Best Places to Retire in Texas
Best Places to Retire in Texas
Texas, with its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and welcoming communities, is an ideal destination for retirees. From bustling cities and quaint small towns to scenic countryside and coastal retreats, Texas offers something for everyone. Discover the best places to retire in Texas and find your perfect retirement haven.
Why Retire in Texas?
Retiring in Texas comes with numerous benefits that make it an attractive option for many retirees.
Low Cost of Living:
Texas boasts a lower cost of living compared to many other states, allowing your retirement savings to go further.
No State Income Tax:
Texas does not have a state income tax, which means your retirement income, including Social Security benefits, pension income, and retirement account income, is not taxed.
Mild Winters:
While summers can be hot, Texas enjoys mild winters, making it an excellent choice for those looking to escape harsh winter weather.
Diverse Activities:
Whether you love outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or vibrant nightlife, Texas has it all. From hiking and fishing to museums and live music, there’s something for everyone.
Top Cities to Retire in Texas
Austin
Austin, the state capital, is known for its vibrant music scene, cultural festivals, and outdoor recreational opportunities. It offers a lively atmosphere with a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty.
Highlights:
- Thriving music and arts scene
- Beautiful parks and outdoor spaces
- High-quality healthcare facilities
- Diverse dining and entertainment options
San Antonio
San Antonio is rich in history and culture, featuring iconic landmarks like the Alamo and the scenic River Walk. It offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities.
Highlights:
- Historic sites and cultural attractions
- Scenic River Walk with shopping and dining
- Affordable cost of living
- Warm climate and mild winters
Houston
Houston is a bustling metropolis with a diverse population and a strong economy. It offers world-class healthcare, numerous cultural institutions, and a variety of recreational activities.
Highlights:
- Excellent healthcare facilities
- Diverse cultural and culinary scene
- Numerous parks and green spaces
- Proximity to the Gulf Coast
Dallas-Fort Worth
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is known for its vibrant arts scene, shopping, and dining. It offers a mix of urban living and suburban tranquility, with plenty of amenities for retirees.
Highlights:
- World-class museums and theaters
- Major sports teams and events
- Variety of dining and shopping options
- High-quality healthcare services
Best Small Towns to Retire in Texas
Fredericksburg
Nestled in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg is known for its charming downtown, wineries, and German heritage. It offers a peaceful, small-town atmosphere with plenty of activities.
Highlights:
- Quaint shops and restaurants
- Beautiful vineyards and wineries
- Scenic Hill Country landscapes
- Friendly and welcoming community
Georgetown
Georgetown, located north of Austin, is renowned for its historic town square and friendly community. It offers a mix of small-town charm and modern amenities.
Highlights:
- Historic downtown with unique shops and dining
- Abundant parks and outdoor activities
- Active cultural scene with local festivals
- Close proximity to Austin
Best Places to Retire in Texas Near Water
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, located on the Gulf Coast, offers beautiful beaches, a warm climate, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle. It’s ideal for those who love water activities and coastal living.
Highlights:
- Miles of sandy beaches
- Excellent fishing and boating opportunities
- Warm and sunny climate
- Vibrant local culture and cuisine
Galveston
Galveston is a historic coastal city with beautiful beaches, Victorian architecture, and a rich cultural scene. It provides a laid-back, island-style living experience.
Highlights:
- Charming historic district
- Scenic beaches and waterfront activities
- Rich cultural and artistic heritage
- Proximity to Houston
FAQs about Retiring in Texas
Find Your Ideal Retirement Community in Texas
Babcock Ranch
All towns aren’t created equal. In fact, most towns aren’t created at all. They just happen. The decade of careful planning that preceded the first turn of a shovel at Babcock Ranch is just one of the countless ways Babcock Ranch sets itself apart. With a seamless melding of modern technology and timeless hometown charm – all nestled within expansive natural spaces – America’s first solar-powered town provides a whole new way of life.
Lennar
Lennar: Building Your Dream Home, Your Way
Imagine the perfect home. It's the one you've always dreamed of, with everything you need and want. It's a place where you can relax and unwind after a long day, raise your family, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
That's the kind of home Lennar can build for you. We're one of the largest homebuilders in the country, and we have a wide variety of floor plans to choose from. Whether you're looking for a single-family home, a townhouse, or a condominium, we have something for you.
