Houston Independent Living

The median cost of independent living in Houston for a single-occupancy apartment is $2,294/month (SeniorHomes.com - 2015). This monthly cost typically includes rent, utilities, dining, housekeeping and transportation.

Houston, Texas, is the fourth largest city in America. Although it is not the state capital, it is the largest city in the State of Texas. The city was founded on the banks of the Buffalo Bayou and named after former Texas governor, Sam Houston, who was instrumental in bringing Texas into the union. Houston enjoys a humid subtropical climate. Showers and afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer time, but Houston is lucky to avoid the swarms of tornadoes that plague the rest of Texas. As of 2012, the city had a population of just over 2 million. This translates to a population density of 3,300 people, similar to Denver, Colorado or San Diego, California. The cost of living in Houston is approximately 20 percent less than that of New York City, with a Consumer Price Index of $79.99.

Houston Attractions

Among the city’s many attractions is its proximity to the seaside. Galveston, on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, is only a one-hour drive away. Diagonally across Trinity Bay lies Moody National Wildlife Refuge. With Houston Space Center on their doorstep, seniors considering Houston independent living need not worry about excuses for getting the grandchildren to visit. At the city center is Houston Zoo, where visitors from the age of 7 onward have the opportunity to spend the night in Houston Zoo for “Wild Winks.” There is a wealth of museums, great shopping, three professional sports teams and no shortage of arts and culture.

Houston Senior Activities

This is a city that takes good care of its Houston independent living seniors. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department runs a number of senior classes, crafts and recreation programs for citizens 55 years of age and older. Apart from field trips or other special programs, most activities are free and held at community centers throughout the metropolitan area. Programs include fitness and walking clubs, computer classes held at local libraries, craft exhibitions, senior Olympics and special holiday events.

Houston Medical Facilities

As the Baby Boomer generation of individuals born between 1945 and 1965 reaches retirement age, the senior population is growing rapidly. Add to that the fact that people are enjoying longer, active lives, access to top quality medical facilities is an important consideration for Houston independent living. Located in the heart of Houston, Texas Medical Center is the world’s largest health care institutions with one of the highest densities of clinical facilities. It houses 15 hospitals, four nursing schools, three medical schools, two specialty institutions in addition to schools of pharmacy, dentistry, public health and related institutions. Altogether, TMC is home to 50 not-for-profit medical institutions.

Houston Transportation

Ease of getting around town is an integral aspect of Houston independent living. The metropolitan area is traversed by two interstate highways, I-45, which runs north/south, and I-10, running east/west. Public transportation is run by the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO). METRO Solutions offers a comprehensive transit plan includes contributions from bus and rail, roads and bike trails. The plan was crafted by a great deal of input from the travelling public. Of particular interest to seniors and to individuals with restricted mobility is METROLIFT, a paratransit service designed in accordance with the 1990 Americans With Disability ACT (ADA) and operated for the benefit of individuals who are unable to board, travel or disembark from a regular fixed-route bus service.

Summing Up

The climate is warm and comfortable and the cost of living is manageable. There is plenty to keep this population occupied in their retirement, from natural attractions like the Gulf of Mexico and nearby nature reserves to sports, shopping and outstanding cultural amenities. There is a wealth of community activities catering specifically to this age group, world class medical facilities and convenient transportation links. Houston independent living has everything the active senior could need.