Retirement in Comanche Trace: Homes, Amenities, and Costs

Comanche Trace, a private 1,300‑acre golf community in Kerrville, Texas, is widely viewed as a retirement sweet spot. National “best retirement” lists and Comanche Trace’s own accolades highlight its 27 holes of championship golf, clubhouse dining, fitness center, pool, river access, and social calendar, all minutes from Kerrville’s healthcare and arts scene. Retirees can choose low‑maintenance garden homes, villas, or custom estates without giving up small‑town convenience.

Retirement in Context

Comanche Trace has been named one of the “50 Best Master‑Planned Communities” and repeatedly recognized among top U.S. golf communities.

• Kerrville routinely ranks as one of the best small towns in Texas for retirees thanks to climate, healthcare, and cost profile.
• The community’s 1,300 acres overlook the Guadalupe River Valley and sit just outside central Kerrville.
• Retirees get a private‑club environment without losing day‑to‑day access to grocery, medical, and cultural options in town.

Lifestyle and Amenities

Amenities go far beyond golf, making it easy to stay active, social, and engaged year‑round.

• Residents enjoy 27 holes of championship golf, extensive practice facilities, and a full‑service pro shop.
• The 24,000‑square‑foot clubhouse offers Pinnacle Grill dining, events, and Hill Country views from the terrace.
• Fitness center, pool, pickleball, tennis, walking trails, fishing lake, community garden, and Guadalupe River Park access support everyday wellness.

Housing for Retirement

Real estate ranges from low‑maintenance garden homes to large custom estates, so you can right‑size without leaving the neighborhood.

• Garden and patio homes emphasize single‑level plans, compact yards, and lock‑and‑leave convenience for travelers and second‑home owners.
• Traditional single‑family homes and estates give more storage, guest suites, and outdoor living for full‑time residents.
• Custom homesites let you design accessibility features, casitas, and hobby spaces into a new build from day one.

Healthcare and Services

Kerrville offers a deeper healthcare network than many small towns while still feeling manageable for retirees.

• Peterson Regional Medical Center provides a full‑service hospital that has earned national rural‑hospital recognition.
• Kerrville VA Medical Center offers primary and specialty care for eligible Veterans in the South Texas system.
• Independent and assisted‑living communities in town add options for future transitions if care needs change later.

FAQ's

What are some good retirement communities near Kerrville, TX besides Comanche Trace?

Beyond Comanche Trace, Kerrville and nearby Ingram offer independent and assisted‑living options such as Sage Park Guadalupe, Emerald Cottages of Kerrville, Hills of Kerrville, Mountain Villa, and Ingram Oaks. These communities focus on cottage‑style or apartment living with services and social programming tailored to retirees.

What other activities are popular in the Kerrville area?

Kerrville residents enjoy the Guadalupe River, Kerrville‑Schreiner Park, the River Trail, the Museum of Western Art, live performances at the Cailloux Theater, the Kerrville Folk Festival, and regional Hill Country wineries and state parks. Outdoor recreation, arts, and seasonal festivals stack easily beside Comanche Trace’s on‑site amenities.

I’d like to know about the HOA fees.

Most homes in Comanche Trace pay annual dues to the Comanche Trace Ranch Community Association, with additional sub‑association dues in some villa or condominium sections. Many listings show master dues in the mid‑$800s per year, while club memberships for golf or social use are separate. Exact costs vary by address, section, and membership tier.

Key Takeaways

• Comanche Trace couples private‑club amenities with Kerrville’s small‑town services, making it a serious Hill Country retirement contender.
• Retirees can choose low‑maintenance garden homes, Golf Villas, traditional single‑family homes, or custom estates on golf and view lots.
• Amenities include 27 holes of golf, clubhouse dining, fitness, pool, racquet sports, trails, fishing lake, community garden, and river park.
• Kerrville provides hospital care, a VA Medical Center for eligible Veterans, and regional specialists within an easy drive.
• HOA dues and club memberships are separate; understanding both is critical when budgeting long‑term retirement costs.
• Nearby retirement communities and plentiful Kerrville activities give future flexibility if needs or interests change over time.

Summarize with AI

Your Article Summary

Paragraph Summary Bullet Points

Speak to an Agent

Why Comanche Trace Appeals to Retirees

Retirees look at Comanche Trace because it pairs a serious private‑club amenity stack with a right‑sized Hill Country town. The community sits on 1,300 acres overlooking the Guadalupe River Valley and has been recognized among the “50 Best Master‑Planned Communities” and “America’s Top 100 Golf Communities.” Kerrville itself repeatedly appears on lists of Texas’s best small retirement towns.

