Renaissance Homes. Brandon Tedder, owner of Renaissance Homes, gives us more details. Iniciador Way Neighborhood - The Cottages of Isabella Are you interested? Call Renaissance Homes right now at (501) 753-5006 for details.   • 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 recently read that 70% of retirees are more concerned about having enough money than they are about dying. It made me start thinking about the insights I've discovered talking with and listening to you. As we grow older our concerns, like our priorities, can change. Entering into this new "retirement chapter" of life can create some anxiety about important issues in our life. Today, I'm focused on life design - particularly, designing our best retirement. There are four specific areas that I've found get our attention as older folks: our welfare, our location (and environment), our intentional relationships and our purpose/legacy.   • 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Email your questions to us: [email protected] Rick and I will answer your questions in an upcoming episode. We try to do this every month.   • 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

People often ask me this question. I can't forecast an accurate answer. But I can offer some wisdom on the topic.   • 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 retirement in Hot Springs Village, this episode is one you won't want to miss. While cruising across beautiful Lake Balboa, I rode with Rick Marshall, the Village's #1 waterfront real estate specialist, to discuss what today's market means for buyers and sellers. Rick shares the latest June 2026 real estate update and answers questions submitted by viewers—from whether it's a good time to buy to what today's buyers should expect. Whether you're just beginning to explore Hot Springs Village or you're ready to make your move, this conversation offers practical insights to help you make a more informed decision. Join us for an honest discussion, incredible lake views, and answers to the questions that matter most.   • 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 biggest questions prospective Hot Springs Village residents ask is, "How can I build a home if I don't live there?" In this episode, I take you on a scooter ride through the Village while explaining how Renaissance Homes has streamlined the process for out-of-state buyers. Because they build exclusively in Hot Springs Village, they understand the unique needs of future residents and assign a dedicated project manager to every build, keeping clients informed every step of the way. If you're dreaming about retiring to HSV but aren't sure how to manage a new home build from hundreds of miles away, this episode will show you that it's not only possible...it can be a remarkably smooth and enjoyable experience.   • 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Most of us don't wake up one morning and decide to fill our homes with things we don't need. It happens gradually. A purchase here, a keepsake there, a box that never gets unpacked, and before long we've accumulated more than we ever imagined. I call it "crap creep." It's the slow, almost invisible way our possessions multiply until they begin to demand our attention, our time, our money, and even our peace of mind. In this episode, I share my own story of recognizing that I had reached that point and the practical steps I'm taking to reverse it. This isn't about becoming a minimalist or getting rid of everything you own. It's about being intentional. Whether you're preparing for retirement, considering downsizing someday, or want to enjoy your home without feeling overwhelmed by your belongings, I hope my experience encourages you to reclaim a little more freedom. After all, the goal isn't to own less just for the sake of owning less; it's to make more room for the life you really want to live.   • 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Summer in Hot Springs Village is warm, humid, and undeniably Southern, but it's also one of the most enjoyable seasons if you know how to embrace it. In this episode, I share what the "dog days of summer" are really like, from peaceful early mornings to afternoon thunderstorms, evening porch conversations, and the slower pace that retirement makes possible. If you're wondering whether the summer heat should keep you from considering Hot Springs Village, this honest look at everyday life during the hottest weeks of the year may surprise you. P.S. Our backyard was completely transformed by the awesome work of two small businesses inside HSV: Breshears Custom Decks (Shawn Breshears) and C&S Landscaping (Chris & Seth Graves, brothers). Honest, do-what-they-say-they'll-do kind of guys. I highly recommend them both and thank the people who put me onto them. "Good help is HARD to find," but I did. Breshears Custom Decks C&S Landscaping   • 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Toso, my new 2026 Yamaha XMAX 300 Learning something new later in life can feel intimidating. We get comfortable with what we already know, and the thought of looking awkward or even failing can keep us from trying. In this episode, I share why I decided to earn my motorcycle license at 69, purchase a 2026 Yamaha XMAX, and embrace the challenge of becoming a complete beginner again. Along the way, I learned that countless hours spent practicing slow turns and emergency stops in an empty church parking lot weren't just teaching me how to ride...they were teaching me something far more valuable. Without HotSpringsVillageInsideOut.com this would have never happened. Whether your next adventure involves two wheels, a new hobby, a new career, or simply stepping outside your comfort zone, the principle is the same: everything is hard until it isn't. If you're willing to endure the boredom of practice and the humility of being a beginner, you'll discover new confidence, new freedom, and the joy that comes from proving to yourself that it's never too late to learn something new. Jef with Maxim Motor Sport, Allen, TX Shout out to Jef at MaximHondaYamaha.net in Allen, Texas (972.359.0202). They're a big shop with a massive inventory of powersport machines, gear, and accessories. It's my first motorcycle purchase, and it was extraordinary! And I'm not getting one cent to say so. I highly recommend Jeff and the rest of the crew. Here's a selfie I took right after Jeff loaded my new scooter onto the trailer - minutes before I pulled away to bring her back to the Village. I named her Toso, a Fiji term that conveys the idea of moving forward, advancing, or continuing on. I'm not from Fiji. Never been. But over 4 decades ago, I ran across a Fijian term, "bula". It's analogous to "Aloha" in Hawaiian. It's a greeting and means both hello and good-bye. It also means "life" and carries the connotation that "life is good." I started using it as a greeting on my internal memos in the company I was running at the time. I'd write, "Bula!" instead of some other greeting. Years later, when forming my company, Bula had to be incorporated, so I named my company Bula Network (not because of podcasting or publishing, but because of PEOPLE). So I figured this new scooter needed some Fijian name, too. Toso. It's pronounced TOH-soh, with the emphasis on the first syllable: TOH (rhymes with "go") and soh (also rhymes with "go"). So it sounds like: TOH-soh.   • 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 joys of living in Hot Springs Village is that there always seems to be something new to discover. In this episode, I take you to a peaceful memorial garden at Christ of the Hills Methodist Church, a place I'd driven past countless times without realizing it was there. More than simply showcasing a beautiful location, this episode explores the importance of solitude. While retirement is often about building friendships, staying active, and finding community, there are also seasons when we need a quiet place to think, pray, reflect, or simply breathe. This hidden garden is a wonderful reminder that Hot Springs Village is filled with spaces where peace and stillness are never far away.   • 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 Fourth of July reminded us that freedom is one of life's greatest gifts. Freedom is about much more than the country we call home. It's also about the opportunity to begin again. Whether you're raising a family, preparing for retirement, or already enjoying it, every new season invites you to intentionally design the life you truly want. In this episode of Hot Springs Village Inside Out, I reflect on gratitude for living in the greatest country on earth and in one of America's most remarkable communities, Hot Springs Village. More importantly, I challenge you to embrace the freedom to write your next chapter with purpose, optimism, and the confidence that your best days may still be ahead. Cedar planters purchased from James Duhon.* *James is a resident of Hot Springs Village, a transplant from Louisiana. I paid full price and have enjoyed a few purchases from James. He has listings on Facebook Marketplace and is open to custom-made work, 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

