If you’re looking for a place where adventure and relaxation go hand in hand, welcome to Austin, Texas. Moving to Austin means you can enjoy your next chapter of life in a vibrant city that lives by the motto, “Keep Austin Weird.” Austin offers a colorful culture and a lively music scene. It’s known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” featuring world-renowned festivals like South by Southwest and Austin City Limits. These events attract visitors from all over the globe, drawn by the eclectic mix of music, art, and innovation.
Why move to Austin, Texas? Many people settle in Texas because of its tax-friendliness. Texas doesn’t have a state income tax, which means Social Security benefits and all forms of retirement income are not taxed at the state level. There are many other reasons people are drawn to the capital city of Texas. Austin boasts plenty of sunshine, mild winters, and an overall welcoming vibe. Here, you can experience a unique blend of Southern hospitality in a diverse, open-minded community.
If moving to Austin has been on your mind, read on. We’ll share some pros and cons of moving to this city along with what you should know regarding climate, taxes, and health care.
Retiring in Austin: Pros and Cons
Pros
Mostly great weather – Austin boasts an average of about 300 sunny days a year along with mild winters. The pleasant weather makes it great for enjoying outdoor activities throughout the year.
An exciting food scene – Whether you love barbecue, Tex-Mex, or vegan food, there’s always something new to experience in Austin. The city’s varied food scene reflects the community’s cultural diversity.
A focus on wellness – In addition to Austin’s numerous hospitals and clinics, many of the city’s health care providers focus on preventive and holistic care. You can also find an abundance of fitness studios, wellness centers, and recreational programs to stay active and engaged.
Cons
The traffic – As more people move to Austin, the roadways get more congested. I-35 and Loop 1 can get especially bogged down during rush hours. Even the back roads can get jammed as people try to seek alternate routes.
The summer heat – Texas gets hot, and the heat can take a toll. If you have health concerns or mobility issues, you might need to make lifestyle adjustments during the summer.
Austin Climate
If you’re hoping for mild winters, Austin could be a great retirement destination for you. In the winter, temperatures usually reach the 50s and 60s, making it possible to enjoy outdoor activities all year long. However, summers can be hot with temperatures soaring into triple-digit territory from June through August.
The city seldom sees ice or snowfall. Though Austin experiences some severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, the city isn’t as prone to these weather events as other parts of Texas. Living in Austin means you can enjoy a pleasant climate nearly all year, whether you enjoy walking, gardening, or exploring places like Zilker Park and Lady Bird Lake.
Austin Taxes
When you retire in Austin, you can benefit from Texas’ tax-friendliness. The state poses no state income tax. Also, Austin’s sales tax rate is 8.25%, which includes a 6.25% state tax and a 2% local tax. Compared to other cities like Chicago, which has a sales tax rate above 10%, this is relatively modest.
Austin Property Taxes
If you’re thinking about moving to Austin, be sure to account for the city’s higher-than-average property tax rate. The average property tax rate is about 2.2%, which can raise your housing costs significantly. Many homeowners find this extra expense offset by the state’s lack of state income tax.
Austin Retirement Income Taxes
Since there’s no state income tax in Texas, you can enjoy a tax-friendly environment for all your retirement income. Things like Social Security benefits, retirement savings, and pensions are not taxed at the state level. Federal taxes still apply, though.
Austin Tax Exemptions for Seniors
Moving to Austin could lead to some sizable savings in the form of property tax exemptions. The Texas Comptroller can provide more detailed information, but in general, homeowners age 65 and older can receive a $10,000 exemption on their home’s value.
Austin Health Care
Austin is home to several award-winning medical centers, including Ascension Seton Medical Center. The facility focuses on community health, providing numerous programs and resources for preventive care and overall wellness. Austin is also home to The University of Texas at Austin health system, which features specialized clinics for cancer, neurology, and heart health.
Where to Live in Austin
If you’re looking for a relaxed vibe, check out the Mueller community, which features scenic parks and farmer’s markets. If you’re in the mood to shop and dine, visit the South Congress community and pop into the area’s offbeat boutiques and cozy eateries. Here’s a look at some 55+ communities in Austin and the surrounding area.
