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Retire Here, Not There: Texas
Affordable living in four towns where amenities beat the heat
Source: "By Catey Hill - MarketWatch.comMarch, 18, 2013, 7:02 a.m. EDT"
The expression “Don’t mess with Texas” means different things to different Texans—it actually originated in the 1980s as a slogan for an anti-litter campaign. But it is also a statement that defenders of the state’s reputation as a retirement destination take to heart.
The state boasts warm weather, no state income tax and a cost of living that is lower than the national average, says Rick Salmeron, founder of Dallas-based Salmeron Financial Network. “We’ve got a killer economy,” with low unemployment and a relatively robust housing market, he adds.
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Texas hill country.
Granted, the fiercely independent culture that permeates much of the state isn’t for everyone. Nor are the McMansion-filled developments and strip malls that sprawl from the centers of many of the big cities. (They don’t say “Everything’s bigger in Texas” for nothing.)
Advisers say there are some pricier spots in Texas, especially in and around Dallas and Houston, that don’t offer as much value to a retiree. Of course, with land and property plentiful in much of the state, even the pricey districts don’t look that expensive compared with other parts of the country.
Take The Woodlands: This master-planned community, some 30 miles from Houston, has golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer and roughly 6,000 acres of green space. The cost of living in this tucked-away haven for retirees is 10% more than average and the median home price is $237,300.
For retirees looking for even less expensive options, retirement experts say Texas still delivers. Here are four great places they say to consider.
Corpus Christi
The Corpus Christi area boasts more than 100 miles of sandy beaches, including Padre Island and Mustang Island, and clear Gulf Coast waters and at a cost that is significantly lower than in most Florida beach towns. Retirees can build sand castles with the grandkids, take the boat out for a cruise or fishing trip, or try their hand at windsurfing.
But Corpus Christi itself offers quite a bit more. The thriving downtown has a variety of museums and galleries, many restaurants and an aquarium. Local parks and nature trails feature scenic views and bird-watching, says Colette Rye, the communications manager for Corpus Christi Convention & Visitors Bureau. There are five golf courses in the area, along with a major hospital system called Christus Spohn.
The downsides: The summers are hot: Temperatures stay in the 90s most of the season, which combined with the humidity means many residents spend much of their days inside with the air-conditioning cranked. Corpus Christi is also a popular spring break destination for college kids. Come March and April, the town may be more “Girls Gone Wild” than a relaxing retirement spot, locals say.
By the numbers*
- Population: 305,215
- Median home cost: $135,700
- Cost of living: 13.8% lower than average
- Unemployment: 5.2%
* Sources: Sperling’s Best Places; Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Street building wall poster for SXSW in Austin.
Austin
Advisers say Austin deserves its place as a mainstay on “best places to retire” lists. The state capital is also home to the highly ranked University of Texas at Austin; a thriving arts, music and cultural scene including the world-renowned South by Southwest, aka SXSW, music and media festival; and more than 2,000 restaurants. Residents can enjoy live theater and events at the city’s three performing arts centers, listen to live music at one of the dozens of venues in the city (Austin calls itself the “Live Music Capital of the World”) and take an adult education course at one of the many universities in the area. “It’s got as much to see and do as a big city, but still has a friendly, small-town feel,” says Salmeron.
Thanks to the warm weather, people also enjoy year-round outdoor activities, says Mike Rollins, president of the Austin Chamber of Commerce. Lady Bird Lake, in the center of town, is surrounded by more than 10 miles of hiking and biking trails. Kayaking on other nearby parts of the Colorado River is another popular pastime. There also are good hospitals and medical facilities in the area.
Keep in mind, the city is quirky, locals warn. A popular bumper sticker in the area reads “Keep Austin Weird.” Indeed, one of the favorite local pastimes is gathering near the Congress Avenue Bridge in the evening to watch millions of bats leave their roosts at twilight. In addition, Austin’s recent, tech-driven economic boom has caused some residents to complain that widespread development is choking the character of the city.
By the numbers*
- Population: 790,390
- Median home cost: $220,700
- Cost of living: 2.1% higher than average
- Unemployment: 4.6%
* Sources: Sperling’s Best Places; Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Georgetown
Retirees who are attracted to the cultural and learning opportunities of Austin, but who also would like a small-town environment, might consider Georgetown. Roughly 30 miles from Austin, Georgetown is best known for two things: the abundance of bright red poppies and other wildflowers that bloom around April, and its Victorian architecture. (There are more than 180 homes and buildings listed on the National Historic Homes Registry.)
