It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Rockwall County Historical Foundation Museum gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Rockwall, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Great place to work for. Great Boss and Ladies in Office. Been working for”
“I was blessed to find this job two weeks ago. I have met wonderful people”
“We were so happy with Always Best Care. They took great car of my parents”
“Everyone in their office is knowledgeable and have gone above and beyond to answer all”
“Great environment for growth and great team!”
“I have been with the company like almost 3years but the staff is wonderful n”
“I love Always Best Care they are an awesome company to work for, The name”
“Great service”
“Dear Mr. Gardner, I am writing to express my gratitude for the commitment and service”
“Everyone is so loving and caring not just the client but the whole family...as well”
“Always Best Care provides a needed service, not just to elderly clients but to their”
“Best place to work. My coworkers are caring, compassionate and ready to step in at”
“Great Staff with Great Hearts... Always Best Care Senior Services”
“Everyone is so loving and caring not just the client but the whole family...as well”
“Great Staff with Great Hearts... Always Best Care Senior Services”
“Always Best Care provides a needed service, not just to elderly clients but to their”
“Great place to work for. Great Boss and Ladies in Office. Been working for almost 4yrs in September this year. They help out when ask.”
“I was blessed to find this job two weeks ago. I have met wonderful people during my tenure here so far. All of the staff has been welcoming and truly make me feel like family. I have never felt more appreciated. This is a five star company!!”
“We were so happy with Always Best Care. They took great car of my parents for over 2 years. Very professional care givers. The staff loves working for the company and the owner takes great care of them. If ever needed we would use their services again.”
“Everyone in their office is knowledgeable and have gone above and beyond to answer all of my questions. They definitely have the heart for caring for the elderly and experts in placement.”
“Great environment for growth and great team!”
“I have been with the company like almost 3years but the staff is wonderful n caring they go out and beyond for there clients .”
“I love Always Best Care they are an awesome company to work for, The name speaks for itself because always we give the best care for each of our patients...I love the staffs and the patients I have been working for Always Best Care 5 years and not one regret. ????”
“Great service”
“Dear Mr. Gardner, I am writing to express my gratitude for the commitment and service of your employee, Shameka Kelly. Through your agency, Ms. Kelly was connected to our family to serve as a caregiver for my sister Victoria who was in the late states of ALS/Lou Gehrigs disease and required 24-hr. care at home. Shameka served as full-time caregiver under the direction of Victorias husband Ron, who was able to keep my sister at home until her passing this past March. This catastrophic and incurable disease rendered my sister completely paralyzed wheelchair bound, unable to speak, bathe, eat or even lift a finger to do anything for herself. Shameka did what most caregivers would not or simply could not do because of the stamina and patience required to care for Victoria. Before Shameka, we hired a multitude of caregivers who came and went sometimes only after one day because of how strenuous and taxing being a caregiver to my sister was. Day after day, Shameka arrived for the job with a smile on her face and the patience and commitment to go with it. My sister Victoria grew to love Shameka, as we all have. It was a great comfort to us because we knew that if Shameka was on duty, my sister was in good hands. Shamekas character, integrity, humor, honesty and professionalism are beyond reproach. She is an extremely caring individual who is always upbeat, optimistic, and patient. She was an answer to prayer for our family and became more than a caregiver she became part of our family. She has my highest recommendation for any task or client that may be placed before her. And we will be forever grateful. Kindest regards, Pamela Meek North Richland Hills, TX”
“Everyone is so loving and caring not just the client but the whole family...as well as their staff...it is just the one to choose... Always best care. Means always you get the best..and they are it.”
“Always Best Care provides a needed service, not just to elderly clients but to their families as well. When you need someone to sit with your ailing relative, call Always Best Care. They will work with you to provide the service you need at a price that you can afford. Their caregivers are experienced and will treat your family as though they were "their" family member. Don't miss going to work or have anxiety attacks because you need someone to care for your parents, take them to their medical appointments, or simply spend a few hours during the day making sure that they are safe, fed, groomed, had their meds, and maybe even have someone to play a little chess with. Call Always Best Care!! They are awe-some!”
