College Station No. 4 on best ‘unknown’ retirement places

COLLEGE STATION – According to USA Today, Aggieland is the fourth best "unknown" place to retire in the nation.

The publication ranked cities not typically considered retirement destinations based on tax and crime rates, an active downtown and good medical facilities.

The article credits the ranking to sporting events at Texas A&M, the geographical location between the state’s major metropolitan areas, low housing costs, low crime and a warm climate.

Mayor Nancy Berry credited low taxes, parks, quality medical facilities, golf courses and a thriving arts community. She said Texas A&M played an instrumental role in attracting retirees back to Aggieland.

Marci Rodgers, College Station Senior Services coordinator, has seen the active senior population boom since she started with the city in 1998. She said in 2002, an average of 3,000 seniors participated per month in city programs. In 2012, that monthly average had ballooned to 14,000.

Rodgers, too, cited College Station’s geographical location and Texas A&M as primary draws. "I think we’re seeing Aggies retiring in College Station," Rodgers said. "It’s a great opportunity for the City of College Station to build on that with the university and our medical corridor."

"Baby boomers will be our next big population," Rodgers said.

Read more at The Eagle.