Featured 55+ Communities Within Austin
Overture Mueller – Austin, TX
Prices Starting At: $1,113
This age-restricted apartment home community provides residents with a maintenance-free lifestyle. Overture Mueller offers a full social calendar with activities like Tai Chi, water aerobics, game nights, and holiday parties. Amenities include a bistro cafe, library, theater, and business space, along with unique offerings like an on-site nail salon and hair salon. Each apartment includes a full-size washer and dryer plus private balconies for additional living space.
Everleigh Lakeline – Austin, TX
Prices Starting At: $1,300
Everleigh Lakeline, an age-restricted apartment home community, offers a robust array of amenities. Throughout the community grounds, residents can enjoy a dog park, dog wash stations, a fire pit, and chess and checkers tables. Indoor amenities include a fitness center and yoga studio. Apartment homes are available in numerous floor plans, with many featuring breakfast bars and wine refrigerators.
Overture Domain – Austin, TX
Prices Starting At: $1,643
Overture Domain is situated in the heart of the bustling shopping center, The Domain. This age-restricted community contains apartment homes that range from 601 to 1,347 square feet. Features include garden tubs, French-door refrigerators, and wood-style plank flooring. Each residence also includes a full-size washer and dryer. Residents can access several amenities like a pool and hot tub and a theater and library.
Overture Arboretum – Austin, TX
Prices Starting At: $1,575
The apartment homes in Overture Arboretum are designed with features like granite countertops and walk-in tiled showers. Choose from one- and two-bedroom residences, each with a full-size washer and dryer. This age-restricted community offers several classes, including Tai Chi and Zumba, and organizes several events throughout the year. Amenities include a dog park, a yoga studio, and an on-site hair salon.
ArborView Circle C Ranch – Austin, TX
Prices Starting At: $1,450
This gated apartment community is located about 30 minutes from Downtown Austin. Residents can choose from detached garages and carport parking. All floor plans include washers and dryers and a balcony or patio. Some feature private yards with direct gate access. A dog park, pet grooming station, and numerous grilling stations are available to residents. The amenities continue indoors with a crafting room, a quiet lounge, and a business center with free Wi-Fi.
Featured 55+ Communities in the Surrounding Austin Area
Sun City Texas – Georgetown, TX
High $200ks – Low $1Ms
Sun City Texas is a master-planned community in Georgetown that offers residents access to a wealth of resort-style amenities. The amenities span 86,000 square feet indoors and include an indoor walking track, multiple dance studios, and an indoor lap pool and spa. Residents can also take advantage of a nine-mile network of biking trails, a dog park, gardening plots, a softball field, and numerous sports courts. Pick from single-family and attached duplex homes in a variety of floor plans. Some feature golf course views and gourmet kitchens.
Kissing Tree – San Marcos, TX
Low $400ks – Low $800ks
Once complete, Kissing Tree in San Marcos will be one of the largest active adult communities in Texas. This 55+ community features an on-site activities director, an 18-hole putting course, 15 miles of walking and biking trails, and a golf clubhouse restaurant. Some unique amenities include a Biergarten, a community classroom, and a live music stage. Single-family homes are available in 18 floor plans and range from 1,424 to 3,398 square feet.
Heritage at Vizcaya – Round Rock, TX
High $300ks – Mid $600ks
Heritage at Vizcaya is part of the larger master-planned Vizcaya community and contains 632 single-family homes. Choose from more than 20 home models across three series. Some homes feature elegant gathering rooms with fireplaces while others provide luxurious owners’ suites with bay windows.
Tuscan Village – Lakeway, TX
Low $400ks – High $700ks
This resort-style, active adult community in Lakeway offers attached, single-family, and condo homes. A monthly homeowners’ association (HOA) fee covers landscaping, maintenance, and a social membership to the Rough Hollow Yacht Club. Residents can take part in numerous activities like yoga and a memoir-writing group. The community also houses an 11,000-square-foot public library that hosts guest speakers and book discussions.
Heritage Oaks – Georgetown, TX
High $400ks – High $600ks
Homes in Heritage Oaks are custom-built by Jimmy Jacobs and sit on intimate wooded lots. They’re available in 15 floor plans and Jenn-Air appliances, automatic sprinkler systems, cultured marble countertops, and mahogany entry doors. A 24-hour fitness center contains weight machines and cardio equipment. Residents can also enjoy a billiards room, library, and catering kitchen.
Let Austin Be Your Playground
Moving to Austin makes it easy to live life to the fullest. With a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other cities and practically endless things to do, Austin is a retirement dream. Contact 55places.com today to learn more about homes for sale in Austin!