“Best place to work. My coworkers are caring, compassionate and ready to step in at any moment to help. It's not a job when you love what you do. It's a calling.”
“Great Staff with Great Hearts... Always Best Care Senior Services”
“Everyone is so loving and caring not just the client but the whole family...as well as their staff...it is just the one to choose... Always best care. Means always you get the best..and they are it.”
“Great Staff with Great Hearts... Always Best Care Senior Services”
“Always Best Care provides a needed service, not just to elderly clients but to their families as well. When you need someone to sit with your ailing relative, call Always Best Care. They will work with you to provide the service you need at a price that you can afford. Their caregivers are experienced and will treat your family as though they were "their" family member. Don't miss going to work or have anxiety attacks because you need someone to care for your parents, take them to their medical appointments, or simply spend a few hours during the day making sure that they are safe, fed, groomed, had their meds, and maybe even have someone to play a little chess with. Call Always Best Care!! They are awe-some!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Harry Myers Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Oar House or visit Old Rockwall Water Tower, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Rockwall, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Rockwall, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Rockwall, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
A spokesperson said multiple retention ponds are being built to manage stormwater. Updated: 6:32 PM CDT April 24, 2025 ROCKWALL COUNTY, Texas — You’ll know you’re at Curtis Thiede’s place when you hear the goats.He lives in Rockwall County right near a new development called ...
A spokesperson said multiple retention ponds are being built to manage stormwater.
ROCKWALL COUNTY, Texas — You’ll know you’re at Curtis Thiede’s place when you hear the goats.
He lives in Rockwall County right near a new development called Edgewater. It’s annexed in the city of Fate.
“There’s water all the way across there! It’s flooded out my trees,” he said, pointing to pools of standing water that continue to creep across his property.
He and several neighbors in county limits claim that since construction began, stormwater runoff from the development has started flooding properties in the adjacent county.
“When that water comes across that brick wall, it runs through my neighbor’s property and all the way down it’s almost reached my house,” Thiede said.
And when it rains, even just two or three inches, “shoot...,” he mutters, shaking his head.
Thiede took matters into his own hands as a homeowner.
“We dug this pond and built that dirt embankment all the way across there,” he said.
But the water and the problems still returned.
Just a few houses down, Keith Pickron is dealing with a slithery problem of his own from the flooding.
“I’d be willing to bet you he’s in this tire,” he said cautiously, pointing to a snake he suspects is hiding out.
Pickron said his backyard, now perpetually wet, has become a breeding ground for snakes.
“It’s because of all this water. Everything is so high,” he said. “It can be your land, and you can build on it, but wherever the water is, it shouldn’t be coming onto other people’s property.”
WFAA reached out to the city of Fate, and they referred to this statement from March.
“All developments are meticulously designed and reviewed by licensed engineers, in compliance with state and local codes, and verified to ensure that the improvements do not result in lot-to-lot drainage issues. Drainage from this development will be retained in ponds and will be discharged into creeks at a slow enough rate to ensure it doesn’t exceed previous levels of discharge.”
The spokesperson said multiple retention ponds are being built to manage stormwater. Once the project is complete, the city said these measures will help prevent further flooding concerns.
Still, for Thiede, Pickron, and their neighbors, that’s little comfort as they continue to battle rising waters and unexpected visitors.
“Yeah, this is terrible,” Thiede said, surveying his soggy land once again.
Since 2019, thousands of sweet-toothed people from across the country have been drawn to the Texas Pie Fest in Rockwall.Hosted by Tate Farms, the annual event features a variety of pie-related activities that include pie baking and pie eating contests, and even a messy-but-fun pie fight.This year’s Texas Pie Fest will be this Saturday at Tate Farms (13502 S. FM 548, Rockwall) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – with pie baking entries being entered between 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. and winners being announced at around noon....
Since 2019, thousands of sweet-toothed people from across the country have been drawn to the Texas Pie Fest in Rockwall.
Hosted by Tate Farms, the annual event features a variety of pie-related activities that include pie baking and pie eating contests, and even a messy-but-fun pie fight.
