In the Lone Star State, you often hear people say, “I’m not from Texas, but I got here as fast as I could.” Fast or slow, so many Americans are moving to Texas that the state is now ranked second only to Florida as the nation’s leading retirement destination.

To better accommodate this growth, the state legislature created the GO TEXAN Certified Retirement Community (CRC) program at the Texas Department of Agriculture.

“With 40 communities designated as certified retirement communities, the Lone Star State is poised to be the first choice among many retirees who are beginning the next incredible journey in their lives,” Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples said. “The GO TEXAN Certified Retirement Community program has raised awareness inside and outside the state that Texas is a top retirement destination.

“I extend my most sincere congratulations to the Texas citizens and city leaders who have joined this elite team of communities and achieved this notable certification.”

Sharing a common goal of enhancing rural economic development, communities apply to be selected for the CRC program. Independent reviewers assess applicants based on a range of criteria, including cost of living, ease of transportation, access to health care and recreational and cultural amenities.

While each CRC offers its own unique character, all CRCs share key attributes that help attract active adults to Texas.

Saving your savings

For many older adults, retirement decisions are made with a sharp focus on the bottom line. A lower-cost environment is what motivates many retirees to consider relocating in the first place.

Even with increasing home values in places like Austin, housing costs in Texas as a whole beat comparable states and regional markets by 20 percent or more, according to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Unlike other areas that recently have seen radical boom-to-bust housing market swings, Texas has remained comparably stable throughout the current economic turmoil. Homes here continue to hold value, which is an important consideration for retirees looking to buy.

Reasonably priced housing has helped keep Texas’ overall cost of living consistently below the national average – 11 percent lower at the end of 2010, according to the comptroller’s office. Other factors include lower energy and transportation costs, as well as Texas’ famously friendly tax climate.

Texas is one of only seven states with no income tax, inheritance tax or estate tax. The sales tax burden falls right nearly in the middle of the 50 states. While much of the cost of public services is funded by local property tax, Texas closely limits how high those taxes can go.

Furthermore, many older Texans are able to claim additional property tax exemptions on their primary homes. Overall, Texas’ state and local tax burden is ranked 43rd in the country by the nonpartisan Tax Foundation.

“Our low cost of living lets retirees live large and spend small,” Staples said. “Millions of baby boomers are looking to relocate to cities that have excellent medical care, affordable housing and cultural activities when they retire. The GO TEXAN Certified Retirement Community program helps cities and counties throughout Texas develop and maintain the resources they need to attract retirees, while giving potential new residents a sense of confidence in the areas they select.”

Feeling right at home – wherever you’re from

While everyone knows Texas is a big state, folks from outside don’t always realize it’s also incredibly diverse. In Texas, some of America’s biggest and most dynamic cities are located within driving distance of the state’s most celebrated small towns and rural landscapes.

If you’re seeking country living within reach of the cultural amenities of a world-class city, Texas can fit the bill. If you like beaches in the summer and mountains in the winter (or the other way around), you can change your locale without leaving the state.

Texas’ central location, extensive highway network and major air travel hubs also make it easy to get back home or around the world.

Writing your next chapter

The low cost of living, extensive amenities and varied options available in Texas are especially attractive to those who see retirement not as the end of life’s journey, but as the beginning of a new chapter. If you’re looking for golf courses, fishing lakes, beautiful beaches, scenic drives, excellent food and wine, charming town squares, historical sites and cultural events, Texas is a great place to call home.

It’s also a great place to start a business, according to the Tax Foundation, which ranks Texas among the nation’s top 10 states for business.

Along with business and recreation, Texas also offers fantastic opportunities for pursuing lifelong learning. In fact, one of the criteria for becoming a CRC is access to a university, community college or other venue for continuing education.

With Texas inviting active adults to spend small, live large and GO TEXAN, it’s no wonder they’re getting here as fast as they can.

Rick Rhodes is the assistant commissioner for the Rural Economic Development division of the Texas Department of Agriculture.

To find the ideal community to begin your life’s next journey, visit www.retireintexas.org.