This article takes a look at the 12 best places to retire in Houston.
Houston Housing Market
Redfin Corporation (NASDAQ:RDFN) reports the median price of a home in Houston to be $360,000; up 3.7% since last year. According to the real estate company, the housing market in the region is somewhat competitive, with average homes selling 2% below the list price. Redfin Corporation (NASDAQ:RDFN) is a Seattle-based residential real estate brokerage and mortgage origination services. The company operates in more than 100 markets in the United States as well as Canada. In Q1 2024, the company generated a revenue of $225.5 million, a 5% increase from the year-ago period. This is a considerable win for the company considering the business has been operating in the wake of soaring interest rates and declining home sales. Meanwhile, the management of Redfin is also predicting $2 million in positive EBITDA in the current second quarter (ending June 30), as well as a positive full-year result. Wall Street is currently forecasting two interest rate cuts from the Fed by the end of 2024. With interest rate cuts in speculation, there might be an increased activity from home-buyers in turn benefiting the company.
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Zillow notes that housing markets that have “long been hot” such as that of Houston, will comparatively cool down in 2024. Rightly so, those in Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio have been slipping since last year. In another study conducted by Smart Asset, Houston has made it to the list of top 10 Where Retirees Are Moving – 2024 Study. Whether or not Houston is in demand or not, the one thing that is established is that Houston is a good place to retire for senior residents.
There are many pros of retiring to Houston. For example, it lies in the state of Texas, one of the most tax-friendly states to retire to. The state doesn’t have an income tax, which is why all retirement income in the state goes tax-free to retirees. Houston in particular is also recognized for its affordable cost of living. The cost of living index for Houston is 96, which indicates that living expenses in the area are 4% lower than the national average. Warm weather is another reason senior residents prefer living in the area. There is a thriving arts and music scene, numerous incredible restaurants, and lots of senior-friendly amenities and activities to do.
However, when looking for a home in Houston, it’s wise to do some homework on neighborhoods that have a historically low risk of flooding. The latest risk to the area is Tropical Storm Beryl, the first-ever storm to reach Category 4 in June that has weakened to a tropical storm after passing over Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Flood risks like these mean that residents should be wary of houses they choose to live in, ensure thorough research on flood zones and invest in appropriate flood insurance. The key is to look for best places to live in Houston without flooding, such as the neighborhoods of Briargrove and Houston Heights. Despite its risk of floods, Houston remains a desirable place to live due to its diverse culture, strong job market, and vibrant arts scene. The city’s resilience and ongoing flood mitigation efforts further enhance its appeal for residents.
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Methodology
To compile the list of best places to retire in Houston, we began by rounding up a list of suburbs and destinations within the Houston metropolitan area. Next, we used various websites and forums to garner consensus on the best places to retire, awarding 1 point to a destination to a place each time it was recommended by a source. Scores were summed and places were ranked based on their total scores.
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12. Bellaire
Insider Monkey Score: 6
IM Cost of Living Index: 140
Median Home Price: $1.1 Million
Median Rent: $1,815
Situated within the Harris County section of the Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown metropolitan area, Bellaire is the ideal retirement hotspot for those with fat nest eggs. This is because the cost of living here is 40% higher than the national average. The “City of Homes” is known to be exclusively residential, and is one of the best areas in Houston to live with family. The city maintains abundant municipal parks, while major attractions such as the Bellaire Town Square Family Aquatic Center and the Evergreen and Elaine Wood Therapy Pools makes it all the more welcoming for retirees. There are plenty of churches, schools, and childcare options available for those who choose to live with their families. Living in the city offers residents the chance to live a secluded lifestyle with a small-town vibe, all while staying close to the action in Houston.
11. Humble
Insider Monkey Score: 7
IM Cost of Living Index: 92.5
Median Home Price: $250,000
Median Rent: $1,545
For those who can’t afford the affluent city of Bellaire, Humble may be the right destination for your golden years. The cost of living in this city is 7.5% lower than the national average, and home prices are also lower than the national median. Embraced by lush greenery, abundant walking trails, and mesmerizing views, Humble rivals any serene retirement destination a retiree can hope for. Some attractions in Humble include Mercer Botanic Gardens and Jesse Jones Park & Nature Center. The area also offers plenty of golf courses, restaurants, shops, boutiques, hospitals, as well as clinics. Two main hospitals serving the area are the Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital and HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood.