This year’s Texas Pie Fest will be this Saturday at Tate Farms (13502 S. FM 548, Rockwall) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – with pie baking entries being entered between 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. and winners being announced at around noon.
“The whole thing started as an idea that me and Brittany Harden had years ago about putting together an event at the farm that would have a cool, country, old school vibe to it,” said Tate Farms co-owner Melissa Tate.
The first Pie Fest brought close to 1,000 people, and within four years it was attracting more than a 2,000 people from all over Texas and from several other states.
One of the main components of the festival is, of course, the pie baking contest, which will include two broad categories – sweet and savory – with “savory” referring to things like chicken pot pies, turkey pot pies, or other meat pies.
Each participant in the baking contest will be able to enter one pie in each of the categories, so up to two pies, as long as one is sweet and the other is savory. More information and rules about the pie baking contest can be found on the event's website at www.txpiefest.com.
As for the pie eating contests, separate contests will be held for adults, children, and even dogs.
In addition to the pie baking and eating contests, and the pie fight, attendees will also have an opportunity to take home some state-of-the-art pies baked by professional bakeries who will have booths set up at the event.
Other attractions at this year’s Pie Fest include square dancing sessions; tattoo artists offering specials on custom pie-themed tattoos (for which prospective clients can bring their own drawn concepts), farm animals to visit with, a photo booth, multiple food trucks, and more than 60 retail vendors selling boutique wearable and décor items.
The general admission fee for the Texas Pie Fest is $10 for those who prepay and $15 for those who pay at the gate. The link to prepay for tickets online is https://tinyurl.com/yc57wbm3.
The fee to enter each specific pie baking contest are is $10, and the fee to enter the pie eating contest is $5. Participation in the pie fight is free.
The Sunbelt is a classic retirement destination, and it’s easy to see why. Covering the bottom third of the country, this region offers year-round sunny skies and warm weather.Texas is a particularly popular destination within the region, boasting no shortage of land, warm weather, good food, and ample entertainment opportun...
The Sunbelt is a classic retirement destination, and it’s easy to see why. Covering the bottom third of the country, this region offers year-round sunny skies and warm weather.
Texas is a particularly popular destination within the region, boasting no shortage of land, warm weather, good food, and ample entertainment opportunities. One standout is Rockwall, Texas, a lakeside suburb just east of Dallas with a population of around 56,000.1
This small but vibrant town offers retirees the best of both worlds—scenic lake views with easy city access. The catch? Rockwall is also one of the most expensive places to retire in the South.
Rockwall is a picturesque city located along Lake Ray Hubbard. While the median age is 38 years old, the region offers plenty of amenities, entertainment options, and a charming small-town feel for adults of any age to enjoy.1
As more people discover the charm and appeal of this picturesque Dallas suburb, demand continues to grow. Today’s residents have a relatively high median household income of $124,917, over $44,300 higher than the national average.12
Let’s take a look at a few other financial factors that may impact your retirement cost of living in Rockwall.
The median home value in Rockwall is $386,000, with monthly housing costs of $2,054.1 These home values are slightly higher than the national average of $361,263, though they’re fairly comparable.3 They do, however, outpace the rest of Texas.
The average home value in Texas is $303,321, around 22% lower than in Rockwall.4
Rockwall is home to prime real estate opportunities, with high housing demand driving prices up. Being a lakeside town, residents are willing to pay a premium for limited spots along the waterfront as well.
Another notable factor? Rockwall ranks “relatively low” on FEMA’s climate risk rating scale—making it a particularly desirable destination within the Lonestar state.5
Other regions of Texas are more prone to tornadoes, flooding, hurricanes, and drought. While the initial home purchase price in Rockwall may be higher, retirees do get some sense of peace of mind along with it—and for those who can afford it, that may be well worth it.
Rockwell County is home to five hospitals and over 320 healthcare facilities. While you’ll likely have no issues finding a primary care provider and pharmacy close by, your options for additional care or services may be limited. For specialized care and advanced treatment, you may need to trek into Dallas, home to several esteemed university hospitals and healthcare networks.
