While the state of Texas has been gaining popularity with retirees, the city of Houston has been largely overlooked as a retirement destination. That may be changing as more 55+ community developers move into the area, and active adults discover many reasons to give Houston a second look.
As the largest city in Texas, and the fourth largest city in the United States, Houston certainly has plenty to offer. Shopping, dining and cultural opportunities are endless. The city boasts a wide range of performing arts venues, such as the Wortham Center and the Hobbie Center for the Performing Arts. The city also houses resident companies like Houston Grand Opera, Houston Ballet, The Alley Theatre and Houston Symphony Orchestra.
Sports fans will love cheering on Houston teams, including the Astros (MLB), the Texans (NFL), the Rockets (NBA), the Aeros (AHL) and the Dynamo (MLS). The city is known for its sports arenas, such as Minute Maid Park, Toyota Center, the Reliant Stadium and the Reliant Astrodome, which was the world’s first domed stadium. It has also been the setting of All-Star Games for both the NBA and MLB, and the location of two Super Bowl championships.
Golf is another sport that is popular in the Houston area, with both professional golfers and local residents. Golf courses are available to meet any skill level, including the 36-hole Redstone Golf Club at the Amberwood at Fall Creek community. In 2009, Houston even hosted the LPGA Tour Championship.
Quality healthcare is important to active adults and Houston has some of the best healthcare facilities in the country. The Texas Medical Center is home to 49 research and healthcare institutions. This includes over a dozen hospitals and medical schools, including the renowned University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, the Baylor Clinic and Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center.
When it comes to cost of living, it doesn’t get much better than Houston. No income tax is collected in the state of Texas, and total tax burden in Houston is low compared to other large cities around the country. Home prices vary from one suburb to the next, but many affordable communities can be found within the Houston Area.
For these reasons and more, active adult communities have been popping up throughout the Houston area. Del Webb Sweetgrass opened its sales office in February 2011, while K. Hovnanian and Village Builders are developing the intimate Heritage Towne Lake community. More established Houston communities include Heritage Grand at Cinco Ranch, Windsor Lakes and Windsor Hills.
For active adults who like the heat of the Texan sun, and long to live in close proximity to a major urban center, Houston may be just the ticket. And more active adult communities opening in the area, mean more opportunities to find the perfect retirement home.
This article originally appeared on 55Places.com. For more articles like this or for information about hundreds of 55+ active adult retirement communities across the country, please visit 55Places.com.
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