Best Cities to Retire in Texas

With warm weather, stunning nature, no state income taxes, thriving cities with plenty to do, and some of the best fishing and golfing in the entire country, Texas makes for a great state to move to in retirement. But Texas is also the second-largest state in the country, which means there are a lot of cities and small towns to consider.

All these places are retirement friendly, since there are no state taxes on retirement income, no state taxes on pensions, and no state taxes on Social Security benefits. So how can you narrow down your search for the best cities to retire in Texas?

To help, Retirement Living has analyzed more than 200 cities and towns, factoring in elements such as population growth (and percentage of residents 65 or older), home and rent prices, household income, poverty and crime statistics, and access to health care and things to do. Below, we’ve compiled the 15 best cities to retire in Texas. Spoiler alert: We feel the very best Texas city to retire in is McKinney.

Not limiting your retirement search to Texas? Review our roundup of the best and worst states for retirement, as well as the 10 best cities to retire in across the country.

The 15 Best Cities to Retire in Texas

15. Bryan, Texas

• Population: 87,972
• Share of population 65+: 11.30%
• Average household income: $49,181
• Median home price: $164,100
• Median rent price: $994
• Poverty rate: 23.50%

Located an hour and a half northwest of Houston, Bryan offers a laid-back spot for retirees in Texas. The population has grown in recent years, and seniors make up a good portion of that. Home prices are affordable in Bryan, and there’s plenty to do locally to keep active, including fishing and boating on Lake Bryan, three top-tier golf courses, and a nearby senior center in College Station, with plentiful programming.

14. Midland, Texas

• Population: 134,444
• Share of population 65+: 9.90%
• Average household income: $87,900
• Median home price: $250,300
• Median rent price: $1,273
• Poverty rate: 10.60%

Midland, Texas, lies on the western side of the state in the Permian Basin, with a steady population that includes nearly 10% of people 65 and over. Golfers will find plenty to do in Midland, but it has appeal beyond the athletic: Enjoy fishing ponds, dog parks, and a thriving restaurant scene. Retirees who are looking for a relaxing place to live will enjoy taking in a show at the performing arts center, spending an afternoon at the planetarium, or spending a lazy Saturday at the farmer’s market or shopping at the boutique shops.

13. San Antonio, Texas

• Population: 1,472,909
• Share of population 65+: 12.50%
• Average household income: $55,084
• Median home price: $167,700
• Median rent price: $1,090
• Poverty rate: 17.60%

San Antonio is the largest locale to earn a spot on our roundup of the best cities to retire in Texas. It’s an admittedly expensive city to live in, compared to some of the smaller towns on this list, but it’s a city brimming with opportunities for seniors. Some of the best hospitals in the state are located in San Antonio, and San Antonio International Airport makes it easy to visit grandkids up north or travel the world on a moment’s notice. Summers can be brutal, but mild winters — and plenty to do, from restaurants and museums to golfing and shopping — make this the perfect spot to retire in.

12. Longview, Texas

• Population: 82,531
• Share of population 65+: 15.00%
• Average household income: $53,854
• Median home price: $147,300
• Median rent price: $900
• Poverty rate: 18.60%

The population in Longview skews toward seniors, with 15% who are 65 and older. Longview offers a sprawling network of trails for seniors hoping to stay in shape (and get outdoors), as well as a thriving arts scene at the Longview Cultural District. Oenophiles will love the multiple wineries in and near Longview. This idyllic small town is light on crime and heavy on things to do, making it both a great place to raise a family — and settle down in retirement.

11. Lewisville, Texas

• Population: 131,215
• Share of population 65+: 8.30%
• Average household income: $71,953
• Median home price: $254,600
• Median rent price: $1,308
• Poverty rate: 9.60%

Situated in Northern Texas, Lewisville has some of the best outdoor recreation for retirees. Just to the north is the massic Lewisville Lake, offering plenty of boating and fishing opportunities along its 233 miles of shoreline. You’ll find several pristine golf courses on or near the water and can enjoy days of shopping and dining in the thriving Old Town. Plus, this charming, historic area is only 30 minutes north of Dallas, with access to some of the best medical facilities in the state. It’s even closer to the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport—perfect for retirees who enjoy travel.

10. Abilene, Texas

• Population: 127,385
• Share of population 65+: 13.30%
• Average household income: $54,493
• Median home price: $137,800
• Median rent price: $961
• Poverty rate: 15.40%

Abilene offers plenty to do in retirement, including a walkable downtown district, an exciting zoo, live music venues, and plenty of museums, restaurants, and boutique shops. The cost of living is notably lower here than in many other parts of Texas, and there’s a larger share of the population who are 65 or older. Abilene also has a number of medical centers, with a high number of doctors per capita.

9. Fort Worth, Texas

• Population: 956,709
• Share of population 65+: 9.90%
• Average household income: $67,927
• Median home price: $212,300
• Median rent price: $1,187
• Poverty rate: 13.40%

Dallas can feel too overwhelming, given its size, but you can still get that big-city feel in nearby Fort Worth. You’ll have easy access to the airport for travel in retirement, as well as some of the best medical facilities in the Lone Star State. The cost of living in Fort Worth is more manageable than Dallas, and the city has a thriving arts and culture scene, beautiful botanical gardens, and plenty of green golf courses. Plus, Fort Worth hosts an annual Food + Wine Festival, where retirees can enjoy a wide range of great dishes and drinks.

