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Looking for the Best Place to Retire in Texas? 🧓The 6 Best Places to Retire in Texas​
Last Updated On: 5th June 2026, 05:13 pm
If you’re considering retiring in the Lone Star State, you’ll love the affordable cost of retirement living, the warm climate, and the diverse culture. Whether you’re thinking of retiring to a big city with all the amenities or in a quiet rural setting, Texas has you covered.
So, where are the best places to retire in Texas? The answer to that will depend on a number of things, like your personal preferences, budget, and the amenities you’re looking for. Cities like Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio have everything you want, while smaller cities such as Brenham, Woodway, and Victoria offer small-town charm, a slower pace, plenty of outdoor activities, and convenient access to the bigger cities.
Whatever you’re looking for, you can find it in Texas. There’s a reason why it is known as one of the cheapest warm places to retire. With some of the top medical centers in the US, no state income tax, low property taxes, major sports franchises, and plenty of cultural activities, museums, and galleries, Texas is a great option for many retirees. The best place to retire in Texas depends on what you’re looking for, but there are plenty of choices!
When you find your perfect Texas retirement home, our highly trained senior movers can get you settled in while you start enjoying your best life!
Table of Contents
Is Texas a Good Place to Retire?
When looking for the best places to retire in Texas, some major things to consider include healthcare, cost of living, climate, transportation, crime, and taxes. Other considerations include activities that are important to you, such as golf or watching your favorite sports team. Here are some of the things to consider when looking for the best places to retire in Texas:
Taxes
Wondering where the best places to retire in Texas are for tax reasons? Texas is a tax-friendly state for retirees. The state’s tax system ranks 7th overall on the 2025 State Tax Competitiveness Index. Texas doesn’t have an individual state income tax. Social Security retirement benefits, pension income, retirement account income, and all other forms of retirement income are tax-free in Texas.
The state has a 1.47% property tax rate, which is one of the highest in the US, and the combined state and local sales tax rate is also on the high side at around 8%. Texas doesn’t have an estate tax or inheritance tax, but they do have an 8.25% tax on alcoholic beverages.
Healthcare
Texas is home to some of the top medical facilities in the US, including Houston Methodist Hospital (ranked as the best hospital in Texas), UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, and Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. Texas has more hospitals and medical facilities than any other state, including a range of healthcare locations in major urban centers and rural areas alike.
Texas also offers a variety of Medicare plans and coverage options, along with numerous cultural attractions. This helps many cities be some of the best places to retire in Texas.
Recreational and Outdoor Activities
The diversity of landscapes in Texas, including Gulf Coast beaches, sprawling prairies, pine forests, mountains, and desert regions, provide a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities. Texas has over 800,000 acres of land in its national parks and nearly 650,000 areas in 89 state parks.
With thousands of hiking, biking, and walking trails, as well as fishing, boating, golf, and many other recreational options, Texas has a wide variety of outdoor activities for seniors to enjoy.
Cultural Experiences
If you’re looking for the best places to retire in Texas, there are plenty of great cities within the state. Texas is filled with significant historical attractions, as well as top museums, world-class performing arts venues, zoos, art galleries, and more. The Alamo and the RiverWalk in San Antonio, the Fort Worth Stockyards, Space Center Houston, Houston's theater district, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Dallas World Aquarium, Austin City Limits, and SeaWorld San Antonio are just the tip of the iceberg.
Top annual festivals and events include Fiesta San Antonio, South by Southwest in Austin, and the Texas State Fair in Dallas.
Climate
Texas offers four distinct seasons, with hot summers and mild to cool winters. The state has a wide range of weather conditions due to its large size and diverse landscapes. Temperatures vary from a yearly average of 52°F in the northern Panhandle to 68°F in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Summers typically hit triple digits. Precipitation varies significantly across the state. The eastern regions tend to be wetter than the western regions.
Texas can experience severe weather events such as tornadoes, hailstorms, straight-line winds, thunderstorms, and flash floods. Depending on what you’re looking for, the best places to retire in Texas will vary depending on what type of weather you’re willing to put up with!
Crime
Texas ranks 12th in the nation for violent crime, with a violent crime rate of 432 per 100K annually, 13 percent higher than the national average. The most violent cities in Texas are Balcones Heights, with 1,587 violent crimes per 100K people, South Padre Island (1,563), and Gonzales (1,481). The least violent cities in Texas are Argyle, Josephine, Melissa, and Northeast.
