With rolling hills, limestone cliffs, and scenic rivers, there’s much to love about the Texas Hill Country. It’s become an increasingly popular retirement destination in Central Texas. Also, this part of the state has fun, walkable towns and cities, historic sites, and indoor and outdoor recreation opportunities. And it has wide-open spaces for long road trips.
Where exactly is the Texas Hill Country? Opinions differ, but it’s generally considered north of San Antonio and southwest of Austin. Some call it the border for our country’s Southeast and Southwest. It has rural areas, but over the past decades, it has grown to include retirement communities and suburban neighborhoods.
55+ homebuyers are flocking to the Texas Hill Country because there are so many affordable properties in active adult neighborhoods. You’ll find condos, attached homes, and single-family homes in 55 plus communities in Texas Hill Country, with on-site amenities like swimming pools and fitness centers. Most of these properties also have homeowners’ associations (HOAs), with fees that cover services like lawn care, security, and common area maintenance.
Why Do Retirees Love Texas?
The first reason is clear: A warm climate with plenty of sunshine for year-round outdoor activities. Summers can be hot, though, especially in the southern regions. Winters are generally mild, averaging 50-60 degrees. However, northern areas can see cooler temperatures. Spring and fall offer comfortable weather, while the Gulf Coast region sees more humid conditions.
Additionally, the state’s tax-friendly policies, including no state income tax, help retirees stretch their savings. Texas has a relatively low cost of living compared to many other states, making it easier to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Also, the state has a strong health care infrastructure, with top-rated hospitals and medical facilities.
San Antonio and Austin are both in Texas Hill Country, promoting active adult-friendly lifestyles. Here’s a closer look at what these cities offer retirees.
Why San Antonio Appeals to Retirees
San Antonio, situated in the southern part of Texas Hill Country, is the state’s second-largest city and a cultural hotspot. It offers retirees a mix of historic charm and modern conveniences, with landmarks like The Alamo and San Antonio Missions to explore. The city’s mild winters and hot summers are ideal for year-round outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, and golfing.
The Benefits of Living in San Antonio
- Atmosphere: San Antonio’s family-friendly atmosphere and diverse community make it appealing for retirees who entertain visiting grandchildren. The River Walk, with its restaurants, shops, and scenic views, is unique and worth visiting often.
- Cost of Living: The city’s affordable cost of living and variety of 55+ communities please retirees seeking budget-friendly housing options.
- Health Care: San Antonio offers robust health care access, with facilities like the University Health System.
- Outdoor Activities and Attractions: San Antonio is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with numerous parks, golf courses, and walking trails. Retirees can enjoy birdwatching at Brackenridge Park, hiking in the Government Canyon State Natural Area, or exploring the nearby Hill Country scenery.
- Active Adult Communities: San Antonio has numerous age-restricted communities offering resort-style amenities. These communities often feature clubhouses, walking trails, and organized social events, so staying active and meeting new people is easy.
San Antonio Active Adult Communities
Scenic Hills – Schertz, TX
Mid $200ks – High $300ks
First, we have Scenic Hills, a gated 55+ community completed in 2007 by U.S. Homes. Located 22 miles northeast of San Antonio, it has 204 single-family residences ranging from 1,294 to 2,270 square feet. These thoughtfully designed floor plans offer two to four bedrooms, one to three bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. Upgrades may include granite countertops and sunrooms.
The Scenic Hills clubhouse is a hub of activity, with a fitness room, a ballroom, and an arts and crafts studio. Homeowners also enjoy outdoor amenities, including a pool, a horseshoe pit, walking trails, and an R.V. parking area. There’s also an impressive list of activities, from community dinners to line dancing.
The Orchards at Valley Ranch – San Antonio, TX
High $300ks – Low $400ks
This newer active adult community, built by D. R. Horton from 2017 to 2022, has 88 single-family homes on a gated property. The modern floor plans range from 1,675 to 2,245 square feet, with two bedrooms, two to two-and-a-half baths, and attached two-car garages. Some of these lovely homes have private courtyards, nine-foot ceilings, and breakfast bars.
The community’s stunning 10,000-square-foot clubhouse offers a demonstration kitchen, a fitness center, and gathering areas. Outside, you’ll find a lap pool for residents and a waterpark with two spiraling waterslides for the young and young at heart. Tennis and basketball courts, trails, and lovely lakes and ponds are on the grounds.
The Orchards at Valley Ranch have plenty of time for activities. Some of the most popular ones are potlucks, game nights, and the community chorus.
Veramendi – New Braunfels, TX
High $300ks – High $800ks
Located 33 miles northeast of San Antonio, Vermendi will have 650 single-family homes upon completion. Eight builders are developing homes on this property, which has no age restrictions but features an active adult lifestyle. As an upscale master-planned development, Veramendi will have a modern clubhouse, a pool, sports courts, parks, greenspaces, trails, and other indoor and outdoor amenities for its homeowners to enjoy. Once Veramendi is well established, we expect to see many social interest groups, gatherings, and clubs for residents.
Hill Country Retreat – San Antonio, TX
High $300ks – Mid $600ks
Completed in 2024 by Del Webb and Village Builders, Hill Country Retreat is one of the most appealing 55 plus communities in Texas Hill Country. This gated community has 2,090 resale single-family homes and outstanding, resort-like amenities.
The Del Webb one-story homes at Hill Country Retreat range from 1,109 to 2,669 square feet with two to three bedrooms, one-and-a-half to two baths, and attached two- to three-car garages. Features include covered patios and walk-in closets. The Village Builders homes are 2,150 to 2,838 square feet, with two or three bedrooms, two to three-and-a-half baths, and attached two-car garages. Some of these models have gourmet kitchens, 10-foot ceilings, and second-floor lofts.
