10 Texas Cities That Are Ideal for Retirees
Thanks to its pleasant weather, affordable housing, and lack of state income tax, Texas attracts many retirees. According to U.S. News & World Report, these are the top spots in the Lone Star State to spend your retirement years.
Deep in the Heart
U.S. News & World Report analyzed the 150 largest metropolitan areas in the United States as potential retirement spots to determine which Texas cities are the most desirable. The study included data about housing affordability, happiness, desirability, job market, and access to quality health care. These cities ranked the highest.
1: Killeen
Killeen is a smaller Texas city, and its low cost of living makes it an affordable place to retire. Close to Fort Hood’s military base, the centrally located city has a significant military presence and is an easy drive to Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston. U.S. News notes living in Killeen on a fixed income is relatively easy.
2: Dallas-Fort Worth
Dallas-Fort Worth is the second best place to retire in the Lone Star State. With a population nearing over seven million, it’s a bustling city with plenty to enjoy for retirees. Sports lovers will have the Cowboys, Mavericks, Rangers, and Stars to root for, while those interested in arts and social events can attend one of the area’s many museums.
3: Austin
Austin is well-known as a unique, exciting, and rapidly growing city. You don’t have to be a spring chicken to reside there, even though it’s home to a college campus. Seniors 65 and older can take up to six tuition-free credit hours per semester at the University of Texas Austin. Although housing is more expensive in Austin than in many other parts of Texas, it could be well worth it if you have the savings.
4: El Paso
Out in the West Texas town of El Paso, many retirees live in bliss. El Paso has among the lowest median home prices of any metro area in the US, with a median monthly mortgage cost of $1,282. It’s even home to one of the largest urban parks in the nation, Franklin Mountains State Park.
5: San Antonio
For retirees looking to immerse themselves in rich culture and quality resources, head to San Antonio. It’s among the fastest-growing cities in the US, and you can purchase property in the scenic Texas Hill Country for a beautiful view.
6: Brownsville
Located on the southern tip of Texas, Brownsville is a popular retirement spot with an appealing cost of living. A bonus? You can watch rockets launch into orbit from the SpaceX South Texas launch site from specific areas. Nearby South Padre Island is a popular spot to spend a day at the beach.
7: McAllen
Low home prices are the name of the game in the McAllen metro area. Coupled with an enjoyable warm climate year-round, it’s a popular city for retirees escaping the cold. You may not have reached the bird-watching stage of retirement yet, but when you do, McAllen also has a historic World Birding Center to explore.
8: Houston
Houston is the fourth largest city in the US and is a lively place for retirees. With a museum and theater district, retirees have access to quality entertainment. The city has award-winning hospitals, and housing costs far less than similarly sized cities.
9: Beaumont
Located in southeastern Texas along the Neches River, Beaumont is an ideal retirement spot for anyone looking to live on lake time. Beaumont is only about a 90-minute drive from Houston, giving retirees access to one of the biggest cities in Texas with a comparatively low cost of living. Living well in Beaumont is a reality for many Americans with a modest retirement income.
10: Corpus Christi
You may not picture seaside cities when you think of Texas, but Corpus Christi is a beautiful place to retire in Texas along the Gulf of Mexico. You’ll be in good company; 20% of their population is over 60 years old. The Texas State Aquarium and USS Lexington are popular spots to visit, plus the sand and sun on the coast make it an excellent place to settle down.
Better in Brownsville
On U.S. News & World Report’s overall Best Affordable Places to Retire list, Brownsville, Texas, got another shoutout, so you may want to consider it. It’s much more affordable than Austin or Houston, with a median home price of $276,671. It also ranks number one for affordable costs of everyday goods and services.
Not So Retired
If you’ve retired and aren’t quite ready to call it quits on your career, many cities in Texas have ample job opportunities across different fields to help launch a second career. Texas ranks number six overall for states with the highest job growth rate in recent years.
Health Is Wealth
Aging is a part of life, and with it can come health problems. Texas has some of the country’s top doctors and hospitals, so you’ll be close to high-quality medical care during retirement.
No State Income Taxes
Texas is well-known for having some of the most affordable living costs in the country for what you get. Another nice bonus for retirees is that Texas doesn’t have a state income tax, which will save you some serious cash.
Most to Least Expensive States To Retire
Are you hoping to settle down in a cheaper state during retirement? These are the states to consider and, equally important, those you’re better off avoiding.
Most to Least Expensive States To Retire Ranked From 1 to 50
50+ Reduced or Tuition-Free Colleges for Retirees
Many retirement-aged Americans are unaware of the free or cheap college education available to seniors in their state. Kiplinger set out to change that, highlighting the schools in each state that offer free or heavily discounted higher education for retirees.
