Looking for the best places to retire in Texas? This local has you covered. Here’s a quick list of the best retiremnt cities in Texas for anyone planning on move to Texas for retirement.
Best Places to Retire in Texas
5 Best Large Cities to Retire in Texas
This list of the best cities to retire in Texas include metro areas with a population of 1+ million residents.
1. Houston
- Population: 6,707,121
- Median home price: $265K
- Average age: 33
Ideally situated near the Gulf of Mexico, Houston is the 4th largest city in the country and the most populous city in Texas.
Naturally, Houston attracts folks that love big-city amenities and outdoor recreation. The best part? The phenomenal home prices. With average home price clocking in around $265K, this is one of the best places to retire in Texas for those looking to buy a home.
Locals pass the days perusing museums, catching professional sports games, attending plays in the theater district, or learning new skills at the local colleges. In fact, those over 65 can audit courses at one of the many colleges including Rice University and University of Houston.
2. San Antonio
- Population: 2,454,200
- Median home price: $267K
- Average age: 35
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, San Antonio is one of the fastest growing cities in the nation. This scenic city is popular with retirees because it is extremely affordable, making it a great option for those moving to Texas for retirement on limited budgets.
Those who want to buy a home will be glad to hear that the average cost of a home in San Antonio is around $267K. Similar to Houston, this is one of the best places to retire in Texas for those who want to spend their money having fun and not paying a big mortgage.
Spend time exploring the Texas Hill Country with all of its beautiful scenery, enjoying the bustling downtown area, and of course visiting the Alamo, which is the most popular tourist destination in the area if not the entire state.
3. Austin
- Population: 2,228,006
- Median home price: $568K
- Average age: 33
Austin, the state capital of Texas, is a hot spot for people of all ages that are drawn to the city known for its unique vibe, quirky culture, and vibrant music scene.
Because Austin is so popular with folks of all ages, it’s not as affordable as the other cities mentioned on this list of the best places to retire in Texas, but that doesn’t mean it should be overlooked.
On the contrary, there’s a reason this city appeals to folks from all walks of life. The life music scene along is worth the move. Known as the Live Music Capital of the World, expect great entertainment to become a daily thing.
The average home price in Austin, TX is around $567K, which is higher than most parts of Texas, but if you are moving from a more expensive area, you can maybe reduce your mortgage but still enjoy similar amenities.
Looking to learn? Austin is home to the University of Texas – Austin where retirees aged 65 and older are allowed up to six tuition-free credit hours each semester.
4. Dallas Ft. Worth
- Population: 6,574,002
- Median home price: $377K
- Average age: 33
If you’re looking for big city living, Dallas Ft. Worth is one of the best cities to retire in Texas. In fact, Dallas and its neighbor Ft. Worth rank as two of the most populous cities in the U.S.
Reasonable housing costs around $376K make it affordable for those on a retirement budget and who love city life.
Add in the warm, sunny weather and the world-class healthcare services that specialize in working with seniors and you can understand why Dallas Ft. Worth is one of the best places to retire in Texas.
City slickers can keep busy watching the Dallas Cowboys, Mavericks, Rangers, and Stars play professional sports or participate in the thriving arts culture and social events.
5. El Paso
- Population: 985,006
- Median home price: $210K
- Average age: 34
If affordability and budget friendly is what you are looking for in a retirement city, pack your bags and move to El Paso. Touted as one of the most affordable places to retire in the U.S., this popular city offers a great cultural blend and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.
Housing is a great deal and major benefit of living in El Paso, TX, as the average home cost is only around $210k, which is ranked among the lowest home prices of any major city in the country.
Housing costs alone make El Paso one of the best cities to retire in Texas for budget minded seniors.
A reality check is needed though because El Paso is located in the desert and the climate can be brutal. Drought conditions are not uncommon which sometimes come along with water shortages. As long as you are aware and prepared, this shouldn’t be an issue.
5 Best Mid-Sized Cities to Retire in Texas
Mid-sized Texas cities for retirement that have a population between 50,000 – 355,000 residents.
6. Corpus Christi
- Population: 353,011
- Median home price: $214K
- Average age: 35
Water lovers will enjoy the seaside city of Corpus Christi, because it is as beautiful as it is affordable, making it a very popular place for those moving to Texas for retirement.
Perfectly situated near the Gulf of Mexico, Corpus Christi offers a laid back coastal lifestyle with a very budget-friendly average home price of around $214k.
Outdoor lovers will enjoy spending relaxing days at the Padre Island National Seashore, with over 70 miles of pristine undeveloped coastline. There are also plenty of other fun activities like kayaking, snorkeling, kiteboarding, and surfing to take part in.
The affordable beachside community is considered one of the best places to retire in Texas and rightly so.
7. Beaumont
- Population: 114,208
- Median home price: $142K
- Average age: 35
Located about 90 minutes from Houston, Beaumont, TX is one of the best cities to retire in Texas for those who want the best of both worlds – city living and a quiet suburban lifestyle.
Retirees will enjoy a very low cost for housing, with the average home prices hovering around $141k. Locals enjoy the convenience of being a couple of hours from the big city amenities in Houston yet have an affordable home in a community along the Neches River or Sabine Lake.
Beaumont is also right near the Louisiana border for easy travel there. Unfortunately, the crime rate is higher than the national average, but just look for a place on the city’s western side, and you will be just fine.
8. Brownsville
- Population: 190,006
- Median home price: $163K
- Average age: 31
Located at the southern tip of Texas bordering the Rio Grande and Gulf of Mexico, Brownsville, TX is a favorite of retirees who want an affordable spot near the beach and away from colder weather.