When someone asked me if there's anything I miss by living inside Hot Springs Village, it struck me as a fair question. Every move involves tradeoffs, and ours was no exception. In this episode, I explain why those tradeoffs have been more than offset by what we've gained: a quieter pace, natural beauty, lower costs, less stress, and a lifestyle that better fits this chapter of life. If you're considering a move to Hot Springs Village, this conversation may help you think more clearly about what matters most and whether the Village is the right fit 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

What if one of the greatest advantages in retirement isn't financial at all? In this episode of Hot Springs Village Inside Out, we take a walk along Cedar Creek Trail to explore the power of optimism and why it may be one of the most important ingredients for a fulfilling retirement. In a world filled with negative headlines, uncertainty, and endless reasons to worry, choosing optimism can feel like a radical act. Yet the most satisfied retirees I've met aren't people who have perfect lives. They're people who believe tomorrow can still be better than today. As we walk through the beauty of Hot Springs Village, we'll talk about resilience, gratitude, and why places like HSV naturally encourage a more hopeful outlook on life. If you're considering retirement here or simply looking for a reminder that your best days may still be ahead, this episode is 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Every prospective buyer considering Hot Springs Village eventually reaches the same crossroads: Is this place really right for me? In this episode, I explore some of the questions people are often hesitant to ask - from politics and healthcare to making friends, fitting in, and finding purpose after retirement. After talking with hundreds of people considering a move here, I've learned that the biggest concerns usually have less to do with houses, golf, or amenities and more to do with lifestyle, community, and belonging. Hot Springs Village isn't the perfect place for everybody, and that's exactly why these conversations matter. My goal isn't to convince you to move here; it's to help you determine whether Hot Springs Village might be a better fit for the life you want than the other places you're considering.   • 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

