When and where to retire is a very important decision that many elderly people need to make in the most informed way possible. Things like cost of living, accessible facilities, hospitals and community play a very important role in that decision for most retirees, but there are some hidden gems out there that may not have made your list, especially if you do not like the Florida climate or are looking for a slightly less crowded place. If you are looking for the perfect place to retire, we might have a suggestion that, while outside the beaten path, could be perfect for you, and that is Brownsville, Texas.
While this might be out of the blue, after all it is a mostly unknown town that does not appear in any stereotypical retirement trope, research conducted by Retirable and insights from financial experts put it at the top of the list due to its affordability, abundant sunshine, and robust community benefits that benefit seniors in general and retirees in particular.
But, what makes Brownsville the best choice for retirees?
Why Brownsville is the best place to retire
Well, first and foremost, its location is quite promising for those that are looking to transition from harsher northern climates to more mild weather year round. It is a sunny town located on the Mexico border, which means an enviable climate with numerous parks, wildlife refuges, golf courses, and nature reserves around the area, such as thePalo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park. This means that you can explore the outskirts of the town with plenty of time and options, especially if you like nature. As an additional plus, it is only about an hour away from the nearest beach, so it is a very realistic day trip if you ever feel like changing it up.
Despite its privileged location, it still offers very affordable living, with low housing costs, easy access to food, which lowers grocery bills significantly (typically under $300 per month for a couple) and in general living costs falling well below the national average. These are all massive pros for those on fixed income and trying to extend their savings or the profits from their house sale.
Moving to a town where you do not know anyone can be daunting, but Brownsville is known for its southern hospitality, which means that it will not be hard to create a new community of friends and professionals that will help both during your transition and in your old age. It has plenty of senior centers, and cultural institutions such as museums and art galleries that put on local events free for members of the community where you can go and integrate yourselves into the fold. There are also plenty of gatherings and community-driven activities, including thematic festivals and music events to enjoy. You will inevitably find something to your taste.
As a fun added advantage, Texas is a very well known tax advantaged state for retirees. It has no taxes on retirement income and it has very low taxes in general on property, which will help if you move to a lower cost of living town like Brownsville.
Another thing that might sway you into giving this little town a try is their access to healthcare, which, considering the size of the town is quite impressive. It has a lot of facilities that are catering to seniors (it is a retirement town after all) including modern hospitals, specialized clinics, and routine medical centers. They are perfectly equipped to handle any and all problems that may arise year round since they are not a tourist town and have specialized personnel available.