June 21, 2022

Now’s the Time – Retire to Texas! Is Rockport, TX a Good Place to Retire?

Retirement is on the horizon and many things are top of mind – including the possibility of a new home. Choosing where to live in retirement is a financial decision, as much as an emotional one. Relocation in retirement drives from many factors including a change of scenery or being closer to family, to living in a better climate or saving on housing costs and taxes. Whatever your reason for wanting to move, there are so many places to consider. While Florida seems to be the “end all, be all” of retirement locations, the reality is that the price of retiring there is becoming too high for those struggling with a weak economy; leading many to flock to the Texas Gulf Coast instead. One of the many retirement‑appropriate cities that is picking up in popularity is Rockport, Texas. This raises the ultimate question – is Rockport, TX a good place to retire?

Rockport, Texas pier

 

Rockport, Texas – The Basics

Situated on the southeastern Texas Gulf Coast, you’ll find the perfect coastal retirement community of Rockport, Texas. With a population climbing close to 11,000, this city has seen a 17.5% population increase since 2020. You’ll find many fellow retirees in the area as the median age currently sits at 49.1 years old. Fifty percent of the population is forty‑five or older. Compared to the rest of the country, Rockport’s cost of living is 7.7% lower than the United States average. The weather is a draw for those considering retirement as Rockport typically has warm summers, comfortable winters, and is partially cloudy year‑round. In general, the low‑cost living, mature population, and warm weather make Rockport, Texas communities worth considering for your retirement town.

Living that Coastal Life

Rockport, Texas is a coastal community where life often happens near, in, or on the water. This seaside town is surrounded by water on three sides by the Aransas, Copano, and Port bays. Rockport Beach is Texas’s only certified Blue Wave Beach. Making it one of the cleanest and safest strips of sand in the state. With the absence of rough waves or a strong undertow, the water is safe for various water activities including swimming, kayaking, water skiing, and boating. Marinas, piers, and acres of nearby bays prove to be a delight to both fishers and boaters alike. Waterfront homes in Rockport, TX are abundant, providing exceptional views of the ocean and coastline. This city also provides unique waterfront meeting venues including the Fulton Convention Center and Rockport Beach Pavilions. Complete with luxury beach resorts, cabanas, vacation homes, and beachside condos – the coastal line of Rockport, Texas communities has something for everyone!

Calling All Wildlife Enthusiasts

There’s more to Rockport scenery than just the coastal waters. Come explore Goose Island State Park that offers locals the opportunity to camp, hike, fish, boat, geocatche, or bird watch. Home to The Big Tree, one of the largest live oak trees in Texas and in the nation, stands an impressive 44 feet tall with a truck circumference of a little over 35 feet is a sight to see! Fishing doesn’t disappoint with an abundance of speckled trout, red fish, drum, flounder, sheepshead, crabs, and oysters. Birding opportunities are available all throughout Rockport, including on the Aransas Loop of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. Whether you’re an experienced bird watcher or an amateur, you’ll enjoy observing vibrant migratory birds during spring and fall migrations, as well as year‑round birding opportunities and events. The nearby Aransas National Wildlife Refuge offers a variety of recreational opportunities, stunning scenery, and diverse wildlife. The refuge is best known as the wintering home for the last wild flock of endangered whooping cranes. Planning your visit to the refuge in late October to mid‑April will maximize your chances to see these birds.

The Cultural Scene

Retiring in Rockport, TX offers residents plenty of culture and events all year‑round. Rockport has a growing arts community and is home to the Rockport Center for the Arts that invites guests to explore, discover, and express themselves. This unique center offers free admission and is open 6 days a week. Offering a variety of exhibits, special events, educational workshops for children and adults, performing arts, a sculpture garden, and more – there is something for everyone who visits! Locals also enjoy the Texas Maritime Museum whose mission is “…to educate and excite the public about maritime history and its importance to the development and current livelihood of our great state.” After opening its doors in July of 1989, the museum has added renovations and has been given accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums. Festivals and celebrations are a Rockport staple. A few annual events include Rockport‑Fulton Market Days, Hummerbird Celebration, Rockport‑Fulton Seafair, Rockport Artfest, Rockport Wine Festival, and more!