The Retiree’s Guide to Houston: Settling In

Written by

Guest Post by Patrick Young of Able USA.

Are you moving south for retirement? Well, Houston, Texas, is a great city for older adults. Not only does Houston have warm weather year-round and plenty of museums, theaters, colleges, and sports to keep retirees entertained, this Texan city also enjoys lower housing costs than other similarly-sized cities.

However, Houston’s size can make the city daunting for new residents, especially older adults who have special considerations for where to live, what to see, and how to settle into their new home. This guide will help seniors settle into Houston and start enjoying all their new city has to offer.

Senior-Friendly Houston Neighborhoods

Accessibility isn’t just for people with disabilities — although it is a great asset if you’re one of the two in five Americans aged 65 and older living with a disability. Accessible neighborhoods are more walkable and livable for people of all ages. These are some of the most accessible neighborhoods around Houston:

  • Houston Heights: One of Houston’s best neighborhoods, the Heights has no shortage of restaurants, trails, and parks — all within a short walk from home.
  • Midtown and East Downtown: Retirees seeking affordability should consider Midtown Houston or East Downtown. These up-and-coming neighborhoods offer MetroRail access and great walkability.
  • The Woodlands: Prefer suburban living? The Woodlands is a master-planned community known for its walkable downtown and ample green space.
  • 55+ communities: Retirees may also consider an independent living community. While most active adult communities are located outside the inner loop, they’re great for seniors who want maintenance-free living and on-site amenities.

Settling Into Your Houston Home

Once you’ve found your perfect home, you’ll need to set up utilities. Here’s where to turn for service providers in Houston:

  • Power: Houstonians have a lot of options for power providers and plans. Run by the Public Utility Commission of Texas, Power to Choose lets you shop around.
  • Gas: CenterPoint Energy is Houston’s natural gas provider. Be sure to schedule this service in advance as it may take several business days to turn on a gas connection.
  • Water and trash: Water and trash are managed by Houston Public Works and Solid Waste Management. Find your trash collection schedule online.
  • Internet: Comcast and AT&T have dominated Houston’s high-speed internet market for years, but with the debut of Verizon’s 5G Home Internet and 5G Ultra Wideband, Houston residents now have a third option with high speeds and no data caps.

Public Transit in Houston

Are you ready to get out and explore your new city? Houston has a robust public transit system that makes it easy to get around, whether you don’t drive or just want to save on gas. Not only are Houston Metro buses, trains, and platforms accessible, but adults 65-69 receive a 50% discount and seniors 70+ ride for free.

Healthcare in Houston

Healthcare is also a top concern for seniors when deciding where to live. Thus, it’s no surprise that Houston, home to the Texas Medical Center, is such an attractive choice for older adults. With the MD Anderson Cancer Center, Memorial Hermann, and the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center all on a single campus, TMC is ready to meet all of a senior’s healthcare needs.

Accessible Attractions in Houston

There’s no shortage of things to do in Houston, but for adults with disabilities, finding accessible attractions can be a challenge. These are some of the top accessible things to do in Houston.

Museums and Cultural Centers

  • Space Center Houston
  • The Museum of Fine Arts
  • The Houston Museum of Natural Science
  • Houston Center for Contemporary Craft

Parks and Trails

  • Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
  • George Bush Hike and Bike Trail
  • Buffalo Bayou Park
  • Terry Hershey Park

Other Attractions

  • NRG Park
  • Houston Zoo
  • Toyota Center
  • Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Whether you’re after affordability, accessibility, or simply searching for a fun place to retire, Houston truly has it all. As you settle into your new home, make sure you’re getting out and enjoying your new city. Before long, you won’t be able to imagine calling anywhere else home.

Ask your Circa Real Estate Realtor about a neighborhood that best suits you!

A big thanks to Patrick Young of Able USA for this informational guest post!