Seniors in search of the best places to retire in Texas are often drawn to the natural beauty and down-home Southern charm of the Texas Hill Country, where the best of rural and urban living collide. Austin Hill Country in particular offers a special allure for seniors looking for a vibrant lifestyle amid an abundance of natural beauty.
Thanks to its warm-weather climate, slower-paced lifestyle, healthy economy, affordable cost of living, and lack of state income tax, this dynamic gem is one of the best places to live in Texas. Whether you’re looking to spend your retirement pursuing leisure or indulging your passions, it’s hard to beat all that Texas has to offer.
Perks of Texas Hill Country Retirement
Why retire in Texas Hill Country? The better question to ask is, “Why not?”
When you choose a luxury retirement community in the Texas Hill Country, you’ll find that exploring your passions is easy, supported by a network of peers with common interests and proximity to a thriving and dynamic city. From its flourishing arts and cultural scene that boasts live music, theater, and special events to a foodie scene that’s equipped to satisfy any craving, Austin is a show-stopping retirement destination that lives up to its reputation. So, if you’re looking for senior communities in Texas and aren’t sure where to begin, read on about the broad range of reasons seniors are falling in love with the beauty of the Texas Hill Country.
Texas Hill Country State Parks
While much of Texas is flat and wide open, some of the country’s best state parks and scenery are found in Austin and the surrounding Texas Hill Country—from desert landscapes to stunning waterfalls. Here are just a few of the most popular Texas state parks you’ll have at your fingertips when you choose a senior living in the Texas Hill Country, perfect for visiting with family and friends alike.
- Guadalupe River State Park offers a bit of everything: swimming, kayaking, fishing, tubing, canoeing, camping, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking, geocaching, and bird watching.
- Every spring and summer evening, Garner State Park holds jukebox dancing for all ages under the stars, a tradition dating back to the 1940s.
- Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites offer breathtaking views, a renowned brewery, picnicking, and nature and historical study.
- Inks Lake State Park boasts a feast for the eyes: striking sunsets, a swimming hole with crystal blue water, and colorful rock formations.
- Pedernales Falls State Park features a flowing river with massive slabs of limestone, which makes for an ideal spot to recharge and relax with a hike or swim.
- In addition to abundant wildlife, Lyndon B. Johnson State Park allows visitors to step back in time to 1918 at the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farmstead.
- Gorgeous and lush Colorado Bend State Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, offering wildlife; hiking; and the 60-foot Gorman Falls, a travertine waterfall.
Swirl, Sniff, and Sip Through Texas Hill Country Wineries
Boasting more than 50 beautifully cultivated vineyards, big and small, the Texas Hill Country offers plenty of opportunities to savor the perfect blend of fine wine and stunning views. Not only is it one of the country’s largest wine destinations, but the Texas Hill Country has also earned the distinction of being one of Wine Enthusiast’s top 10 wine destinations. Whether you’re picking up a bottle of sumptuous red for dinner at home or looking for a fun excursion with friends, getting to know the Texas Hill Country through its wineries is a must.
Campgrounds in the Texas Hill Country
Retirement in Texas Hill Country also means there’s no shortage of places to pitch a tent or park an RV and soak up the cool air and starry skies. Camping is a perfect way to experience the great outdoors — whether you’re into primitive campsites, higher-end campgrounds, or RV camping in the Texas Hill Country. In addition to the state parks noted above, there are also:
- Krause Springs — Bask in a spring-fed swimming hole and gaze at a 30-foot waterfall and 1,000-year-old cypress trees.
- Canyon of the Eagles Campground — Designated as a wildlife habitat, the park offers a beautiful resort that allows visitors to enjoy nature without staying in a traditional campsite.
- Leifeste Campground — A 50-year-old primitive campground with access to kayaking, swimming, boating, and some of the best fishing on the Llano River.
- Lost Maples State Natural Area — A leaf peeper’s dream spot to soak up the fall foliage colors of the Uvalde Bigtooth Maple trees.
Romantic Getaways in the Texas Hill Country
The Texas Hill Country stands as one of the top places to retire in Texas for many reasons, not least of which include its romantic vistas and getaways for senior couples. Take a dip in a secluded swimming hole or infinity pool. Sleep among the treetops surrounded by the sounds of nature. Turn up the heat with a private cooking class. Relax and get pampered with massages and spa treatments. Cozy up with your loved one on the covered porch of a secluded cabin. Explore quiet neighborhoods surrounded by pecan and magnolia trees and blooming gardens, or beautiful countrysides rich with wildlife and waterfalls. The paths towards romance are endless.
Gather the Grandkids: Family Things to Do in the Texas Hill Country
Retirement living in Texas Hill Country is also ideal for seniors hoping for a lifestyle that enables them to stay connected with family. The region is chock-full of family-friendly activities that run the gamut from cave-dwelling to putt-putting to feeding buffalo.
- Landa Park — Spend the day paddling, boating, playing mini-golf, hiking trails, riding a mini-train, and enjoying a picnic.
- McKenna Children’s Museum — Plenty of exhibits for inspiration and engagement, including a “simulated excursion into space.”
- Enchanted Rock — This 425-foot pink granite dome is one of the largest natural rock formations in the country. This ancient batholith also provides a magical spot for camping.
- The Austin Zoo — Home to more than 350 animals, from monkeys to big cats.
- Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch — Hand-feed zebras, buffalo, and giraffes from your car or a safari bus.
- Natural Bridge Caverns — Explore caves and pan for precious stones.
- Schlitterbahn New Braunfels — A can’t-miss water park with water coasters and heated pools.
Enjoy Texas Hill Country | Retirement Communities in Austin
Now that we’ve answered the question, “Why retire in Texas Hill Country?” it’s time to figure out the “how.” As one of the most celebrated retirement communities in Texas Hill Country, Querencia at Barton Creek offers an upscale senior living experience that embraces the kind of big living you’ll only find in the Lone Star State. Retirement life at Querencia means luxurious resort-style senior living, blended with vibrant opportunities and gorgeous natural surroundings. Contact us to learn more or schedule a visit to come see us in person.
