The Best Places to Retire in Texas ☀️❤️ The Best Places to Live in Texas for Retirees
Are you thinking about moving to Texas for retirement? The Lone Star State continues to attract retirees who want warm weather, plenty of sunshine, and an active lifestyle that makes it easy to stay social and outdoors year-round. From charming small towns to coastal communities and vibrant cities with top-tier healthcare, there are so many options when it comes to the best places to retire in Texas.
Another big perk is affordability and tax friendliness. Texas has no state income tax, which can be a major advantage for retirees living on a fixed income. Plus, the state offers a wide range of housing options, from low-maintenance condos to beautiful master-planned neighborhoods and Texas 55+ communities designed specifically for active adults.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best places to live in Texas for retirees, using the most reliable population and lifestyle data available. All stats and demographic info referenced throughout this article come from the Census Bureau.
And if you’re ready to complete your Texas change of address, get in touch with our senior movers!
Is Texas a Good Place to Retire?
Yes, Texas can be an excellent place to retire, especially if you want low taxes, warm weather, and access to some of the best cities with small town charm. While every retiree’s priorities are different (and some people may prefer other states with similar amenities but cooler weather), Texas stands out for affordability, lifestyle variety, and long-term financial advantages for many residents.
Taxes and Retiree-Friendly Savings
One of the biggest reasons retirees choose Texas is the lack of state income tax, which can help your retirement dollars stretch further.
Texas tax benefits retirees appreciate:
- No state income tax
- Retirement income (including most common retirement distributions) is not taxed at the state level
- Potential property tax relief, including over-65 homestead exemptions in many areas
Affordable Housing and Cost of Living
Texas also offers strong value compared to many coastal states, thanks to affordable housing in many regions. According to Redfin, the median home price in Texas is $340,800, making homeownership more realistic for retirees in many markets.
Mild Winters, Recreation, and Rich Culture
Texas is ideal for retirees who want mild winters and plenty to do year round. From Hill Country wineries and Gulf Coast beaches to live music and state parks, it’s easy to find recreation, community events, and a rich history that gives every region its own personality.
Economy, Stability, and Quality of Life Factors
Texas is ranked highly by U.S. News for economic strength, including #2 best state for economy, #12 for fiscal stability, and #18 for infrastructure, which can matter when thinking long-term about growth and public resources.
And importantly, retirees have access to solid health care systems in major metros, plus more relaxed lifestyle options in smaller towns.
The Best Places to Retire in Texas
These are the best places to retire in Texas
San Antonio | One of the Best Places to Retire in Texas
San Antonio is one of the best places to retire in Texas thanks to its relaxed pace and everyday affordability. Retirees love the River Walk, Historic Market Square, and nearby Hill Country day trips, plus easy access to museums, missions, and Spurs games.
With a low cost of living compared to many major metros, it’s a smart alternative to Houston for retirees who want more breathing room. The area’s median home value is often more approachable, helping your retirement income go further, too. That’s why it’s regularly listed among the best places to retire in Texas.
- Population: 1.43 million
- Share of population 65+: 13.1%
- Crime rate: 5,951 crimes per 100,000 people (117.8% higher than state average and 156.0% higher than national average)
- Median home price: $260,000
Mineola | One of the Best Places to Retire in East Texas
Mineola is one of the best places to retire in Texas, especially for anyone craving slower days and friendly neighbors. With 24.8% of the population over 65, it’s a natural fit for retirees looking for welcoming, age-friendly living. Spend weekends at Mineola Nature Preserve, browse antiques downtown, or hop on the train for easy day trips.
Many retirees also like the living compared to larger cities, where everything feels busier and pricier. With manageable housing costs and close-knit, vibrant communities, Mineola stands out among the best places to live in Texas for retirees.
- Population: 4,823
- Share of population 65+: 24.8%
- Crime rate: 1,829 crimes per 100,000 people (33.1% lower than state average and 21.3% lower than national average)
- Median home price: $220,000
Sun City (Georgetown) | Resort-Style 55+ Living Near Austin
Sun City in Georgetown is one of the best places to retire in Texas if you want an active, social lifestyle without the chaos of Austin. This 4,750-acre age-restricted community sits about 35 miles north of the city off I-35 and is packed with perks, including 18-hole golf courses, fitness centers, resort-style pools, and pickleball courts.
With single-family homes starting in the mid $300s, it can be a strong option for retirees on a fixed income. It’s also one of the most well-known retirement communities in Texas and standout 55+ communities in Texas, making it a top retirement destination and clearly among the best places to retire in Texas.
- Population (Georgetown): 67,176
- Share of population 65+ (Georgetown): 28.2%
- Crime rate (Georgetown): 1,417 crimes per 100,000 people (48.1% lower than state average and 39.0% lower than national average)
- Median home price (Georgetown): $399,995
Dallas | Big-City Amenities With Endless Things To Do
Dallas is one of the best places to retire in Texas for seniors who want nonstop entertainment, world-class dining, and excellent access to hospitals and specialists. In the heart of the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex, retirees can spend afternoons at the Dallas Arboretum, explore the Perot Museum, catch shows in the Arts District, or enjoy easy day trips throughout North Texas.