Smaller can mean inconvenient, locals warn. The Houston and Dallas airports, the two largest in the state, are each a full two hours away. (Austin’s airport is smaller and offers direct flights to relatively few locations.) And despite Georgetown’s admirable efforts, it has few cultural activities to compete with Austin’s.
That said, outdoorsy types won’t be disappointed. Blue Hole is a lagoon on the South San Gabriel River that is bordered by limestone bluffs. The 180-acre San Gabriel Park is graced with myriad 200-year-old oak trees and miles of hiking and biking trails. Lake Georgetown is a popular spot for bass fishing, and the Inner Space cavern is one of many nearby caves worth exploring, says Keith Hutchinson, the public communications manager for the city of Georgetown. The city is also home to several art galleries, a theater with year-round productions and Southwestern University.
By the numbers*
- Population: 47,400
- Median home cost: $205,200
- Cost of living: 7.5% higher than average
- Unemployment: 5.1%
* Sources: Sperling’s Best Places; Bureau of Labor Statistics.
San Antonio
Home to the Alamo, site of the standoff between Texas settlers and Mexican soldiers in 1836, San Antonio is steeped in Old West history. The former mission is San Antonio’s best-known historic site, but there is also the Casa Navarro State Historical Park and the King William Historic Area. A strong Spanish and Mexican heritage gives this town much of its flavor, influencing its art and cultural museums and the annual Fiesta, a celebration of the diverse cultures in the San Antonio area that includes more than 100 events such as parades and concerts.
Another major draw is the famed River Walk. Five miles of walking paths along the San Antonio river (soon to become 15, due to an continuing expansion), lined with shops and restaurants, connect the Alamo to the Rivercenter Mall and the San Antonio Museum of Art and beyond. Throughout the year, more than 20 events take place along the River Walk, including a St. Patrick’s Day festival, a Mardi Gras parade and arts and crafts shows. There is also the Military River Parade on Armed Forces Day in May. San Antonio is host to three military bases, which “contributes to our popularity as a retirement destination,” according to Sara Gruber, the senior brand manager for marketing & public relations for the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Experts warn that at times the town can feel overrun with tourists. Indeed, more than 28 million people visit San Antonio each year. And there is little relief from the oppressive summer heat, with the nearest beach two hours away.
By the numbers*
- Population: 1,327,407
- Median home cost: $127,400
- Cost of living: 14.3% lower than average
- Unemployment: 5.7%
* Sources: Sperling’s Best Places; Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Affordable living in four towns where amenities beat the heat
Source: "By Catey Hill - MarketWatch.comMarch, 18, 2013, 7:02 a.m. EDT"
The expression “Don’t mess with Texas” means different things to different Texans—it actually originated in the 1980s as a slogan for an anti-litter campaign. But it is also a statement that defenders of the state’s reputation as a retirement destination take to heart.
The state boasts warm weather, no state income tax and a cost of living that is lower than the national average, says Rick Salmeron, founder of Dallas-based Salmeron Financial Network. “We’ve got a killer economy,” with low unemployment and a relatively robust housing market, he adds.
Shutterstock.com
Texas hill country.
Granted, the fiercely independent culture that permeates much of the state isn’t for everyone. Nor are the McMansion-filled developments and strip malls that sprawl from the centers of many of the big cities. (They don’t say “Everything’s bigger in Texas” for nothing.)
Advisers say there are some pricier spots in Texas, especially in and around Dallas and Houston, that don’t offer as much value to a retiree. Of course, with land and property plentiful in much of the state, even the pricey districts don’t look that expensive compared with other parts of the country.
Take The Woodlands: This master-planned community, some 30 miles from Houston, has golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer and roughly 6,000 acres of green space. The cost of living in this tucked-away haven for retirees is 10% more than average and the median home price is $237,300.
For retirees looking for even less expensive options, retirement experts say Texas still delivers. Here are four great places they say to consider.
Corpus Christi
The Corpus Christi area boasts more than 100 miles of sandy beaches, including Padre Island and Mustang Island, and clear Gulf Coast waters and at a cost that is significantly lower than in most Florida beach towns. Retirees can build sand castles with the grandkids, take the boat out for a cruise or fishing trip, or try their hand at windsurfing.
But Corpus Christi itself offers quite a bit more. The thriving downtown has a variety of museums and galleries, many restaurants and an aquarium. Local parks and nature trails feature scenic views and bird-watching, says Colette Rye, the communications manager for Corpus Christi Convention & Visitors Bureau. There are five golf courses in the area, along with a major hospital system called Christus Spohn.
The downsides: The summers are hot: Temperatures stay in the 90s most of the season, which combined with the humidity means many residents spend much of their days inside with the air-conditioning cranked. Corpus Christi is also a popular spring break destination for college kids. Come March and April, the town may be more “Girls Gone Wild” than a relaxing retirement spot, locals say.
