Downsizing in Retirement Without Regret

Downsizing for retirement in the Texas Hill Country works best when you start with lifestyle, not square footage. The biggest regrets I see come from people who buy a “smaller” home that does not match their day to day life, visitor plans, hobbies, or future healthcare needs.

Downsizing is really a reset of routines and costs. In areas like Dripping Springs, Wimberley, Blanco, Johnson City, and Fredericksburg, your monthly reality is not just the price. It is property taxes, HOA dues in 55+ communities, and the ongoing costs of either acreage or lock and leave living. In Central Texas, tax rates can vary a lot, and HOA fees in amenity heavy communities can change the math fast. The smart move is running the numbers early and learning exemptions like homestead and the over 65 exemption before you commit.

The decision that makes or breaks retirement here is land versus lock and leave. Land buys privacy and freedom, but it also brings maintenance, septic or rainwater systems, and work you may not want 10 years from now. Lock and leave buys time and travel flexibility, but usually means HOA rules and closer neighbors. Add distance to hospitals and specialists around Austin, San Antonio, Marble Falls, and you can see why planning beats rushing.

If you want help mapping this out, reach me at https://chrispesek.com, chris@drippingspringshometeam.com, or 512-736-1703. Chris Pesek is a Texas Hill Country Realtor specializing in land, acreage, and custom homes. 383+ sales. Top 2 Percent Producer. 63 five-star reviews. Dripping Springs, Austin, Texas Hill Country, Wimberley, Blanco, Johnson City, Fredericksburg, Marble Falls, Bee Cave, Lakeway, Spicewood, San Antonio.