With plenty of 55+ options and active adult neighborhoods nearby, there are also tons of Texas retirement communities to choose from. It’s easily one of the best places in Texas to retire, whether you live in a major suburb or a quieter county seat nearby.
- Population: 1.3 million
- Share of population 65+: 11.4%
- Crime rate: 4,591 crimes per 100,000 people (68.0% higher than state average and 97.5% higher than national average)
- Median home price: $458,000
Corpus Christi | Affordable Coastal Retirement With Ocean Breezes
Corpus Christi is one of the best places to retire in Texas if you’re craving beach days and an easygoing coastal lifestyle. It’s often considered one of the best places to retire in Texas near water, thanks to warm Gulf views and fishing and sailing opportunities. While it’s not at the state’s southern tip near the Rio Grande, it still offers that sunny South Texas feel.
With a median home price around $262,000, it’s also one of the more affordable places for retirees who want warm weather without sky-high housing costs. Spend your time at Padre Island National Seashore, the Texas State Aquarium, or walking Ocean Drive for daily outdoor recreation.
- Population: 317,863
- Share of population 65+: 15.0%
- Crime rate: 3,912 crimes per 100,000 people (43.2% higher than state average and 68.3% higher than national average)
- Median home price: $262,000
Fredericksburg | One of the Best Places to Retire in Texas Hill Country
Fredericksburg is easily one of the best places to retire in Texas. With 33.9% of the population over 65, it’s clearly a retiree-friendly town where it’s easy to meet people and feel part of the community.
When living here, you can spend your time exploring Main Street shops, visiting the National Museum of the Pacific War, and spending sunny afternoons wine tasting at local vineyards. Add in nearby Enchanted Rock for gentle hikes and day trips, and it’s no surprise Fredericksburg ranks among the best places to retire in Texas Hill Country.
- Population: 10,875
- Share of population 65+: 33.9%
- Crime rate: 1,146 crimes per 100,000 people (58.1% lower than state average and 50.7% lower than national average)
- Median home price: $510,000
Austin | Scenic, Energetic, and Full of Things to Do
Living in Austin can be a great fit for retirees who still want a big city vibe with endless things happening. As a popular destination, Austin attracts many retirees thanks to its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation.
You can spend mornings on Lady Bird Lake, explore Zilker Park, and fill your calendar with festivals, museums, and standout food. Of course, the biggest draw is the live music scene, with performances almost every night. With so many entertainment options, it’s easy to see why Austin ranks among the best places to retire in Texas and the best places to live in Texas for retirees.
- Population: 961,855
- Share of population 65+: 10.1%
- Crime rate: 4,130 crimes per 100,000 people (51.2% higher than state average and 77.7% higher than national average)
- Median home price: $540,000
McAllen | One of the Best Places to Retire in Texas on a Budget
McAllen is one of the best places to retire in Texas for seniors who want comfort, safety, and a slower pace in the Rio Grande Valley. With crime rates well below the state and national average, it offers extra peace of mind during your golden years.
Retirees also appreciate the affordability, including a median home price around $260,000, making it one of the best places to retire in Texas on a budget and one of the best places to retire in Texas on Social Security. Spend your time shopping at La Plaza Mall, exploring Quinta Mazatlan, or enjoying day trips to nearby Reynosa, a Mexican city. Plus, there are strong medical options and specialized care nearby.
- Population: 142,210
- Share of population 65+: 13.5%
- Crime rate: 2,148 crimes per 100,000 people (21.4% lower than state average and 7.6% lower than national average)
- Median home price: $260,000
Map of the Best Places to Retire in Texas
Check out this map of the best places to retire in Texas.
Best Places to Retire in Texas FAQs
What Are the Best Places to Retire in Texas?
The best places to retire in Texas depend on your lifestyle goals. Cities like San Antonio and Corpus Christi offer affordability and strong amenities, while towns like Fredericksburg and Mineola provide small-town charm. For active adults, communities like Sun City in Georgetown are popular for resort-style 55+ living.
Is Texas a Tax-Friendly State for Retirees?
Yes. Texas is considered very retiree-friendly because it has no state income tax, which helps many retirees keep more of their retirement income. While you will still pay property taxes and sales tax, the lack of state income tax is a major advantage for seniors on fixed budgets.
Are There a Lot of 55+ Communities and Retirement Communities in Texas?
Yes, Texas has a wide range of active adult neighborhoods, age-restricted developments, and master-planned retirement communities. Areas near Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, and San Antonio are especially popular, with options that include social clubs, golf courses, fitness centers, and low-maintenance homes.
Ready to Make Your Texas Move?
Many retirees choose Texas after relocating from another state, and our team provides reliable support for long-distance movers for a Texas retirement move. Whether you’re relocating for sunshine, affordability, or a fresh start in one of the best places to retire in Texas, having the right moving team makes the entire process so much easier.
From big cities to quiet retirement towns, Unicorn Moving & Storage can help you get settled quickly and stress-free. If you’re moving to one of the best places to live in Texas for retirees, give our trusted Texas movers a call today at (512) 339-9922 for a free quote.