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

Active Adult 55+ Farmingdale NJ | K. Hovnanian Four Seasons Colts Farm

K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Colts Farm

Farmingdale, NJ
Homes: $669,990 - $779,990

Welcome to K. Hovnanian’s® Four Seasons at Colts Farm, a new active adult 55+ community in Farmingdale, NJ offering 111 gorgeous single-family homes with up to 3,033 sq. ft of living space. Enjoy an amenity-rich, low-maintenance lifestyle, surrounded by exciting local excursions in the heart of Monmouth County.

Residents can take advantage of the future 3,670 sq. ft. clubhouse, anticipated completion late Summer 2023, gorgeous community pool, tennis and pickleball courts, and a bustling calendar of classes, clubs, and activities. Keep healthy and fit with a Zumba or Yoga class. Or stay engaged by joining a cooking club or social group. All of this mere steps from your front door.

Four Seasons at Colts Farm provides easy access to the Routes 33 and 9, under 7 miles away and the Garden State Parkway, under 5 miles away, for simple get up and go travel. Enjoy living less than ten miles from Asbury Park, and the Jersey Shore, only 10 miles with exciting opportunities for oceanside shopping and dining. You can also take to the links for a day of golf at the local Eagle Oaks Golf & Resort, approx. 3 miles away. Life at Colts Farm is about enjoying the company of people who have worked hard and now want to enjoy all that a luxury 55+ community has to offer.

Read more about K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Colts Farm

Sun City Hilton Head

Bluffton, SC
New Homes starting from the low $300K

Welcome to Sun City Hilton Head, one of the top rated 55+ active adult communities in the US! Sun City has so much to offer and a perfect location in beautiful Bluffton, SC with its historic Old Town and pristine May River. It is a short 30 minute drive to the famous Hilton Head beaches and Savannah, GA’s bustling river street. Within the gated community is 3 golf courses and several restaurants. Use your golf cart or bicycle to make your way to the numerous amenities including multiple resort-style pools, 3 fitness centers, performing arts theater, community center, sports complex, pickleball courts, tennis courts, bocce, woodshop, leisure trails, dog park, and much more. Sun City has over 100 chartered clubs and special interest groups to help everyone connect with others. This spectacular community offers a variety of home plans from 1,223 square feet to 3,728 square feet. Come see all the possibilities waiting here for you today at Sun City Hilton Head!

Read more about Sun City Hilton Head

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River Landing

Wallace, NC
Homes and lots $300K - $750K+

Tucked away near the coast of Eastern NC is a picture-perfect community, complete with world-class club amenities while still maintaining the charm and ease of a small hometown. River Landing’s two championship golf courses are ideal for working on your game. Or perhaps you prefer exploring the outdoors along the scenic walking and biking trails? Whether you are starting a family or starting your retirement, River Landing has something for everyone. From enhancing your golf game to exploring the outdoors, the River Landing community offers a wide variety of activities for residents of all ages. A grand Clubhouse, Outdoor Pool, and expansive homesites are just some of the things you’ll find to enjoy.

Read more about River Landing

Homes near Grand Junction CO | Cobble Creek | Montrose San Mountains

Homes at Cobble Creek

Montrose, CO
Homes starting at $535K

Homes at Cobble Creek, building exclusively in the Cobble Creek Golf Community in Montrose, Colorado is proud to present its latest offering: Spruce Point Patio Homes. Spruce Point Patio Homes offer a unique opportunity for those seeking low-maintenance living. Ranging from 1430 to 1840 square feet, these “affordable luxury” homes boast stunning mountain views and are conveniently located near Cobble Creek’s amenities. The HOA handles everything from lawn care to snow removal so residents can enjoy a true “lock and leave” lifestyle, ideal for retirees or second homeowners.

Cobble Creek is a highly desirable, resort-style golf community boasting wonderful amenities, premium living, and direct access to one of the state’s most scenic golf courses. With 400+ existing homes and over 600 additional lots slated for future phases of development, Cobble Creek is an economic anchor within the Montrose housing market. The community boasts consistently strong resale values androutinely accounts for a significant percentage of area sales in the $500,000 – $900,000 range.

