desert living (price, time, cool)

[shootertoo]

Yeah, but I'm meaner than Judge Roy Bean. (lol)

I googled Sanderson and it sure is in the desert. Pretty area. Pecos is kind of interesting, being on the interstate and all that. Probably closer to some things an old guy might need now and then like things found in Odessa.
I appreciate all your input. I've got some time so I'm taking all this in. Thanks.

[shootertoo]

Originally Posted by joqua

While in that area you might want to check out a few of the other smaller towns that have fairly easy access to larger cities. Menard and Mason come to mind as two, with Mason having seen something of a renaissance and Menard sort of holding its own. Llano, Brady, and other small towns around the area might meet your needs too. These aren't true "desert" towns - tied more to the Hill Country culture, but still quite a bit nicer than places like Eagle Pass and Del Rio.

Well, you got me to thinking so I bought a magazine about the Hill Country today.
I'm not in a hurry to make my move but wanted to at least start thinking about some places so I will be somewhat prepared when the time comes.
Thanks.

[shootertoo]

OK, there are problems with the Hill Country. From what I've learned it's made up of mostly rich old wrinkled retired people. Not the kind of lifestyle I would fit into. The Texas Coast is nice, I've been there a lot, but too expensive. I think I would prefer the desert weather too.
Thanks y'all.

[LilyLady]

Far west Texas or southern New Mexico.

[malamute]

Originally Posted by shootertoo

I'm an old guy and a semi-retired professional artist. I would like to move from the DFW mess to a quiet little place in the desert where it's warm and the sun shines a lot. I can't afford Marfa or Alpine and was thinking about maybe Del Rio. Do any of you have any thoughts on that? I love the border culture as I used to spend half my time in South Texas in the Rio Grande Valley. I liked that area but now it's too crowded just like DFW. Thanks.

Alamogordo or Deming -- not in Texas but more desert and small towns with plenty of retirees. Las Cruces but it might cost more.

[joqua]

Originally Posted by malamute

Alamogordo or Deming -- not in Texas but more desert and small towns with plenty of retirees.

I wouldn't recommend either of those places to someone who plans to continue in the arts field - unless they have solidly established gallery representation already. Las Cruces would be a good option since it has a fairly good tourist trade and permanent residents who are good clients for southwestern themed art. It also has the advantage of being close to El Paso with a much larger population base, medical facilities and other such things a retiree might eventually need.

[shootertoo]

Originally Posted by LilyLady

Far west Texas or southern New Mexico.

I think you're right. I like places like Terlingua, Sanderson, Ft. Stockton and southern New Mexico. When I was a kid I drove through southern New Mexico a couple of times and I remember how open the desert was. I like that.

[Jerryltx]

Originally Posted by shootertoo

I think you're right. I like places like Terlingua, Sanderson, Ft. Stockton and southern New Mexico. When I was a kid I drove through southern New Mexico a couple of times and I remember how open the desert was. I like that.

I don't know what town or city you will choose but I can really relate to your love of the desert. I have likewise enjoyed all my trips in the areas you have mentioned. I have some relatives in Tucson and years ago as a child took trips there on the rails -- the Texas and Pacific 'Texas Eagle' DFW to El Paso and then the Southern Pacific 'Sunset Limited' from El Paso to Tucson. The sunrise in the desert from the train window was so breathtaking. I hope you find the perfect town and enjoy your future years in the great Southwest.

[DerekTant]

Why not Fort Davis? That is the kind of place I envision myself retiring?

[catman]

DerekTant: Fort Davis is my favorite place in Texas. I agree completely.