As a place to retire, Texas certainly offers a tremendous of choices. Whether you prefer a large urban area
with luxury golf course communities, world-class restaurants and shops and major league sports... a laid back coastal retreat
on the Gulf of Mexico...or a small town environment with a sense of community and civic involvement; Texas is big enough to
fit each of those criteria.
But if you want to narrow the selection process, and start your search with an area that
has a number of retirement communities for active adults, plus a great year round climate, beautiful four-season scenery and
a host of outdoor recreational opportunities, we might suggest that you consider the Hill Country of Texas. This verdant,
rolling landscape stretching out westward between Austin and San Antonio, with numerous
lakes, quaint bed and breakfast inns, and relaxing golf course resorts, is a popular summer home destination and playground
for Texas' city dwellers. One commentator has described this sun-drenched region as being "...like Jackson Pollack
on a rampage...Splashes of fuchsia and magenta dart against a cerulean curtain."
Now, retirees are discovering
that the spectacular beauty of this countryside...and the affordable small towns scattered throughout it...is also a great
retirement destination. Places like Fredericksburg, Kerrville, Marble Springs
and several others, are being discovered by retirees from throughout the Mid-west and other areas from across the U.S as great
places to retire.
Fredericksburg, at the heart of the Hill Country, was originally settled by German immigrants in
1846 and today their influence is still evident in the town's architecture and culture. One of the more popular
tourist destinations in Texas, its streets are filled with shops for arts and crafts, antiques, clothing and interesting places
to eat.
Nearby Kerrville, just twenty-two miles away, has been named by several publications as being among the best
places in the country to live. With a population of only 20,000, this town is notable for its desirable quality of life,
excellent healthcare and schools and an appreciation for the arts. With a low crime rate and proximity to city amenities
in nearby Austin and San Antonio, it is easy to understand why so many consider this affordable small town and several others
nearby are among the best places in Texas to retire.
In fact, Georgetown has increasingly become one
of the most popular retirement spots in the southwest. With a genuine small-town feeling, this hospitable and inviting community
offers residents an abundance of recreational activities, one of the nation's lowest crime rates, the opportunity to know
your neighbors, and real peace of mind.
If the climate and natural beauty of the Hill Country appeal to you, but yet
you prefer a more urban setting; Austin and San Antonio are, perhaps, options to consider.
It has been said that Austin is not like the rest of Texas. With a "hip" and vibrant music scene, spurred
on by the 50,000 students at the University of Texas, and surrounded by three lakes and beautiful countryside, this city has
a sense of excitement and adventure that many active retirees find especially enticing.
Its diverse mix of cultures
and lifestyles, seamlessly blended into a vibrant and growing community, make San Antonio a truly unique place to retire,
one with a relaxing lifestyle, affordable housing, a reasonable cost of living and an outstanding array of cultural and entertainment
opportunities. Retirees find this rich heritage, bustling downtown scene and the availability of new housing designed to fit
the demands of active baby-boomers compelling reasons to consider San Antonio as their retirement choice.
Of course,
retirement opportunities in Texas are not limited to the Hill Country. Beach lovers may want to look toward the Gulf
Coast, which stretches from Galveston to Padre Island. And many retirees have found several small towns around Dallas
and Fort Worth are just as affordable and suit their personal needs for their best place to retire.
