If you’re at the stage in life where you’re considering leaving the workforce and relocating, Austin is certainly a great place to retire. Once upon a time, retirement occurred right around age 65 and indicated someone was leaving the full-time workforce, maybe never to work again. With a cake, gold watch, an engraved plaque perhaps and many slaps on the back, the retiree drove off into the sunset to enjoy some golden years.
Contemporary retirement takes many shapes and embraces more age groups, activities and parting gifts. Early retirees have made a lot of money in myriad ways, especially in the technology sector, and choose to leave the workforce. Some intend to go on mission trips, scale Mount Everest or sail around the world. Other simply crave more recreation, volunteer work, time with children and grandchildren and travel. Some folks receive workplace incentives that propel an early retirement, and others need to care for a loved one or have health issues that conflict with working full-time.
Choosing Austin as a Great Place to Retire
There is a very long list of what retirees look for in a place, and whole magazines and websites are devoted to rating the “best places” in many categories. In the fall of 2022, Forbes noted that Austin is a great place for fine dining, outdoor activities, golf and volunteering. In early 2023, homebay.com listed Austin as the number one best place to retire in Texas. With a recreation score of 100 [on a scale of 100], this site noted the 60+ age range is 16% of the population.
While close proximity to family and friends resides near the top of many retirement requirement lists, many other factors may press retirees to the Austin area. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport can get them anywhere in the country or the world comfortably. Passengers for April 2023 topped 1.8 million on more than 15 airlines and more than 500 flights per day to 76 destinations.
Retirement and the Cost of Living in Austin
Cost of living in Austin falls close to the national average, and recreation, education and job opportunities are excellent. From strolling through a park, quiet kayaking and birdwatching to trail riding, rock climbing, biking and water sports, the outdoors beckons adventurers of all kinds. The state has 76 state parks, 10 national wildlife refuges, 4 national forests, a state forest, canyons, rivers, lakes and trails. The Austin Parks and Recreation Department offers many “Varsity Generation” programs and services.
Lots of retirees enjoy taking classes, learning new skills and crafts, advancing their education or teaching from their own career experiences. There are plenty of open jobs all the time, and many retirees are not ready for a rocking chair just yet and want to work part-time. It contributes to a routine, a place to be and being needed somewhere to do something and getting paid. This is often the first time older folks have the chance to give back through volunteering at places with agendas near and dear to their hearts.
Healthcare and Medical Assistance for Austin Retirees
Healthcare may well be the elephant in the room for retirees, and the medical facilities in and around Austin are stellar. There are abundant services for older people at home through the Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area, AGE of Central Texas, AARP Texas State Office in Austin and other organizations.
Universal design for aging in place is incorporated into many homes. You’ll notice master suites on the main floor, grab bars in bathrooms, wider halls and doorways for wheelchairs and walkers and the elimination of thresholds at doorways and into showers.
Other Options if You’re Retiring in Austin
However, to many, retirement offers a time of freedom from homeownership and dealing with year round maintenance and repair issues, mowing the lawn or cleaning windows. Townhouse and condo living looks attractive, and today’s senior living villages are resplendent with amenities and advanced care if or when it’s needed.
The Village at the Triangle, for example, in Austin just north of downtown, features independent living with beautiful contemporary apartments. Lots of glass permits natural daylight, and the interior includes high-end materials, full kitchens and various floor plans. With 24-hour concierge services, restaurant dining, housekeeping services, garage parking, a top floor sky lounge and a plethora of social activities, there’s more here than one can ever find at home or in a regular neighborhood.
The Pavilion at Great Hills and the Enclave at Cedar Park are other senior-style communities which offer a wonderful independent lifestyle. These all provide assisted living at different levels and memory care services as aging can diminish the physical ability to do things and the mental capacity to keep track of time and make simple decisions.
According to Motley Fool at fool.com: “Americans value quality of life, affordable housing, high-quality and affordable healthcare, safety, and low taxes when it comes to choosing a place to retire.” Well, Austin checks all those boxes and many more.
If you’re looking for a great Austin neighborhood to retire, Habitat Hunters can certainly help. Contact our team of experts today to help find the perfect place for you.