By the numbers*
- Population: 305,215
- Median home cost: $135,700
- Cost of living: 13.8% lower than average
- Unemployment: 5.2%
* Sources: Sperling’s Best Places; Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Street building wall poster for SXSW in Austin.
Austin
Advisers say Austin deserves its place as a mainstay on “best places to retire” lists. The state capital is also home to the highly ranked University of Texas at Austin; a thriving arts, music and cultural scene including the world-renowned South by Southwest, aka SXSW, music and media festival; and more than 2,000 restaurants. Residents can enjoy live theater and events at the city’s three performing arts centers, listen to live music at one of the dozens of venues in the city (Austin calls itself the “Live Music Capital of the World”) and take an adult education course at one of the many universities in the area. “It’s got as much to see and do as a big city, but still has a friendly, small-town feel,” says Salmeron.
Thanks to the warm weather, people also enjoy year-round outdoor activities, says Mike Rollins, president of the Austin Chamber of Commerce. Lady Bird Lake, in the center of town, is surrounded by more than 10 miles of hiking and biking trails. Kayaking on other nearby parts of the Colorado River is another popular pastime. There also are good hospitals and medical facilities in the area.
Keep in mind, the city is quirky, locals warn. A popular bumper sticker in the area reads “Keep Austin Weird.” Indeed, one of the favorite local pastimes is gathering near the Congress Avenue Bridge in the evening to watch millions of bats leave their roosts at twilight. In addition, Austin’s recent, tech-driven economic boom has caused some residents to complain that widespread development is choking the character of the city.
By the numbers*
- Population: 790,390
- Median home cost: $220,700
- Cost of living: 2.1% higher than average
- Unemployment: 4.6%
* Sources: Sperling’s Best Places; Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Georgetown
Retirees who are attracted to the cultural and learning opportunities of Austin, but who also would like a small-town environment, might consider Georgetown. Roughly 30 miles from Austin, Georgetown is best known for two things: the abundance of bright red poppies and other wildflowers that bloom around April, and its Victorian architecture. (There are more than 180 homes and buildings listed on the National Historic Homes Registry.)
Smaller can mean inconvenient, locals warn. The Houston and Dallas airports, the two largest in the state, are each a full two hours away. (Austin’s airport is smaller and offers direct flights to relatively few locations.) And despite Georgetown’s admirable efforts, it has few cultural activities to compete with Austin’s.
That said, outdoorsy types won’t be disappointed. Blue Hole is a lagoon on the South San Gabriel River that is bordered by limestone bluffs. The 180-acre San Gabriel Park is graced with myriad 200-year-old oak trees and miles of hiking and biking trails. Lake Georgetown is a popular spot for bass fishing, and the Inner Space cavern is one of many nearby caves worth exploring, says Keith Hutchinson, the public communications manager for the city of Georgetown. The city is also home to several art galleries, a theater with year-round productions and Southwestern University.
By the numbers*
- Population: 47,400
- Median home cost: $205,200
- Cost of living: 7.5% higher than average
- Unemployment: 5.1%
* Sources: Sperling’s Best Places; Bureau of Labor Statistics.
San Antonio
Home to the Alamo, site of the standoff between Texas settlers and Mexican soldiers in 1836, San Antonio is steeped in Old West history. The former mission is San Antonio’s best-known historic site, but there is also the Casa Navarro State Historical Park and the King William Historic Area. A strong Spanish and Mexican heritage gives this town much of its flavor, influencing its art and cultural museums and the annual Fiesta, a celebration of the diverse cultures in the San Antonio area that includes more than 100 events such as parades and concerts.
Another major draw is the famed River Walk. Five miles of walking paths along the San Antonio river (soon to become 15, due to an continuing expansion), lined with shops and restaurants, connect the Alamo to the Rivercenter Mall and the San Antonio Museum of Art and beyond. Throughout the year, more than 20 events take place along the River Walk, including a St. Patrick’s Day festival, a Mardi Gras parade and arts and crafts shows. There is also the Military River Parade on Armed Forces Day in May. San Antonio is host to three military bases, which “contributes to our popularity as a retirement destination,” according to Sara Gruber, the senior brand manager for marketing & public relations for the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Experts warn that at times the town can feel overrun with tourists. Indeed, more than 28 million people visit San Antonio each year. And there is little relief from the oppressive summer heat, with the nearest beach two hours away.
By the numbers*
- Population: 1,327,407
- Median home cost: $127,400
- Cost of living: 14.3% lower than average
- Unemployment: 5.7%
* Sources: Sperling’s Best Places; Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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