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
Elounda Hills – Greece
Elounda Hills is a 138-acre integrated coastal destination on Crete’s northeastern shore, a fully realised residential and hospitality enclave conceived to redefine Mediterranean coastal living. Hospitality is fundamental to the residential experience at Elounda Hills, and the introduction of Greece’s first 1 Hotels & Homes resort reinforces the development’s commitment to a lifestyle centered on exceptional service, wellness, and mission-driven luxury. 1 Hotels & Homes has built its reputation on creating luxury experiences inspired by the natural world and rooted in a strong sense of place, values that align seamlessly with the vision for Elounda Hills. For residents, hospitality is woven into daily life, with personalized service, thoughtfully curated experiences, and access to world-class amenities creating a seamless extension of home while fostering wellbeing and a meaningful connection to the surrounding environment.
The masterplan brings together more than 130 branded residences managed by 1 Hotels & Homes across five distinct clusters —Hilltop, Marina Collection, Waterfront Villas, Mirabello Villas, and Terrace Villas— alongside a 129-key 1 Hotel & Homes. It also includes a vibrant marina village with a boutique second 1 Hotels & Homes property, a 64-berth private marina, two beach clubs, and a 2-kilometre waterfront promenade. Additional amenities feature a Bamford Spa, over a dozen dining concepts, botanical gardens, a curated retail piazza, and a 2,000m² wellness village.
Designed as a cohesive living ecosystem, the vision integrates year-round residences with five-star hospitality and an extensive wellness offering, all set within architecture that follows the site’s natural amphitheatrical contours. The layout prioritizes privacy, uninterrupted Aegean views, and a low-impact built form, reflecting Mirum Group’s environmental approach and the sustainability ethos of 1 Hotels & Homes.
Anderson Farms
Augmented by our hometown’s mild climate, advantageous tax haven status, and stunning natural
beauty, this private woodland agrihood offers a variety of 2+ acre homesteads located at the
intersection of pastoral charm and urban convenience.
Located just 11 minutes outside of Aiken, SC, a familiar name on Southern Living Magazine’s list of
“South’s Best Small Towns,” amenities at Anderson Farms include a barn-style community center with a
shared chicken coop, produce garden, and equestrian training arena. On top of Aiken’s thriving
downtown avenues filled with eclectic restaurants, art galleries, designer boutiques, and antique shops, Anderson Farms also enjoys close proximity to a variety of breathtaking local scenery and nature
preserves, including Hitchcock Woods, Aiken State Park, and our neighboring Hollow Creek Land
Preserve, a 110-acre nature sanctuary filled with scenic nature trails plus dock access for fishing,
kayaking, and canoeing.
Social butterflies can even take advantage of an optional membership to The Reserve Club at Woodside
for tiered membership access to 2 championship golf courses, a racquet pavilion, resort-style pool,
country club dining, over 60 member-led social groups, and more.
Afton Villas
This new Active Adult community is located near historic Fredericksburg, Virginia just a mile off I-95 with close proximity to a wide array of restaurants, shopping and entertainment options. Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center, and University of Mary Washington Hospital are also located less than 10 minutes from the community. The new 470,000 square foot state-of-the-art VA hospital, Fredericksburg Health Care Center, is under construction will open in 2024.
Afton Villas offers many wellness and healthy activities: 2 Pickleball courts with monthly complimentary lessons, *1.75 miles of sidewalks for power walking or just strolling with friends & pets, monthly Social Activities to include: Meet Your Neighbors Get Togethers, Book Clubs, Game Nights, Community BBQ’s and much more.
Innovative attached Villa homes feature a 2-car garage, spacious main level owner’s suite, and open kitchen, dining, and great room layout. Upstairs has plenty of room for guests with a large loft area, 2 additional bedrooms, and a full bath. Downstairs, there’s plenty of storage or homebuyers have the ability to add more finished spaces.
Two Rivers 55+
Introducing luxury active adult living just 22 miles from Washington, DC at Two Rivers, Anne Arundel County’s most in-demand 55+ community. Stay close to friends and family in the Maryland-area while enjoying easy access to historic downtown Annapolis, BWI Airport, and ample shops & dining, including Wegmans. Main-level owner’s suite homes are coming soon from the low $700s.
Set amongst 1,400 acres of natural beauty, Two Rivers offers ponds, walking trails that wind through open spaces, and a nature center – in addition to an award-winning clubhouse with both indoor and outdoor pools.
With NVHomes at Two Rivers, you can select from one of four amazing main-level owner’s suite plans that offer complete luxury without an ounce of compromise. All feature craftsman-style exteriors with charming details and provide spacious living that is as elegant as it is functional.
Join our Interest List today for VIP access to NVHomes at Two Rivers!
Hot Springs Village
Hot Springs Village spans 26,000 acres of the Ouachita Mountain foothills. The largest private, gated community in North America boasts amenities for both adventure and leisure including pickle ball courts, tennis center, and 9 year-round, championship golf courses. Lake-life is also delightful with 11 lakes and 2 beaches for swimming, boating, skiing, kayaking, and relaxing! The Coronado Fitness Center, spa, indoor pool, and 30 miles of scenic hiking and biking nature trails are other HSV “hot” spots. Multiple dining, churches, and over 200 active organizations are perfect for social opportunities. The HSV Police, Fire, and EMT Departments along with two manned security gates provide residents peace of mind! HSV is centrally located and only a 20 minute drive to historic Hot Springs, an hour to Little Rock, and a day trip to many surrounding parks and attractions! Hot Springs Village offers a large variety of home styles. New construction and custom designed home packages are also available– all including your choice of lake or golf front, mountain view, or just nestled in the woods. Come enjoy the affordable HSV good life; the longer you stay, the more you’re going to love us! Photos by Zac Franklin.
