As of 2023, retirees place Texas as the 10th best place to retire. One of the top reasons retirees prefer Texas over other states is that it does not have a state income tax, so they do not have to pay state taxes on their retirement accounts or payments. The average amount of retirement savings individuals in Texas have is $434,328. If you have considered moving to the area, you should know where to retire in Texas.
1. Liberty Hill
Liberty Hill, TX had a population of 3, 646 as of the 2020 Census. The cost of living in Liberty Hill is also three percent below the national average, with housing costs even lower at five percent below, with a median rent of $1,305. Expect to pay 14% less on your groceries as well. Its location near Austin gives you the convenience of a larger city without the traffic, crime and disconnection.
Compared to other U.S. Cities, this community is safer than 67%, with a violent crime rate of one in 2,275 and a property crime rate of one in 175. You will also find many amenities, outdoor activities and attractions in the Liberty Hill area.
2. Hollywood Park
High on the list of where to retire in Texas is Hollywood Park. Despite its location close to San Antonio, Hollywood Park is a small town with a population of just over 3,000 people. The size of this town creates a sense of community where you know your neighbors and feel safe in your home.
You will find crime rates lower than the national average for property (23% lower) and violent crime (85% lower). However, expect a higher cost of living (32% higher), with housing prices double that of the national average.
3. Fredericksburg
If you seek a larger community, Fredericksburg may work. With a population of 10,875, this community has a 56% lower crime rate than the national average, 51% and 82% for property and violent crime, respectively. If you do not plan to work during your retirement, the lower household income may not be a factor you consider as you search for where to retire in Texas.
This community also has a slightly higher cost of living (six percent) than the national average, but housing costs are 23% higher with a median rent of $2,400. This community is also safe. Of all U.S. Cities, Fredericksburg is safer than 43%.
4. Austin
Next on the list of where to retire in Texas is Austin. If you want a big city with a great job market and a cultural mecca, Austin may be right for you. This city has a population of 2,234,300. Like Corpus Christi, Austin has a slightly lower crime rate than most U.S. Cities (safer than 5%).
However, you will find slightly higher than average cost of living (one percent overall) with housing significantly higher at 16%. Expect an average rent of nearly $1,400 per month. Staying just outside the city can help you cut down on these costs.
5. Brownsville
Brownsville, TX sits on the Gulf of Mexico in southern Texas. This beach community draws in many retirees, especially during the winter. With a population of 420,554, Brownsville is a medium-sized city with plenty of activities. You can also expect to pay a cost of living that is 15% below the national average.
Expect housing costs significantly below the national average by 29%, $785 for rent or $793 for a monthly mortgage payment on average. If you live in Brownsville, you should be safer than you would be in other U.S. cities by 17%.
6. Corpus Christi
It may surprise you to learn that Corpus Christi lands on many where to retire in Texas lists. The relaxed lifestyle in this community is perfect for retirement. With = a population of 422,194, the crime rate places Corpus Christi at only 5% safer than other U.S. cities.
Fortunately, the cost of living is 10% below the national average, with housing nearly 20% below. You can expect a monthly rent of $1,098. The amenities in the area, including the undeveloped beaches, museums, botanical gardens and aquarium, give you many leisure activity options.
7. McAllen
For a larger city (population of 865,677), McAllen is surprisingly affordable. The average cost of living in McAllen is 21% below the national average, and housing is 45% less. Expect monthly rents at not quite $800 per month, with monthly mortgage costs just above at $844.
Its location at the southern end of Texas gives McAllen a mild winter climate, and the crime rate makes this community safer than almost 20% of other cities in the U.S.
8. Kileen
Last on the list of where to retire in Texas is Kileen. This centrally located Texas city has a monthly rent of $980 with an average mortgage lower at $920 per month, 16% less than the national average despite its overall ranking of 7% lower. With its population of 467,838, Kileen also has a crime rate of 23.13 per 1,000 citizens, which means that when compared to other U.S. cities, Kileen is safer than 17%.
Because you are close to Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio in Killeen, you get the affordability of a mid-sized city with access to any activity and amenity you may want.
RV Living in Retirement
As you consider where to retire in Texas, you should also consider where and how you want to live. In Texas, you can live in an RV full-time or as a winter Texan. First, when you stay in an RV, you don’t pay property taxes. In addition, Texas has ample RV parks and resorts with numerous amenities. The cost of an RV is also less than you would pay to purchase a home. RV living is especially attractive in areas where housing costs are high.
Your RV also allows you to travel to different areas. You can tour national parks, move north in the summer and further south during the winter months. You can also access long-term rates if you stay for longer than a few weeks.
Where To Retire in Texas
As you investigate where to retire in Texas, even if you will just be a winter Texan, Contact us. We can help you learn about the area and all the attractions and what you can expect if you choose to live in an RV during your retirement.