Cost of Living
The best places to retire in Texas are often some of the best, thanks to their cost of living. Forbes Advisor ranks Texas 16th nationally for cost of living. Although the cost of living in Texas is relatively affordable, the state does have high healthcare costs, ranking the 5th highest in the US. Texas ranks 22nd in median home price. The average home price in Texas is $357,700. If you have limited savings, Texas can still be a great place for seniors.
Best Places to Retire in Texas
When deciding on the best place for you to retire, factors such as budget, safety, amenities, and community will play a part in your decision. With that in mind, here are some of the best cities in Texas to retire:
Fredericksburg – One of the Best Places to Retire in the US South
Population: 11,519
Share of population 65+: 30.3%
Crime rate: 56% below the national average
Fredericksburg was recently named one of the best places to retire in the US South, making it one of the best places to retire in Texas! The median age is 50.7, and nearly 1 in 3 residents are 65 or older. Located west of Austin and north of San Antonio in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg has plenty of affordable housing, with a median home value that appeals to retirees. It’s one of the best places to retire in Texas Hill Country!
It has a quaint small-town charm and plenty of natural beauty. It’s one of the best places to retire in Texas near water, thanks to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and Lady Bird Lake. Founded by German immigrants in the mid-1800s, Fredericksburg features antique shops, boutiques, restaurants, art galleries, museums, farmers markets, and stunning 19th-century architecture.
If you like wineries, farms, orchards, golf courses, and springtime wildflowers, Fredericksburg is for you. If you want to visit the big city, Fredericksburg is less than 2 hours from both Austin and San Antonio. It’s also one of the best places to retire in Texas on a budget, thanks to the lower cost of living.
Corpus Christi – Best Place to Retire in Texas on the Gulf Coast
As one of the best places to live in Texas for retirees, you’ll love experiencing this affluent city. What makes Corpus Christi so popular with retirees is the laid-back lifestyle, its Gulf Coast beach vibe, excellent seafood, and the low housing costs.
If you’re looking for the best places to retire in South Texas, you will love Corpus Christi! The Padre Island National Seashore offers 70 miles of undeveloped coastline where you can enjoy the sand, sun, and wildlife. Corpus Christi is home to the Texas State Aquarium, USS Lexington, and South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center. You’ll find historic homes, parks, a marina, farmers markets, and art galleries to keep you busy and active, making it one of the best places to retire in Texas.
Kerrville – Best Place to Retire in Texas on a Budget
Kerrville is located about an hour northwest of San Antonio, with lots of surrounding natural beauty. The city boasts plenty of amenities, including golf courses, walking trails, local events, a wide range of outdoor recreation activities, and a strong arts culture. Kerrville has access to good healthcare as well.
If you’re looking for culture in the best places to retire in Texas, Kerrville hosts various festivals and events throughout the year. The Kerrville Folk Festival is the longest-running music festival in North America. With a low crime rate and a low cost of living, Kerrville is an attractive option for retirees.
Kerrville is also one of the best places to retire in Texas on social security, thanks to the low cost of living. Kerrville is known for its beautiful parks, art galleries, natural beauty, and The Museum of Western Art. The Guadalupe River runs through Kerrville, providing opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and kayaking.
McAllen – Culturally Diverse City Close to Beaches and Mexico
Throughout Texas, McAllen isn't too well known. However, it should be known as one of the best places to retire in Texas! It sits near the southern tip of Texas and shares a border with the Mexican city of Reynosa. The city boasts a very affordable cost of living, year-round warm weather, and many amenities. Low home prices and a low crime rate make McAllen an attractive location for retirees.
McAllen is one of the best places to retire in Texas if you’re looking for diversity. It has a vibrant community and a large Hispanic population, blending Tex-Mex culture, food, and entertainment into a unique living experience for retirees. The city is only 81 miles from the beach, so retirees can take a day trip to relax in the sand whenever they like.
With Mexico right next door, McAllen offers convenient opportunities to explore our southern neighbor. For art and culture enthusiasts, McAllen’s arts district is a hub of creativity and artistic expression, featuring a diverse array of galleries, theaters, and cultural institutions.
Killeen – One of the Top 10 Best Places to Live in Texas
Killeen is a mid-sized city making it an affordable option compared to the bigger Texas cities. Killeen is one of the most affordable cities in the US. Its central location in the state makes for convenient drives to larger cities in North Texas and Southern Texas, including Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston. U.S. News & World Report ranked Killeen as one of the top 10 best places to live in Texas.
