Jazz in Austin and other questions (Houston, Dallas: condo, houses, to buy)

[rusty222]

We are two retired young seniors who want a warmer area to live than living in CT. My husband loves jazz and likes to play drums (sit in, even for free) if possible but not mandatory. I want a place with no kids if possible. We are looking for a condo in Austin or surrounding areas. Healthcare is important. What areas would be good for us to move to? We live on a modest budget. $100.000.00 or so. Any help is appreciated.

[hound 109]

Why Austin? (& with our property taxes, why Texas?)

If Texas, why not Dallas or Houston for Jazz, cost of living, along with larger/bigger/(better?) healthcare facilities ??

& Why do you call 100K a "modest" budget (in retirement)?

Jazz ??

[centralaustinite]

I'm not sure Austin is the place for you. Austin has little kids, teens, college students and young adults everywhere! We have a small jazz scene (somewhere between small and non-existent, depending on your standards). Healthcare is good but not superior. AND Austin is pricey! $100K will not get you much of anything. Our high property tax means that from a financial standpoint, we often do not work for retirees.

Have you considered New Orleans? or Houston?

[hound 109]

Rusty, is 100K the amount you are wanting to buy a Condo for? or is 100K your annual budget for all living expenses?

(looks like Centralaustinite & I are reading it two different ways)

[A-Tex]

Originally Posted by hound 109

Rusty, is 100K the amount you are wanting to buy a Condo for? or is 100K your annual budget for all living expenses?

(looks like Centralaustinite & I are reading it two different ways)

They said they could pay up to $90k in Nashville in their last round of Moving Roulette in May, so I'm guessing that $100k is the housing budget.

OP, there is nothing like that in Austin nor the greater Austin area. Even if there were, the property taxes here are outrageous, making it an extremely unattractive area for retirement. A large number of people who have lived their entire lives here now have to leave at retirement due to this tax burden. As far as jazz is concerned, there isn't much of a scene to speak of, especially given our rep as live music capital of the world. Given your budget, desire for a jazz scene and warm weather, maybe New Orleans would be a possibiility.

[clarksvillemom]

I disagree on the comments about little jazz scene. The Elephant Room has jazz every ngiht, we have a nationally known recording artist in Elias Haslanger, there is jazz at Central Market, at Sully's, at 3 Forks and at the new place, Brass House.

[clarksvillemom]

why don't you retire to somewhere south of downtown Austin, like Buda, Kyle, Driftwood. Then drive in for the Elephant

[A-Tex]

Originally Posted by clarksvillemom

I disagree on the comments about little jazz scene. The Elephant Room has jazz every ngiht, we have a nationally known recording artist in Elias Haslanger, there is jazz at Central Market, at Sully's, at 3 Forks and at the new place, Brass House.

For a city its size, Austin has a very small and insular jazz scene, especially for a city its size.

Originally Posted by clarksvillemom

why don't you retire to somewhere south of downtown Austin, like Buda, Kyle, Driftwood. Then drive in for the Elephant

So where exactly are these sub-$100K homes there?

[Oldsragtop]

Rusty222, give a thought to Round Rock. The houses are cheaper here, although $100K won't buy anything but a fixer-upper, if that. You could still go into Austin for jazz, although there is something called the "Second Line Jazz Band that plays about twice a month, for free. Sit in an Jam if you want.
Round Rock has one of the best Senior Centers you can find. After playing golf five days a week for 12 years, I gave up golf because I got too involved with the center. Our Writer's Club is ready to publish our fourth book of short stories, We have a Sing-along group where voices don't count--just a desire to sing. We have a group of singers with good voices for pop & country music that put on performances in the center and other facilities around town. We have line, tap, and hula dancing classes. I could think of more, but you get the idea. If you do come down here to look around, give Round Rock a shot.

[ImOnFiya]

Here are some places I know:

E.11th St. - Victory Grill [some jazz/ blues]
Downtown - Elephant Room, The Brass House [Jazz]
South Congress - Continental Club, C-Boy's [Blues]
South Lamar - The Saxon Pub [soulful rock/ blues]