Tyler : Texas

Tyler is one of the certified retirement communities in Texas, a program that insures a welcoming infrastructure for retirees. The population was over 100,000 in 2013 - up 20% from 2000. Tyler bills itself as the Rose Capital of America, which it celebrates with its famous fall Texas Rose Festival. Tyler has the largest municipal rose garden in the U.S. It also has the Tyler Azalea Trail, which winds its way through local streets and gardens. The city was a former cotton and oil town and as a result has a beautiful old heritage. The University of Texas Tyler is a local employer and provides a youthful air to the city.

Tyler’s charming brick streets lead visitors to an array of family attractions, quaint antique shops and unique specialty stores. Outdoor buffs enjoy crystal-clear lakes, challenging golf courses and scenic campgrounds that offer fishing, picnicking, paddle-boating and hike and bike trails. Photos of downtown and the Whitaker-McClendon House courtesy of Wikipedia (and Renelibrary).

The Bergfeld Park neighborhood is a tree-lined area with attractive brick streets. Cascades Country Club along Lake Bellwood features 3 different mixed-age developments (see Active Communities link sat right). Average home listing price in late 2016 was $220,000, according to Zillow,  although prices vary by neighborhood and development.

Tyler is a certified Texas retirement community, meaning it has met certain criteria to be attractive to retirees. It is the Rose Capital of America. Area attractions include the Caldwell Zoo and Hudnall Planetarium.  Special events throughout the year include the Texas Rose Festival, Azalia and Spring Flower Trail, Festival on the Square, and Movies Under the Stars in Bergfeld Park. The University of Texas Tyler is located on a 259 acre campus here.

Hot summers and a long drive to a city.

Tyler is located in East Texas about 100 miles from Dallas. The average January temp is in the high 40s and the average July temp is in the mid 80s.