What attracts retirees to Austin, TX?
Texas’s popularity among active adults is growing as a result of its friendly state culture, low cost of living, and endless recreation opportunities.
When it comes to Texas cities, Austin is in a class by itself. A moderate-liberal city in the heart of one of the country’s most conservative states, its residents have even proposed seceding on more than one occasion. From delectable cuisine to world-class performing arts, miles of golf courses, and a thriving tech industry, the city has something for everyone. We’ve compiled a list of pros and cons to help you decide whether Austin is the right place for you to retire.
The University of Texas at Austin is the largest university in the nation and a major center of scientific research. It has attracted remarkable academic talent to Austin, served as a catalyst for high-tech industrial development and helped transform a formerly provincial and conservative city into a cosmopolitan, environmentally aware and progressive one. For decades, Austin has been rated as one of America’s most pleasant mid-sized cities and a pleasant retirement community.
According to WalletHub’s recent list of the Best and Worst Places to Retire, Austin is the eighth best city in America to retire. The Texas capital fared well in terms of cost, quality of life, senior-friendly activities, and access to healthcare. U.S. News & World Report recently named Austin as one of the best places to retire in Texas.
Landscape
Austin occupies a gently rolling plain in south central Texas. The city is characterized by a dramatic rise at the Balcones Escarpment and a series of picturesque lakes fed by the Colorado River. Oak and hickory groves, separated by tall grass prairie, are the predominant natural vegetation.
Climate
Summers are hot and humid; winters can be warm and humid or cool and dry. Austin is frost free 270 days and sunny about 50% of the time in winter and 70% of the time in summer.
Retirees looking to relocate away from snowy climates will appreciate the fact that Austin rarely sees snow or temperatures below freezing. The city also has about 300 days of sunshine per year, giving active adults plenty of opportunities to participate in their favorite outdoor activities.
Quality of Life
Very good. The university is an enormous asset to the community, and the city’s outstanding network of parks, recreation centers and natural areas adds greatly to its livability. Austin residents are strong environmentalists who strive to preserve their high quality of life.
The city has a plethora of lush green spaces and over 250 parks to soak up the Texas sun. Lady Bird Lake continues to be a popular destination for active adults who want to paddle, row, or stroll along the tranquil reservoir with stunning city views.
Housing
Suburban areas and attractive city neighborhoods north of the university campus feature a variety of housing styles priced below the national average.
Austin’s downtown area is densely packed with condominiums ideal for downsizing, as well as facilities and luxury to make life a bit easier. Some of the advantages of purchasing a condominium after retirement include a reduction in property maintenance such as landscaping or basic home repairs. On-site concierge services also help with any problems that condo owners may encounter, and valet parking makes living in the condos a pleasure.
While housing in Austin is not cheap, it is far less expensive when compared to other major metropolitan areas with comparable amenities.
Goods and Services
Groceries and transportation costs are below average, whereas miscellaneous goods and services and health care costs are slightly above average. Utilities cost more because of the high cost of summer air conditioning.
Taxes
State and local taxes are 7.8% of income compared to the U.S. average of 9.7%. Texas does not tax income and property taxes approximate the national average. Sales and excise taxes are higher than average.
Retirees are exempt from both personal and corporate income taxes. They can also benefit from low state and local tax rates, which allows seniors to stretch their budget a little further. The economy is expected to thrive in the coming years as a result of tech companies such as Google, Dell, and Apple.
Transportation
Austin is among the worst traffic in the country, on par with Los Angeles or New York City. You’ll need a car to get around unless you live in the downtown area, where buses are easily accessible. Outside of the downtown area, Austin isn’t particularly walkable, and a 10- to 15-mile journey can easily take an hour or more during rush hour.
Most residents drive, ride bicycles or take the bus. Air, rail, and bus service are provided by Austin Bergstrom International Airport, Amtrak, Kerrville Bus Company and Greyhound.
Retail Services
Ample shopping opportunities, ranging from upscale boutique to 1960s funky, exist in the central business district and in several major malls and neighborhood shopping streets scattered about the city.
Health Care
Five major medical centers furnish virtually every conceivable medical specialty and service. Numerous family doctors and major health care providers, such as Seton Medical Center Austin and St. David’s Medical Center, offer excellent care.
Community Services
Basic public services as well as those catering to seniors are very good in Austin.
Cultural and Educational Activities
Exceptional educational and cultural opportunities are available both on and off campus.
Recreational Activities
Boating, golfing, and hiking are just a few of the activities available to senior citizens. Austin, Texas has been named one of the Best Places to Live and Retire in America for 2020. People are drawn to the City because of its high standard of living, vibrant entertainment scene, and diverse culture.
Austin and the adjacent Texas Hill Country are a mecca for the outdoors oriented and offer plenty of room for recreation and nature protection. Spectator sports are largely courtesy of the University of Texas. The city also boasts more than 100 movie screens and a good selection of restaurants.
Austin has many lakes and rivers, as well as over 250 parks. It’s an ideal location for active retirees to swim, hike, kayak, bike, stroll, and spend a day outside with their grandchildren. There’s also the Austin Golf Trail, which features a diverse range of courses designed by well-known golf architects. Watering holes in Austin, like much of the Southwest, are gathering places where people swarm for a refreshing escape throughout sweltering summer days. You can also travel about three and a half hours outside of town to Galveston or Padre Island for a day at the beach on the Gulf Coast.
Work and Volunteer Activities
Jobs are available in service industries, government, education and high-tech manufacturing. Volunteer opportunities are readily available.
Crime Rates and Public Safety
Crime rates are somewhat mixed in Austin. Although property crime rates are above the national average, violent crime rates are below national norms. As elsewhere, choose your neighborhood carefully.
Conclusion
Economically thriving Austin offers a wealth of resources for active retirement. The University of Texas lends a cosmopolitan air to the community. The city has an abundance of greenbelt, parkland and recreation facilities and is noted for the excellence of its transportation, retail services and work and volunteer opportunities. Austin’s beautiful site, warm sunny climate, good urban design and abundant amenities all contribute to a high quality of life.