5 of the Best 55+ Communities in Texas

Our picks for some of the best 55+ communities in Texas

Texas is home to a variety of outstanding 55+ communities, offering diverse amenities, active lifestyles, and comfortable living options tailored to retirees. Based on the parameters we listed above, here are some we feel are worth considering:

How can I find a 55+ community near me?

There are many other 55+ communities in Texas. One way to see your options is to search the internet with phrases such as, “55 and older communities near me” or “retirement communities near me.” Check ratings, reviews, and comments posted on the Better Business Bureau site, Google Reviews, and industry websites.

Another way to find a quality 55+ or retirement community near you is to consult a top real estate agent in your area. An experienced agent who knows your market can provide you with valuable insights into community characteristics such as crime rates, affordability, home construction quality, and the reputation of the governing association.

13 questions to ask before you buy a home in a 55+ community

Here are 13 important questions to ask before you commit to purchasing a home in a Texas 55+ community.

1. What activities do you offer, and how often?

One of the primary reasons that older adults choose 55+ communities is the social connections that come with being in proximity to their contemporaries. Though not all who live in these communities are retired, many are and have more free time to pursue hobbies and enjoyment.

For this reason, it’s important to make sure that the community you choose has the type of activity programming that appeals to you on a schedule that fits your desired lifestyle.

2. How are the homes spaced, and what are the layouts like?

At the end of the day, moving into a 55+ community means settling on a home that works for you, just as it should in any other type of community. If space and privacy are important to you, find out if there are some homes on larger lots with more setbacks between neighboring properties.

Additionally, ask to see floor plans. For instance, you may not want a house with areas that require stairs or extra steps, or you may need higher square footage if you expect frequent visitors.

3. What’s the policy on age restrictions?

While this might not be obvious, different over 55+ communities have different policies about what age ranges are allowed among residents. For example, you might be 56, but your spouse might be 48. For some developments, this may not be a problem, but it’s important to find out.

Additionally, if you have many grandchildren who will be spending a lot of time at your house, find out if there is a maximum number of days that young people can stay per year.

4. Will I own the home, or is this a lease community?

Love for a house or neighborhood can happen at first sight, but don’t go head over heels until you find out if your pick for a home in a 55+ community is for sale or lease. While you’re at it, be sure to find out all of the potential hidden costs that might come with the deal.

5. What are the community rules?

Most active adult communities have specific rules that must be followed. These might include:

• Children and grandchildren restrictions
• Pets (limits on the number, breeds, and sizes)
• Parking (how many vehicles can be parked and where, how RVs and boats will be accommodated)
• Guests or visitors (numbers, length of time, etc.)
• Other rules typically associated with HOAs

6. What are your new neighbors like?

It’s a subjective question but important to ask. See if the sales team can give you a sense of whether the general culture of the place aligns with your personality, interests, and values. You could also ask to meet or attend an activity session to see if you mesh with the residents.

7. What plans are there for the adjacent property?

You may be looking at a newer 55+ community that’s not fully developed yet. As such, your home might be surrounded by vacant lots or empty land. Find out what the plans are for those parcels. If you find out that a clubhouse will be constructed next door, that may or may not be an appealing revelation.

8. Is the community financially sound?

Before you buy a home in a 55+ community, ask to see financial reports to make sure that the development isn’t on shaky financial ground or headed for bankruptcy. This is important because it could affect your own property values as well as influence the quality of maintenance and amenity offerings.

9. Is there a reserve fund for maintenance?

Also known as a sinking fund, reserve funds are set aside to make sure that the development remains well-maintained, such as common areas and landscaping. Again, strong property values depend on the general upkeep of the area, and if management can’t foot the bill, things could deteriorate.

10. What other projects belong to this developer?

55+ communities often have other, similar developments in their portfolio. Research the other areas and see what locations, homes, and amenity offerings seem the best for your situation. This move will also give you a better sense of the developer’s track record.

