The second-most populated state in the United States is a retirement utopia. You’ll be able to find some place in Texas, whether you’re looking for better weather, more inexpensive housing, reduced taxes, or fun recreational activities.
According to a recent survey of the 150 largest U.S. metropolitan areas as potential retirement places, several cities in Texas have plenty of job options for retirees wishing to start a second career and top doctors and hospitals that can help manage health concerns.
Data on home affordability, happiness, desirability, retirement taxes, the job market, and access to they included decent health care in the study.
Texas has no state income tax, which is a plus for retirees. We answer a few questions before we delve into the best cities to retire in Texas.
Where Is Texas?
Texas is a state in the United States’ South-Central region. With a total size of 268,596 square miles (695,662 km2) and a population of over 29.1 million people in 2020, it is the second-largest state in the United States in terms of both area and population (after Alaska) (after California).
Texas is bordered on the east by Louisiana, on the northeast by Arkansas, on the north by Oklahoma, on the west by New Mexico, and on the south and southwest by the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas, and on the southeast by the Gulf of Mexico.
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Which Culture Exist in Texas?
A mix of Southern has historically influenced Texas culture (Dixie), Western (frontier), and Southwestern (Mexican/Anglo fusion) factors, with degrees of impact varying from one intrastate region to the next.
The United States Census Bureau places Texas in the Southern United States. The breakfast burrito, a popular cuisine item that combines all three, comprises a soft flour tortilla wrapped around bacon and scrambled eggs or other hot, cooked contents.
Immigration has made Texas a melting pot of cultures from all over the world, adding to the state’s traditional culture developed in the 18th and 19th centuries.
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What is Texas Economy Like?
Texas had a gross state product (GSP) of $2.0 trillion in 2021-Q3, the second-highest in the United States.
Its GDP is higher than Brazil’s, Canada’s, Russia’s, South Korea’s, and Spain’s, which are the world’s ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth largest economies, respectively.
The typical household income in the state is $59,206. Texas has the second-largest economy of any country subdivision in the world, after only California.
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What Are The Advantages Of Moving To Texas?
Advantages
The following are some of the major benefits of relocating to Texas:
- Low cost of living,
- Tax-free income,
- Delicious and diverse cuisine,
- Diverse cities,
- Rich history, and a
- Wide range of employment prospects.
- There are no state income taxes.
- Winter weather is mild.
Texas is also home to some of the world’s largest oil reserves, the NASA space complex, and other internationally recognized attractions.
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Disadvantages
The following are some disadvantages:
- Severe weather is a distinct possibility.
- Property and sales taxes are both extremely high.
- Urbanization’s Consequences
- In some locations, there are high crime rates.
- Access to inexpensive health care is limited.
Best Places to Retire In Texas
Wondering the best place where you can retire in Texas, here is a full list to start with:
1. Beaumont
Beaumont is a city in southeastern Texas, close to the Louisiana border, on the Neches River. Sabine Lake connects to the Gulf of Mexico, making it an excellent place for saltwater fishing.
Beaumont is roughly an hour and a half from Houston, providing retirees with access to big-city attractions and health-care options while maintaining a cheaper cost of living.
The cheap housing expenses in Beaumont make it easier to live comfortably on a little retirement income.
- Population: 395,174
- Share of population age 60+: 21%
- Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,343
- Median monthly rent: $857
2. El Paso
El Paso is one of the most cost-effective retirement destinations in the United States. The median property price in this metro area is among the lowest in the country.
This city in western Texas is located just over the Rio Grande from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. The Franklin Mountains State Park, which spans 26,627 acres and is entirely within the city limits of El Paso, is the country’s largest urban park.
Thousands of years, ancient pictographs and petroglyphs created by Native Americans may be seen.
- Population: 840,477
- Share of population age 60+: 17%
- Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,235
- Median monthly rent: $837
3. McAllen
The McAllen metro region, which includes the cities of Edinburg and Mission, is on Texas’ southernmost tip.
Housing is frequently affordable with a small retirement income. McAllen is the country’s only significant metro area where the average home costs less than $100,000.
Snowbird retirees flock to McAllen because of the affordable housing and moderate winter weather.
McAllen also features a World Birding Center at Quinta Mazatlan, a historic rural house, which makes it a suitable retirement destination for birdwatchers.
