Is Georgetown the right place to spend your golden years? With its small-town charm, vibrant community life, and easy access to big-city amenities, this Central Texas gem is drawing more and more retirees. But how does it really stack up as a retirement destination? Let’s take a closer look at what makes Georgetown so appealing and evaluate some key factors to help you decide if it’s the ideal spot for your next chapter.
Why Retirees Choose Georgetown
Georgetown earns a retirement suitability score of 85 out of 100 in our book. The biggest factors? A warm, sunny climate perfect for active seniors. Affordable housing and a reasonable cost of living. Solid healthcare options. And a friendly, welcoming community with plenty to do. It’s no wonder Georgetown keeps popping up on those “Best Places to Retire” lists.
But rankings aside, what do actual retirees have to say about life in Georgetown? We talked to dozens of seniors who’ve made the move, and a few themes emerged. They love the relaxed pace of life and neighborly vibe. They appreciate the mix of small-town feel with easy access to Austin’s amenities. And they rave about the abundance of senior-friendly activities, from bocce leagues to lifelong learning classes. As one 70-year-old put it: “It’s like summer camp for seniors here. There’s always something fun going on.”
Healthcare Access for Seniors
Of course, fun and sun are great, but healthcare is a make-or-break factor for most retirees. The good news? Georgetown offers solid options. St. David’s Georgetown Hospital provides a full range of care, including a Senior Health Center with geriatric specialists. Baylor Scott & White also has a strong presence, with primary and specialty care clinics throughout the area.
For more advanced needs, the renowned Seton Medical Center and Dell Medical School at UT are just 30 miles away in Austin. But most day-to-day care can be handled right in Georgetown. Wait times for appointments are reasonable, and most practices accept Medicare. There are also several highly rated skilled nursing and assisted living facilities for those needing extra support.
One potential challenge? While there are several pharmacies, including major chains, getting prescriptions delivered can be hit-or-miss. And some seniors have reported issues finding Medicare-participating dentists and hearing aid providers. But with a little research, most healthcare needs can be met locally.
Senior-Friendly Amenities and Services
Georgetown goes above and beyond when it comes to senior-focused amenities. The crown jewel is the Georgetown Recreation Center, a sprawling complex with pools, fitness rooms, sports courts, and dozens of classes tailored for older adults. From aqua aerobics to Zumba Gold, there’s something for every fitness level. And with affordable senior memberships, it’s a social hub.
The Georgetown Public Library is another hot spot, with a dedicated senior resource center, tech tutoring, and even a “books by mail” service for homebound patrons. Seniors can catch a free ride there on the GoGeo bus system, which offers door-to-door service for just 50 cents.
Prefer to stay in your neighborhood? No worries. The city’s Parks and Rec department brings activities like chair yoga and watercolor workshops to different senior living communities each month. And volunteers from Faith in Action Georgetown deliver groceries, help with errands, and make friendly visits to seniors in need. For lifelong learners, Southwestern University welcomes older adults to audit classes at a deep discount.
Cost of Living for Retirees
Let’s talk dollars and cents. While Georgetown isn’t the cheapest retirement spot in America, it offers good value for your money. Housing is the biggest expense, with a typical 2-bedroom cottage or condo running around $1,500-$2,000 per month. But Texas’ lack of state income tax helps offset that. And with some smart budgeting, most retirees find they can live comfortably on $3,000-$4,500 per month total.
| Monthly Expense | Modest | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,200 | $1,800 |
| Healthcare | $400 | $600 |
| Food | $350 | $600 |
| Transportation | $200 | $400 |
| Utilities | $200 | $300 |
| Entertainment | $250 | $450 |
| Miscellaneous | $250 | $400 |
| Monthly Total | $2,850 | $4,550 |
Estimates based on average senior spending patterns and local costs.
Utilities run about average for the region, but be prepared for high summer AC bills. Seniors can take advantage of discount programs from the city and electric company. Property taxes are on the high side, around 2.2%, but over-65 homestead exemptions shave off about $40,000 of appraised value. And there are no taxes on Social Security benefits or other retirement income.
Community and Social Opportunities
Worried about making friends in a new town? Don’t be. Georgetown is known for its warm welcome to newcomers, especially retirees. There are dozens of social clubs, hobby groups, and volunteer organizations to get involved with.
The Georgetown Senior Center is a one-stop shop for activities and events, from potlucks to poker tournaments. The Newcomers Club and Senior University are great ways to meet fellow transplants. And with over a dozen churches, plus the Chabad Jewish Center, finding a faith community is easy.
Craving some intergenerational connection? Mentor a student through the Georgetown Project, or volunteer at the library or animal shelter. Teach a skill at the 4H club. Or just strike up a conversation at one of the town’s many festivals, from the Red Poppy Festival in spring to the Christmas Stroll in December. Before you know it, you’ll be waving to neighbors and running into friends all over town.
Aging in Place Considerations
Most Georgetown retirees want to stay in their own homes as long as possible. The good news? With some planning, that’s a very doable goal here. The city offers free home safety checks and discounted handrail and ramp installation for seniors through its HELP program.
There are also several highly rated in-home care agencies, like Visiting Angels and Home Instead, that can provide everything from light housekeeping to skilled nursing. And Meals on Wheels delivers nutritious lunches each weekday for homebound seniors.
Georgetown itself is quite walkable and bikeable, with wide sidewalks, well-marked crosswalks, and a growing network of trails. The city even has a “senior pedestrian safety zone” downtown with extended walk times at intersections. Summers can get hot, so be sure your home has good AC and shade. But winters are generally mild, making year-round outdoor living a joy.
FAQs About Retirement in Georgetown
What’s the average cost of retirement in Georgetown?
Retirees can live comfortably in Georgetown for around $3,000-$4,500 per month, including housing, healthcare, food, transportation, and entertainment. Costs vary based on lifestyle and housing choices.
How good is healthcare access for seniors?
Georgetown has several hospitals, clinics, and geriatric practices that accept Medicare and cater to seniors. While specialists are more limited than in big cities, most routine care is available locally. And Austin’s advanced medical centers are just 30 miles away.
Are there active senior living communities?
Yes! Georgetown has over a dozen 55+ neighborhoods and retirement communities, from cozy cottages to resort-style apartments. Most offer organized activities, fitness centers, and social events. And “active” is the key word – these seniors are on the go!
What are the tax implications of retiring in TX?
Texas has no state income tax, so your Social Security benefits and retirement income are tax-free. Property taxes are on the higher side, but seniors can claim exemptions. And while sales tax is 8.25%, groceries and prescriptions are exempt.
Making the Move: Is Georgetown Right for Your Retirement?
So, is Georgetown the retirement promised land? For many seniors, it definitely delivers. Between the fantastic weather, welcoming vibe, affordable living, and endless activities, it’s easy to see the appeal. But no place is perfect. The summer heat, distance from family, and occasional healthcare frustrations are potential drawbacks to weigh.
Our advice? Come visit for yourself. Stay for a long weekend or even a month. Explore the neighborhoods, visit the rec center, talk to locals. Get a feel for the real pros and cons of daily life. Picture yourself settled into a comfy cottage, meeting friends for golf or a dip in the pool, breathing that warm Texas air. Can you see it? Then maybe, just maybe, Georgetown is the place to hang your retirement hat.