11. Is the governing association easy to work with?

You will want a community board with a proven track record of working together and finding solutions. If you discover a dysfunctional board led by power-hungry or inept individuals, it may cause great angst and harm the unity of the entire community.

So, ask several different residents about their experiences. Check with your real estate agent. Find out if the board and its members are competent, effective, and civil. One free resource for researching your association or HOA is communityassociations.net.

12. What security and safety measures does the community have?

Safety is a high-priority concern for many seniors. Ask what security systems the community has in place. Do they have continuous video surveillance and protocols for visitors? Is the entrance gated or guarded? How many emergency situations are handled each yea, and what are the response times?

13. What is the resale value of homes in the community?

While you may plan on making this your final lifetime move into a 55+ community, life circumstances can change unexpectedly. You may need to move closer to relatives or into an assisted living facility.

Ask your real estate agent about the projected resale value of homes in the community. Review the HOA rules for restrictions on for-sale signs. Some 55+ communities have their own sales offices and prohibit hiring an outside agent.

How Much Is Your Home Worth Now?

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Check out the community around the community

Vetting the 55+ community with the 13 questions above will help you uncover crucial insights into what life might be like within the boundaries of those neighborhoods, but you will want to look beyond the front gates.

To truly identify the best 55+ community for you, you should also research the history, reputation, culture, and amenities available in the surrounding host city or town. Find out what the area has to offer that can improve or enhance your retirement years.

Q&A: More tips and insights about 55+ communities in Texas

What’s the primary reason people move to Texas for 55+ communities?

According to Myers, the number one reason is the lower cost of living, including lower taxes.

Where are most moving to Texas from?

Myers said that about 30% of over 55+ folks moving to Texas are coming from California.

What are some other reasons people choose 55+ communities in Texas?

The warm climate allows people to play golf and tennis nearly all year round, Myers says. Others choose a location where they’ll be close to children and grandchildren.

Are 55+ communities popular in Texas?

Only a small fraction of those at retirement age are specifically looking for a 55+ community in Texas, though this varies a bit by city, Myers says.

Where do most seniors live in Texas?

Menard County has the highest concentration of residents aged 65 and older, making up 32.79% of the population.

What are some top affordable 55+ communities in Texas?

According to 55 Places, the most affordable 55+ communities in Texas are Sunshine Country Club Estates in Harlingen, CountryPlace in Pearland, and Country Lane Villas in McKinney. These residential developments feature homes with a starting price of $200K.

What is the 80/20 rule in some 55+ communities?

To be compliant with the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA) and federal Fair Housing laws, 55+ communities generally require that at least 80% of all units must be occupied by one person aged 55 or older, while the remaining 20% of households can be available for residents of any age.

This also means that if these communities have sufficient interest from prospective residents to exceed 80% occupancy by those over 55, they may choose to do so.

When should I visit a prospective 55+ community?

To get the clearest picture of how you might connect with a 55+ community, it’s best to visit at different times of the year. You may love an area you visited on vacation in the fall, but that does not mean you will like it in the winter.

Remember, you are making long-term retirement plans, so multiple visits are worth the time and investment. It’s also valuable to consider several different retirement locations and compare the benefits and drawbacks.

Are there real estate agents that specialize in helping seniors?

Yes. There is a specialty certification that agents can receive from The National Association of Realtors (NAR) to become a Seniors Real Estate Specialist or SRES. An SRES agent will be well-versed in the areas of retirement, downsizing, and more. To learn more, see our post: Should You Hire an Agent Who Is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist?

Living your golden years in the Lone Star State

With its nearly year-round warm climate, abundant verdant open space, and low cost of living, Texas is a top destination for retirees and other older adults to seek 55+ communities to call home. But as with any housebuying endeavor, research is vital to find the best fit.

The social component is a central part of the allure of 55+ communities, so it’s essential to find out if the activities, neighbors, and culture are right for you in addition to the house itself.

Don’t go it alone when searching for the best home in a great 55+ community. HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform can connect with an SRES agent or a top-performing agent who can help you downsize or guide you in your search for a great retirement community in Texas.

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