- 855,176 people live in the city.
- 15 percent of the population is over the age of 60.
- The average monthly mortgage payment is $1,149.
- The average monthly rent is $734.
4. Corpus Christi
Many retirees flock to Corpus Christi because of the laid-back atmosphere and affordable housing. This beachfront town along the Gulf of Mexico is an affordable spot to retire.
Padre Island National Seashore offers a 70-mile stretch of unspoilt coastline where visitors can relax and enjoy the sand, sun, and animals.
The Texas State Aquarium, the USS Lexington, and the South Texas Botanical Garden and Nature Center are all places where retirees can visit or volunteer.
- The population is 428,548 people.
- 20 percent of the population is over the age of 60.
- The average monthly mortgage payment is $1,502.
- $1,014 is the average monthly rent.
5. Houston
Houston is the United States’ fourth largest city. Also, Houston, in eastern Texas near the Gulf of Mexico, has a museum area and a theater district that provides seniors lots of choices for recreation and volunteerism.
The Best Hospitals Honor Roll lists Houston Methodist Hospital as one of the best. There are several universities in the vicinity, including the University of Houston and Rice University, where seniors 65 and older can audit classes for free.
Houston has much lower housing expenses than similar-sized cities in other states.
- 6,884,138 people live in the city.
- 16 percent of the population is over the age of 60.
- The average monthly mortgage payment is $1,738.
- $1,101 is the average monthly rent.
6. Dallas
According to the Census Bureau, Dallas and neighboring Fort Worth have been quickly gaining new people for the past decade.
Relocation is inexpensive because of the low housing expenses. Baylor University Medical Center and UT Southwestern Medical Center are two major health-care providers in the area.
The Cowboys, Mavericks, Rangers, and Stars are just a few of the professional teams to root for, while those interested in the arts can volunteer and attend social events at the city’s various museums.
- 7,320,663 people live in the city.
- 16 percent of the population is over the age of 60.
- The average monthly mortgage payment is $1,758.
- $1,139 is the average monthly rent.
7. Port Arthur
Port Arthur is a fun seaside town and the best place to retire in Texas!
The vibrant culture of Port Arthur, combined with the cheap median house price, makes it ideal for active adults on a fixed income.
If you want to retire to the beach but don’t want to deal with gators, Port A has all the advantages of a Florida retirement without the enormous reptiles or the exorbitant expense of living!
- 12.7 percent of the population is above the age of 65.
- $65,800 is the median home value.
- The number of violent crimes committed in the previous year was 344.
- Property Crimes in the Most Recent Year: 1,203
- Three hospitals are within one mile of the city.
8. San Antonio
San Antonio is one of the most rapidly rising cities in the United States. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the metro area grew by 107,218 people in the last decade.
Methodist Hospital-San Antonio provides medical services. For those on a tight budget, San Antonio might be the perfect spot to retire.
Retirees can enjoy the picturesque beauty of the Texas Hill Country without having to worry about excessive housing costs.
In 2015, UNESCO designated the San Antonio Missions, including the Alamo, as a World Heritage Site.
- 2,468,193 people live in the city.
- 18% of the population is over the age of 60.
- The average monthly mortgage payment is $1,505.
- $1,024 is the average monthly rent.
9. Weslaco
Weslaco is yet another lovely Rio Grande Valley village. Because of Weslaco’s historic downtown and several parks, it is one of the greatest Texas communities for seniors.
Parks like Estero Llano Grande State Park allow you to take part in a variety of activities even in your senior years.
- 13.7 percent of the population is over the age of 65.
- The average home is worth $83,900.
- Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 155 in the most recent year
- Property Crimes in the Most Recent Year: 1,528
- The number of hospitals within a one-mile radius of the city is ten.
10. Harlingen
Harlingen, Texas is the state’s fourth best city for retirees. The Lower Rio Grande National Wildlife Refuge and Hugh Ramsey Nature Park are two of the several parks in the area.
They highlight the Valley’s magnificent wetlands while also providing active adults with various locations to explore, ensuring that you never run out of things to do.
- 15.1 percent of the population is over 65 years old.
- $87,500 is the median home value.
- Annual Number of Violent Crimes in the U.S.: 274
- Property Crimes in the Most Recent Year: 3,155
- Within a one-mile radius of the city, there are seven hospitals.