While the Cobble Creek community is not age-restricted, it is estimated that 75-80% of its residents are aged “55+” and either nearly or fully retired. The Club at Cobble Creek, the centerpiece of the community, offers members preferred access to the 18-hole, public-private golf course, as well tennis and pickle ball courts, stocked fishing ponds, and a clubhouse featuring a well-equipped fitness center. Residents have relocated to the community from all over the country, creating a diverse and accomplished array of homeowners who now call Cobble Creek home.

As Flint Ogle, President and principal of Homes at Cobble Creek explains, “Our goal with Spruce Point Patio Homes is providing buyers efficient, low-maintenance homes built with exceptional build quality and a value proposition unique to the area. We view this as the next step in making Cobble Creek an ‘age in place’ community unlike any other in Western Colorado.” Future development plans for Spruce Point at Cobble Creek include additional patio homes, luxury duplexes, and a senior living campus.

Located in the Uncompahgre Valley, the true allure of Montrose lies in its exceptional proximity to outdoor recreation. With over 300 days of sunshine annually, a mild climate, and a plethora of nearby canyons, rivers and alpine peaks, residents can enjoy activities year-round. World-class skiing at Telluride (75 minutes away) and Crested Butte (2 hours away) beckons winter enthusiasts, while hiking, fishing, 4-wheeling, rafting, stargazing, horseback riding and even year-round golfing (weather permitting) offer a variety of outdoor options.

Relaxed entertainment abounds in nearby communities. Enjoy a glass of wine at your favorite winery or revel in one of many music festivals. Stroll through a peach or apple orchard during peak harvest season or choose fresh-off-the-vine produce at one of many local farms and farmers markets. Soak up the health and wellness benefits of fabulous natural hot springs.

A significant body of research confirms the positive impacts of proximity to nature on our mental health. Those benefits include stress reduction, improved mood, stronger immune systems and, particularly important as we age, enhanced cognitive function. With its unbeatable access to the outdoors, excellent healthcare facilities, negligible traffic and a lower overall cost of living, Montrose is a very attractive option for those hoping to ease into a healthy and happy retirement. Consider retiring in the mountain west of Montrose, Colorado. Start your journey by requesting more information here.

Read more about Homes at Cobble Creek

Homes in Lake Lure NC | Rumbling Bald | Mountain Community
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Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure

Lake Lure, NC
Homes starting at $400K • Condos from $130k • Homesites from $10k

Nestled amid dramatic bluffs and lush forests, the picturesque Lake Lure is a jewel in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Here, you’ll find Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure, a premier golf community at heart offering a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, luxury living, and serene relaxation for all ages. Now, with high-speed fiber internet connectivity, you can enjoy all the comforts of modern living while surrounded by nature’s beauty.

Though just an hour from Asheville, NC, and Greenville, SC, Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure spans over 3,000 acres of pristine wilderness, making it easy to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty and recreational opportunities available. The area features abundant hiking and biking trails, and the iconic Chimney Rock is just beyond the community. Enjoy exploring the 720-acre Lake Lure by kayak, canoe, SUP board, or your own boat. For golf enthusiasts, there are two uniquely different championship golf courses, Bald Mountain and Apple Valley, to challenge all skill levels. Families can also enjoy the community pool with a lazy river or relax on the private white sand beach complete with a children’s play area.

Indulge in relaxation at The Spa & Salon at Rumbling Bald, which offers a comprehensive spa menu alongside amenities like a dry sauna, steam room, indoor pool, and whirlpool. Also, enjoy our well-appointed Wellness Center, including Fitness Center with state-of-the-art equipment, featuring weekly classes and four lit racket courts for tennis and pickleball enthusiasts. As evening falls, savor unique dining options overlooking Lake Lure or the golf courses, or enjoy a Starbucks coffee at The Bear’s Cup Café Bar.

Rumbling Bald offers a diverse range of real estate options to match your lifestyle. Choose from charming mountain homes, spacious two-to-four-bedroom condos, cozy two-bedroom villas, or intimate studios perfect for couples. Seasonal “Stay & Play” golf packages allow you to experience the community firsthand before making a purchase. Additionally, a selection of undeveloped properties, including larger estate lots are available for sale.

The surrounding area of Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure is North Carolina’s take on a high Alpine lake village, complete with enchanting amenities, local attractions, and close proximity to surrounding entertainment and shopping.

To discover more about life at Rumbling Bald, sign up for their e-newsletter for the latest updates and information.