Killeen is recognized as one of the top places to retire in Texas for several reasons. The city has low housing costs, including a median rent cost of just $864. It also offers good access to healthcare facilities, making it an attractive option for retirees. The city has a large military presence. Nearby Fort Hood is one of the largest military bases in the United States and offers numerous activities geared toward families. Additionally, it features two senior centers that provide ample opportunities for retirees.
San Antonio – The Best Place in Texas to Retire With Lots of Amenities
San Antonio is the 2nd most populous city in Texas and the 7th most populous in the nation. That said, San Antonio offers all the amenities retirees could want, including world-class museums, galleries, theaters, performing arts centers, amusement parks, the famous Riverwalk, the Alamo, festivals, outdoor activities, and many other attractions. If you want one of the best places to retire in Texas with all the different features, this is the city for you.
The city features the scenic beauty of the Texas Hill Country as well. San Antonio is loaded with culture, boasting a vibrant arts scene, diverse dining options, and a rich history that provides retirees with ample opportunities to enjoy the city. For sports fans, San Antonio is home to the NBA’s Spurs and many minor league teams.
San Antonio is a great place for retirees due to its low cost of living, warm climate, and convenient access to excellent medical care. It's also a tight-knit community within a large city. Write San Antonio down on your list as one of the best places to retire in Texas! It’s one of the cities near Houston as well, making it convenient to go there.
What Are the Worst Towns to Retire in Texas?
The worst towns to retire in Texas include El Paso (due to its high crime rates and poverty rates), Dallas (due to its high cost of living), Waco (due to its lack of many things to do), and Lubbock (due to the high chance of being a victim of a crime).
Best Places to Retire in Texas FAQs
What Are the Best Places to Retire in Texas for Different Lifestyles?
The best places to retire in Texas depend on your priorities. Some retirees want vibrant city amenities, while others prefer quiet small towns or active senior neighborhoods. Texas offers options for every lifestyle, from upscale urban living to peaceful communities with a strong sense of connection and convenience.
What Are the Best Places to Retire Near Water in Texas?
If waterfront living is a priority, the best places to retire near water in Texas include coastal cities and lakefront communities with boating, fishing, and scenic views. Retirees drawn to coastal living often appreciate walkable neighborhoods, relaxing surroundings, and year-round recreation without sacrificing everyday conveniences.
Where Are the Most Affordable Places for Retirees in Texas?
Many budget conscious retirees look for the most affordable places with lower housing costs, manageable utilities, and amenities that support long-term comfort like Killeen or Kerrville. Texas appeals to retirees because the overall cost can be lower than many states, making relocation possible without sacrificing quality of life.
Which Texas Regions Are Best for Retirement?
The right region depends on your preferences. Central Texas offers charming Hill Country Towns with scenic landscapes and mild winters, while the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex provides big-city convenience. If you prefer quieter surroundings, some of the best places to retire in East Texas offer a slower pace and welcoming communities.
What Should Retirees Consider Before Choosing a Texas Retirement Destination?
Before choosing a retirement destination, consider healthcare access, housing, taxes, and lifestyle needs. Since property taxes vary by location, affordability can differ significantly. Look for retirement communities, nearby hospitals, social opportunities, and community events that support your long-term health and quality of life.
Map of Best Towns in Texas to Retire
Check out these towns for the best places in Texas to retire!
Moving to One of the Best Cities to Retire in Texas? Let Us Help!
Wondering where to retire in Texas? Retiring in Texas means enjoying warm weather, low taxes, and a welcoming lifestyle, and the Lone Star State offers no shortage of amazing towns to choose from. Whether you’re drawn to the charm of Fredericksburg, the lakeside serenity of Granbury, or the convenience of Georgetown, there’s a perfect Texas town to match your retirement goals.
When it’s time to make your move, count on PDX Movers to handle your relocation with care and professionalism. Whether you’re moving away from Houston or relocating nearby, our Houston movers can get you to the best place to live in Texas for retirees. We can help with local moving, long distance moving, and more!Â
Get in touch today at (346) 326-1141 for a free quote and take the first step toward your ideal retirement in Texas.
Mike Devenport
Mike Devenport is a veteran of the West Coast moving industry and the owner of PDX Movers. Since founding the company in 2008, he has overseen thousands of successful residential and commercial relocations. Mike’s insights are built on years of solving complex logistical challenges across the Pacific Northwest, with a mission to make moving a stress-free experience for every Oregonian.