• National recognition: Where to Retire and other publications have highlighted Comanche Trace as a destination‑worthy master‑planned golf community with strong amenities.
• Hill Country setting: The neighborhood’s elevation and river valley views deliver sunsets and breezes without sacrificing access to town conveniences.
• Active, not isolated: Retirees can fill weeks with golf, clubs, and local events instead of feeling stuck in a remote resort bubble.
• Year‑round livability: Mild winters and hot but manageable summers work for full‑time living, especially with pool and river access.
• Mix of residents: Households range from working professionals to retirees and second‑home owners, which keeps the community from feeling age‑segregated.

Amenities, Social Life, and Daily Routine

Comanche Trace is built so you can park the car and still have a full calendar. The community offers 27 holes of championship golf, extensive practice facilities, and a 24,000‑square‑foot clubhouse with Pinnacle Grill dining and event spaces. A fitness center, pool, hot tub, pickleball and tennis courts, walking trails, fishing lake, community garden, and private Guadalupe River Park round out the package.

• Golf for every level: Three nine‑hole layouts and strong practice facilities support both casual play and tournament‑caliber golf.
• Clubs Within a Club: Book, bridge, gardening, wine, hiking, pickleball, and other groups make it simple to meet neighbors quickly.
• Event calendar: Wine dinners, holiday parties, live music nights, and charity tournaments keep evenings and weekends from feeling repetitive.
• Fitness and wellness: Group exercise classes, strength equipment, pool time, and walking trails help retirees stay ahead of mobility issues.
• River access: The private Guadalupe River Park offers fishing, picnics, and cool‑weather walks away from public crowds.

Housing Options Tailored to Retirement

Housing in Comanche Trace is unusually flexible for a golf community, which matters when you are planning around retirement timelines. Garden and patio homes give downsizers single‑level, low‑maintenance options, while villas, traditional single‑family homes, and estates handle different space and privacy needs. Many recent plans prioritize open layouts, abundant natural light, covered outdoor living, and storage for hobbies and visiting family.

• Garden and patio homes: Compact lots, simplified landscaping, and often single‑story floor plans make these ideal for lock‑and‑leave living.
• Golf Villas: Clustered, low‑maintenance products near the course appeal to second‑home owners and retirees who travel frequently.
• Traditional single‑family homes: Three‑ and four‑bedroom layouts handle visiting grandkids, home offices, and long‑term hosting.
• Estate properties: Larger lots and custom footprints allow casitas, studios, and workshop spaces for hobbies or multigenerational stays.
• Custom homesites: Buyers can design accessibility features—like wider halls, zero‑entry showers, and minimal steps—into a new build from the start.

Retirement Home Type Comparison

Choosing between a garden home, villa, traditional single‑family plan, or estate should start with your day‑to‑day routine, not just sticker price. The table below compares how common Comanche Trace product types match typical retirement priorities such as maintenance, guest space, and flexibility if health needs change later.

Home type	Typical size	Maintenance level	Best suited for
Garden / patio home	Roughly 1,800–2,400 sq. ft.	Low; compact yards and simplified exteriors	Retirees who want single‑level living and lock‑and‑leave convenience.
Golf Villa	About 1,900–2,400 sq. ft.	Low; clustered product with coordinated maintenance	Second‑home owners and frequent travelers focused on golf and social life.
Traditional single‑family	Roughly 2,300–3,500 sq. ft.	Moderate; full‑size yards and normal exterior upkeep	Full‑time residents wanting storage, guest suites, and flexible rooms.
Estate home	3,500+ sq. ft.	High; large landscapes and more complex systems	Retirees who prioritize privacy, views, and frequent entertaining.
Custom homesite	Varies by plan	Depends on design choices	Owners who want tailored accessibility and hobby spaces built in.

• Start with mobility: If stairs or long walks may be an issue later, favor single‑level homes and flatter lots.
• Plan for guests: Decide whether you want to host for holidays and events before committing to a smaller footprint.
• Think five to ten years ahead: Ensure the yard and exterior responsibilities still feel realistic a decade from now.
• Balance travel and upkeep: Heavy travelers usually prefer garden homes or villas over large estate landscapes.
• Use local agents: Work with Hill Country agents who know which sections skew younger, quieter, or more retiree‑oriented.

Healthcare, Wellness, and Everyday Services

Retirement decisions hinge on medical access, and Kerrville outperforms many small towns here. Peterson Regional Medical Center serves Kerrville and surrounding counties as a full‑service community hospital, while Kerrville VA Medical Center provides primary and specialty care for eligible Veterans within the South Texas VA system. Independent and assisted‑living communities around town create a clear path if higher‑care needs arise later in life.

