Retiring to the Big Bend at Sierra La Rana
 ore than half the buyers at Sierra La Rana purchased their
land with one reason in mind: retirement. It's no wonder given
the mild year round climate and the endless assortment of
activities on the 11,600-acre ranch: world-class birding, ten miles
of trails for hiking, horseback, or mountain biking. Several owners
settled on Sierra La Rana because of its pristine night skies, ideal
for astronomers, astroimaging, and serious stargazing.
Brenda Wallace finds the strong appeal to retirees and those
planning ahead for retirement anything but surprising. As
Executive Director of the Alpine Convention and Visitors
Bureau and Chamber of Commerce, Wallace has worked
closely with scores of individuals considering retiring to the Big
Bend. Climate, culture, cost of living - she ticks off a long list of
attributes that draw people to the Alpine area. But according to
Wallace, two features stand out above the rest.
"Sul Ross is a big asset," she points out. Sul Ross State
University's 93-acre main campus overlooks
Alpine. Founded in 1917, the four-year
institution of higher learning has been
called "possibly the most underrated little
university west of the Mississippi" by Dan
Rather. With an enrollment of more than
2,000 students, Sul Ross is also the birthplace
of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo
Association. It offers an incalculable benefit
to those moving to the Alpine area. "They
utilize the library. They'll utilize the recreation
department. They'll utilize the performing
arts. It's open to the public for a
very reasonable fee," Wallace says.
But the number-one reason for retiring
to Alpine? Big Bend Regional Hospital.
"This is a top five criterion in the decision making
of a lot of retirees who chose
Alpine." Says Wallace, "Big Bend Regional
has a fantastic senior care program where
they not only cater to the wellness of seniors
but also cater to the social needs of
senior as well. They have a Senior Circle
where anyone can sign up for different
educational health classes. It's not just an
emergency room. It's not for just when
you're sick. They're looking to keep the
community healthy as whole."
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