Why I’m Planning Retirement in Rural Texas

For most of my life, I’ve lived and gardened in the Midwest. The seasons are familiar. The soil has its quirks, but I understand it.

Retirement isn’t here yet — I’m about five years out, maybe a little sooner, but not likely. Still, I’ve learned something over decades in manufacturing: if you wait until the last minute to prepare, you’re already behind.

That’s why I’m planning now.

And that planning has me seriously considering a move to rural Texas.

Why Start Planning This Early?

Retirement isn’t something I want to drift into. I want to build it intentionally.

That means thinking through:

Where do I want to live? What kind of property makes sense? What does gardening look like in a completely different climate? What will daily life actually feel like?

Five years sounds like a long time — but when you’re talking about relocation, property, climate adaptation, and lifestyle shifts, it really isn’t.

Gardening Is Still at the Center

Gardening has always been part of my life. It keeps me grounded and productive.

But Texas gardening isn’t Midwest gardening.

Everything is different:

Heat

Soil

Water management

Growing seasons

Pests

I’m not starting from scratch — but I am starting with humility. There’s a lot to learn about growing successfully in rural Texas, especially as part of a long-term retirement plan.

Why Share the Journey Now?

Because planning is part of the story.

There are plenty of us still working, looking ahead, asking:

Should we relocate? Should we downsize? What does retirement actually look like? How early should we prepare?

I don’t have all the answers. But I’m willing to document the research, the decisions, the lessons, and the experiments — starting now.

The Big Nunz Influence

This project carries the name “Big Nunz” to honor the memory of my grandfather. He never gardened and never left Illinois, but he taught me about grit, humor, and showing up every day.

If I can bring that spirit into this next chapter — even while I’m still working toward it — I’ll consider that a success.

In Closing

This isn’t a retirement blog from someone who’s finished the journey.

It’s from someone building it — step by step, five years out.

If that sounds like where you are too, you’re welcome here.