Texas Hill Country offers a special allure for retirees looking for a vibrant and culture-filled lifestyle coupled with an abundance of natural beauty. It’s where rural and urban living meets down-home Texas charm.
Why retire in Texas Hill Country? The better question to ask is, “Why not?” This famed region of Central Texas is made up of small towns and dozens of larger cities, including Austin, the Lone Star State’s capital.
Thanks to its warm-weather climate, slower-paced lifestyle, healthy economy, affordable cost of living and lack of state income tax, this retirement gem is one of the best places to retire in Texas and spend your golden years. For the last three years, Austin has topped Forbes’ best places to live in America.
Whether you’re looking to spend your retirement playing or relaxing, it’s hard to beat all that Texas has to offer. Retire in Texas Hill Country and you’ll find a flourishing arts and cultural scene, with live music, theater, and special events any day of the week.
Foodies and imbibers will find distinctive flavors and exceptional eats to satisfy any craving. Feast on incredible Tex-Mex and barbecue or explore the more than 2,000 restaurants in Austin alone. In the spring, nature enthusiasts can hit the road and take a scenic drive to soak in the beauty of breathtaking bluebonnet displays.
Other highlights of retirement in 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.
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, 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 Texas Hill Country also has earned the distinction as being one of Wine Enthusiast’s top 10 wine destinations.
Campgrounds in 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 Texas Hill Country. In addition to the state parks noted above, there’s:
- 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.
Love is in the air: Romantic getaways in Texas Hill Country
Texas Hill Country offers getaways to suit any couple looking for a romantic escape. 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.
Gather the grandkids: Family things to do in Texas Hill Country
Retirement in Texas Hill Country isn’t just an ideal place to spend your golden years; it’s also 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.
- Comal River — Relax and float in an inner tube while meandering winding waters.
- 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.
- Vereins Kirche Museum — Explore the area’s German heritage through photos and artifacts.
- The Austin Zoo — Home to more than 350 animals, from monkeys to big cats.
- Marburger Orchard — Pick your own strawberries, blackberries and peaches.
- 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.
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-like living blended with vibrant opportunities and gorgeous natural surroundings. Contact us to learn more or schedule a visit to come see us in person.