But we don't just build homes. We build communities. Our communities are designed to be welcoming and inclusive, with amenities and services that make living there a pleasure. We have parks, playgrounds, community centers, and so much more.
And because we're a national builder, we have access to the latest building materials and technologies. That means your home will be built to the highest standards of quality.
But what really sets Lennar apart is our commitment to customer service. We're here to help you every step of the way, from choosing a floor plan to moving in. We'll work with you to customize your home to your exact specifications and ensure the entire process is smooth and hassle-free.
So if you're ready to build your dream home, contact Lennar today. We'll help you make it happen.
Grande Dunes
Discover Grande Dunes, an expansive 2,200-acre master-planned community providing a distinctive coastal lifestyle to over 1,000 families. Nestled along the scenic Grand Strand, Grande Dunes showcases a diverse array of over 5,000 homes, retail venues, and commercial spaces, spanning from the serene shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the tranquil expanses west of the Intracoastal Waterway, and from Water Tower Road to Grissom Parkway.
Enriching the Grande Dunes experience are many exclusive club amenities. Play at your leisure at the pristine courses at The Resort Club and The Members Club. Relax at the newly-renovated Ocean Club and its inviting pool complex overlooking the Atlantic Center. Or nearby, the Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA offers additional recreational opportunities. On the shimmering waters of the Intracoastal Waterway, the Marina at Grande Dunes boasts 126 wet slips.
From stylish and spacious townhomes to luxurious single-family residences, these thoughtfully designed communities provide a blend of comfort, convenience, and coastal charm. Explore beautifully crafted homes with modern features, scenic surroundings, and access to outstanding amenities. Stay tuned for exciting new opportunities and additions!
In the heart of Myrtle Beach, Grande Dunes embodies the essence of coastal living amidst a backdrop of many golf courses, upscale shopping destinations, and vibrant entertainment venues. Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance retreat or an elegant residence with ample space, there’s a perfect home waiting for you. Embark on your journey with us today by requesting more information.
The Governors Land at Two Rivers
Beautifully built on 1,400+ acres nestled between the majestic James and Chickahominy Rivers, The Governor’s Land at Two Rivers is a private, member-owned country club community of distinction where new neighbors become family and peace of mind is a priority. Discover an immediate sense of serenity in our pleasantly spacious, hidden gem of a neighborhood that embodies the charm of Williamsburg, Virginia.
Enjoy membership at Two Rivers Country Club, home to our top-rated Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course, first-class dining, a full calendar of social events and our deepwater, protected Marina.
The Governor’s Land at Two Rivers is a natural haven where our diverse community of families and retirees have discovered an undeniable allure and wish to preserve our place of beauty and tranquility. Easily access the Historic Triangle of Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown and the College of William & Mary.
Schedule your Discovery Visit and experience our lively, welcoming, one-of-a-kind community in Williamsburg Virginia, consistently awarded as one of the best places to live by USA Today, Southern Living, Travel & Leisure and more!
Riverlights
Nestled along the Cape Fear River in the coastal town of Wilmington, NC, Riverlights is a vibrant, master-planned community full of small-town charm. The perfect location makes all the difference – along the Cape Fear River and just five miles from historic Wilmington, rated the most charming beach town on the East Coast with award-winning restaurants and shops. When you live in Riverlights, your days radiate with the positive energy that happens when you live on the water in the Carolina sunshine.
There are plenty of opportunities to walk, run, or ride bikes along miles of trails, kayak in the 38-acre freshwater lake, or roam free in any one of the community’s many parks. Whether enjoying a riverfront walk along the boardwalk and dock, gathering with neighbors for an oyster roast, or watching the sunset on the waterfront, exploration happens here daily. Our Lakehouse clubhouse includes a zero-entry pool with lap lanes, a fitness center, and indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, including a firepit overlooking the lake. Our brand-new Riverhouse clubhouse features a resort style pool with lap lanes, four pickle ball courts, fitness center, plus gathering spaces with a scenic backdrop.
Riverlights has home options suited to any stage of life – from low-maintenance townhomes to luxury and single family homes – from six quality homebuilders The coastal North Carolina community offers 10 beautifully decorated model homes open daily for walk-ins allowing home shoppers to get a feel for the lifestyle that awaits in Riverlights.