8. Grand Prairie, Texas

• Population: 201,843
• Share of population 65+: 10.00%
• Average household income: $73,352
• Median home price: $203,600
• Median rent price: $1,243
• Poverty rate: 11.50%

Retirees with visiting grandkids will especially love Grand Prairie, as the city is located conveniently near Six Flags Over Texas, Epic Waters Indoor Water Park, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! But Grand Prairie is more than just a place for grandparents to spoil their grandchildren; the city is home to several bowling facilities, golf courses, parks, farmer’s markets, and delicious restaurants, plus close access to boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities on Mountain Creek Lake and Joe Pool Lake.

7. Denton, Texas

• Population: 150,353
• Share of population 65+: 11.20%
• Average household income: $65,168
• Median home price: $257,500
• Median rent price: $1,164
• Poverty rate: 15.80%

Denton, Texas, is ideal for retirees who lead an active, outdoor lifestyle, with easy access to Ray Roberts Lake State Park and Lewisville Lake. Golfing, fishing, and outdoor trails abound. The city also has a healthy population of seniors 65 and older and is located conveniently close to Dallas, with access to the airport and medical facilities of this larger city—yet Denton maintains that more laid-back small-town vibe.

6. Plano, Texas

• Population: 289,547
• Share of population 65+: 13.20%
• Average household income: $99,729
• Median home price: $358,100
• Median rent price: $1,541
• Poverty rate: 6.70%

Plano is one of the best spots in Texas—and all of the U.S.—for senior care and affordability. Retirees who want access to an active lifestyle, a fast-paced city with low crime rates, and a high number of medical facilities per capita (almost four per 1,000 residents) will be happy here. Housing is admittedly costly in Plano, but retirees who can afford it will appreciate the abundant amenities in the city.

5. Tyler, Texas

• Population: 109,286
• Share of population 65+: 15.60%
• Average household income: $58,385
• Median home price: $170,100
• Median rent price: $1,021
• Poverty rate: 14.90%

Tyler is a popular Texas city for retirement, as evidenced by the 15.6% share of the population aged 65 or older. Tyler is farther from major cities, giving it a more laid-back, quaint vibe. It has a low crime rate and low cost of living, plus plenty for seniors to do to stay active—from golf and bowling to fishing and boating to tennis and health clubs. Tyler also has a stunning Rose Garden and Museum, a thriving arts scene, and a large number of medical facilities.

4. League City, Texas

• Population: 115,418
• Share of population 65+: 10.90%
• Average household income: $47,732
• Median home price: $274,000
• Median rent price: $1,464
• Poverty rate: 5.70%

Just minutes away from Trinity Bay and Galveston Bay, League City is perfect for retirees who want to be on the water. Fresh seafood, great boating opportunities, and stunning views make this an ideal spot in Texas to retire. Plus, retirees aren’t far from Galveston, which is teeming with even more to do to stay active in retirement. That also means easy access to medical facilities and transportation options for travel around the globe.

3. Round Rock, Texas

• Population: 126,697
• Share of population 65+: 9.50%
• Average household income: $86,587
• Median home price: $281,500
• Median rent price: $1,413
• Poverty rate: 6.80%

Round Rock, Texas, is slightly north of Austin, giving retirees a peaceful suburban experience, just a stone’s throw from the lively arts, music, and food scene awaiting in the state’s capital. Round Rock has become increasingly popular with retirees in recent years, thanks to its high quality of life, low crime rate, and low cost of living. Round Rock offers ample golf courses, parks, and outdoor trails to be active, as well as the Allen R. Baca Center for seniors who want to stay engaged with their community.

2. Pearland, Texas

• Population: 126,949
• Share of population 65+: 10.90%
• Average household income: $107,941
• Median home price: $271,600
• Median rent price: $1,505
• Poverty rate: 2.80%

Pearland, Texas, is attractive to retirees for a number of reasons. It has a low poverty rate and cost of living, it’s ideally located near the gulf, and it has a burgeoning population of like-minded seniors. You’ll find plenty to do in Pearland during retirement, including a wide range of water activities (such as boating and fishing), golfing, and a thriving arts scene. Pearland offers a number of planned communities for seniors and is conveniently located just south of Houston, meaning retirees have easy access to the city’s lineup of restaurants, medical facilities, and live entertainment.

1. McKinney, Texas

• Population: 207,507
• Share of population 65+: 10.10%
• Average household income: $106,437
• Median home price: $349,600
• Median rent price: $1,535
• Poverty rate: 6.60%

Retirement Living has determined that McKinney is the best city to retire in Texas. McKinney has a strong reputation as a happy, healthy community, with plenty to do, including a vibrant, historic downtown; several museums and parks; and a wide range of spas and medical centers. This north Texas city has a low cost of living and crime rate and offers great entertainment and dining options. Retirees who enjoy the outdoors will find plenty of small lakes, rivers, hiking trails, and green spaces to explore, and the city is dotted with planned communities designed with seniors in mind.

Ready to Retire in Texas?

Planning your retirement—including where you’ll move to if relocating—can be stressful. If you’ve decided on Texas but aren’t sure how to choose a spot or what to keep in mind as you navigate this next phase, we recommend working with a financial advisor near you. They can help you with everything from pension payouts to life insurance to taxes in retirement.