Read more about Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure

Community in Florida with a Farm | Agrihood | Arden | Wellington FL
FEATURED

Arden

Palm Beach County, FL
Single Family and Paired Villa Homes from the Low $500's to $1mil+

With a Palm Beach County location and a unique collection of lifestyle extras, retirees and families are finding a premier Florida residential destination at Arden.

Arden’s lakeside clubhouse is home to a state-of-the-art fitness center, meeting spaces for community clubs, a tea and coffee bar, and a multi-tier pool complex with fountains and a splash pad. Nearby is the community dock with ramps for launching kayaks, canoes, and electric-powered fishing boats. Tennis and pickleball courts, playing fields, an event lawn, and 20+ miles of walking and biking trails are among the outdoor recreation offerings. But Arden’s signature amenity is its unique “Agrihood,” a five-acre community garden for growing organic fruits and vegetables, plus a big red barn for community events and family gatherings.

Arden features customizable single-family homes and villas by leading Florida builders like GL Homes, Lennar, and Ryan Homes. All of the Arden neighborhoods have been planned to make a natural connection to healthy living, with contoured green spaces to enhance privacy and a wildlife refuge directly across the boulevard.

Just outside Arden’s gates are convenient grocery markets, retail stores, and restaurants. Resort golf courses and white-sand Atlantic beaches are also nearby, along with all of the first-class medical centers, schools, and cultural amenities that you’d expect in the heart of Palm Beach County.

Request more information about Arden and discover why this one-of-a-kind Florida community may be the perfect fit for your Sunshine State lifestyle.

Read more about Arden

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Winding Creek

Annville, PA
Duplexes from mid 400K, Single family homes from 500K

Winding Creek is a new age-55+ lifestyle community for retirees and active adults in the south central Pennsylvania countryside.

Bordered by Killinger Creek and surrounded by quiet farmlands, Winding Creek residents enjoy life in a serene settings that’s still convenient to family, friends and business associates in New York, Philadelphia and New Jersey. The nearby town of Palmyra has grocery markets, pharmacies, restaurants and shops for your everyday needs, while all of the popular attractions in the Hershey area are just a short drive away. Top-quality health care services are available at the Penn State Health Milton Hershey Medical Center.

Developed by Landmark Homes, the regional leader in building communities for the active-adult lifestyle, Winding Creek is a low-maintenance community. Open floor plans with customizable details and energy-saving appliances are among the features that make every Winding Creek home distinctive. Amenities include a private community clubhouse for special events, plus a pool, pickleball courts and walking trails that make every day an adventure in healthy living.

Request more information below and get the latest news about your active lifestyle at an ideal location in Pennsylvania’s Winding Creek community.

Read more about Winding Creek

Nexton gated community
FEATURED

Nexton

Summerville, SC
New Homes from Mid $300s - $1M+

Welcome to Nexton, a neighborly Lowcountry community located in Summerville, SC. Where everything’s all here. This national award-winning community has its own trails, parks, open spaces, shops, and highly sought-after restaurants. Not to mention a deep commitment to the very best part of 55+ living: choice. Because finally, home gets to be all about you. What’s nearby? Well, in the morning, you’re collecting seashells at quirky Folly Beach, and lunch can be along the foodie-loving cobblestone streets of nearby Charleston (just 25 miles away). Not to mention an international airport just 20 minutes from your doorstep.

At Nexton, you can choose from two exclusively 55+ neighborhoods. Or, you can opt for one of Nexton’s all-age villages, where you’ll find plenty of 55+ friendly homes. Either way, you’ll access amenities that are perfect for keeping you active and connected.

One of our just-for-you neighborhoods is Del Webb 55+. This well-established community of one-and two-story single-family homes is now adding even more options to its existing amenities, which already offer a resort pool, tennis, and pickleball all connected to miles of parks and trails. Or there’s Hammock Walk, a new 55+ enclave by Ashton Woods, featuring low-maintenance ranch-style villas and amenities like trails, ponds, and pickleball, plus easy access to all of Nexton’s shops and restaurants. If mixing it up is more your style, check out the all-age village of Midtown, which offers a great selection of single-story homes and homes with main-floor primary suites. (Their Midtown Club has to be seen to be believed, offering a resort-style lagoon, fitness options, event spaces for food trucks and movie nights, and much more.)

At Nexton, there’s always something to do and someone new to meet. Because no matter where you live, you’ll be surrounded by interesting ways to connect. Priced from the $300s to over $1 million.