Schell Brothers – Delaware Premier Home Builder
At Schell Brothers, our mission is to bring happiness to ourselves and our homeowners by not only creating exceptional homes and communities, but also by providing an extraordinary home buying experience.
Located in the heart of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, we pride ourselves on building homes that provide a healthier and more comfortable living environment for our homeowners. As a leading builder on the coast of Delaware, we specialize in new homes that offer a variety of architectural styles, innovative floorplans and extensive personalization in highly desirable communities in Sussex and New Castle Counties.
Award-Winning Homes. Our innovative floorplan designs are based on local experience, industry knowledge, and customer input. Your new home will include personalized features and specially crafted details, meticulously designed for comfort, aesthetics, and livability.
Extensive Personalization. Our design process provides you with all the tools and resources necessary to make choosing beautiful finishes fun and easy. In addition to spending a full day with one of our experienced design consultants in our award winning design center, you can also browse our Online Design Center to view inspiration photos and create collages of your favorite selections.
Energy Efficiency. We pride ourselves on building homes that that provide a healthier and more comfortable living environment for our homeowners. That is why we developed Schellter™ an advanced building science technology that delivers high performance and healthy living, and is included in our all of our homes. You will love the comfort, durability and, best of all, the savings our energy efficient homes provide.
Low Tax Living. Leave the taxing life behind! When you own a home in Delaware, you will pay no tax on social security benefits, personal property or sales tax. You’ll love the tax-free shopping and, the best of all, you’ll financially benefit from living in a state with one of the lowest property taxes in the nation.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SCHELL BROTHERS AND DELAWARE COMMUNITIES
Let us know if you’re interested! We are ready to help you with your new home search. To learn more about us and our award-winning homes and communities in Delaware.
Read more about Schell Brothers – Delaware Premier Home Builder
Flowers Plantation
Located just minutes from Raleigh yet tucked away from the hustle of the city, Flowers Plantation continues to thrive as Johnston County’s premier master-planned community. Bordered by US Hwy 42, Buffalo Road, and the Neuse River in Clayton, this award-winning development was the first of its kind in the region and earned back-to-back honors as North Carolina’s Community of the Year by the North Carolina Home Builders Association in 2013 and 2014.
Today, Flowers Plantation is home to more than 40 unique neighborhoods, two on-site elementary schools, and a private Thales Academy, along with over 10 miles of scenic walking trails and 50 acres of peaceful lakes. The community blends residential charm with everyday convenience thanks to two commercial districts: Flowers Crossroads, featuring a Harris Teeter, medical offices, dining, and boutique retail; and Flowers Marketplace, the newest retail hub anchored by Publix.
The community also offers luxury apartment living, townhomes, and newly built single-family homesites, providing flexible options for residents at every stage of life. With homes available for immediate move-in or purchase, there’s something for everyone. At full buildout, Flowers Plantation will include nearly 7,800 homes, with pricing ranging from the mid-$200s to over $700K.
Residents enjoy a vibrant lifestyle enriched by exceptional amenities. The clubhouse, fitness center, and resort-style pool—operated by the East Triangle YMCA—serve as a central hub for recreation, wellness, and community programs, right within the neighborhood.
Exciting new growth is on the horizon with the addition of The Waterfront District, a dynamic mixed-use area that will offer walkable access to dining, retail, recreation, and potential future residential opportunities—all centered around a scenic waterfront setting.
“You don’t need a car here. The streets are all golf-cart friendly,” says Reid Stephenson, Flowers Plantation’s Chief Executive. “You can get your kids to school, come home from work, enjoy our parks and recreation, and make convenient runs to the grocery store—all without ever leaving the community.”
Whether you’re raising a family, enjoying retirement, or somewhere in between, Flowers Plantation offers a connected, comfortable lifestyle with something for everyone to call home.
