Green Retirement in Texas

     If you are thinking of making the Lone Star state your place of retirement, your choice is very senior friendly and is also transitioning to greener practices. Since Texas is an industry giant, a medical leader, and the home of several Fortune 500 countries, it's only natural that the state also has a large retirement community. If you haven’t made up your mind yet, here are a few locations to think about.

     An Army retirement community in San Antonio recently announced plans to install solar hot-water systems in the community's 180 homes. Sea Coast Management Co., which manages retirement communities in Maine, is offering existing residents incentives to install solar hot-water heaters and offering a Toyota Prius and/or a free solar hot-water system to new customers purchasing a home.

     Dallas is becoming a very green city. Dallas-based Senior Quality Lifestyles Corp. is playing a leading role in the graying of the green design movement. The nonprofit organization is best-known for such upscale retirement communities as the Edgemere in Dallas, the Buckingham in Houston and the Querencia at Barton Creek in Austin. “Sustainable design consists of small initiatives that seem inconsequential on their own but add up to substantial energy savings”, said Burt Derr, vice president of development services for Greystone Communities of Irving, the developer of Senior Quality Lifestyles' communities.

     Austin, Texas is becoming a very popular retirement community for a variety or reasons. For one, it was selected by Money Magazine as the #2 best big city to live in. The University of Texas and its array of cultural and other activities is perhaps the biggest draw for Austin, its cosmopolitan and high-tech, quirky soul is another reason. UT is just one of 9 colleges and professional schools in the area. The area is a hotbed for semiconductor and software industries. Active adults 55+ will find every kind of housing choice, from a dedicated retirement community such as Sun City of Anthem, to all types of housing in the city’s neighborhoods. From apartments, to condos to houses, the area offers very good value and is a reason why Austin is one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the U.S. The real estate market has been strong even as it slows down elsewhere in the country. Austin also has its own green building division to keep the city in good graces with the eco-friendly community.

     Texas is a great place to retire if you prefer warmer weather but also want variety. The state has a number of cities and towns. Each one has its own uniqueness and benefits to offer. The state offers plenty of choices for retiring green.