Hello, Carolee - I really believe the shortage of affordable senior housing is a nationwide problem, as is affordable housing for families, working singles, etc. Where we spend summers in Minnesota, the cost of "affordable" housing is $1500 or more a month for 2 bedrooms, extra if you need a garage. The wait for low-cost senior housing is 3 or more years, and then the building may not be all seniors. My friend's sister on Omaha pays $1400/month for a one bedroom in a senior building - with increases every year.

Depending upon where you are in Texas, you may want to explore different options. We live in far South Texas in an "RV Resort", but we have a small 1 bedroom park model mobile home on a rented lot. These park models are available used, and often fully furnished, for $10,000-20,000. Depending on the park and its amenities, monthly lot rent is $250-$400 plus electric. Many have swimming pools, clubhouses, activities... Our rent is $305 paid monthly or $275 if paid by the year, water, sewer trash and basic Internet included. We pay the electric which ranges from $40-250/month depending on air conditioning and it costs us about $100/year for propane for cooking & heating. Pretty reasonable living, we think.

Some communities are 55 and over only, others welcome all ages. This is not "living in a camper" - these are 350-400 square foot homes, often with a deck, patio, shed, Texas room.

The last thing you would want to do is move to another state, only to find housing just as costly, a waiting list for affordable housing and a residency requirement of a year or more just to get on the list. Add the cost of moving, the need to change insurance, auto tags, driving license and doctors... However, if you are in a high cost metro area, it might be worth exploring nearby small towns.

Have you begun to explore moving options?
Sue