I too think of Collin County as a place that primarily attracts young people with its cheap real estate and all, but apparently that’s quite attractive to older folks, too.
Affordable living, jobs and a Sun Belt climate have made Texas one of the most attractive states for baby boomers. As America’s “first suburban generation” ages, cities are scrambling to accommodate them.
Collin County will feel one of the greatest effects in the region, with its senior population more than doubling in the next decade. But the county – known for its youth rather than its elderly – already struggles with transportation, health care and affordable housing for its seniors. Cities that fail to reshuffle priorities, experts say, face strapped social services, budget pitfalls, disgruntled residents and tarnished images.
“For the most part, communities are not planning as well as they should be,” said Doni Van Ryswyk, aging program manager at the North Central Texas Council of Governments’ Area Agency on Aging. “There’s a whole host of challenges in terms of infrastructure, livable communities and adequate transportation providers for people who are no longer able to drive.
“Even though Collin and Denton counties are relatively wealthy, there are portions that are already designated health professional shortages. That’s only going to get worse as the population ages.”
To say the least, Collin County is chintzy about public health. One presumes that sooner or later, something’s gotta give. In the meantime, this is an interesting trend to keep an eye on.
Also, Collin County’s justice system has not yet made the transition from small-town, semi-rural good ol’ boy-ism to a more professional brand of law enforcement and judiciary befitting its recent growth and rapid urbanization.
My hometown of Tyler is facing some similar issues with older residents as it’s become a popular retirement destination for seniors from the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
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