Marble Falls named top one of top retiree spots
MARBLE FALLS — Relatively low housing costs and ample amenities helped make Marble Falls one of Money magazine’s six best retirement spots on the water.
The accolade was announced last week at the magazine’s Web site, http://cnnmoney.com. Word of the honor spread quickly, according to Marble Falls/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Christian Fletcher.
“We’ve been talking about it all day,” Fletcher said. “We’ve gotten calls from our board members and some of our chamber members already.”
The city’s affordable lakefront property was singled out specifically by the editors as a highlight for retirees looking to settle in the area.
“Word has leaked out of the Lone Star State that this area just isn’t a refuge from high home prices,” the Web site said. “With its gently rolling terrain, stately trees, colorful wildflowers and — increasingly — vineyards and fine cuisine, it’s a little piece of Provence in the big ole state of Texas.”
Also on the list were Dunedin, Fla., Beaufort, S.C. and Sequim, Wash.,
Fletcher said the honor was the latest in several picked up by the Hill Country in recent years.
“I think it’s certainly a flattering recognition,” Fletcher said. “It’s especially nice that they chose to single out Marble Falls specifically and that we’re not lumped in with Fredericksburg or the Hill Country. When Money recognized Burnet County as one of the best rural hotspots in 2006, Marble Falls wasn’t even mentioned.” Money’s editors said the Highland Lakes chains offers plenty to do for active retirees, adding the lakes’ cool waters lessen the impact of the area’s triple-digit summers.
“For now, at least, Marble Falls remains a hospitable little place with a whole lot of comfort food, country music and cowboy character,” the Web site said. “And when the thermometer hits 100? Just make tracks for the lake.”
Fletcher said the area has been a draw for retirees for many years, adding that segment of the population has plenty to offer the community.
“I think the retiree market is huge,” he said. “There would be a lot of things that we wouldn’t have been afforded if it were not for that stable population. They bring wealth, along with a wealth of knowledge and experience. To have the number of retired people that we do, especially those who retired from public or important positions, continues to contribute greatly to the community.”
Fletcher said his office is already starting to see renewed interest in Marble Falls since the list was published.
“We recently added a video to the Chamber Web site the day before yesterday, and this afternoon there have already been views of that video from Arizona, Colorado and Florida. To be considered among that group is pretty neat.”