Texas.  It conjures up a lot of images doesn’t it?  I have to admit that I am surprised at what I learned from researching the state.  For one thing, the history is interesting.  Six Flags over Texas actually means something to me now.  The state has had six flags over it starting in the 1820’s with Spain (De Vaca), then France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederacy and then finally the U.S. 

Who knew they were originally VERY much Democrats!  That was the case clear up until the late 1970’s.   Now they are a powerhouse of Republicans.   They joined the United States in 1845 and what they brought to the U.S. economy was the value of cattle ranching and cotton.  Today those are still large parts of the Texas economy.   Texas’ early economy was boom and bust with the double disasters of the Great Depression which saw livestock and cattle prices fall and the Dust Bowl which caused thousands to flee to the west coast.

Today the economy of Texas is diversified and booming.  Texas is internationally known for its energy, medical research and aeronautical industries.  Houston has the largest ship channel in the U.S and it is sixth largest port in the world.  Texas is home to the most Fortune 500 companies and has the second largest economy in the United States behind California.  It houses the largest concentration of research and healthcare institutions in the world.  It is also one of the top filmmaking states in the U.S after California and New York.  Texas also leads the nation in number of cattle – usually exceeding 16 million head and cotton is still the leading crop.  Texas holds one-third of the known U.S. oil reserve.   There is no personal income tax and the government is very limited compared to other states.  Their legislature only meets every two years. 

The state is located at the intersection of several climate zones.  There are three main areas – the humid subtropical of the eastern half, semi-arid of the northwestern and the nearly arid desert climate of southwestern Texas.  The state averages 139 tornadoes per year, most of which are in the western half of the state.

The political atmosphere goes toward fiscal and social conservatism.  The state also leans toward harsh sentencing towards criminals and leads the nation in executions. I think they really mean it when they say, “Don’t Mess With Texas”.

Culturally, the state is known worldwide for its music and theatre.  Austin has more music venues per capita than any other U.S. city.  Houston is ranked 2^nd behind New York City in number of theatre seats in a concentrated downtown area.  Houston also has permanent resident companies in all the major performing arts disciplines. 

Finally, you can’t talk about Texas without talking about sports.  You can’t miss their love of football especially the intensity of which they follow high school and college ball which can often dominate over everything else for socializing and leisure.  The Dallas Cowboys are sometimes referred to as “America’s Team”.    You can also find year-round golf, fishing and auto racing.  And…….never forget the ever present rodeos. 

We encourage you to check out any of the numerous active adult communities in the state.   There are a lot of good places to retire with more than enough entertainment activities to keep you as active as you want to be.