A recent Zoom call with a retired woman left a lasting impression on me. After moving to a 55+ community less than a year ago, she expected to find friendship, activity, and a sense of belonging. Instead, she described a lonely reality where, in her words, "nobody leaves their house." Her story highlights a concern many retirees quietly share: what if the place you choose for retirement leaves you feeling more isolated than connected? In this episode of HSV Inside Out, I explore her experience, discuss the importance of community in retirement, and explain why so many people find Hot Springs Village to be a place where neighbors become friends and life remains active, engaged, and fulfilling.   • 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 really happening in the Hot Springs Village real estate market? In this May 2026 Real Estate Update, Rick Marshall joins me from The Sunset Grill on Lake Balboa to break down the latest numbers, including home sales, average sale price, and days on market. We compare this year’s activity to recent years, discuss what the trends may mean for buyers and sellers, and provide practical insight for anyone considering a move to Hot Springs Village. If you're watching the market closely or planning your retirement move, this episode delivers the data and perspective you need. We also take a stroll over to the Balboa Marina to discuss the cost of boat slips.   • 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 ALWAYS asking folks, "How did you come to be inside Hot Springs Village?" Frequently, people reverse it and ask me the same thing. That's the impetus for today's show. Some places become meaningful because of what happened there. For us, Hot Springs Village became that place. In September of 2018, our family was carrying a burden we never expected. Life had shifted hard and fast, and we needed somewhere quiet to think, regroup, pray, and figure out what came next. What was supposed to be a simple three-day getaway became something much deeper. We walked the trails, sat in silence, asked difficult questions, and found a kind of peace we desperately needed. Looking back now, I think experiencing the Village during one of the most stressful seasons of our lives forever connected this place to healing and hope. Over time, those visits turned into a dream, then a decision. We eventually bought a home here three years ago, and along the way, HSV Inside Out was born (June 1, 2021). This episode is the story of how Hot Springs Village slowly became more than a destination for us — it became home.   • 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 started with an email about 2 years ago. Now and again, I'd get the same question. Then yesterday I got another email asking the same question. I reply to each email, but I figured it was worth telling the rest of you about it. There’s a rhythm to life inside Hot Springs Village. If you live here long enough, you begin to notice it. Some residents are here year-round, fully immersed in the daily routines, community events, and long-term life of the Village. Others come seasonally, returning for part of the year before heading elsewhere when the weather or family schedules change. In this episode of HSV Inside Out, I explore the quiet reality of “snowbird” living in Hot Springs Village and how part-time and full-time residents shape the culture, energy, and identity of the community. From seasonal homes and rental properties to shifting social activity and neighborhood rhythms, this episode takes a thoughtful look at what happens when a community lives in cycles. Whether you’re a full-time Villager, a seasonal resident, or considering a move to HSV, this conversation offers a deeper understanding of the unique balance that makes Hot Springs Village unlike almost anywhere else. But it's not likely what you're thinking because Hot Springs Village is unique.   • 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Hot Springs Village has a reputation. Depending on who you ask, that reputation can be wildly inaccurate. In this episode of HSV Inside Out, I tackle the myths and misconceptions that often shape people’s opinions before they ever visit. Is it just a sleepy retirement community? Is everybody old? Is there nothing to do? Today, I share candid observations about what Hot Springs Village is NOT, while helping prospective residents better understand the lifestyle, culture, and realities of living in America’s largest gated community.   • 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 most surprising things I’ve learned from talking with people interested in Hot Springs Village is just how different they all are. Some are retired couples where one spouse is completely sold on HSV, while the other is hesitant because they’ve never even visited. Others are single retirees, widows, widowers, golfers, non-golfers, nature lovers, budget-conscious planners, or people simply looking for a quieter, more intentional next chapter. The common thread isn’t golf or even retirement itself — it’s the desire to build a better life. In this episode of HSV Inside Out, I explore why Hot Springs Village appeals to such a wide variety of people and how this unique community allows residents to create retirement on their own terms.   • 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Three years ago, my wife and I made a decision that changed the course of our lives: we bought a house in Hot Springs Village. Since then, we've experienced the beauty, challenges, friendships, surprises, and everyday realities that come with calling the Village home. In this episode of HSV Inside Out, I answer a simple but important question: knowing everything we know now, would we still make the move? I'll share what has exceeded our expectations, what took some adjustment, and what prospective residents should consider before making a similar decision. If you're thinking about retiring, relocating, or simply curious about life in Hot Springs Village, this honest reflection may help you decide whether the Village could be the right fit 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Tucked along the shoreline of beautiful Lake Granada in Hot Springs Village, Randy & Vicki Moulton’s back porch is more than just a place to sit — it’s a front-row seat to the retirement lifestyle so many people dream about. In this episode of HSV Inside Out Porch Prowling, we take you behind the scenes of a stunning lakefront outdoor living space designed for relaxing evenings, entertaining friends, and soaking in the peaceful beauty of HSV lake life. From the manicured landscaping to the expansive covered porch (about 1000 sq ft) and serene waterfront setting, this home captures the spirit of why so many retirees are choosing Hot Springs Village to slow down, spread out, and truly enjoy life.   • 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 retirement communities create the same kind of life. Some people discover too late that slowing down can quietly become isolation, boredom, and loneliness. In this episode of HSV Inside Out, I discuss why Hot Springs Village feels so different. From golf, lakes, pickleball, hiking trails, clubs, live music, neighbors, and meaningful friendships, Hot Springs Village offers retirees the chance to stay active, connected, and energized. Retirement doesn’t have to feel like the end of the road. In the right place, it can feel like life is finally opening up.   • 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

