Houston Chronicle Sunday

55-PLUS COMMUNITIE­S

Capitalize on small-town, rural setting

- By Alice Adams | FREELANCE WRITER

“Aging is not for sissies,” as many might say.

However, your senior years bring certain freedoms, like the option to live anywhere and shape your senior lifestyle any way you want, whether it’s meeting with your golf foursome, getting in some painting, volunteeri­ng in the community or shaping up for senior athletics.

Senior communitie­s are pushing beyond city limits, offering a small-town atmosphere while being close enough to enjoy city offerings. One of the new 55-plus active-adult communitie­s offering all these amenities and more is Del Webb Fulshear.

“Del Webb Fulshear is all about a new way to retire — living in an activities-oriented community with people in a similar age group,” said Kristina Jones with the Pulte Group.

Jones introduced the PulteGen-You Series, which will be available in the Fulshear community, featuring singlefami­ly floor plans from 1,200 to 2,800 square feet. The homes feature amenities seniors are requesting such as larger kitchens; indoor-outdoor living; walk-in showers; and features to satisfy the needs of emptyneste­rs, pre-retirement buyers and veteran retirees looking for maintenanc­e-free living.

“We’re excited about being in the city of Fulshear, with its slower-paced, friendly atmosphere,” Jones said. “We’re planning a grand opening and look forward to offering this unique experience to seniors seeking to simplify their lives and still enjoy the arts, shopping and dining opportunit­ies.”

Closer to Texas Hill Country, active seniors are moving to Kissing Tree - San Marcos, a new-home community for seniors with three distinct ways to enjoy the KT lifestyle — traditiona­l homes, cottages and villas. All include low-maintenanc­e living and five floor plans in each category to help you design your dream home, like Kris and Larry W.

“We chose initially to move to Kissing Tree for the golf, but we found much more. We love our neighbors and new friends here, and life is good. It’s living the dream,” they said.

“The neighbors are very nice and caring,” said Martha L., a Kissing Tree resident.

“It’s not just about a home. It’s about neighbors caring for one another, community, and living active together. We love it here.”

Another Kissing Tree resident, Kathy A., echoed what Martha L. said.

“We have made more friends in the last year at Kissing Tree than we’ve made in a lifetime. Everyone seems to want to get to know each other.”

While the Kissing Tree community has a fitness center, resort swimming pool with cabanas and the Kissing Tree Golf Club, a semi-private,

18-hole golf course, one of the most-requested senior sports is pickleball, and there are eight courts, along with six bocce ball courts. There’s also a cafe, a biergarten, spaces for cards and club meetings, 18 miles of hiking trails, and every resident enjoys the active lifestyle.

“This is one of the best investment­s and decisions

I’ve ever made,” Martha L. said. “You can be as active as you choose…. The bonus? We’re close to Austin and San Antonio. For me, that’s huge.” ■

“This is one of the best investment­s and decisions I’ve ever made.” Martha L.

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