|
Overall
Texas is the 6th most popular state for retirees so it is no wonder there are many great Texas retirement communities. Low costs, plenty of space, warm weather, exciting cities, lively college towns, charming small towns, and hundreds of interesting active adult communities are just some of the reasons why. Having no state income tax is another big plus.
The reviews on this site can help you narrow your choice with important information about the best Texas retirement towns.
Texas, the Lone Star state, had an estimated 24 million people in 2006 and is growing very fast. Texas has friendly people and a slower pace of life that is easy to get used to. Austin is the capital city; there are several other large cities including Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston. There are also many nice small towns and rural areas. The Wikipedia entry for Texas has more interesting facts.
The Alamo
Texas Climate
The Texas climate is humid-sub tropical, strongly influenced by the Gulf of Mexico. Summers are hot and humid with frequent thunderstorms. Winters are mild, particularly in southern Texas.
Economy in Texas
Texas's per capita income at $30,200 is near the average of all states. Median home prices tend to be less expensive than in rest of the U.S., although in choice suburbs of big cities like Houston and Dallas the prices can be quite high. The median home in the Austin-Round Rock area sold in 2008's 1st quarter for $184,500 vs. the national median of $196,300; the cost of living index there is 89 (national index is 100). In San Antonio, the median home went for $149,800 and the cost of living index is 81.
Home prices in Texas have been much more stable than in the rest of the country.
Texas Taxes
Texas has no income tax. State sales tax is 6.25%. Total tax burden in Houston is a very low 6.6% compared to the median rate for large U.S. cities. The state is ranked by the Tax Foundation as having the 44th highest total tax burden of the 50 states. Texas recently lowered property taxes in exchange for iincreasing taxes on cigarette and some business activities.
List of Texas Certified Retirement Communities
The Texas certified retirement community program is run by the Texas Department of Agriculture. There are 14 communities on the Texas list of certified retirement communities as of July, 2008:
Some of the certified retirement communities are Lufkin, Athens, Nacogdoches, Winnsboro, Cuero, Longview, St. Augustine County, and Duncansville - these communities have gone through a thorough screening process to make sure they are desirable retirement communities.
Best retirement communities in Texas
Texas has any number of retirement communities that are popular with active adults over 55.
Austin is a livable city that enjoys the excitement of being host to the thriving University of Texas. San Antonio and its riverfront walk is a great town for retirement, attracting many people from the military. Corpus Christi, The Woodlands,
and the Rio Grande Valley are all places that show up at the top of many "100 best places to retire" lists.
If you are considering a
Texas retirement, check out the best places to retire in Texas that are reviewed on this site. Here is more inside information on retirement living communities in the neighboring states to help you retire in Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona,
and Utah. These links provide insight and data into economic conditions, climate, top communities, and taxes.
Free eBook - Baby Boomers Guide to Selecting a Retirement Community - 16 Factors
Download this free eBook and use its fun exercises to help you find your perfect active adult retirement community.
|
