I hope that you have been enjoying my blog series “Yes, I Will Relocate When I Retire”. I have enjoyed sharing my search for my relocation spot with you. I hope that I have shared some info that was beneficial for you and your search. Next on the list as a possible place that I will relocate to is The Lone Star State, Texas.
Texas joined the United States in 1845 as the twenty-eighth state. Texas is the second largest state in size and people. Texas is located on the south central part of the United States. Spain, France and Mexico once ruled Texas. Texas shares its borders with Louisiana to the east, Arkansas to the northeast, Oklahoma to the north, New Mexico to the west, Mexico to the southwest and the Gulf of Mexico to the southeast.
Austin is the capital and is known for its diverse music scene. Dallas, San Antonio and Houston are well known cities in Texas. Houston is the fourth largest city (in population) in the United States.The geography of Texas is very unique. It is made up of coasts, beaches, rolling hills, plains, grasslands, prairies, forests, mountains, bayous, canyons and deserts.
Texas has no income tax. All retirement income is tax-free. That means your pension and Social Security income are not taxed. Texas has no inheritance or estate taxes. Property taxes are much higher than most other states, it being fourteenth highest in the United States. If you are over 65, there is a freeze on school taxes. Sales tax is 6.25%, but cities and counties can increase it.
Texas’ has a humid-sub tropical climate. Summers are very hot and humid with frequent thunderstorms. These thunderstorms can bring massive floods. Hurricanes and tornadoes are a norm. January is usually the coldest month. Winters are usually mild especially in southern Texas.
So far Texas has met most of my must haves. Low cost of living, no taxes on my pension and warm weather year round. There are several beach areas; South Padre Island, Corpus Christi, Port Aransas and Galveston to name a few.
Galveston is about fifty miles from Houston. It has the conveniences of a larger city but has a tight knit small town friendliness. Port Aransas has eighteen miles of fine beaches, low crime, a spirited art scene and great food. South Padre Island is at the southern most end of Texas, with subtropical temperatures that rarely go below 65 degrees in the winter.
I found rentals ranging from $700-$2000 for two or three bedrooms, 1-2 bathrooms, from 680 square feet -1320 square feet located on or very close to the beach, in the above beach towns. Of course it depends on which city I would choose. I would definitely have to go to visit these cities if they make the short list.
Low cost of living, plenty of space, warm weather, exciting cities, lively college towns, no taxes on retirement income, affordable housing, a wealth of experiences and charming small towns is why Texas is on my list of possible relocation places. Galveston is the closest to Houston airport, which is a major hub. The heat and destructive hurricanes might cause Texas to not make the short list.
There will be three more blogs, Virginia, other countries and my final decision. Hope this was helpful for you!!!