• Hospital care: Peterson Regional Medical Center offers 24‑hour emergency services and has been recognized among top rural community hospitals.
• VA resources: Kerrville VA Medical Center delivers primary care, geriatric services, mental health care, dialysis, and more for eligible Veterans.
• Senior‑living options: Communities such as Sage Park Guadalupe, Emerald Cottages, and Ingram Oaks provide independent and assisted‑living choices near Comanche Trace.
• Local specialists: Kerrville hosts clinics and specialty practices, with additional specialists available in San Antonio about an hour away.
• Support services: Kerr County Veterans Service Office and local nonprofits help Veterans navigate benefits and resources if needed.

Comparing Comanche Trace to Other Retirement Options Near Kerrville

Comanche Trace is not the only retirement option around Kerrville, but it fills a distinct niche. Independent‑living communities focus on services and compact cottages or apartments, while age‑restricted neighborhoods elsewhere in the Hill Country may not offer private golf or river access. The comparison below helps clarify whether you want a club‑centric neighborhood, a services‑heavy senior community, or something in between.

Community / option	Primary focus	Typical housing	Best fit
Comanche Trace	Private golf, club lifestyle, mixed‑age master‑planned community	Garden homes, villas, single‑family, and estates	Active retirees wanting golf, social life, and ownership in a residential neighborhood.
Sage Park / Emerald Cottages	Independent and assisted‑living services along the Guadalupe River	Cottage‑style or apartment communities with centralized services	Retirees prioritizing services, meals, and on‑site support more than private yards.
Ingram Oaks and similar communities	Independent‑living manufactured or cottage communities	Smaller homes with community amenities	Budget‑conscious retirees wanting a social setting without club dues.
Stay in town, no community	Standard neighborhood living in Kerrville	Varied single‑family homes and smaller infill properties	Retirees who prefer full independence and are less interested in curated amenities.

• Clarify your priority: Decide whether you value services, amenities, or pure independence most and rank options accordingly.
• Tour multiple models: Visit Comanche Trace plus at least one independent‑living community to feel the lifestyle differences.
• Compare total monthly costs: Include dues, services, dining plans, transportation, and healthcare access, not just rent or mortgage.
• Think about visitors: A club community can be more attractive to visiting family than a purely service‑oriented residence.
• Revisit choice over time: Some retirees keep a Comanche Trace home now but expect to transition to higher‑care options later.

Costs, HOA Dues, and Club Membership for Retirees

Retirement budgeting in Comanche Trace means adding HOA and club costs to standard principal, interest, taxes, and insurance. The Comanche Trace Ranch Community Association manages common areas and design enforcement, with annual master dues that many recent listings place around the mid‑$800 range. Villa or condominium sections can layer sub‑association dues on top of that, while golf and social memberships are entirely separate.

• Master HOA dues: Cover neighborhood entries, landscaping, trails, lake, river park, and administrative costs; billed annually or in installments depending on setup.
• Sub‑association dues: Certain garden, villa, or condominium sections may include exterior maintenance, irrigation, or private street costs in additional dues.
• Club membership tiers: Social, limited golf, and unlimited golf memberships offer different mixes of golf access, dining, fitness, pool, and events.
• Non‑equity structure: Club materials emphasize that memberships are non‑equity with no assessments, which retirees often appreciate for predictability.
• Plan conservatively: Use higher‑end estimates for dues and memberships plus room for increases so retirement income is not stretched thin.

Planning Your Retirement Move to Comanche Trace

Moving to Comanche Trace for retirement works best when you approach it as a multi‑step plan rather than a last‑minute decision. Many owners start with exploratory visits and short stays, then decide whether the community should be a full‑time base, a second home, or part of a phased retirement. Timing the move with Social Security decisions, pension start dates, and equity from a current home is critical.

• Test the lifestyle: Combine golf, dining, and local events into a long weekend to see if the community feels like home.
• Clarify time frame: Decide whether you want to move pre‑retirement, at retirement, or a few years after, then build a timeline backward.
• Coordinate finances: Work with your financial planner and lender to align down payment, sale of your current home, and new mortgage terms if needed.
• Evaluate build vs. buy: Compare the speed of a resale garden home with the customization of a new build under Architectural Review.
• Use LRG resources: Lean on local agents who know Comanche Trace resale patterns, membership norms, and realistic ownership cost ranges.