What else to know:

  • Five miles from charming, historic downtown Summerville (aka “Flowertown in the Pines”)
  • Parks and trails — 25 miles of them — within walking/biking distance of every home
  • World-class and casual dining right in the community (there are even hotels where your
  • guests can stay)
  • Easy access to nearly 90 miles of South Carolina coastline and beaches
  • Healthcare and wellness services are conveniently located within the community
  • A new expansion of Del Webb 55+ amenities, including more pickleball, basketball, an
  • event space, private bar and grill, and more.

Read more about Nexton

FEATURED

Wendell Falls

Wendell, NC
New Homes from $350K - $900K+

Wendell Falls is where small-town community meets big-city urbanity. With a fresh mix of homes, conveniences and exciting amenities in one amazing location, just 15 miles from downtown Raleigh. It’s where you’ll find new ways to live and work, learn and play… along with a little bit of the unexpected along the way. Here, homes and townhomes by Brookfield Residential, Garman Homes, Homes by Dickerson, McNeill Burbank and David Weekley offer a variety of options for every age and stage in life — including a neighborhood exclusively for those 55+. And beyond places to live, there are spaces to enjoy life, too. Like 10+ miles of trails. Two refreshing pools. And the Farmhouse Cafe, where you can grab a smoothie or salad or sandwich (with a side of beer). There’s also Treelight Square, a town center with more ways to spend your days (and nights), including shops, restaurants, services and a Publix. And soon, the Collective will join it — bringing another destination for shopping, working, eating, drinking and gathering. All right in the neighborhood. It’s Creatively. Crafted. Community. And 11 models are open for you to tour daily. See you soon.

Additional Amenities Include:

• A vibrant all-ages community, including a neighborhood just for residents 55+ now open!
• Zero-entry saltwater pool with lounge area, waterslide and kids’ splash zone
• An onsite community cafe, serving handcrafted food, coffee and more
• Over 10 miles of trails
• Fitpod outdoor workout spaces, with climbing wall, stair workout area and balance station
• Treelight Square, a town center that includes dining, shopping and services
• Multiple parks for gathering, relaxing, playing a game of cornhole or sitting around a firepit
• Wendell Paws, a dog park for your four-legged family members
• A Publix grocery store, recently opened

Read more about Wendell Falls

FEATURED

K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Carolina Oaks

Bluffton, SC
pricing starting at lower $400s

Welcome to K. Hovnanian’s® Four Seasons at Carolina Oaks, a new 55+ active adult community nestled in a tranquil, wooded area of the scenic Lowcountry in Bluffton, South Carolina. Perfectly situated between the beaches of Hilton Head Island and historic Savannah, Georgia, this gated, picturesque community offers an exceptional resort lifestyle filled with natural beauty and an abundance of amenities and activities.

Fifteen stunning single-family home designs feature thoughtfully designed floorplans, luxurious finishes and gorgeous spaces to relax and entertain. Ranging from 2 beds, 2 baths and 1,324 sq. ft. to 3 beds, 3.5 baths and 3,209 sq. ft., you can choose a home that’s perfect for you—whether you’re looking to spread out or downsize.

K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Carolina Oaks offers endless recreation and a full calendar of activities. The expansive clubhouse serves as the hub of the community, where residents enjoy yoga and Zumba at the fitness center, discover new talents in the arts & crafts room, play billiards with neighbors and perfect their dancing skills in the ballroom.

Outside, residents can take in the breathtaking scenery as they explore walking and biking paths, play tennis, pickleball and bocce, gather at the fire pit, pavilion, screened verandas or grilling areas and lounge or swim laps at the sparkling pool.

K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Carolina Oaks is within 20 miles of pristine Hilton Head Island beaches, championship golf courses, scenic nature preserves, marinas and the historic, vibrant cities of Bluffton and Savannah, Georgia.

Read more about K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Carolina Oaks

Robson Communities

Robson Communities

Arizona, Texas, and California
Robson Communities is a leading developer of luxury 55+ active adult communities in the United States. The company was founded in 1966 by Ed Robson, and it has since developed over 20 communities in Arizona, Texas, and California. Robson Communities' communities are known for their high-quality homes, world-class amenities, and active lifestyles. The company's mission is to "create exceptional places where people can live, grow, and thrive." The company is committed to giving back to the communities it serves, and it has donated millions of dollars to local charities.

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.

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