5 Best Places to Retire in Texas

2. Brownsville

Insider Monkey Score: 35

Plentiful seafood, beautiful beaches, and occasional festivals in town make Brownsville, Texas, an ideal place to retire. The cultural scene is vibrant and diverse too, considering the city’s proximity to the Mexican border. Moreover, the cost of living is 26% lower than the national average, which means retirees can live easily even on social security. Housing is also affordable. Median home prices, as of May 2023, were $285,000. The livability index is 80, which makes Brownsville a very safe and pleasant city to live in. Locals can enjoy activities on the beach, hike through the Resaca de la Palma State Park, or explore wildlife at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.