Deciding where you’ll retire is a big, yet exciting, decision. Florida? Arizona? Whatever your requirements are, Austin should be added to your list.
Austin, Texas is becoming a popular location for many retirees due to its appealing environment, activities, and way of life. Austin is known for its strong economy, rich, eclectic culture, and excellent quality of life.
Whether you are living in a different city, state, or country, the dynamic and diverse city of Austin has plenty to offer making it a great retirement destination for seniors. As a bonus, Austinites take healthy living seriously, which is just one more reason it’s a city you should consider!
Don’t just take our word for it. Austin has been garnering a great deal of attention and interest in recent years, and for good reason. It was ranked number five on the US News and World Report’s 25 Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2021-2022 and ranked #11 among the 125 metros for the best cities to retire in the nation.
No matter your tastes, lifestyle, or income, Austin has a lot to offer. Here are eight excellent reasons you should retire to Austin.
1. Sunny, Warm Texas Weather
One of the major draws for those looking to retire in Austin is its warm, sunny weather. With more than 300 days of sunshine and a warm season that spans over half the year (April to October typically), residents enjoy countless days outside and rarely deal with snow. For seniors who are sensitive to cool weather, Austin is the ideal choice.
During January, Austin’s coldest month, temperatures typically range from the low 40s to the low 60s, rarely dipping below freezing. Summertime temperatures can range from the mid-70s to the high 90s and can climb above 100 during the hottest months of July and August.
The humidity levels in the summertime can increase the heat index, but most homes and businesses in Texas have air conditioning. Blistering heat is no problem with a place to escape.
2. Easy Access to Healthcare
Austin has the healthcare resources retirees want and need. From preventative care to long-term care and stellar hospitals, Austin is committed to taking care of its residents. Neighborhoods in the area are close to hospitals and doctor’s offices making it easier and accessible for retirees to visit facilities to maintain their health.
The city boasts three major health care systems residents can choose from: St. David’s HealthCare, Ascension Seton Healthcare Family, and Baylor Scott & White Healthcare.
Other hospitals in the city are Arise Austin Medical Center, Central Texas Medical Center, Westlake Medical Center, and Northwest Hills Surgical Hospital. There are also numerous local clinics, wellness centers, and a VA Clinic conveniently located around town.
St. David’s Medical Center specializes in women’s health, heart and vascular care, oncology, and is also home to Austin’s only bone marrow transplant program. Seton Medical Care Austin is also the only hospital in Central Texas that performs heart transplants.
3. Plenty of Outdoor Spaces in Austin
Whether you are into walking, biking, swimming, kayaking, or just sitting and enjoying nature, Austin has a park or outdoor space to suit your needs. There are more than 220 city parks and green spaces, providing ample opportunities for all residents to stay active and get plenty of fresh air.
Stroll along the lake at Mueller Lake Park, picnic with the peacocks at Mayfield Park, or enjoy a hike along the Barton Creek Greenbelt. No matter what outdoor activity you are looking to enjoy, Austin has a park for you.
Avid golfers will also find plenty to love here. Golf Magazine rated Austin “The Best Golf City in America” and the Austin Golf Trail features a wide selection of beautiful courses designed by golfing legends like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tom Fazio, Bill Coore, and Ben Crenshaw.
4. Multitude of Housing Options (Even Retirement Communities!)
Choosing where you want to live in retirement is another exciting aspect. Austin offers diverse housing in neighborhoods throughout the city. From homes along the water, master-planned communities, and retirement communities, there are plenty of options.
With the rising cost of home ownership and rent, the key to finding a home that fits your budget is to work with an experienced Austin real estate agent who can guide you throughout your relocation journey.
Whether you are downsizing, buying, or selling a home, working with the best real estate agents in Austin is the solution for a successful and convenient move from anywhere in the world to any neighborhood in Austin.
Many folks in retirement like the idea of having their own space but not the upkeep and maintenance.
Overture
For those who want apartment living in retirement, Overture is a fantastic option in Austin Texas. Overture is a 55+ active living community offering a variety of educational events, social activities, and fitness opportunities with three Austin locations; Overture Domain, Overture Arboretum, and Overture Meuller.
To quote their own website description:
“Most people call it downsizing, but at Overture, it's about rightsizing. When a larger home doesn't make sense most of the time, the prospect of maintenance-free apartment home living is just more appealing. Plus, our generous community spaces are designed to be extensions of your home, for hosting family, entertaining guests, or just living. Overture is the freedom of a home that's the perfect size for the best stage of life.”
Kissing Tree
For those who enjoy home ownership but still want a community of endless programs and social events, education, and activities, Kissing Tree is a wonderful option.
Located in the Hill Country, residents can choose from traditional homes, cottages, or villas all while enjoying access to a suite of luxurious amenities. They even have pickleball courts!
Forbes named it one of the best places to retire. The beautiful golf complex is the centerpiece of Kissing Tree’s green landscape, but the community has so much to offer.
They put it this way:
“When we chose the historical ground that is now Kissing Tree, we knew it was the place to create a vibrant active adult community with a Texas attitude. Kissing Tree offers views, brews, and barbecues, and our incredible collection of indoor and outdoor amenities is designed to keep you as active as you want to be. Hundred-year-old live oak trees welcome you home. And like-minded neighbors provide a genuine sense of community and connection.”
Located in San Marcos, the historic small town has big city conveniences.
5. No State Income Tax
6. Abundant Cultural Experiences
Austin is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World”, and it certainly delivers on that front, but it is also home to a thriving visual and performance art scene.
Music lovers will have a field day in the capital city. Take in the world-famous South by Southwest Music Festival, watch a live taping of Austin City Limits, or see a blues performance at Antone’s, known locally as the “World-Famous Home of the Blues.” With countless live performances every night and more than 20 music festivals each year, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Austin has also garnered an international reputation for film, digital art, and technology. Its vibrant art scene is nurtured by the Cultural Arts Division, which acquires works of art for public display and enjoyment.
Discover the world-class museums around the city, join community events, play a game of golf, visit the Austin Central Library, or watch a play in various theaters! You won’t run out of things to do, that’s for sure.
7. Austin Restaurants are a Foodie's Dream
Undeniably famous for barbecue and breakfast tacos, Austin has grown into a foodie haven with a wide array of options to tempt any palate.
From world-famous brisket and mouthwatering vegan baked goods to a growing fleet of food trucks serving up everything from gourmet tacos to rolled ice cream, Austin is a great home base for those looking to expand their culinary horizons.
Beer enthusiasts will also have plenty to explore here, with microbreweries, beer gardens, cideries, and tap rooms sprinkled across the city.
8. Educational Opportunities
For retirees looking to continue their learning experience or even get a degree, there are options to support you in Austin.
Per the Texas Education Code 54.365c, state institutions can offer classes, with up to 6 credit hours per semester, for free to seniors over 65. Not all state institutions offer this exemption, but The University of Texas at Austin is one that does.
UT Austin is also part of the Osher Foundation’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, which offers a variety of seminars and lectures from scholars and experts in a relaxed community atmosphere. There is a yearly membership fee, but scholarships are available.
Austin is a Great City for People of All Ages
Austin is a wonderful city for people of all ages, but especially for seniors in retirement. From food to healthcare and music to entertainment, Austin should definitely be a top contender on your list of cities to explore for retirement.
At JBird Insurance, we are here to support Medicare-aged individuals beyond simply getting the affordable healthcare they need. We are here to help you live a healthy, happy life in your retirement!
If you’re looking to retire in Austin and you have questions about your Medicare plan, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We would love to hear from you.