After decades in Austin, Texas, Liz Atherton found herself asking a question many retirees eventually face: “Where do I really want to spend the next chapter of my life?” Following a lung cancer diagnosis and successful surgery, the question became even more urgent and personal. Liz wasn’t looking for just another place to live. She wanted a place that felt right financially, emotionally, and physically. So she did the research. Tennessee. The Carolinas. Other retirement destinations across the South. Like so many people considering retirement relocation, Liz carefully weighed climate, cost of living, lifestyle, safety, beauty, and community. In the end, Hot Springs Village kept rising to the top. Just two months after making the move, I joined Liz on her back porch to share why she chose HSV, how she’s “cash flowing” her retirement on Social Security, and why this encore chapter feels exactly right. This Porch Prowling episode is an honest, encouraging conversation about resilience, intentional living, and discovering where home truly belongs. Liz and her son are co-founders of CastVoices.com - a platform serving voiceover artists.   • 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

We're finally getting some much-needed rain. The Village has been anxiously waiting for a few good days of thunderstorms, in hopes the rain will make up for our "below average" rainfall this year. For many people considering retirement in Hot Springs Village, thunderstorms are one of the biggest unknowns about life in Arkansas. In this SPECIAL EPISODE of HSV Inside Out, I share what storms are really like here...from dramatic lightning over the lakes to the peaceful calm that follows a rain. Let's talk honestly about severe weather preparedness, power outages, tornado warnings, and why longtime residents often grow to appreciate the slower, nature-connected rhythm that thunderstorms bring to life in the 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Retirement success isn’t always about having the biggest portfolio. In this episode of HSV Inside Out, we explore two major factors shaping modern retirement: inherited wealth and cash flow management. Some retirees enter this season with hidden financial advantages like paid-for homes, family support, or inherited assets. Others rely entirely on disciplined saving and smart monthly spending. We also discuss why places like Hot Springs Village can dramatically improve retirement cash flow through lower living costs, reduced stress, and lifestyle flexibility. If you’re planning retirement or wondering how to make your money go further, this episode will help you think differently about what really creates financial comfort in retirement.   • 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Days ago I fed a bunch of your emails into an A.I. engine with the question: Go through these emails and give me the top 10 questions people are asking me about retiring to Hot Springs Village. I asked A.I. to rank them in order, too. Today, Rick Marshall, #1 Waterfront Specialist with McGraw Realtors of Hot Springs Village, discuss and answer these. The top questions kind of surprised me, even though I had read (and already privately answered) each email. Keep asking and we'll keep answering. Email your questions to [email protected] I appreciate you watching and hope you'll subscribe to the YouTube channel.   • 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 2020 census showed the Dallas/Fort Worth metro area (known worldwide as "DFW") population of about 7.6 million. Today, in 2026, it's estimated to be north of 8.5 million. The growth has been explosive. That contributed greatly to our decision to escape to Hot Springs Village for much of our life. Actually, for our living! And thriving! What are you needing to escape from in retirement? How might Hot Springs Village provide the respite you're looking for?   • 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Join me and Rick Marshall, #1 Waterfront Specialist with McGraw Realtors of Hot Springs Village, for the early Spring real estate update. Today, we're coming to you from 21 Purista Lane, Hot Springs Village. This beautiful house backs up to the 8th tee box of the popular Granada Golf Course. After Rick's update we'll give you a tour.   • 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, recently encountered a problem with termites. Today, he shares his cautionary tale. Live. Learn. Buyer beware!   • 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Most people plan for retirement around money but overlook one of the most powerful influences on their daily lives: their environment. Where you live...your home, your neighborhood, and the people around you...quietly shapes your habits, activity level, and overall happiness. In places like Hot Springs Village, the natural beauty, active lifestyle, and strong sense of community create an environment that encourages connection, movement, and engagement. Retirement isn’t just about stopping work; it’s about designing a life, and the right environment can make all the difference.   • 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________

Thinking about where to retire? Hot Springs Village offers a rare combination of natural beauty, low cost of living, and an active lifestyle that makes it easy to enjoy this season of life. Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, lakes, and trails surround residents, creating a peaceful setting that encourages you to slow down and get outside. What really sets it apart is the lifestyle. With golf, pickleball, tennis, boating, and a community of people who chose to be here, it’s easy to stay active and connected. It’s not perfect—but for many retirees, it’s exactly the right place to not just live, but truly thrive.   • 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.) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________