You’ll be impressed by this community’s 28,000-square-foot clubhouse, “The Resort.” Here, you’ll find hobby and game rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an indoor pool. Hill Country Retreat’s outdoor amenities include a pool, a whirlpool spa, walking and biking trails, and sports courts.
Why Austin Appeals to Retirees
Austin is the capital of Texas. It’s known for its live music scene, tech industry, cool neighborhoods, greenspace, and outdoor activities. Many retirees find its youthful atmosphere and cultural offerings refreshing.
The city’s reputation as the “Live Music Capital of the World” brings an energetic vibe with festivals, concerts, and events year-round. This extends to art, theater, and culinary experiences, providing retirees with abundant entertainment options. Active adults can also enjoy kayaking, hiking, and exploring nearby vineyards.
The Benefits of Living in Austin
- Thriving Cultural Scene: Live music, festivals, theater, and art galleries provide a rich cultural environment, appealing to retirees seeking an active lifestyle.
- Educational Opportunities: The University of Texas offers continuing education programs, classes, and public events for lifelong learners.
- Excellent Health Care Facilities: Top-rated hospitals, like St. David’s Healthcare and Ascension Seton, offer a wide range of services.
- Outdoor Recreation: Barton Springs Pool and numerous parks and trails encourage an active, outdoor lifestyle.
- Active Adult Communities: Austin also has fabulous 55 plus communities in Texas Hill Country.
Austin Active Adult Communities
Sun City Texas – Georgetown, TX
High $200ks – Low $1Ms
Here’s a delightful Del Webb community that broke ground in 1995. Since then, the company built more residences; the final count will be 9,900 new and resale attached and single-family homes.
We’re talking a lot of different models here—they range from 940 to over 3,000 square feet. Del Webb recently introduced new floor plans, and you can find affordable villas, upscale golf course homes, and everything in between. You’ll find extras like three-car garages, custom outdoor living spaces, elegant bathrooms, and two- to three-bedroom/two-bath layouts.
A 55+ community of this size must have enough amenities for everyone, and Sun City Texas doesn’t disappoint. It offers three championship 18-hole golf courses: Legacy Hills, White Wing, and Cowan Creek. Sun City Texas also has several recreation and activity complexes with amenities like ballrooms, hobby and craft studios, plus a state-of-the-art workout facility, an outdoor amphitheater, and swimming pools.
Gardens at Teravista – Round Rock, TX
Mid $300ks – High $300ks
At the opposite end of the spectrum from Sun City Texas we have Gardens at Teravista, about 20 miles north of Austin. Completed in 2015 by Spicewood Communities, this intimate, gated community offers 81 single-family homes. It has no age restrictions and is part of the Teravista master-planned golf course community.
These lovely detached garden homes range from 1,432 to 2,750 square feet, with two to three bedrooms, two to three baths, and attached two or three-car garages. The standard features are impressive: stainless steel appliances, private fenced-in courtyards, and nine-foot ceilings, to name a few.
Gardens at Teravista residents can join the Teravista Golf Club, which has an 18-hole championship course and a cafe. The Teravista Residents Club has a fitness center, two outdoor pools, and comfortable gathering rooms. The community has social events, an outdoor pool, a patio, and tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts.
Oaks at Wildwood – Georgetown, TX
Low $300ks – High $300ks
Beautifully geared for downsizing, Oaks at Wildwood was built by Epcon Communities and finished in 2012. It has 86 resale attached homes in a peaceful setting close to modern conveniences.
The two open-living floor plans range from 1,718 to 1,884 square feet, with two to three bedrooms, two baths, and two-car garages. Features include generous storage space and a four-season room.
Oaks at Wildwood residents enjoy spending time at the community clubhouse, which offers a fully equipped kitchen, a big-screen TV, and a media room. Other perks include an outdoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center with weekly dance and yoga classes. The long list of community events and groups includes potlucks, wine and cheese parties, casino nights, and a book club.
Heritage at Vizcaya – Round Rock, TX
High $300ks – Mid $600ks
As one of our larger Austin-area communities, Heritage at Vizcaya will have 1,200 homes upon completion. As expected, Heritage at Vizcaya has amenities designed to suit active lifestyles. The community clubhouse, “The Lodge,” has a fitness center with exercise studios, an open catering kitchen, and game rooms. The outdoor amenities include a pool, a patio, a fire pit, and sports courts (including pickleball).
San Antonio vs. Austin: Which City is Right for You?
Are you deciding between San Antonio and Austin as a retirement destination? Here’s a quick comparison to help.
- Cost of Living: San Antonio generally offers a lower cost of living than Austin, especially in housing. Retirees seeking affordability may prefer San Antonio, while Austin provides a vibrant lifestyle worth the premium for some.
- Cultural Scene: Austin is known for its music and tech culture, perfect for those who enjoy that atmosphere. San Antonio offers historical attractions and traditional festivals for a relaxed and diverse cultural experience.
- Outdoor Activities: Austin is great for water sports, hiking, and cycling, while San Antonio’s parks and cultural landmarks are ideal for retirees who prefer golf or historical exploration.
- Health Care Access: San Antonio has a slightly higher number of medical facilities, which could benefit those needing regular care.
- Community Vibe: San Antonio has a family-oriented, small-town feel, while Austin has a modern, eclectic vibe with a mix of retirees and young professionals.
Which Communities Should You Tour?
Choosing between San Antonio and Austin depends on your preferences and lifestyle goals. Both cities offer attractive retirement options, with plenty of 55+ communities to explore. Contact 55places.com today to learn more about 55 plus communities in Texas Hill Country!
