Retiring in New Braunfels
Retiring in Florida? Perhaps. But more and more retirees are choosing Texas for their retirement destination. Currently, 5 out of Forbes’ Top 25 Cities to Retire in 2014 are Texas cities, and with two of those cities being Fredericksburg and Austin, there is no better place to be in close proximity to both than New Braunfels. Along with great natural amenities, including lakes, rivers, and hills, there is definitely something to be said about the financial “amenities” retiring in New Braunfels has to offer. Besides the below average cost of living New Braunfels offers, there is also the draw that the average home price is well below the national average, coming in at just $180,000. Even better: New Braunfels offers a variety of different housing, including condos, garden homes, and even adult communities! Add to the pot that there is no state income tax, so all forms of retirement income escape taxation, and there is no inheritance or estate tax, and you have yourself a retirement destination made in heaven. If you still aren’t convinced, take into account that homeowners receive a $15,000 homestead exemption from property taxes, and people aged 65 or over receive an additional $10,000 exemption from school taxes (and $3,000 from other taxes).
Even better than the fact that as a retiree you can get more for your dollar, is that of the desirable climate New Braunfels has to offer. Warm almost year round, New Braunfels offers an alternative to blustery winters and chilly falls. With the average year round temperature registering at 67 degrees, and the average year round low temperature registering at 55.9 degrees, New Braunfels residents don’t have to worry about keeping their coat closets stuffed with heavy coats.
New Braunfels retirees are able to take advantage of the climate year round by enjoying one of the many bodies of water the town has to offer. Whether your style is fishing off the dock, putting your toes in the streaming river, or just breathing in the fresh Hill Country air, New Braunfels offers a combination of relaxation and activity that can’t be beat.
If being out and about is more your style, New Braunfels offers excellent dining, festivals, wineries, golf courses, and shopping. Because of the town’s German heritage, a variety of German restaurants operate throughout the town, and German festivals are held throughout the year. Of course, in addition to German food, there are a variety of other dining choices to choose from. From bar b que to chicken fried steak, the possibilities are endlessly tasty. Just as tasty is the wine made right there in the Hill Country. There are many wineries and wine tours that both retirees and tourists find appealing, and perhaps a nice way to end a day of antique or craft shopping one might do while in New Braunfels.
Want somewhere to take the grandkids, or just want a thrill? The country's largest water park, Schlitterbahn, is located in New Braunfels and has something for everyone. A lazy river, thrilling water coasters, and kid’s water playgrounds are just a few of the attractions within the over 70-acre water park.
New Braunfels also has stellar healthcare to offer. Santa Rosa Hospital, formerly McKenna Memorial Hospital, is the only hospital in town, but it is accredited by the Joint Commission and has won several national quality awards. The facility includes a cardiology unit, 24/7 emergency care, an ICU and diabetes care among many other services. More medical facilities can be found 25 miles away in San Antonio and 30 miles away in Austin. For military retirees, San Antonio also has a VA hospital.
With its unique, small town charm, welcoming spirit, affordability and proximity to both Austin and San Antonio's big city amenities, the best of both small city living and big city living are within reach for New Braunfels retirees.
