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Texas has become a popular retirement destination, and it’s not hard to see why. From affordable home prices to its diverse landscapes, the Lone Star State offers plenty for retirees. Whether you picture yourself in the vast deserts, pine-filled forests, or along the Gulf Coast, Texas has something for everyone.

Key Insights
Amarillo ranks as the best city to retire in Texas, with 15.8% of residents aged 65+ and affordable housing options.
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Brownsville offers the lowest median rent price at $897, making it the most budget-friendly option for retirees on the list.
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Tyler, El Paso, and Wichita Falls stand out for their unique blend of cultural attractions, scenic nature, and affordability, appealing to diverse retirement lifestyles.
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To help you decide where to settle down, we’ve evaluated the largest cities across Texas, focusing on factors that matter most to retirees: the percentage of residents aged 65 and older, home and rental affordability, poverty rates, and local taxes.
Whether you prefer an active lifestyle with access to parks or a peaceful retreat, these 10 cities stand out as some of the best options for retirement in Texas.
If you’re still exploring retirement options beyond Texas, check out our list of The Best Cities To Retire in 2024 and the 4 Best Places To Retire In The U.S.
Top 10 Best Cities to Retire in Texas
What makes these Texas cities stand out for retirees? It’s the perfect mix of affordable living, outdoor adventures, and rich cultural experiences—there’s truly something for every kind of lifestyle
Here’s how the top 10 cities for retirement in Texas compare:
1. Amarillo, Texas

- Share of population 65+: 15.8%
- Median home sale price: $232,500
- Median rent price: $1,002
- Poverty rate: 13.3%
- Sales tax: 8.3%
Amarillo, Texas, combines its rich cowboy heritage with affordable living, making it a top choice for retirees. With 15.8% of the population 65+, it’s a welcoming community for seniors. Nature lovers can explore Palo Duro Canyon, while history buffs will enjoy Cadillac Ranch. With median home prices at $232,500 and rents around $1,002, Amarillo offers a budget-friendly, active lifestyle.
2. Beaumont, Texas

- Share of population 65+: 17.6%
- Median home sale price: $240,400
- Median rent price: $1,115
- Poverty rate: 18.9%
- Sales tax: 8.3%
Located in the “Golden Triangle” of Southeast Texas, Beaumont offers a small-town feel, with the convenience of being just a short drive from major cities like Houston, Austin, and Dallas—opening the door to a wealth of amenities. Median home prices are $240,400, and median rent is $1,115, making Beaumont an affordable and comfortable place to call home.
3. Wichita Falls, Texas

- Share of population 65+: 15.8%
- Median home sale price: $199,900
- Median rent price: $977
- Poverty rate: 17.6%
- Sales tax: 8.3%
Located near the Oklahoma border in North Texas, Wichita Falls is a perfect city for retirees who enjoy a laid-back lifestyle. Housing here is among the most affordable, with median rent at just $977 and median home prices at $199,900. If you’re looking for something to do, the city offers plenty of attractions like the Wichita Falls Museum of Art and the Museum of North Texas History.
4. Abilene, Texas

- Share of population 65+: 14.9%
- Median home sale price: $230,500
- Median rent price: $1,268
- Poverty rate: 14.2%
- Sales tax: 8.3%
Abilene, Texas, combines traditional Texan charm with a fresh, modern vibe. With parks, sports facilities, and cultural attractions like the Abilene Zoo and the Grace Museum, there’s plenty to explore. The cost of living is another major draw, with median rent at just $1,268 and median home prices at $230,500—ideal for retirees looking to make the most of their savings.
5. Corpus Christi, Texas

- Share of population 65+: 15.8%
- Median home sale price: $259,000
- Median rent price: $1,277
- Poverty rate: 16.9%
- Sales tax: 8.3%
Dreaming of coastal retirement? Corpus Christi offers beautiful beaches at a price that won’t break the bank. With a median rent of $1,277 and a median home price of $259,000, it’s an affordable place to enjoy life by the water. Take in stunning waterfront views and nature escapes like the Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve and South Texas Botanical Gardens—without the high cost of most coastal cities.
6. El Paso, Texas

- Share of population 65+: 15.1%
- Median home sale price: $254,974
- Median rent price: $1,122
- Poverty rate: 18%
- Sales tax: 8.3%
Nestled along the border with Mexico, El Paso, Texas, is rich in culture and offers a low cost of living. Median rent is $1,122, and median home prices are around $254,974, making it appealing to retirees on a budget. About 15.1% of the population is 65 and older, contributing to a strong, senior-friendly community.
7. Mesquite, Texas

- Share of population 65+: 13.1%
- Median home sale price: $290,000
- Median rent price: $1,487
- Poverty rate: 15.2%
- Sales tax: 7.3%
Mesquite, Texas, offers a mix of small-town charm and urban ease. Enjoy lively attractions like the Mesquite Championship Rodeo, Mesquite Golf Club, and a thriving arts scene. Median home prices are $290,000, and median rent is $1,487, offering a budget-friendly option for older adults.
8. Brownsville, Texas

- Share of population 65+: 13.9%
- Median home sale price: $224,950
- Median rent price: $897
- Poverty rate: 22.7%
- Sales tax: 8.3%
Located in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley, Beaumont offers affordability and convenience, with the essentials just minutes away. Known for its culture and history, Brownsville stands out with the lowest median rent on our list at just $897—an excellent choice for budget-conscious retirees.
9. Tyler, Texas

- Share of population 65+: 15.1%
- Median home sale price: $314,950
- Median rent price: $1,385
- Poverty rate: 12.1%
- Sales tax: 8.3%
Known as the “Rose Capital of America,” Tyler is a gorgeous town offering a high quality of life. Popular outdoor spots include the Rose Rudman Recreational Trail, Faulkner Park Nature Trail, and Tyler State Park. If you’re looking for a place with natural beauty, mild weather, and a tight-knit community, Tyler should be at the top of your retirement list.
10. McAllen, Texas

- Share of population 65+: 13.5%
- Median home sale price:$255,000
- Median rent price: $1,016
- Poverty rate: 20.4%
- Sales tax: 8.3%
As the retail hub of southern Texas and northern Mexico, McAllen offers great shopping, while its walkable downtown makes getting around a breeze. Offering a median rent of $1,016 and a median home price of $255,000, it’s an affordable option for retirees.
See Where Your Texas City Ranked for Retirement
Didn’t see your city? Below is a ranking of the top 25 Texas cities we compared to find the best places for retirement.
Methodology
To identify the best cities for retirement in Texas, we evaluated cities with populations over 100,000. Our analysis focused on key factors that are most relevant to retirees, using metrics carefully weighted to reflect their importance in the decision-making process.
We collected data from reliable sources to ensure accuracy and relevance. Population statistics, median rent, and poverty rates were taken from the 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Median home sale prices were sourced from Redfin (as of October 2024), and sales tax rates came from Texas Comptroller.
Here’s how each factor contributed to the overall rankings:
- Percentage of residents aged 65 and older: 30%
- Median home sale price: 20%
- Median monthly rent: 20%
- Poverty rate: 20%
- Sales tax rate: 10%
Reference policy
If you found this information helpful, feel free to share it for non-commercial purposes. We kindly ask that you include a link back to this page when sharing to give proper credit.
Sources
- 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates
- Redfin
- Texas Comptroller