Finding the Best Places to Retire Since 2006!
Fredericksburg, Texas
Known for its Beautiful German Architecture and Wineries, Touristy Fredericksburg is Tucked in the Scenic Texas Hill Country
When German elites fled oppressive political and social conditions in the mid-1800s, some of them came to the Texas Hill Country in south central Texas and founded Fredericksburg. Named after Prince Frederick of Prussia, the town is 75 miles west of Austin and still called Fritztown by some locals.
Fredericksburg is known for its trove of beautiful, unique 19th-century German architecture - much of the town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places - and for its dozens of wineries, surrounding peach groves, herb farms and bluebonnet fields. It is, in fact, one of the most popular tourist towns in Texas. The downtown has more than 100 antique stores, boutique shops, candy stores, art galleries, wine tasting rooms, etc. Top-notch German restaurants are in good supply, and there are some military museums, a community theater and a farmers' market. The Roxbox Theater presents old fashioned rock and roll shows and receives rave reviews. The town's Christmas lighting displays are renowned throughout the area. Texas German is a local dialect that stems from early immigrants choosing not to speak English.
Homes styles are eclectic, ranging from very interesting contemporary bungalows to 19th-century stone houses.
Population: 11,500 (city proper)
Age 45 or Better: 52%
Cost of Living: 27% above the national average
Median Home Price: $575,000
Climate: The climate is humid subtropical. Summers are hot, and winters are mild. Summer temperatures are in the 80s, 90s and even low-100s. Winter temperatures are in the 30s, 40s and 50s. On average, the area receives 30 inches of rain per year.
At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients? Yes
At Least One Hospital is Accredited by Joint Commission? Yes
Public Transit: No
Crime Rate: Below the national average
Public Library: Yes
Political Leanings: Very conservative
College Educated: 34%
Is Texas Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? Yes
Cons: Locals say that Fredericksburg is not particularly dog-friendly.
Notes: Fredericksburg has a reputation as a charming German village, but some people say that it is starting to feel a little like Jackson Hole, Wyoming, with vacationers flying in on private planes. Allergies are sometimes worse here thanks to the bounty of juniper and cedar trees. The population has stayed steady during the last decade. Home prices have increased 1% since a year ago.
Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Yes
Texas:
With a name based on a word used by Caddo Indians meaning "friends," Texas is the second biggest state by population in the country. It is estimated that 70% of residents live within 200 miles of Austin, the capital city.
Houston is the largest city, while Dallas-Fort Worth is the largest metropolitan area. Connecticut and Delaware could fit inside Texas' largest county - Brewster. The state is larger than all of New York, New England and Ohio combined.
In addition to the Caddo, the historical people of Texas include members of the Native American tribes of Apache, Choctaw, Tonkawa and Hasinai.
When Texas became the 28th state of the United States (1845), it adopted the official flag called the Lone Star Flag. Symbols include the Bluebonnet - the state flower.
Almost 10% of Texas is covered by forest. The state has nearly 24,000 farms, 90 mountains a mile or more high and is the nation's leading producer of natural gas, oil, wool, cotton, watermelons and rice. It also has the most airports of any state in the Union and is one of the most business-friendly states. Its culture has a blend of of Southern, Southwestern (Mexican) and Western influences.
Famous natives and residents include Mary Kay Ash, George W. Bush, Tommy Lee Jones and Joan Crawford.
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