Texas is a relatively tax-friendly state since it boasts no state income tax for residents. That being said, it does impose a 6.25% sales tax. Rockwall adds a 2% tax on top of this, for a total of 8.25% sales tax within the county.6
Keep in mind higher home values means higher property taxes as well. The average effective property tax rate in Texas is 1.63%.7
Local taxes are especially important to consider for retirees, since you’ll be expected to pay them year after year while living on a fixed income. If your home value rises due to Rockwall’s growing demand and popularity, your property taxes may also become more burdensome. Even an 8.25% sales tax can eat away at your monthly retirement budget faster than expected.
Rockwall is an attractive location for retirees and families alike, thanks to its close proximity to Dallas, waterfront properties, and small-town charm. As more people continue moving out of the metro in search of more laid-back, suburban escapes, Rockwall and similar cities are likely to continue gaining traction.
Rockwall sits along the eastern side of Lake Ray Hubbard, meaning it’s home to many small communities of lakefront homes and properties with scenic water views. The area is one of the closest suburbs to Dallas. On a good day with light traffic, you can expect to drive from Rockwall to the city center in about 30 minutes.
For this reason, Rockwall is a uniquely positioned town that attracts both busy commuters and relaxed retirees.
Rockwall boasts a diverse housing market, ranging from small starter homes or condos to more luxurious, custom builds. As housing demand continues rising, new home construction will likely continue driving average home prices up.
With a little bit of patience, you should be able to find properties that fit your lifestyle needs in retirement. This may include one-story living, downsized spaces with smaller yards, or townhomes with community caretakers and HOAs.
For the higher-than-average cost of living, Rockwall residents enjoy a charming small-town environment that doesn’t skimp on ambience or amenities. You’ll find no lack of culturally diverse restaurants, entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
Of course, for major concerts, sporting events, or plane rides, you can always commute to Dallas.
If you’re interested in heading to a retirement destination with plenty of sunshine and easy access to major metropolitan areas, Rockwall certainly has it all. But is it right for you? Let’s consider a few of the biggest pros and cons when it comes to relocating to Rockwall in retirement.
Rockwall is certainly a spot to consider if you enjoy fishing, boating, bird spotting, or simply taking in some breathtaking waterfront views. Many areas of Rockwall are easily walkable and accessible, and residents throughout the county feel safe and comfortable in their homes.
Rockwall has access to top-tier medical facilities (including university hospitals) just down the road in Dallas, as well as endless entertainment and dining options.
While its cost of living may be higher than other areas in Texas, Rockwall residents have access to everything they need, creating a beautiful backdrop to a serene retirement.
The primary deterrent for Rockwall is the cost of living. Not only are property values (and taxes) higher, but residents and visitors are subject to the 8.25% sales tax.
A higher cost of living is a good reason to pause and reassess your retirement resources and expectations, especially if you live in a less expensive area or city. Can you afford to withdraw more to cover the higher cost of living? Would you have to downgrade some aspects of your lifestyle to accommodate? Or are you in a position where you can spend more and enjoy an upscale retirement experience? It may help to run the numbers (what you have saved versus what you expect to spend) through a retirement income calculator to get a sense of what your future budget may look like.
If the costs align with your expectations for retirement, Rockwall can offer a beautiful backdrop to an active and vibrant retirement lifestyle. As you continue searching for your ideal destination, don’t forget to consider the costs and needs associated with retirement: accessible housing, specialized medical care, access to public transportation, etc. These can play an important role in determining how much you’ll spend in retirement and where your perfect retirement destination may ultimately be.
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The coach had resigned after an investigation found multiple players were diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis after a workout in 2023.ROCKWALL, Texas — The Texas Education Agency is "prosecuting a complaint" against a former North Texas football coach who resigned after multiple student-athletes were hospitalized after an off-season ...
The coach had resigned after an investigation found multiple players were diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis after a workout in 2023.
ROCKWALL, Texas — The Texas Education Agency is "prosecuting a complaint" against a former North Texas football coach who resigned after multiple student-athletes were hospitalized after an off-season workout in 2023, according to an email obtained by WFAA.
