The Texas Hill Country Named Top 10 Best Places to Live the Simple Life

Described as “Old West bravado mixed with European charm,” the Hill Country is known for its lush countryside, which stretches toward San Antonio and Austin with rolling hills and miles of wildflowers. And now, three of the best-loved towns in the Hill Country – Fredericksburg (10,873), New Braunfels (51,804), and San Marcos (50,373) – have been recognized by the world’s largest circulation magazine as among the “Top 10 Best Places to Live the Simple Life.”

In the Hill Country, you'll feel the spirit of old Texas, with all its Mexican influences, mixed with the European flavors of the Germans who settled here. Residents and visitors can enjoy a sandwich and a cold brew in a local beer garden or drive to Luckenbach, made famous by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.

Hill Country residents tend to be both conservative and churchgoing (about 80 percent in Fredericksburg are registered Republicans, and 75 percent describe themselves as having a religious affiliation), and they're happy to brag (it is Texas, after all) about everything from the region's lavender farms and burgeoning wineries to Enchanted Rock, the second-largest natural granite dome in the United States.

In light of the current economic crunch, this year AARP The Magazine focused their annual “Best Places To Live The Simple Life” list on towns and cities that offer great environments, food and culture, without the expense and hassle of high priced city living. With a median housing price of $126,000, the Texas Hill Country readily meets those criteria.

Other featured towns include:
Tucson, AZ
Greenville, SC
Montpelier, VT
Logan, UT
Ames, IA

Additional information about this year’s selections can be found in the September/October issue of AARP The Magazine.