10. Richmond
Insider Monkey Score: 8
IM Cost of Living Index: 103
Median Home Price: $435,000
Median Rent: $1,745
Next on our list of best places to retire in Houston is Richmond. Situated in the Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land metropolitan area, it is a suburb of Houston that is home to approximately 11,627 people. Retirees will love Richmond for its small-town charm, historical sites, bustling shopping centers, and beautiful neighborhoods. Richmond is also comparatively affordable to live in, with a cost of living 3% higher than the national average and median rents around $1,745. Events and attractions make Richmond all the more appealing for everyone, such as Art in the Bend festival, golf courses, and even local breweries.
9. Tomball
Insider Monkey Score: 10
IM Cost of Living Index: 98.0
Median Home Price: $389,000
Median Rent: $1,480
Situated in Harris County which is part of the Houston metropolitan area, Tomball is one of the best suburbs in Houston. Quaint and charming, the city boasts several shops, boutiques, museums, antique stores, and much more. Retirees can enjoy a good meal at one of the locally owned restaurants downtown, visit the Farmers market, enjoy the outdoors at Burroughs Park with its scenic trails and fishing lakes, or even some live music at the Main Street Crossing. Tomball is quite affordable to live in as well, with cost of living 2% lower than the national average. Median home price is lower than the national median, while the median rent for all property types and bedrooms is $1,480.
8. Cypress
Insider Monkey Score: 11
IM Cost of Living Index: 101.1
Median Home Price: $460,000
Median Rent: $1,760
Cypress is an unincorporated community of Harris County which is located in the U.S. state of Texas within the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan area. This ideal retirement destination is best known for its blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. The community boasts excellent healthcare facilities, ensuring retirees have access to top-notch medical care. There are numerous parks, golf courses, and recreational activities, and plenty of opportunities to stay active and engaged. Its proximity to Houston provides access to cultural events, shopping, and dining while maintaining a peaceful suburban vibe. Homes can be bought for a median price of $460,000, while the median rent for all property types and bedrooms is $1,760. Overall, Cypress combines the best of both worlds for a fulfilling and comfortable retirement.
7. Cinco Ranch
Insider Monkey Score: 12
IM Cost of Living Index: 117.5
Median Home Price: $586,000
Median Rent: $1,947
Cinco Ranch is a master-planned community located in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of Houston within Fort Bend and Harris counties in Texas. Similar to Bellaire, Cinco Ranch is an upscale area boasting a reputable community, good schools, and abundant amenities. There are miles of walking trails, scenic lakes, and beautiful parks that add to the beauty of retiring here. Residents also have access to top-notch healthcare facilities, abundant shopping and dining, as well as numerous recreational activities. The cost of living here is 17.5% higher than the national average, and median rents for all property types is $1,947 as per Zumper.
6. Friendswood
Insider Monkey Score: 13
IM Cost of Living Index: 85
Median Home Price: $350,000
Median Rent: $1,772
Part of the Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land metropolitan area, Friendswood is home to an estimated 40,000 people. Retirees can enjoy a good quality of life here in the city, enjoying amenities and abundant recreational activities in the process. The city has also been declared one of the safest in the state, making it all the more appealing for seniors. The median price of a home is around $350,000, well below the national median. Moreover, median rent for all property types in the city is $1,772.
5. Seabrook
Insider Monkey Score: 14
IM Cost of Living Index: 104.5
Median Home Price: $325,000
Median Rent: $1,361
Next on our list of best places to retire in Houston is Seabrook, a city in Harris County in Texas. Seabrook is famous amongst retirees for its southern coastal lifestyle, with residents spending much of their time making memories along Clear Lake and Galveston Bay. There is access to Taylor Lake and Trinity Bay, making Seabrook a beach lover’s paradise. Waterfront properties are much more affordable than many other areas in the US, and overall cost of living is 4.5% higher than the national average. For those looking to rent, the median rent for all bedrooms and property types is $1,361.