The TEA said in an email to a law firm representing one of the students that was obtained by WFAA that it's "prosecuting a complaint" against former Rockwall-Heath football coach John Harrell.
"TEA is currently prosecuting a complaint against John Harell for the physical mistreatment of students within Rockwall ISD. As I understand, you represent the parent(s) of one of the students harmed by Mr. Harrell’s conduct," a letter from a TEA attorney to the Sawicki law firm states. "I am gathering evidence and witnesses for the upcoming hearing and wanted to confer with you. "
Harrell resigned after an investigation into the hospitalization of multiple student-athletes following a 2023 offseason workout.
Rockwall ISD later said a third-party investigation confirmed the players were diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, or rhabdo, as WFAA previously reported. Rhabdo is a muscle condition caused by overexertion or trauma that can cause kidney damage or failure, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Specifically, the investigation found "sufficient evidence existed to support a finding that the offseason workout plan was implemented in a way that negatively affected the physical health of some football student athletes... in violation of Rockwall ISD Board Policy," as WFAA previously reported.
Two parents who spoke to WFAA in 2023 said their 15-year-old sons were required to do 368 push-ups during their athletic period and were hospitalized with Rhabdo for a combined 11 days.
Harrell resigned as the head football coach and athletic campus coordinator at Rockwall-Heath after the investigation and was succeeded by Rodney Webb, who'd previously coached at Rockwall High School for seven seasons from 2013 to 2019.
The Texas Education Agency confirmed Tuesday that Harrell is under investigation by the agency's Educator Investigations Division, and an investigatory flag was placed on his Texas Educator Certificate.
Rockwall, TX (May 6, 2025) – Amy Parks-Heath Elementary School Principal Named for 2025-2026Jana Cerra has served students and staff in public education for nineteen years. Most recently, Mrs. Cerra has provided leadership at Amy Parks – Heath Elementary as an assistant principal. In addition to her campus leadership experience, Mrs. Cerra has served as an elementary teacher, teaching Pre-Kindergarten through Fourth Grades. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studi...
Rockwall, TX (May 6, 2025) –
Amy Parks-Heath Elementary School Principal Named for 2025-2026
Jana Cerra has served students and staff in public education for nineteen years. Most recently, Mrs. Cerra has provided leadership at Amy Parks – Heath Elementary as an assistant principal. In addition to her campus leadership experience, Mrs. Cerra has served as an elementary teacher, teaching Pre-Kindergarten through Fourth Grades. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master’s of Educational Administration from East Texas State University.
Mrs. Cerra’s professional experiences include:
2025-2026 Budget Update District administrators presented a budget update. The Board did not take action on the budget.
Highlights include:
FY 2025-2026 Budget: Projected Revenue (Current State Funding Law) $187,587,141 Projected Expenditures $193,327,112 Projected Budget Deficit $5,739,971
District leaders shared an update on the development of the 2025–2026 budget, highlighting several key factors contributing to a projected $9.3 million shortfall. These include staffing needs for the new middle school and rising operational costs due to inflation—particularly higher insurance premiums and energy expenses.
Through a series of planned reductions for 2025–2026, the District will lower the projected deficit from $9.3 million to $5.7 million. These fee and meal price increases are in addition to other cost-saving measures:
Approval of 2025-2026 Compensation Plan The District evaluated the proposed salary increases for other area peer school districts and considered long-term budget constraints in recommending the general pay increase. The Board approved a 3% across the board for all teachers and staff and a beginning teacher pay of $60,500 at a total cost of $3,750,000. NOTE: Even with a 3% salary increase for the 2025–2026 school year, Rockwall ISD average teacher and staff salaries will still be lower than those offered in many neighboring districts. Those districts receive additional funding through a Voter-Approved Tax Ratification Election (VATREs), supported by their communities, which helps them offer more competitive pay.
The Board of Trustees approved reapprove the order approving and authorizing an extension of and amendments to the existing Standby Bond Purchase Agreement relating the Rockwall ISD District Variable Rate Unlimited Tax School Building Bonds, Series 2006.
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