In this article, we will take a look at the 5 best places to retire in Texas. If you wish to check out more places as well as our detailed analysis of the benefits of retiring in Texas, head over to the 15 Best Places to Retire in Texas.
5. Junction
Insider Monkey Score: 30
Retirees who live in Junction, Texas, like it for its small town charm and laid back lifestyle. The environment is very peaceful, the downtown area is quaint, and most of the stores are locally-owned. Residents can enjoy the scenic views near Rio Grande and the rolling hills. They can also choose to dine in the various restaurants, or shop at stores and popular chain stores. The people are friendly and welcoming, and the community tends to be close-knit considering the low population. Costs of living are 30% lower than the national average and overall, it is a great place to live.
4. Killeen
Insider Monkey Score: 32
Known for its strong military culture, Killeen, Texas, is a wonderful place for retirement. Its considered one of the best places to retire in Texas. Retirees coming from a military background will love retiring here with a supportive network and resources. Many attractions make it a desirable place for retirees, but the main factors are the low cost of living and a good livability index. Average housing prices hover around $240,000, which make it pretty affordable to live here too.
3. Alpine
Insider Monkey Score: 32
Retirees who love the outdoors yet prefer a small-town, laid-back lifestyle can choose to retire in Alpine, Texas. The area offers a strong, close-knit community bursting with history and culture. Located in the heart of Chihuahuan Desert, the city offers beautiful natural surroundings. The plentiful mountains and deserts are the perfect opportunity for residents to enjoy birdwatching, rock climbing, and other recreational opportunities. Sierra La Rana is a gated community that retirees can consider, which offers plentiful amenities as well as proximity to the Big Bend Regional Hospital. Cost of living is 16% cheaper than national average while livability score is also great, at 82.
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.
1. McAllen
Insider Monkey Score: 43
McAllen tops our list of the best places to retire in Texas. Low cost of living, high livability, affordable housing, as well as a low crime rate make it an all-rounder retirement destination. The vibrant metro area also boasts year-round sunshine, tropical climate, and 80 degree winters. Moreover, cost of living is 21% cheaper than the national average and livability score is an 84 out of a 100. As of May 2023, median home prices in the city were $271,000. There are plenty of amenities to enjoy too; such as museums, bird watching at Quinta Mazatlan, galleries, public libraries, and also the McAllen Convention Center.
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