Clarendon County SC
Clarendon County is the hidden gem of the Palmetto State! Ripe with nature and full of possibilities, you’re sure to fall in love with our area. Home to Lake Marion, the largest lake in South Carolina, we are an outdoor enthusiast’s dream destination. Fishing, boating, hunting and golf are just a few favorite pastimes found in our county. We are centrally located, just a quick drive to Columbia, the state capital, historic Charleston and pristine beaches from the Lowcountry to the Grand Strand. Historic 301 makes its way through our county, and we are conveniently located on the I-95 corridor.
Our area is home to several active lifestyle communities that display the best parts of “Lake Life Living.” Examples include: Wyboo Plantation, a gated community home to the signature Player’s Course at Wyboo with your choice of houses along the course or on the shores of Lake Marion. Or, Hunter Quinn Homes’ Gregory Pointe, a new community with single-levels homes that bring a modern, Charleston design to the heart of South Carolina’s lowcountry. Please take time to explore our county and be prepared to be impressed with what you discover! Community Product and Pricing
South Harbor Towns
Welcome to South Harbor Towns by Ryan Homes – Our newest 55+ community in the Isle of Wight, from the low $300s. We are now scheduling private model tours; visit our website to schedule yours today! Join the VIP list to schedule yours today!
Ideal for the active adult lifestyle, South Harbor Towns is loaded with amenities. Here's just a handful of amenities that are coming to the community:
- Clubhouse with Indoor & Outdoor Entertaining Areas & Fireplace
- Resort-style Heated Lap Pool with Waterfall & Fire Features
- Water Aerobics & Water Volleyball Areas
- Outdoor Hot Tub & Resort-like Cabanas
- Miles of Nature Trails & Sidewalks
- Two Lighted Pickleball Courts, Bocce Ball, Putting Green & Shuffleboard
- Grandkid's Playground & Dog Park
- Year-Round Activities & Events
- Golf Cart Friendly with Reserved Golf Cart Parking at the Clubhouse
The homes will feature first-floor owner's suites, chef-inspired kitchens, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2-car garages, optional covered porches, and flex space options. Plus, one of the best features…it's a maintenance-provided community, meaning we'll handle all the lawn maintenance, landscaping, and upkeep so you don't have to!
This community is located near the historic town of Smithfield, with local shopping, restaurants, military bases, and more! We can’t wait to share more with you! Our team is here to help make this big step an easy one. Visit our website to schedule a private model tour and learn more.
Waterset
Escape the snow and embrace the Florida lifestyle at Waterset, a vibrant master-planned community with new homes and an array of amenities for all ages. Located in Apollo Beach, Florida, just 16 miles south of the coastal city of Tampa, our community features new homes from seven award-winning homebuilders in a variety of home styles and floorplans.
With a range of amenities, including 12+ miles of trails, 10+ parks, multiple resort-style pools, clubhouses, fitness centers, sports courts, and more, no two days feel the same. Community events throughout the year – like food truck festivals, concert series, the annual Turkey Trot and more—make it easy to make new friends and experience the welcoming nature of our residents. Our active, inclusive way of life makes this a one-of-a-kind community where everyone feels right at home.
Plus, Waterset offers a private, gated 55+ neighborhood – Regency by Toll Brothers. This luxury, active adult neighborhood features low-maintenance, single-level homes and an exclusive resort-style amenity, The Cove, with a full social calendar curated by a dedicated lifestyle director. Waterset is also now offering townhomes and bungalow homes designed for easy, low-maintenance living, giving you more time to focus on the things you enjoy most. Thoughtfully designed floorplans and modern features make it simple to enjoy comfort, convenience, and the best of the Florida lifestyle every day.
Make new friends, explore your passions, and embrace the active lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of at Waterset!
K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Manalapan Crossing
Welcome to K. Hovnanian’s® Four Seasons at Manalapan Crossing, a new active adult 55+ community in Manalapan, NJ offering single-family homes with up to 3,092 sq. ft of living space. Make lasting connections and enjoy low-maintenance living surrounded by exciting local excursions in Monmouth County. Each home is offered in one of our new interior design Looks, Classic, Farmhouse, Loft or Elements for on-trend style in your new home.
Read more about K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Manalapan Crossing
Estrella
Estrella features the Presidio and Starpointe Residents’ Clubs, the Casa Lucero Welcome Center, fitness centers, resort-style pools, a waterpark, a splash pad, lap pools, more than 65+ miles of trails, and over 50+ community parks. With sports courts for basketball, tennis, volleyball, and pickleball, over 72 acres of lakes with complimentary usage of kayaks, paddle boats, and sail boats, award-winning Nicklaus Design champion golf course, restaurants, dining, shopping, great schools, on-site and nearby medical facilities all nestled among the Sierra Estrella Mountains, Estrella offers an unmatched lifestyle all for a low $125 base HOA fee.
Active adults can find refuge in their own gated community, CantaMia 55+ with the fully amenitized CantaMia Village Center, including its own resort-style pool, indoor lap pool, demo kitchen, art studio, cafe, dog park, pickleball courts, and event-scheduling.
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.