Affordability is key in this popular Texas town, as the average home cost is around $163k, which is phenomenal considering the proximity to the beach. In fact, the cost of living in Brownsville is 25% less than the national average, making it one of the best cities to retire to in Texas.
Another perk of living in Brownsville is neighboring South Padre Island, a popular beach destination for many Texans who live farther away from the Gulf Coast. You can also spend your retirement days watching rocket launches from the SpaceX South Texas launch site in this family friendly retirement city.
9. Killeen
- Population: 159,122
- Median home price: $225,627
- Average age: 29
Location, location, location is what makes Killeen, TX one of the best cities to retire in Texas. Since this popular Texas town is located within an easy drive of Dallas, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, traveling and commuting is a breeze.
And with average home prices around $225k, retirees can afford to live in Killeen and enjoy life in this friendly Texas city. Add in the fact that there is no state income tax in Texas, and that makes it even more budget friendly.
The city has a thriving economy due to the Fort Hood military base and offers a family friendly environment and an abundance of outdoor activities, an active live music scene, and other entertainment opportunities.
10. Galveston
- Population: 52,622
- Median home price: $350,345
- Average age: 40
Nicknamed as the “Playground of the South” in the 1800s, Galveston is still a popular area where folks go for seaside fun. If beachside retirement living is in your plans, Galveston is one of the best cities to retire in Texas to make your dreams come true.
Add in the fact that this beach community cost of living is 4% lower than the national average – and it is on the beach! The average home cost is around $350k, which is quite affordable when it comes to living in a beach town.
Enjoy the perfect mix of island living and city life with a relaxed lifestyle in a charming beach town that boasts not only beautiful beaches, but also great opportunities for dining, entertainment, and history buffs.
5 Best Small Cities to Retire in Texas
Small cities in Texas to retire with a population under 40,000.
11. Kemah
- Population: 1,785
- Median home price: $315,099
- Average age: 41
Located on Galveston Bay, Kemah is perfect for those who love to be surrounded by water. From cute bungalows on the water to even living on a houseboat, life on the water in Kemah definitely sounds like a perfect retirement for many.
Coming in at a fairly retirement friendly average, you can buy a home in Kemah, TX for around $ 315k, which isn’t too shabby for life at the beach. For beach lovers, Kemah is one of the best cities to retire in Texas and promises great coastal living for retirees.
There is plenty to see and do along the waterfront at popular Kemah Boardwalk, with dining, shopping, theme-park rides for the grandkids, and plenty of nightlife if that’s your thing.
12. Horseshoe Bay
- Population: 4,905
- Median home price: $682,206
- Average age: 66
If golfing, beach days, boating, and other water-oriented activities are what you are looking for in your retirement days, Horseshoe Bay may be the best retirement town in Texas for you.
Budget friendly and Horseshoe Bay do not go together, though, with the average home prices being around $683k. For those who do have the retirement savings to live the good life, this is a popular small Texas town with retirees, with the average age being 66 years young.
Boasting the perfect year-round weather and plenty to keep you active and busy, residents of Horseshoe Bay can relax at the popular resorts and enjoy plenty of Texas sunshine at Lyndon B. Johnson Lake for the best retirement living around.
13. Cedar Creek Lake
- Population: 38,523
- Median home price: $431,323
- Average age: 32
Enjoy lake living at its finest at Cedar Creek Lake, one of the best cities to retire in Texas if small town living is what you crave for retirement. Most homes on Cedar Creek Lake are built directly on the shore and come with a boat dock and slip. Popular activities for retirees include bass fishing, boating, swimming, and jet skiing.
Just a short drive to Dallas and close enough for a day trip, this peaceful lake-oriented city in Texas offers homes with the average price of $430k, making it a bit of a splurge for retirement living, but definitely affordable for waterfront property.
The beautiful scenery of rolling hills and lush forests make Cedar Creek Lake a great place to retire, however, its remote location away from medical appointments and necessary amenities might make it a bit out of the way for some seniors.
14. Port Aransas
- Population: 24,301
- Median home price: $578,836
- Average age: 54
Port Aransas is one of the best places to retire in Texas if you are looking for a beachcomber’s paradise near the Gulf Coast. Also, conveniently located near Corpus Christi, it is a beautiful area that offers many amenities for active retirees.
The $578k average home price is a bit steep in terms of retirement budget living, but if you can afford to be a little extra in your retirement years – it is the perfect place to go for it!
Active seniors will have access to all types of water sports to stay in shape and plenty of beach things to do like boating, snorkeling at local coral reefs, kayaking, and more.
15. Burnet
- Population: 7,051
- Median home price: $418,375
- Average age: 37
Perfectly situated in the heart of Texas Hill Country, the city of Burnet is home to beautiful scenery like rolling hills, serene lakes, and historic sites. It is also considered to be a popular little tourist town with attractions like Longhorn Cavern and State Park, the Highland Lakes Air Museum, Fort Croghan Museum and Grounds, the Texas Wine Trail, and the Historic Burnet Square.
Located just 48 miles northwest of Austin, Burnet is a safe place to live with lower than average crime rates and great weather, but homes can be costly at around $418k on average.
If you’re looking for easy access to necessities like doctors, groceries, entertainment opportunities, though, it lacks. It offers a suburban feel but is sparse in its offerings, so residents need to be prepared to travel to nearby cities for many things.
List of the best cities to retire in Texas | Retiring in Texas (Post Summary)
In sum, here’s a list of the best places to retire in Texas for anyone considering moving to Texas for retirement.
- Houston
- San Antonio
- Austin
- Dallas
- El Paso
- Corpus Christi
- Beaumont
- Brownsville
- Killeen
- Galveston
- Kemah
- Horseshoe Bay
- Cedar Creek Lake
- Port Aransas
- Burnet
Map of the best places in Texas to retire
Cheers!
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