11. San Juan
San Juan is another beautiful Rio Grande Valley community.
If you’re looking for a quiet suburban retirement, San Juan is the place to be.
For persons on a fixed income, the community’s health and low cost of living are extra benefits.
- 9.9% of the population is over the age of 65.
- $90,300 is the median home value.
- Number of violent crimes committed in the previous year: 173
- Property Crimes in the Most Recent Year: 858
- Six hospitals are within one mile of the city.
12. Brownsville
Begin your journey in Brownsville! This city in the south offers a gorgeous coast, old architecture, and a vibrant culture.
Exploring historic buildings, spending a day on the beach watching dolphins, and visiting all of Brownsville’s parks and wildlife centers are all options for retirees.
- 12 percent of the population is over 65 years old.
- $90,000 is the median home value.
- The number of violent crimes committed in the previous year was 846.
- Property Crimes in the Most Recent Year: 4,774
- Six hospitals are within one mile of the city. Are you on the lookout for your next adventure?
13. Austin
Many individuals, even retirees, flock to Austin because of its hot employment market and unique, eccentric culture.
The University of Texas—Austin is in this state capital city, and seniors 65 and above can take up to six tuition-free credit hours per semester.
Apple, Dell, and IBM, among others, have offices in the neighborhood. St. David’s Medical Center and Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin are two major health-care providers in Austin.
Although housing in Austin is more expensive than in many other parts of Texas, seniors moving from more expensive places with equal amenities may save money.
- 2,114,441 people live in the city.
- 16 percent of the population is over the age of 60.
- The average monthly mortgage payment is $1,909.
- $1,273 is the average monthly rent.
14. Del Rio
Del Rio is a lovely city on the Rio Grande’s banks, as well as a safe and busy retirement community.
Moore Park and San Felipe Springs, for example, are great places to get out and enjoy nature.
You may also unwind at the Val Verde Winery, a laid-back hangout for good times with excellent people.
- 14.9 percent of the population is above the age of 65
- The average home is worth $100,600
- Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 38 in the most recent year
- Number of Hospitals within One Mile of the City: 1 Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 610
15. Wichita Falls
Wichita Falls is a picturesque community on the banks of the Red River in Northern Texas.
It’s ideal for energetic folks who want to enjoy the outdoors: retirees adore the parks along Lake Wichita’s shores.
The World’s Smallest Skyscraper, the Museum of North Texas History, the Wichita Falls Museum of Art at Midwestern State University, the Wichita RailRoad Museum, and the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum are all in Wichita Falls.
- 13.5 percent of the population is over 65 years old
- The average home is worth $102,400
- Number of violent crimes committed in the previous year: 364
- Property Crimes in the Most Recent Year: 3,183
- Within a mile of the city, there are 5 hospitals.
16. Haltom City
Retired people who desire to live in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area may want to consider Haltom City as their new home.
This city offers many benefits to seniors, combining a low cost of living, convenient access to Downtown Dallas, and a safe and private suburban living environment to create the town that many retirees call home.
- 9.9% of the population is over the age of 65.
- $111,300 is the median home value.
- Number of violent crimes committed in the previous year: 126
- Property Crimes in the Most Recent Year: 1,173
- There are 37 hospitals within a mile of the city.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, Texas is a fantastic place to retire! If you like the concept of cheap taxes and a low cost of living, Texas can help you stretch your fixed-income further. In prosperous Texas towns like Houston and Dallas, retirees can also enjoy warm winters and fascinating cultural possibilities.
A property tax deferment or exemption for their primary house is available to retirees over the age of 65 or a surviving spouse who is at least 55 years old.
They can defer property taxes for principal residences for anyone over the age of 65.
In a normal year, you can expect snow in Texas throughout the winter, however, it will be far less than in other northern states. The average snowfall is 0.1 inch, and it normally melts in a few days, so there isn’t much of a problem.
Conclusion
Retirees would love pleasant winters, beaches, and a low cost of living, which is why any of the cities or towns in Texas make it to the list as the best places to retire in Texas.
You won’t be making the wrong decision about a place to retire.
References
- https://www.newhomesource.com/learn/best-places-to-retire-in-texas/
- https://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/baby-boomers/slideshows/best-places-to-retire-in-texas
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