Texas ranks in the top 10 for places retirees choose to move, according to a study report published by KXAN Austin. The Lone Star State is popular with seniors for many reasons. From a lower cost of living to a warmer climate, retiring in Texas has several advantages.
Learn more about Texas retirement benefits and why senior living here could be the right choice for you.
Lower Cost of Living
Your retirement income can go farther in Texas thanks to a lower cost of living. The cost of living is the amount of money you need to cover basic expenses like food, housing, and healthcare. A recent CNBC report ranked McAllen, TX as the U.S. city with the lowest cost of living.
The cost of living varies from one region and city in Texas to another. In general, though, you benefit from affordable senior living compared to other parts of the country.
Favorable Tax Rates
Your tax rate is likely to be lower in Texas than in many other states. Texas doesn’t have a personal income tax. You don’t have to pay taxes on income from pensions, Social Security, or distributions from retirement accounts like an IRA or 401(k).
State and local sales taxes tend to be lower than other states. The state sales tax rate is 6.25%, which is a full percentage point lower than California. The Texas state tax combined with local sales taxes can’t exceed 8.25%.
Another benefit of Texas’s tax structure is that you don’t pay sales tax on items like groceries, prescription medications, and over-the-counter medicine.
Milder Winters
Winter in Texas is usually short and mild. Keep in mind, though, that the state is so large the temperature difference between the northernmost and southernmost points can be around 20 degrees!
Winter high temperatures in North Texas cities like Dallas can be in the 40s and 50s. West Texas, which includes cities like El Paso and Odessa, has highs in the 50s and 60s. Central and south Texas cities like Austin and Corpus Christi have average highs in the 60s and 70s in the winter.
Urban Energy and Small-Town Community
Whether you like the convenience and vibrancy of a larger city or the calm familiarity of a small town, Texas has the perfect location. Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas are among the ten largest cities in the U.S. by population.
You can also find a wealth of small towns, many within an easy drive of a larger metropolitan area. This gives you the best of both environments. You can enjoy the small-town community while taking advantage of the greater options a city offers.
Southern Hospitality
If you’re retiring to Texas from another part of the country, you’ll be surprised how soon it feels like home. Southern hospitality means that you’ll be welcomed like family.
Hospitality has been a cornerstone of the Texas way of life since the nineteenth century. It emphasizes warmth, politeness, charm, and a willingness to help others.
You can expect to be addressed as sir or ma’am. People will hold the door for you. Community events like block parties and potlucks are common.
Southern hospitality influences everything from formal entertaining to everyday interactions with neighbors.
Texas State Pride
You won’t be in Texas long before you see a t-shirt or bumper sticker saying “I wasn’t born in Texas, but I got here as soon as I could.” Texans are proud of their state, and you’ll soon learn the many reasons why.
Texas is one of only four states that were an independent country before joining the United States. It’s the largest of the continental states, and second only to Alaska overall. You’ll often hear the saying “Everything is bigger in Texas,” and in many cases the saying holds true.
The Texas economy is the eighth-largest in the world.
Texas is known around the globe thanks to cowboy culture in films and television. Modern festivals like Austin City Limits and South by Southwest have only increased the state’s reputation.
Retiring in Texas? Consider Nacogdoches
When you consider retiring in Texas, Nacogdoches is one town to add to your list. Known as the oldest town in Texas, Nacogdoches is a picturesque college town not far from the larger cities of Tyler, TX and Shreveport, LA. Nacogdoches had a population of 32,147 in the 2020 census.
Like many places in East Texas, the cost of living is lower than the national average and even lower than other parts of Texas.
You’ll find plenty of activities in Nacogdoches. Museums like the Charles Bright Visitor Center tell the history of the town and region. Downtown streets are lined with historic brick buildings that hold trendy shops, antiques, and restaurants.
You can enjoy active aging in Texas. Nacogdoches is in the Pineywoods region, which you can explore through gardens, walking trails, and conservation areas.
The Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden is the state’s largest azalea garden. The Lanana Creek Trail is located in town, so you can enjoy nature without a long drive.
Senior Housing Options in Nacogdoches
You have several senior housing options in Nacogdoches. You can choose independent living or assisted living depending on your needs.
Community living for retirees helps prevent loneliness and improves safety for older adults. If you don’t need assistance with activities of daily living, like dressing, bathing, or mobility, an independent living community may be a good fit.
If you need help with some aspects of daily life, assisted living may be a better choice. You can get support with tasks like medication management, personal hygiene, and mobility. Assisted living communities provide activities and amenities tailored to the needs and abilities of their residents.
Choose the Right Senior Living Community
Retiring in Texas may be a good option for many reasons, from lower taxes to southern hospitality. Choosing the right senior living community is essential.
Meadowview Place is conveniently located in Nacogdoches. Our assisted living community provides a personal experience designed to meet your unique needs. Our friendly and professional staff are dedicated to helping you thrive.
Schedule a tour of Meadowview Place today to see why seniors and their families in Nacogdoches choose us.
