By Sara Martin
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

With longer life expectancies and smaller nest eggs, many retirees are prioritizing their needs. Topping the list of must-haves are affordable housing and low cost of living—which is good news for Texans.

Dallas and Houston ranked second and fourth, respectively, as the best places in America to retire on a budget, according to Forbes magazine.

The good life
In evaluating retirement destinations, Forbes looked at cost-of-living factors like housing affordability and inflationary pressures, the number of people over 65 who are employed, and the number of doctors per capita.

"Texas has benefited from growth in the energy sector, a housing market that has not been as overextended as others in the nation relative to income, and a pro-business growth environment. These factors—particularly the last two—combined with the culture of friendliness found here, will ensure that Texas continues to outperform the rest of the country," says Dana Johnson, chief economist for Dallas-based Comerica Bank.

No one knows the benefits of a Texas retirement better than June Kimball, who moved from Florida to Eagle’s Trace. "There are so many retirees in Florida," says Kimball, "but you get more for your money here. When I moved from my home there to my apartment here, my monthly expenses were nearly cut in half."

And while other area homeowners will be paying their property tax this month, Kimball won’t be hit with the additional bills. Residents of Erickson communities, including Eagle’s Trace in Houston and Highland Springs in Dallas, pay one low monthly fee that includes one meal a day, maintenance, utilities, and taxes.

"I have a lot less to worry about," says Kimball. "If a toilet stops up, I call general services, and they come and fix it without charge."

Work if you want
Kimball isn’t the only one stretching her retirement dollars. Many are embarking on a second career to make the most of their golden years.