Texas is the second-largest state in the United States in terms of population and land area, and it has long been considered one of the best places in America to retire. You’ll find it in Texas whether you’re looking for a warmer climate, no income taxes, affordable housing, or abundant leisure activities.
However, the state is vast, so deciding where to retire can be overwhelming. Luckily, we’re here to help!
Today, we’ll show you the best places to retire in Texas, taking the overall standard of living, local amenities, costs, and attractions into account. Let’s dive straight in!
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Best Places to Retire in Texas
1. Katy
First, we have Katy, a small city just west of Houston. Katy is one of the best places in Texas to retire if you seek the benefits of living in a small town and being close to the big city.
Home to approximately 24,000 people, you can expect a friendly community with several retirement communities offering various living options. House prices, crime rates, and living costs all fall below the national average, and ample medical centers exist in and around the city.
Visit the MKT Railroad Museum and Katy Heritage Park for attractions. Alternatively, head to Houston for more entertainment.
2. Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi’s affordability and laid-back lifestyle draw in thousands of retirees. In fact, almost 20% of the population is over the age of 60+.
This seaside city is near the Gulf of Mexico and offers a fantastic blend of city life and coastal retreat. Retirees are treated to over 112 km (70 miles) of pristine coastline. Retirees also enjoy the Texas State Aquarium and South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center.
The standard of living is good, as the cost of living and house prices fall below the national average. Multiple living community options, such as independent, assisted living, and active adult, are available, too.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos
3. DeCordova
If it’s a tranquil escape you seek, DeCordova is easily one of the best places to retire in Texas. This small town on Lake Granbury is a gated community that offers a charming rural lifestyle.
Despite its exclusivity, DeCordova’s cost of living falls below the national average, and most retirees own their homes. The town offers several retirement options, including independent, assisted, and private condos/apartments.
Local amenities include three world-class medical centers, a country club, sports facilities, local shops, bars, and restaurants. You’ll spend most of your time socializing at the country club, hiking in Acton Nature Center, and sunning it up at Granbury City Beach Park.
4. Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg only has a population of 11,000, making it a quiet place to retire. It is the birthplace of Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz. However, the city also offers easy access to major hubs such as San Antonio and Austin.
Fredericksburg has a wide range of amenities for retirees, a low crime rate, several retirement communities, and an excellent standard of living. Retirees can choose from independent, single, assisted, memory care living, and more.
The opportunities are endless as far as things to do are concerned. There’s a lively main street to enjoy, wineries to visit, countless outdoor activities to try, and the beautiful Texas Hill Country to explore.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos
5. Houston
Houston is one of the best places in Texas to retire if you love city life. The city offers all the amenities and attractions you need to live a happy and healthy retirement.
Locals typically spend their days strolling through downtown, perusing museums, watching plays at the theaters, watching sports, and meeting up with friends. It is also home to The Menil Collection, which in our opinion is one of the top art museums in America.
From a standard of living perspective, Houston is fantastic. House prices are low compared to other cities in America, making it possible for more retirees to buy their homes, and the cost of living is below the national average.
There is also no state income tax, and prescription drugs and groceries are exempt from the state and local sales tax.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos
6. San Antonio
San Antonio is another top choice if you love city life. This picturesque city is best suited to retirees on a tight budget because it’s affordable.
House prices are lower than the national average so that retirees won’t be lumbered with big mortgages. The cost of living is lower than the state and national average, and utilities are less pricey.
Because of this, retirees can expect to have more money to explore the Texas Hill Country, enjoy the famous Downtown area, and try new things. You should also visit the Alamo!
Regarding living options, retirees can buy houses or apartments or live in one of many retirement communities.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos
7. Beaumont
Located along the Neches River, Beaumont offers the best of both worlds. Retirees can enjoy city life and the great outdoors.
When you’re not perusing the museums or watching a show at the theater, explore Beaumont Botanical Gardens, try salt-water fishing at Sabine Lake, or drive to the epic Gulf of Mexico coastline.
Beaumont offers low housing costs and taxes, making it easier to live on a modest retirement income. It also has several medical centers, multiple recreation centers, and diverse accommodation options.
The city is only 90 minutes from Houston, where retirees can access big-city amenities and more healthcare options.
8. McAllen
McAllen is a great place to retire if you enjoy spending time outdoors and in cooler climates. It’s also another affordable option for retirees on a tight budget.
House prices are a whopping 43% lower than the national average, and the cost of living falls below the state and national average. Utilities are generally more expensive, but the savings you make elsewhere make up for that.
McAllen is also the third safest city in the US and offers a wide range of living options, such as community, independent, and assisted living. Regarding attractions, the city is a famous bird-watching spot.
Birdwatchers spend most of their time at the World Birding Center at Quinta Mazatlan.
Affiliate
Live Oak Bank is an FDIC-insured bank built to serve small businesses. In addition to being the nation’s top SBA lender, Live Oak offers high-yield personal and business savings accounts for the self-employed.
Personal Savings Accounts
- 4.40% APY.
- No monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements.
- Online account opening.
- FDIC insured up to $250,000 per depositor.
Click here to sign up for personal savings.
9. Richmond
Richmond is a small city in Fort Bend County best known for its rich history, scenic landscape, and friendly community.
With a population of just 12,000, Richmond is a solid option for retirees who seek peace and tranquility. Thanks to its history, it’s also a great place to retire if you want to live in a beautiful historic home.
The city has all the amenities retirees need to live happily, a low cost of living, and housing that costs less than the national average. Multiple medical centers offer exceptional care, and several retirement communities cater to everyone’s needs.
Popular attractions in Richmond include the Fort Bend Museum, Discovery Green, and Brazos Bend State Park.
10. Brownsville
The final retirement destination on our list of the best places in Texas to retire is Brownsville, a scenic city at the southern tip. Ideally situated along the Gulf of Mexico, this vibrant city is perfect for retirees who seek a retirement in the sun.
South Padre Island is one of the most popular beach areas, so pack a swimsuit. Locals also enjoy watching rocket launches from the SpaceX South Texas Launch Site.
Like most places on our list, Brownsville is affordable in terms of cost of living. Housing, medical care, and utilities all cost less than the national average, and once again, there are countless living options and retirement communities to choose from.
The Bottom Line About the Best Places to Retire in Texas
That concludes our list of the best places to retire in Texas. In all truth, we’ve barely scratched the surface of great places to retire in the Lone Star State, but in our opinion, these are the very best options you have.
No matter what you’re looking for, you can rest assured knowing Texas has what you need. With that said, why don’t you consider your options and decide if Texas is the right retirement destination?
We’d be surprised if it isn’t!
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Jack Bolton is a content writer and blogger from the UK. He has a strong passion for travel and has an endless bucket list that he’s making his way through!
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