In the know.

Retirement often means asking one big question: How can I make my savings last while still enjoying a full, healthy, and connected life?

For many older adults, Corpus Christi, Texas, provides an appealing answer. This coastal city combines lower living costs with a slower pace of life, access to natural beauty, and a welcoming community. Let's explore why Corpus Christi may be an excellent choice for retirees.

Lower Costs, Bigger Savings in Corpus Christi
Older adults often live on fixed incomes, so stretching each dollar matters. Corpus Christi offers significant savings compared to many other U.S. cities:

• No State Income Tax: Texas does not tax retirement income, Social Security benefits, or pensions-helping older adults keep more of what they've earned.

• Everyday Expenses: Groceries, dining out, and healthcare services are generally cheaper than the national average, easing day-to-day living.

• Transportation: Gas and auto expenses are below average, which helps retirees who drive regularly to appointments, family visits, or social outings.

• While utilities can be higher due to the hot, humid climate, the overall savings often outweigh this cost.

But the best thing about Corpus Christi? That's easy, Mirador! An impressive community with an even more impressive financial model.

Lower Costs, Bigger Savings at Mirador
Mirador offers the full continuum of services: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Support, and Skilled Nursing, both long-term and short-term. Those who enter the community through Independent Living have the opportunity to lock in a Life Care Benefit which provides an equalized, predictable rate for future care, all initiated by a largely refundable entrance fee.

Understanding the Entrance Fee
Entrance Fees at Mirador are lower than the average home value in Corpus Christi, starting at roughly $190,000, going up from there, based on the floorplan chosen. At present, Zillow reports the median sale price of homes in the area is approximately $266,000. Typically, in most markets, Entrance Fees mirror the price of homes in the area, however, it is notable that Mirador's Entrance Fee pricing falls below that threshold. When compared to other senior living options, Mirador is among the most affordable Entrance Fee pricing in the country when paired with a LifeCare Benefit.

Understanding the LifeCare Benefit
While it may feel like a large amount of money to part with, the Entrance Fees are largely refundable, either 70% for couples, or 80% for a single person. The reason why an elder may wish to pay this up-front fee has very little to do with the apartment and more to do with the LifeCare Benefit that comes along with their residency. With the cost of Skilled Nursing Care tipping the scales at over $10,000 per month, specialized Memory Support costing $7,500+ per month and Assisted Living ballooning to over $5,000+ per month, future care is arguably the most common way for seniors to outlive their resources. This is why Mirador's LifeCare Benefit could be life changing.

Mirador residents not only have guaranteed access to any level of care they need, but they will not be susceptible to the full price of this care. Instead, they have what's called an 'Equalized Rate.' This means they will pay a predictable fee for whatever care they need down the road. Today, that rate is $4810 per month (plus additional meals). It's that simple, and that's why Mirador's LifeCare Benefit is likened to an insurance plan that is paired with residency. Seniors who are interested in estate preservation are investing in the LifeCare Benefit as a way to accomplish just that. Rates in Independent Living start at $3,433 per month and up, depending on the floorplan selected- or even less if you choose an alternate plan. The Equalized Rate only begins when care is needed.

When you consider the expense of future care, the largely refundable Entrance Fee comes into crystal clear focus. The value of a having a predictable Equalized Rate, no matter what the future may hold brings the highest value there is ... peace-of-mind. If you are looking to stretch your savings while also enjoying the charm of the Coastal Bend, Mirador might be the retirement gem you've been looking for.

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MEET THE SCHMIDTS WHO MOVED FROM KERRVILLE TO CORPUS CHRISTI

Dorothy and her husband, Will, moved to Kerrville in 2001, believing it would be the place where they would settle for good. Over the years, they built deep roots there -close friendships, trusted doctors, a beloved church, and a strong sense of belonging. With a lifetime of experience around retirement living, including Dorothy's ten years of service on the board of John Knox Village in Weslaco, they knew early on that choosing a nonprofit life care community would matter.

When they began to explore their next chapter, Will was certain that large cities were not for them. While vacationing in Rockport, they discovered Mirador and toured the community the very next day. From that first visit, something felt right, and within weeks they returned to sign a contract.

The perks found in Corpus Christi confirmed the decision. Wanting to remain in Texas while keeping flexibility for their three daughters, the coastal lifestyle felt familiar and comforting. With open skies, a relaxed pace, and easy access to the water -especially meaningful to Will as an avid fisherman-the move felt natural.

Leaving Kerrville was difficult, but Dorothy and Will understood that later years call for peace-of-mind and connection. Today, they are healthy, active, and fully engaged, enjoying meaningful friendships and the comfort of knowing they are exactly where they are meant to be-at Mirador.