I’m a Texas Native: 6 Financial Reasons I Won’t Retire Here
Written by
Laura Beck
Edited by
Amber Barkley
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Tim N. never thought he’d leave Texas. After all, he’s called Austin home for over six decades. But as retirement looms, this Lone Star native is having second thoughts.
“It breaks my heart,” Tim shared. “Texas is in my blood, but my wallet’s telling a different story.“
What’s pushing Tim to consider greener pastures? Here’s what’s on his mind.
Property Tax Headaches
“Every year, it’s the same dang story,” Tim shared. “My property tax bill shows up, and it’s like someone’s laughing at me.”
Tim made the point that despite having no state income tax, Texas homeowners often feel the pinch in other ways.
Insurance Woes
From Gulf Coast hurricanes to Panhandle tornadoes, Texas weather keeps insurers on their toes.
“After that last big storm, my premiums shot way up,” Tim shared. “I wish there was something I could do about this, but I haven’t figured out how to control the weather yet.”
Tim wants to live somewhere with a more reliable climate — and where hurricanes and tornadoes are not a thing.
Energy Bill Roulette
Texas’ unique energy market can be a double-edged sword. “One month you’re fine, the next, you’re wondering if they added an extra zero by mistake,” Tim said.
He wants to retire somewhere with more reliable energy — he’s considering the West Coast, as well as Portugal. “In Portugal, you can buy a home and become a resident. I’m looking into it seriously these days.”
Healthcare Hurdles
“I’m no spring chicken,” Tim said. “And Texas isn’t exactly known for its cheap medical care.”
With an uncertain healthcare future, Tim’s worried about potential costs down the road. He’s not sure where he can go, but again, Portugal is on his mind. “Other countries just care more about their older citizens,” he said.
Beating the Heat… At a Cost
Texas summers are legendary — and not always in a good way.
“My AC works harder than I ever did,” Tim joked. “And the electric company sends me a thank-you note every month.”
Tim longs to retire in a place with a more temperate climate. “I don’t want to be freezing, but I’m also not looking to die of heat stroke, which is something that happens, especially to older people!”
Grocery Store Sticker Shock
Tim is the breadwinner and grocery shopper in his family — so he pays attention to rising food costs.
“Remember when you could get a week’s worth of groceries without taking out a loan?” Tim asked. “Those days are gone, and my retirement budget is feeling the squeeze.”
Tim’s story isn’t unique. Many Texans are crunching the numbers and realizing retirement might be sweeter — and cheaper — elsewhere.
“Don’t get me wrong,” Tim said. “I’ll always love Texas. But love doesn’t pay the bills. Sometimes you’ve got to make tough choices to make your golden years truly golden.”
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