Best places to retire in East Texas?

[huhknee]

I still live at Holly Lake Ranch and it is the most peaceful, pleasant place I have ever lived. Make sure you know all of the rules before you buy. Yes, there are quite a few, but that is what keeps it so wonderful here. I have never had anything stolen. Most of the time we don't even lock the doors when we leave. My mom and dad have lived here for 15 or so years and have never had anything stolen or had any other unlawful problems. It's a fabulous place to live. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I honestly don't know what cindydial is talking about. She does seem VERY ANGRY so, honestly, I'm really glad that she didn't move here. Yippee! We don't need that stuff here! Come and see for yourself! You will know if it's the right place for you after you check it out. Hope this helps.

[jajoiner]

Thank you, Mark Senior, for you response and comments. I have two friends that are going to visit the gated area of HLR in the very near future to look at a couple of condos I am interested in. It looks beautiful and peaceful, according to the photos and websites I've viewed, and that is exactly what I am looking for. I used to live in the Houston area and love and miss TX as I am in the midwest right now. I hate the winters here and need a change. I don't want to live in a large city. I love the outdoors and the woods and wildlife (as long as they don't have gators) LOL I read an article that said they have seen them there in the lakes and captured one, but don't know if that is true. Any place a person chooses to live will have its pros and cons. I just don't want to live in any areas that are crime-ridden. The real estate maps of the gated area of HLR show literally no crime. The amenities are fewer than I'd like, but it doesn't seem too far to drive to anything one would need in regard to shopping or medical needs. I always appreciate locals that know the area to give honest comments and opinions. Thanks again.

[jajoiner]

Huhknee, thanks for you response and info. Helps a lot. I will continue to check the area out. You are right...angry, negative people don't make good neighbors. Glad you love it there.

[Mark Senior]

Originally Posted by jajoiner

Thank you, Mark Senior, for you response and comments. I have two friends that are going to visit the gated area of HLR in the very near future to look at a couple of condos I am interested in. It looks beautiful and peaceful, according to the photos and websites I've viewed, and that is exactly what I am looking for. I used to live in the Houston area and love and miss TX as I am in the midwest right now. I hate the winters here and need a change. I don't want to live in a large city. I love the outdoors and the woods and wildlife (as long as they don't have gators) LOL I read an article that said they have seen them there in the lakes and captured one, but don't know if that is true. Any place a person chooses to live will have its pros and cons. I just don't want to live in any areas that are crime-ridden. The real estate maps of the gated area of HLR show literally no crime. The amenities are fewer than I'd like, but it doesn't seem too far to drive to anything one would need in regard to shopping or medical needs. I always appreciate locals that know the area to give honest comments and opinions. Thanks again.

It's very early for much signs of Spring here as of now. A very few, fruit, I think trees are blooming, somebody help me, big pinkish blooms, larger trees. Maybe not fruit.

Yes, not as many amenities as some "resort" areas. Basic, clinic, at three miles away, between HLR and Hawkins, nice grocery store in Hawkins, size C, smallest for Brookshire chain, based out of Tyler, with stores in about 100 towns in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana. But store is stocked to almost equal a size B store.

Now, Tyler is where most people go for major medical, The medical center of East Texas, a few to Longview. Most people go to Tyler for more variety of shopping and restaurants, some to Longview.

Most of the "trip" TO Tyler is easy, 45-55 MPH or more. Then city driving for the final 1/3 of your trip. Entire trip will take 40-45 minutes, except for a few needs in North Tyler, Zoo, maybe different fast foods, lol

Nearest Wal-Mart a good 30 minutes.

Trips to Longview a little shorter in time.

You need to know the distances, in time. It was an issue for me. I loved MY Tyler, too much, so TOO many trips for me. Now, being from "elsewhere" you won't know what your missing, lol. Nahh, just kidding "sorta". If you like walking, golfing, just enjoying nature often, this is one heck of a nice place. At times, deer everywhere.

[jajoiner]

Thanks, again, Mark Senior. I don't like driving too far, but sounds like the basics are within a reasonable distance. I only do my major grocery shopping about once a month here, so Brookshire's would suffice. Looks like a clinic nearby and doctors and Tyler doesn't look that far away. I do like nature and walking.