It's all about choice, really. Austin has its own unique sense of Texas style-a friendly, open attitude that puts newcomers at ease right from the start. Seniors here have the opportunity to be as active or relaxed as they want to be, and that's the beauty of choosing to retire to this wonderfully laid-back city in Central Texas.

Boasting a warm, mostly mild climate and rolling green hills, Austin is just minutes from a lazy pontoon cruise on Lake Travis or a competitive doubles match at the world-class World of Tennis facility in Lakeway. If golf is a passion, you will find everything from outstanding public links to private Jack Nicklaus-designed courses. Downtown hike and bike trails wind along the Colorado River, all with easy access and filled with friendly walkers and joggers. If you prefer less strenuous pursuits, like gardening or genealogy, you can tap into the fabulous resources at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, or the Center for American History on the UT campus.

Stretch your muscles, stretch your mind. In the May-June, 2002, issue of Modern Maturity magazine, Austin was named the most "alive" U.S. college town for seniors. For those who never, ever want to stop learning, educational opportunities abound. The University of Texas at Austin, St. Edward's University, Austin Community College and Texas State University in San Marcos are all excellent schools with special programs for seniors. Whether you want to add another degree, finish one you started, or simply indulge your curiosity, just register!

Indulge your imagination. If you love music, ballet, opera, literature, theatre or concerts, Austin hosts a dizzying range of traditional and eclectic events. Billed as the "Live Music Capital of the World," Austin offers up everything-from cool jazz in local watering holes, Broadway shows at UT's Bass Concert Hall, sophisticated productions at the new Long Center for the Performing Arts, intimate outdoor evenings with Willie Nelson at The Backyard, to fresh new productions at the Zachary Scott Theater. You can mingle with famous Texas authors at the Texas Book Festival, hone your musical skills with classes at the Armstrong Community School of Music, or stroll through the magnificent collections at the Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art. Whether as a spectator, a volunteer or a benefactor, the artist in your soul will find a home here.

So it really is all about choice. You can be on the go from sun-up, or kick back on the porch swing and watch the sun set. Or both. When you live in Austin, it's up to you.

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