River Dunes
River Dunes is an award-winning coastal retreat on the coast of North Carolina. You’ll find big water, big views, and big adventure here. River Dunes offers the best in coastal living and year-round boating, set in an unparalleled location with fourteen miles of shoreline on the big waters of the Pamlico Sound, Intracoastal Waterway and Neuse River. The award-winning master plan embraces gathering spaces, spectacular water views, and outdoor living. Traditional coastal architecture and a bustling Harbor Village draw upon the rich heritage of life on the coast. River Dunes is a place for enjoying the back porch with neighbors, the peace of an early-morning kayaking trip and fellowship on the docks in the afternoon. Enjoy luxurious guest accommodations, live music at the Pavilion and dining with friends.
The 400 slip Marina features floating docks, fuel, dockage and deep water access for boats up to 150′. The Harbor Village in the heart of the community offers dining, shopping, provisions, fitness, tennis courts, a day spa, accommodations, bikes, kayaks, trails and the new Design Center. The Harbor Club has a spectacular clubhouse with waterfront dining, pool, and hot tubs.
K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Lakes of Cane Bay
Step into a lifestyle like no other at K. Hovnanian’s® Four Seasons at Lakes of Cane Bay, a new 55+ community in Summerville, South Carolina, offering exciting, amenity-rich Lowcountry living at its finest.
Enjoy the ease and relaxation of an active adult community while surrounded by a picturesque, 300-acre lake. Spend your days at the community’s 24,000-square-foot clubhouse with luxurious pools and lighted courts for tennis, pickleball and bocce. The on-site, full-time lifestyle director maintains a full schedule of activities including Zumba classes, yoga sessions, billiards, and more — you’ll never run out of fun things to do.
Our single-family homes offer exceptional comfort and style and feature spacious layouts perfect for entertaining and additional storage, well-appointed kitchens, private offices and covered patios on select floorplans. With up to 3 beds, 3.5 baths and 3,345 sq. ft., you’re sure to find your perfect fit.
K. Hovnanian’s® Four Seasons at Lakes of Cane Bay is perfectly located near downtown Charleston, so a quick drive will take you right to its historic streets, excellent shopping, and thriving restaurant scene. Or, take a quick day trip to one of the area’s five distinct beaches for a relaxing getaway. The community is also located within the award-winning Cane Bay Plantation, which offers shopping, dining, and retail options just a few miles away.
The mild weather of coastal South Carolina, a slower pace of life, lakefront living, nearby soft sandy beaches, friendly people and endless activities at your fingertips make the Charleston area one of the hottest retirement destinations in the United States. Plan your visit to K. Hovnanian’s® Four Seasons at Lakes of Cane Bay today and discover a diverse selection of beautiful brand-new homes, unbeatable community amenities and a vacation atmosphere that’s second to none.
Read more about K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Lakes of Cane Bay
The Bluffs on the Cape Fear
Gated Riverfront Living, Boundless Joy in Nature
The Bluffs on the Cape Fear is a vibrant, master-planned community perched on a pristine stretch of the Cape Fear River. Just 15 minutes from the classic waterfront hometown of historic Wilmington, NC, The Bluffs is a private, coastal haven for the families who call it home.
The unique vision of The Bluffs is realized every day: natural woodlands and the unspoiled riverfront landscape are preserved and celebrated. Classically-styled coastal homes exist in harmony with lush woodlands, and the riverfront.
Our visionary developers created The Bluffs with access and abundance in mind. Accordingly, residents here enjoy a close-knit, active lifestyle with total access to the riverfront and an impressive collection of amenities. We invite you to experience the joy of our authentic riverfront community, The Bluffs on the Cape Fear, with our 3 day-2 night Discovery Package.
Amenity List:
– 50-Slip Marina with Scenic Boardwalk
– 2-Acre Riverfront Park with Boat & Kayak Launch
– Lakefront Clubhouse with Resort-Style Salt Water Pool
– Private Beach Club on Oak Island – with Full Ocean Access
– Winding Walking & Biking Trails
– Golf Cart Friendly Community
– Tennis & Pickleball Courts
– Fully-Stocked Lake
– Community Boat & RV Storage
– And soon, a New State-of-the-Art Fitness & Wellness Center
Robson Communities
Start Your Texas Retirement Journey with ideal-Living
Texas provides a wealth of options for retirees, from vibrant urban centers to peaceful small towns and coastal retreats. Whether you seek cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, or a low cost of living, Texas has something to offer. Discover the best places to retire in Texas with Ideal-Living and start planning your perfect retirement today.