CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — When people consider the best states for retirement, Florida and Arizona often come to mind, but a recent survey has designated Texas as the top retirement state and Corpus Christi as the ideal retirement city.
3NEWS spoke with with seniors and local leaders about why we've moved to the top spot.
Happiness is the primary reason most seniors favor Corpus Christi, citing affordability and the familiarity of having raised their families here.
Senior Jean Gaskins said, "Cost of living as far as food and concerns."
Senior Joyce Green said that Corpus Christi has always felt like home to her.
"I love it here. I really do. And my grandmother raised me there, and I raised my sisters and brothers. And all that. So I love it here," she said.
Texas has now surpassed Florida and Arizona as the most liked retirement state according to Today's Homeowner.com.
Caroline Jones, with Today's Homeowner said that due to a large number of people moving to those states for retirement, home ownership prices have become unaffordable for many.
"I think that's causing many people to want to be able to age in their own home. We found a huge percentage of adults do not think they are going to be able to afford aging in place," she said.
According to the study, Corpus Christi has emerged as the leading city for seniors to flourish and age independently in the comfort of their homes, surpassing Spokane, Washington; St. Louis, Missouri; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Amarillo, Texas.
Coastal Bend Area Agency Director Viola Monrreal said that Corpus Christi's location makes it popular to older residents.
"The weather of course helps if you're a senior and not in the best of health," she said.
Monrreal said that seniors find happiness due to factors such as grocery prices, lower property taxes, ease of mobility, amiable neighbors, and community services. Her group primarily concentrates on assisting seniors in remaining in their homes.
"Home modifications, meals, home delivered meals, congregate meals, caregiver services are part of our top three funded programs within our organization," she said.
The agency provides assistance to both seniors and caregivers.
Senior Guadalupe Irma Rodriguez says, "We all know we're going to die. But at home you feel more confident, more happy, it's just the security you can't place in no other place like home."
For assistance in making your home or a loved one's home more suitable for seniors, please contact the Area Agency on Aging at 361-883-3935.