I'm a boomer who moved to Texas and was able to retire early. Almost everything is cheaper here, but the bugs and snakes are wild.

• Jayne Jordan, 61, and her husband moved to Azle, Texas, 30 minutes from Fort Worth, in August.
• The cost of their housing was so much less than in California that Jordan was able to retire early.
• Jordan said most things are cheaper in Texas, especially gas and groceries, but not property taxes.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Jayne Jordan, 61, about her decision to move from the Los Angeles area to Azle, Texas, in August. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

My husband and I knew we were going to move out of California to retire somewhere, but we weren't sure where.