Retirees put Texas at the top of their list of the best places to retire, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a state known for its wide-open spaces, vibrant culture, and a warm climate. And because Texas has no state income tax, it’s a great choice for retirees who don’t want to break the bank with their lifestyle. Americans average $498,000 in retirement savings and prefer to retire in less expensive states, like Texas.
Maybe you’re dreaming of peaceful, small-town living or a more active lifestyle with cultural amenities. However you’d like to spend your golden years, this guide can help you find the best city to retire in Texas.
8 of the Best Cities To Retire in Texas
Considering putting down roots in a traditional home? Want to explore the beautiful Texas Hill Country while living in an RV? When researching the best places to retire in Texas Hill Country and beyond, the list below considers several key factors that are particularly important for retirees:
- Affordable Living: Cities that offer a lower-than-average or manageable cost of living for different lifestyles
- Proximity to Amenities: How close the city is to essentials like healthcare, shopping, dining, metropolitan areas, and cultural attractions
- Safety: Lower crime rates to contribute to a sense of security for retirees
- Access to Outdoor Activities: Options for those who enjoy staying active in retirement, including access to parks, trails, and waterfront activities
- Climate: Texas offers a range of climates, from the warmer, southern regions to the more temperate, northern areas.
Now, let’s explore the best cities to retire in Texas based on these factors. This list has something for everyone!
1. Liberty Hill
Why Retirees Love It: Affordable living, close-knit community, and scenic surroundings
Liberty Hill is the ideal spot for retirees looking for peaceful living in a close-knit community—the city had a population of 3,646 as of the 2020 Census. Located just outside of Austin (around 34 miles away) and within a short drive of Georgetown (about 15 miles), it gives you the convenience of a larger city without the traffic and disconnection. The low crime rate and affordable living make it a top choice for retirees seeking comfort and serenity.
In Liberty Hill, retirees can enjoy scenic views of the Texas Hill Country, many amenities, outdoor activities, attractions, and community events.
2. Hollywood Park
Why Retirees Love It: Small-town, suburban living near San Antonio
Despite its location (around 20 minutes from San Antonio), Hollywood Park is a quiet town with a peaceful way of life. For retirees who want a safer environment but still want to access big-city amenities, this town strikes a perfect balance. It is a small town with a population of just over 3,000 people. Most residents in this town have a strong sense of community, the kind where you know your neighbors and feel safe in your home. It’s easily one of the best small towns to retire in Texas.
With nearby parks, hiking trails, and experiences in San Antonio, retirees can enjoy the best of both worlds: peaceful living with access to plenty of entertainment options and top-notch healthcare.
3. Fredericksburg
Why Retirees Love It: Charming historic town with German heritage
If you seek a larger community, Fredericksburg could be the perfect spot to settle with its population of 10,875—and this community is also safe. Fredericksburg is a unique blend of rich history and classic Hill Country charm. Known for being well-steeped in its German roots, this town offers delicious cuisine, many local wineries, and tons of outdoor activities in the nearby Texas Hill Country. It’s a great destination for those seeking both culture and natural beauty.
Retirees who enjoy learning more about days gone by, spending afternoons visiting museums, or simply strolling through the charming streets will find Fredericksburg incredibly appealing.
4. Austin
Why Retirees Love It: Dynamic city life, cultural experiences, and excellent healthcare
Austin is arguably the best city to retire in Texas, especially if you want to be in or near a big city with a great job market and a cultural mecca, but don’t want to compromise on access to culture, arts, and outdoor activities. This city has a population of 2,283,371. Known for its music scene, local festivals, and amazing food, the city will keep you entertained year-round. The excellent healthcare system and access to a variety of services also make it a great choice for retirees who want convenience as well as affordable housing options.
If you enjoy sightseeing, live performances, or simply relaxing in the parks, Austin may be right for you.
5. Brownsville
Why Retirees Love It: Affordable living and year-round mild climate
If you love coastal living, Brownsville is one of the best retirement destinations—it sits right on the Gulf of Mexico in the southern part of the state. This beach community draws in many retirees, especially during the winter. With a population of 186,738, Brownsville is a medium-sized city with plenty of activities, safe neighborhoods, and a relaxed, affordable lifestyle.
Whether you enjoy fishing, bird-watching, or reading for hours on the beach, Brownsville offers endless ways for retirees to spend their golden years.
6. Corpus Christi
Why Retirees Love It: Laid-back lifestyle and access to water activities
Corpus Christi lands on many lists of where to retire in Texas because it’s a coastal haven for retirees who enjoy the beach and water activities. From swimming to fishing and boating, the city offers plenty of opportunities to stay active and connected with nature. When not on the water, the relaxed lifestyle in this community is perfect for retirement. The amenities in the area, including the undeveloped beaches, museums, botanical gardens and aquarium, offer many leisure activity options to take advantage of.
Corpus Christi is known for its affordable housing and low cost of living, which makes it a great option for retirees seeking a coastal area to put down roots later in life.
7. McAllen
Why Retirees Love It: Affordable living and warm climate
Thanks to its location at the southern end of Texas, McAllen offers a mild winter climate, so it’s perfect for retirees who prefer to avoid harsh winters. And for a larger city, McAllen is surprisingly affordable. The cost of living, including housing, which costs about 40% lower than the national average, allows retirees to really enjoy their golden years without breaking the bank. McAllen also boasts a wonderful cultural scene, including many local festivals, museums, and art galleries.
Retirees who enjoy staying active and keeping up a thriving social life will find an ideal retirement location in McAllen.
8. Kileen
Why Retirees Love It: Affordable living and central location
Kilee, a centrally located Texas city, is conveniently close to Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio. With its population of 153,095, it’s a great place to enjoy the peaceful environment of a smaller town while being within easy reach of many metropolitan areas. Here, retirees benefit from the affordability of a mid-sized city with easy access to virtually any activity and amenity you could want, including exceptional healthcare, top-rated shopping, and one-of-a-kind entertainment.
With numerous social activities and local events, Killeen provides plenty of opportunities for retirees to meet new people and build lasting relationships.
RV Living in Retirement
As you consider which city to retire in Texas, you should also consider where and how you want to live. For retirees looking for freedom, flexibility, and lower housing costs, think outside the box! Texas RV living is a top choice for retirees because:
- The cost of an RV is much more affordable when compared to purchasing a home.
- Texas has a wide range of RV parks, most with excellent amenities.
- An RV lets you live a comfortable yet flexible and affordable lifestyle on the road.
- Many RV parks offer long-term rates if you stay for longer than a few weeks.
In Texas, you can live in an RV full-time! Living in an RV lets you explore gorgeous scenery and the state’s incredible national parks, or move between locations as you please, traveling north in the summer and further south during the winter months.
If you’re looking for a lifestyle with plenty of independence and adventure, RV life could be the right choice for you.
Choosing the Best City to Retire in Texas for You
With so many great options, finding the best city to retire in Texas depends on what you value most, be it affordable living, nature, or culture. From quiet towns like Liberty Hill to the lively atmosphere of Austin, each offers its own appeal.
If you’re drawn to peaceful, scenic surroundings in the Hill Country, Rio Bonito RV Park and Cabin offers an excellent base for discovering the region’s best attractions, just 20 minutes from Austin. Don’t hesitate to 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. Book your stay today and start planning your retirement adventure.