Baby boomers are retiring. And with most of the baby boom generation in its 50s and 60s, many are searching for just the right place to start their next great adventure. I hope they look no further than Texas because our state is being called "the new Florida" when it comes to desirable retirement destinations.

Texas is currently the No. 2 retirement destination in the country; my goal is for it to be No. 1. That’s why the Texas Department of Agriculture is putting out the welcome mat for all retirees through our Retire In Texas Web site - www.RetireInTexas.org. Whether you’re a Texas resident looking to relocate or you’re from another state and exploring the possibility of calling the Lone Star State home, retirees should take a good look at the many benefits offered by our certified retirement communities.

In this tough economy, many future retirees are looking to relocate to an area that offers the most bang for their buck - plus lots of other perks. Texas offers a low cost of living, no state income tax and a geography that includes coastal beaches, rolling hills, plains, grasslands, prairies, forests, mountains, bayous, canyons and deserts.

Anyone who is ready to start exploring retirement destinations should browse the Retire In Texas Web site for a better look at the opportunities in our great state.

In addition to providing information about Texas living, the site lists GO TEXAN Certified Retirement Communities. The GO TEXAN stamp of approval ensures each certified community has demonstrated that it can meet the living, employment, health, entertainment, education and safety needs of its citizens and visitors.