Building Your Retirement Home in Central Texas

Central Texas has become a premier retirement destination, and for good reason. Mild winters, no state income tax, affordable living, and natural beauty draw retirees from across the country. If you're planning to build your retirement home here, this guide covers everything you need to consider.

Why Central Texas for Retirement?

Financial Advantages

• No state income tax: Keep more retirement income
• Lower cost of living: Compared to California, Northeast
• Affordable housing: More home for your money
• Property tax homestead exemption: Reduces costs
• Over-65 school tax freeze: Locks in school taxes

Lifestyle Benefits

• Mild climate: Outdoor living most of the year
• Natural beauty: Hill Country, rivers, lakes
• Cultural amenities: Austin nearby
• Healthcare access: Quality facilities within reach
• Active lifestyle: Hiking, golf, fishing year-round

Community Options

• Small-town living: Smithville, Bastrop, Lockhart
• Rural acreage: Space and privacy
• Active adult communities: Peer groups and amenities
• Near family: If kids are in Austin area

Aging-in-Place Design

Single-Story Living

The most important decision: build single story.

Benefits:

• No stairs to navigate as mobility changes
• Easier maintenance
• Better for injury recovery
• Simpler emergency egress
• More accessible for visitors

If you want a two-story:

• Primary bedroom MUST be on main floor
• Consider elevator rough-in
• Minimize second-floor necessity

Doorways and Hallways

Doorway Widths

• Standard: 32 inches (minimum for wheelchair)
• Recommended: 36 inches (comfortable)
• Bathroom doors: 36 inches essential

Hallway Widths

• Minimum: 42 inches
• Recommended: 48 inches
• Allows walker/wheelchair navigation

Bathroom Design

The most critical room for aging in place:

Shower

• Curbless/zero-entry essential
• Built-in bench
• Grab bars (or blocking for future)
• Handheld showerhead
• Non-slip flooring
• 5x5 minimum (wheelchair accessible)

Toilet

• Comfort height (17-19 inches)
• Space on both sides
• Grab bars (or blocking)
• Close to shower for future roll-in

Vanity

• Varied height options
• Open below for seated access
• Lever faucet handles
• Good lighting

Kitchen Considerations

Counter Heights

• Standard: 36 inches
• Consider: Varied heights
• Seated work area: 30 inches

Appliances

• Side-by-side refrigerator
• Wall oven (no bending)
• Drawer microwave
• Dishwasher raised 6-12 inches

Accessibility

• Pullout shelves in base cabinets
• Lazy Susans in corners
• Pantry with pullouts
• Lever-style faucet

Other Features

Flooring

• Consistent levels throughout
• No thresholds between rooms
• Non-slip surfaces
• Easy to maintain

Lighting

• Abundant natural light
• Night lighting in hallways
• Rocker switches (easier than toggles)
• Task lighting in key areas

Electrical

• Outlets at 18 inches (easier reach)
• USB charging throughout
• Smart home basics
• Medical alert system capability

Garage

• Direct house entry
• Wide door for vehicle access
• Level entry to house
• Good lighting

Floor Plan Considerations

What Works for Retirement

Open Floor Plans

• Easy navigation
• Sight lines for safety
• Fewer doors to manage
• Social interaction

Primary Suite Location

• Near kitchen and living
• Quick access to garage
• Private outdoor access if possible
• Suite can function independently

Guest Accommodations

• For visiting family
• May become caregiver space later
• Private bath preferred
• Separate from primary suite

Flex Spaces

• Home office
• Hobby room
• Future needs (medical equipment)
• Adaptable over time

Size Considerations

Many retirees downsize, but consider:

• Space for hobbies
• Guest accommodations
• Storage for downsizing
• Room to spread out

Sweet spot: 1,800-2,800 square feet for most

Location Priorities

Healthcare Access

• Distance to hospitals
• Specialist availability
• Emergency response times
• Pharmacy proximity

Daily Needs

• Grocery stores
• Banking
• Medical offices
• Restaurants

Recreation

• Golf courses
• Walking/hiking trails
• Fishing access
• Community activities

Social Connection

• Churches/faith communities
• Clubs and organizations
• Neighbor proximity
• Family distance

Best Communities for Retirees

Bastrop

• Larger town amenities
• Hospital nearby
• Active community
• River recreation
• 30 minutes to Austin

Smithville

• True small-town feel
• Lower costs
• Friendly community
• Peaceful pace
• 40 minutes to Austin

Lockhart

• Historic character
• Good healthcare access
• Affordable living
• Genuine Texas feel
• 30 minutes to Austin

La Grange

• Maximum affordability
• Quiet lifestyle
• Beautiful countryside
• Strong community
• 60 minutes to Austin

Cost Planning

Building Costs

Retirement homes in Central Texas:

• Standard: $200-250/SF
• Custom: $250-325/SF
• Premium: $325-400+/SF

For 2,200 SF custom home: Construction: $550,000-715,000

Land Costs

| Area | Typical Cost (5 acres) | |------|------------------------| | Bastrop | $175,000-275,000 | | Smithville | $100,000-175,000 | | Lockhart | $125,000-200,000 | | La Grange | $75,000-150,000 |

Total Project

2,200 SF custom retirement home:

• Land (5 acres, Smithville): $140,000
• Construction (custom): $600,000
• Site work: $40,000
• Total: $780,000

Our Retirement Home Experience

We've built numerous homes for retirees and understand:

• Aging-in-place priorities
• Single-story design excellence
• Right-sizing floor plans
• Budget-conscious quality

We help retirees build homes they can enjoy for decades.

Plan Your Retirement Home

Ready to discuss your retirement home plans? We'd love to help you design a home for this next chapter.

Schedule a consultation to explore your options.

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Macks Signature Homes builds custom retirement homes throughout Central Texas, with expertise in aging-in-place design.