For older adults, life in Houston’s Uptown district provides a lively mix of upscale amenities and convenient access to high-end shopping, fine dining and world-class entertainment. This unique urban environment is ideal for retired international business professionals, fashion-lovers and city dwellers from around the world to come together for the best that Houston has to offer.
When it comes to retirement in Uptown, it’s not about slowing down — it’s about enjoying life on your terms and taking advantage of all this vibrant city offers seniors. Add luxury living to the high-energy, urban atmosphere Houston is known for, and you have perfect placement of The Hallmark, our gorgeous Life Plan senior living community in the tony Galleria neighborhood.
Texas is tax-friendly, with exemptions and discounts for homeowners and retirees and no state income tax. The metropolis has many pros and cons that retirees need to consider.
Are You a City Mouse or a Country Mouse?
One of the biggest decisions you’ll face in retirement is where to live. Many older adults find themselves weighing the pros and cons of living in a city compared to settling in the suburbs.
While suburbs are often associated with more space and quieter days, Houston’s urban lifestyle brings unbeatable opportunities for seniors who want to stay active, engaged and connected. With The Hallmark’s spacious apartment homes, access to country club-style amenities and services, and as much activity or downtime as you prefer, it’s easy to see why residents choose our convenient urban address. They are certainly embracing the benefits of living in a big city.
Top 6 Reasons Seniors Love Houston’s Urban Lifestyle
1-Diverse Dining
Considered one of the best food cities in the U.S., Houston offers unparalleled diversity in dining. Mirroring it’s diverse population, the city offers culinary excellence in barbecue, Tex-Mex and Vietnamese cuisine, alongside a growing array of upscale and international options. Middle Eastern, French and sushi restaurants are on the rise.
2-High-End Shopping
Uptown is known for its exclusive and premier shopping district, offering a wide range of designer and luxury brands. A five-minute car ride from The Hallmark’s front door, The Galleria is the central hub for shopping in Uptown. This mall – the largest in Texas – features over 400 retailers, 70 of which are exclusive to Houston, and more than 60 restaurants.
For shoppers who prefer an open-air environment, The Shops at Uptown Park is a five-minute walk from The Hallmark. This pedestrian-friendly retail area provides an upscale setting with diverse shops, including fine furniture, cigar stores and designer children’s clothing.
3-Walkable Lifestyle
When considering a city vs. suburb lifestyle, how much time you spend in the car may be a factor. In Uptown Houston, parks, cafés and shops are often just a short stroll away — keeping you moving and connected. The streets are meticulously designed with wide, often-shaded sidewalks, unique custom pavers and pedestrian lighting, creating a comfortable and walkable environment.
4- Cultural Connection
Houston’s primary arts district, concentrated along the Washington Avenue Corridor, boasts a distinctive cultural experience with its public art and arts-centered organizations. This district — part of First and Sixth Wards — is a hub for artists. In fact, it has the highest concentration of working artists in Texas, featuring over 300 studio spaces at Sawyer Yards, numerous galleries and venues like the 4th Wall Theatre Company.
The theater district, located Downtown, offers Houston’s largest concentration of professional performing arts venues, including the Hobby Center, home to Memorial Hermann Broadway and Theatre Under the Stars.
The museum district, near Midtown, is home to 19 museums, including the main campus of Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) and Contemporary Arts Museum Houston.
In Uptown Houston, where The Hallmark is located, arts and culture are defined by prominent landmarks like the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park and the presence of performing arts at venues like The Post Oak Hotel. Rienzi, also in Uptown, is the MFAH’s house museum for European decorative arts.
Retirement is the perfect time to pursue new passions. One of the advantages to living in the city is access to arts that may just feed a new love of all things cultural!
5-Social and Volunteer Opportunities
Urban living makes it easier to stay connected — which isn’t just about convenience. Staying connected can provide emotional benefits. From community centers and local clubs to churches and volunteer programs, there are countless ways to meet new people and stay socially active in a city like Houston AND in a senior living community like The Hallmark.
6-World-Class Health Care Nearby and Care Right at Home
One of the top considerations in retirement is healthcare access. Houston is home to the Texas Medical Center — the largest medical complex in the world. Living in the city puts you closer to nationally recognized hospitals and specialists.
As a Life Plan Community, The Hallmark offers the full continuum of care. Residents of our community receive priority access to higher levels of care without having to move away from the life they’ve established at The Hallmark. These care levels include assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing.
As seniors weigh the pros and cons of living in the city, more are discovering the advantages of an urban lifestyle outweigh the drawbacks. Houston offers convenience, culture, healthcare and social connection — all of which can make retirement healthier, happier and more fulfilling.
Retirement is your time to enjoy the life you’ve built. At The Hallmark, the city of Houston becomes part of the experience. Contact us to schedule a private tour of our community. We’d love to show you around.
Featured Image: Fotoluminate LLC / Shutterstock