The Bottom Line

Comanche Trace is a legitimate retirement option, not just a pretty golf address. The community combines a deep amenity stack, lock‑and‑leave housing choices, and a strong healthcare and cultural base in Kerrville. Retirees who value private‑club golf and social life, but still want small‑town access to hospitals, VA resources, and everyday errands, often find the trade‑offs worthwhile. The key is matching home type, dues, and membership to your long‑term budget and lifestyle plans.

References Used

• Comanche Trace – Community overview, golf, clubhouse, and amenity details
• Comanche Trace – Club amenities and Clubs Within a Club information
• Comanche Trace – Accolades and national master‑planned community recognition
• Texas Real Estate Source – Kerrville ranked as a top Texas retirement town
• WorldAtlas – Kerrville listed among the best small towns to retire in Texas
• Peterson Health – Hospital and healthcare system information for Kerrville
• VA South Texas – Kerrville VA Medical Center services and location
• A Place for Mom – Independent‑living communities in and around Kerrville
• City of Kerrville – Local attractions and recreation options

Related Guides

• Comanche Trace homes for sale and market overview
• Types of homes and architectural styles in Comanche Trace
• Comanche Trace HOA dues, club fees, and building rules
• Custom building and homesite guide for Comanche Trace
• First‑time buyer guide for Comanche Trace
• Comanche Trace vs. Boot Ranch retirement and lifestyle comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Comanche Trace a good place to retire?

Yes. Comanche Trace combines private‑club golf, a full amenity stack, and small‑town access to healthcare and services in Kerrville. National publications have recognized the community and the town as strong retirement choices, and the housing mix lets retirees choose between low‑maintenance garden homes, villas, and custom estates.

Is Comanche Trace an age‑restricted or 55‑plus community?

No. Comanche Trace is a private, master‑planned golf community rather than a formally age‑restricted 55‑plus development. Residents include retirees, working professionals, and second‑home owners. That mix keeps the neighborhood active year‑round but still offers plenty of quiet pockets for those seeking a calmer Hill Country lifestyle.

Are there single‑story or accessibility‑friendly homes?

Many garden and patio homes, plus a fair number of villas and single‑family plans, are single‑story or primarily main‑floor living. Buyers building custom homes can design wider hallways, zero‑entry showers, minimal steps, and other accessibility features. Resale listings usually note single‑story layouts, so your agent can filter for them easily.

Can I live in Comanche Trace without playing golf?

Yes. While golf is central to the community’s identity, many residents prioritize the social calendar, fitness center, pool, river park, and walking trails instead of regular play. Social membership tiers focus on dining, events, fitness, and racquet sports, making Comanche Trace workable even if you rarely or never tee it up.

How social is Comanche Trace for retirees?

Very. The clubhouse hosts frequent wine dinners, holiday events, and live music, while Clubs Within a Club support everything from book and bridge groups to hiking and gardening. Retirees who participate in just a few recurring activities usually build a strong social circle within months of moving in.

What healthcare options are available near Comanche Trace?

Peterson Regional Medical Center provides full‑service hospital and emergency care in Kerrville, and there are multiple clinics and specialty practices throughout town. Eligible Veterans also have Kerrville VA Medical Center nearby, with referrals into the broader South Texas VA system when advanced services in San Antonio are needed.

How far is Comanche Trace from San Antonio and major airports?

Comanche Trace sits just south of central Kerrville, roughly an hour to an hour and twenty minutes from San Antonio under normal traffic. That drive gives access to San Antonio International Airport, major medical centers, and big‑city shopping, while still allowing retirees to return to a quieter Hill Country base each day.

Can Comanche Trace work as a second home instead of a full‑time residence?

Yes. Many owners use garden homes and villas on a part‑time basis because the low‑maintenance setups pair well with travel. Lock‑and‑leave convenience, river access, and easy drives from San Antonio and Austin make the neighborhood popular for weekenders and snowbirds who want a consistent Hill Country base.

How much should retirees budget for HOA dues and club membership?

Expect master HOA dues in roughly the mid‑$800 annual range for many homes, with additional dues in some villa or condominium sections. Club memberships are separate and vary widely by tier and usage. Retirees should obtain current HOA documents and membership schedules for each property before finalizing offers or long‑term budgets.

What steps should I take before deciding to retire in Comanche Trace?

Visit multiple times in different seasons, play or tour the course, and attend at least one club event. Review HOA documents, membership plans, and recent medical experiences at local facilities, then run full retirement budget scenarios including dues and memberships. Finally, work with a Hill Country agent who regularly represents buyers and sellers inside Comanche Trace.