Info regarding part-time home in Texas (New Braunfels, West: apartment, rental, mortgage)

[eric johns]

My wife passed, still not thinking straight. No kids. I grew up in West Texas, left to join the military. I live on East Coast, but need a part-time escape to a place with good memories for the colder parts of the year, as I’m now retired. I don’t want to commit to a mortgage just yet. Any ideas?

[TexasRedneck]

First, sorry about your wife, my friend. That kind of loss takes time to heal. I would plead with you to make no long-term commitments at this time - give it at least a year.

Look into doing some camping for a while - most KOA Kampgrounds have cabins you can rent reasonably - as do many other campgrounds. Or consider some of the extended-stay motels. Don't know what part of West Texas you hail from, but take a trip......see if it's what you remember, then you can go from there.

Thank you for your service - if you decide to swing down to the New Braunfels, TX area, drop me a line. This fellow vet would love to buy you a drink of your choice, and show you around!

[StealthRabbit]

So sorry for the lose, that can be very tough and will take time to find your 'new-place' as well as your 'new person' (self). We volunteer with Hospice and do rural elder care (and I had care of my dad (a vet) for 32 yrs)... nothing is easy about the loss of a dear and pleasant 'soul-mate' (I give thanks for mine many times / day).

options: (low cost to higher)

1. House sitting (A recently widowed friend did this for a few yrs in desirable places) - there are ads and sign-ups online and through community connections.
2. Volunteer opportunities including travel / housing / food do light tasks for schools, orphanages, hospitals, camps, parks... similar to Peace Corp (Canadian version is better for older adults) https://cusointernational.org/home/t...lunteers/faqs/
3. Guest qtr / spare cabin / MIL house on a ranch / rural prop (Sometimes you can help out around the farm (if desired).) I do this cuz I am a farm kid that likes to learn, 'create' / fix things (and be busy).
4. Short term (3-6 month) rental at an off-season camp (Staff cabin). I did this in BC (Canada) on an island. beautiful place & situation to THINK (and fish, and boat...) $300 / month + ALL equipment was available for my access (Sailboats, power boats, canoes, kayaks, tractor...) only one other person on that side of island (= VERY quiet)
5. Guest qtr / spare apt / MIL house in city / suburbia in a desirable location for you / things to do / right climate / right timing
6. Low cost RV $3000 - $30000 for a used Class B (campervan) or used Travel trailer, or Class C Motorhome. Roadtrek is a great vehicle for solo travelers (I use a Rialta) Winnebago Rialta Motor Home Quite a 'club' / following / friendly and helpful users group for each)
7. private Guest homes I have used these for 30 yrs... $Free (Servas.org) to $20 / night WW, very nice hosts, very safe and educational https://wikitravel.org/en/Hospitality_exchange (I have never used couchsurfing, I try to find farm homes)
8. Travel... Many choices... I usually 'fly / drive' and use SWA in USA (Free cancellations / changes / baggage...)
9. PT job... preferably one that pays you to do what you like to do! (or are good at)

MY TX solution is a bit more complicated, but pays well... (adds to income)

I bought CHEAP rural view properties that have extra cabin and RV hookups (for me and friends to use)
Rent out the main house, stay (for free) in the cabin.
I fly back and forth and keep a cheap car on each end. (expenses deductible from income, as allowed by IRS)

Eventually I will sell the TX places and build a rural 'senior-cottage-community' / age in place. (Ideal Location not known, yet...)

[Mark Senior]

Geeez, that should cover it all, no wonder you have so many reps, thanks from ALL of us, lol

[jackalope48]

Not sure if you specifically wanted West Texas but the houses for rent in the coastal towns rent out for apartment level monthly rates over the winter and are fully furnished.

[RMESMH]

Originally Posted by Mark Senior

Geeez, that should cover it all, no wonder you have so many reps, thanks from ALL of us, lol

When (pre clicking on it) I saw the thread title (remembering that StealthRabbit has a place here that is a part time locale for him), my first thought was....hopefully StealthRabbit will weigh in with his opinion .