Texas Premier Home Builders

Texas: A city-fied country state of mind

Texas is one of the biggest states in the country. Texans are known for thinking big and acting bigger. It’s no surprise that Texas has become one of the fastest growing states for retirees.

San Antonio is ranked #3 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of “The Best Places to Retire in 2018”. El Paso has the #5 spot, McAllen is #6, Austin is #9, Dallas is #11, and Houston is #12. In addition, half of the cities with the largest jump in population are in Texas, according to the U.S. Census Bureau: Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and Fort Worth.

Do the math. Half of the top 12 best places to retire and half of the 10 fastest growing cities are in the Lone Star State. Coincidence?Retirees are making their move, and Texas seems to be the destination. Here are some of the reasons so many people are choosing Texas to retire.

#1. It’s city life, but less expensive. For those who crave the energy of an urban mecca, but New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles are too costly, Texas cities offer an appealing alternative. The cost of living is far less here, but offers an equally vibrant lifestyle. A study of the cost of living in 51 metropolitan areas placed three Texas cities in the top 10: Houston (#1), Dallas-Fort Worth (#5), and Austin (#8).

Austin is quickly becoming one of the most desirable cities in the country. City dwellers from across the United States are discovering that they can enjoy the culture, nightlife entertainment, recreation, shopping, dining, events, and other benefits of big city living in Austin, but with the friendliness that Texas cities extend.

#2. Have fun, Texas style. Three is never a crowd in Texas. It’s a start. From a barbeque to a Friday night high school football game, everything has a celebratory feel.No one cheers on their friends, family, neighbors, and even strangers like a group of Texans. If you want to have a good time, you’ll never have to go very far or wait very long. Living in Texas isn’t a choice of whether or not you will find something to occupy your time. It’s simply of choice of what to do.

Texas is known for exceptional colleges and universities, which means you can live close to a campus. Enjoy the sports and cultural activities, and take classes at your leisure.

Are you a sports fans? Texas boasts three NBA teams, two NFL franchises, two MLB teams (including the World Series champs, the Houston Astros), two MLS clubs, and an NHL team. And don’t forget a Texas favorite: rodeo.

#3. Take a tax break. Texas is big about many things. Tax-friendliness is one of them. Texas has no state income tax, as well as no tax on retirement income, Social Security benefits, inheritance or estates. Property taxes aren’t as affordable but people over the age of 65 can file for the homestead exemption and take advantage of a lower tax bill.

#4. Name your space, place, and climate. Texas offers just about every kind of geography—lakes, beaches, hills, woods, plains—so you can choose the landscape you want and get the climate that goes with your choice. Throughout the state, the winters are milder than the northern neighbors (i.e., you don’t need a snow shovel). The Gulf Coast locales offer a beautiful beach retreat.

In a state as big as Texas, your retirement choices are equally vast. Picture the type of lifestyle you want in the years ahead, and you can find your place here.