Historic Texas Cattle Town of Georgetown Now Growing Retirement Destination

Cost-of-Living:  Below U.S. National Average

Retirees seeking a lower cost-of-living and a temperate climate may want to consider Georgetown, Texas, an up-and-coming retirement destination located in the central part of the state (just off of I-35 and about 20 miles north of Austin).  Once a staging area for cattle drives along the Chisholm Trail, this quaint town (population 30,000) has a strong sense of pioneer history and works to maintain its historical integrity.    In 1997, Georgetown won a Great American Street Award for its thriving old town district where nearly two hundred 18th century buildings have been restored and renovated.

The primary reason that this fast growing destination is popular with retirees is because it is home to Sun City Georgetown, a Del Webb retirement community for those 55 years and older.  Here residents enjoy a 16,000 square foot recreation center with pools and a fitness center, an 18 hole championship golf course, a marina, a computer lab and a lot more.   Single family homes are for sale, as are custom homes.  Current existing homes on the market range in price from $135,800 for a 1,300 square foot home with two bedrooms, two baths and a two car garage to $385,250 for a 2,700 square foot home with three bedrooms and two baths.   Custom homes (you supervise the building) range from $125,900 for 1,400 square feet, two bedrooms and two baths to $260,900 for three bedrooms, two baths and 2,700 square feet.

Another option is Berry Creek, a master-planned golf and tennis community featuring expensive single family homes ranging in price from $350,000 to $420,000 for 2,920 to 4,080 square feet.   Georgetown Village is a more affordable new community that attracts all ages and is designed to resemble an old-fashioned village, with parks, quiet streets, a town center and lovely homes with front porches.  Prices for a three bedroom home with two baths start at $125,000 and go up to $146,000 for four bedrooms and 2.5 baths.

Georgetown also has several very reasonably-priced manufactured home communities, although none are specifically geared toward seniors.  Homes begin at around $13,000 for a one bedroom, one bath home and go as high as $55,000 for two bedrooms and two baths.   Communities include Pecan Branch,  Meadow Rest and Vista Ridge.

Property is taxed at $2.40 per $100 market value, and homes are assessed at 100%.  There is a $18,000 homestead exemption, plus another $10,000 for residents over age 65.  Taxes on a $150,000 home for someone 65 or older are $2,928 per year.

Georgetown is surrounded by rolling hills, but this is Texas so it does get hot in the summers.  Average July temperatures reach the mid-90s during the day and dip into the mid-70s during the evening.  Winters are mild with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s.   Average humidity is 56% so the summers are not unbearable.  The area receives an average of 35 inches of rain a year.  Tornados can occur, but they are usually not the violent type found further north.

This community has more than adequate health care with nearly 140 doctors and 20 dentists.   The Georgetown Medical Center Clinic is a private medical group that provides care to patients through all stages of life.  The Georgetown Hospital is an acute care facility with surgical and emergency services, and Sun City Georgetown has its own medical center.  Austin is 20 miles down the road and provides even more medical care choices.  Military retirees will be glad to know that Fort Hood is located in Killeen, roughly 40 miles north.

More than forty churches and synagogues make their home here, and Southwestern University, a small liberal arts college and the oldest educational institution in Texas, offers the opportunity for ongoing education and adds a youthful flavor to the town.   Residents can also take advantage of Sun City's Senior University where classes and lectures by visiting professors are offered to those 55 and older.  The University of Texas is located in nearby Austin and provides another opportunity for learning.    

There are also numerous chances to volunteer.  Georgetown Hospital has a dedicated program for this and recruits senior volunteers (as well as others) for everything from its gift shop to offering support services to acting as a greeter.   Volunteer opportunities are also available at Sun City, the library, the schools, the chamber of commerce and the Parks and Recreation Department.  Five city golf courses, fourteen parks, many tennis courts and walking trails all add to the quality of life, and Lake Georgetown just outside of town provides even more recreation opportunities, including hiking, camping and boating.

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