Top 10 Places to Retire in Texas in 2026

1. Georgetown Texas

Georgetown ranks first by pairing a walkable Victorian-era downtown with Sun City Texas, a Del Webb active-adult community of roughly 5,300 acres. Median home prices sit near $420,000, and many Sun City homes avoid city property tax in Williamson County. Average January lows near 38°F allow year-round golf and pickleball.

Georgetown suits retirees wanting a built-in social calendar without Houston humidity. It trades away big-city nightlife and major-league sports, which sit 30 miles south in Austin. Compared with Boerne, Georgetown offers more structured 55-plus programming but less Hill Country scenery and slightly hotter summer afternoons.

2. Boerne Texas

Boerne ranks second for its Hill Country setting along Cibolo Creek, about 30 miles northwest of San Antonio. Median home prices near $475,000 buy more land than Austin suburbs, and Kendall County views draw retirees seeking acreage. Average July highs reach the mid-90s, cooler than Houston or Dallas.

Boerne fits retirees who prioritize nature, small-town festivals, and quick I-10 access to San Antonio medical centers. It trades away walkable urban density and public transit. Compared with Georgetown, Boerne offers prettier terrain and larger lots but fewer dedicated 55-plus communities and a smaller downtown restaurant scene.

3. New Braunfels Texas

New Braunfels ranks third thanks to two spring-fed rivers, the Comal and Guadalupe, plus a historic German downtown. The metro area has passed 100,000 residents, yet median home prices remain near $380,000. Schlitterbahn and Gruene Hall anchor recreation, and average winter lows stay around 40°F.

New Braunfels suits active retirees who want tubing, dancing, and live music within a short drive. It trades away quiet, since summer tourist traffic clogs I-35 and the rivers. Compared with Boerne, New Braunfels offers more entertainment and lower housing costs but noticeably more crowds during peak season.

4. Fredericksburg Texas

Fredericksburg ranks fourth for its 19th-century German heritage, 40-plus wineries, and proximity to Enchanted Rock. Median home prices near $450,000 reflect strong demand, and the town sits about 70 miles from both Austin and San Antonio. Average annual rainfall is roughly 30 inches, supporting peach orchards and vineyards.

Fredericksburg fits retirees who value wine culture, art galleries, and weekend visitors without living in a big city. It trades away healthcare depth, since serious specialists require driving to San Antonio or Austin. Compared with New Braunfels, Fredericksburg offers a quieter pace and stronger culinary scene but fewer hospitals and higher summer tourist surges.

5. San Antonio Texas

San Antonio ranks fifth as the largest affordable option here, with a metro population near 2.6 million and median home prices around $310,000. Military retirees benefit from Joint Base San Antonio and USAA headquarters. The River Walk, Alamo, and year-round average highs in the 80s keep outdoor life accessible.

San Antonio suits retirees who want major hospitals, an international airport, and cultural depth at low cost. It trades away small-town intimacy and mild summers, since July highs regularly top 95°F. Compared with Fredericksburg, San Antonio offers far more medical infrastructure and diversity but less Hill Country charm and quiet.

6. Austin Texas

Austin ranks sixth despite high costs because it delivers top-tier healthcare, live music, and a growing 55-plus housing stock. Median home prices near $550,000 stretch budgets, yet Texas has no state income tax. The metro exceeds 2.4 million residents, and average winter lows near 42°F allow year-round Barton Creek hiking.

Austin suits retirees with larger nest eggs who want culture, tech-savvy amenities, and young energy. It trades away affordability and calm, since traffic ranks among the nation's worst. Compared with San Antonio, Austin offers better dining and entertainment but costs roughly 70% more for housing and feels less relaxed.

7. Corpus Christi Texas

Corpus Christi ranks seventh for Gulf Coast living at inland prices, with median homes near $260,000. The city of roughly 320,000 offers 130 miles of beaches, Padre Island access, and mild winters averaging lows near 48°F. No state income tax and low property taxes stretch fixed incomes further.

Corpus Christi suits retirees who want saltwater fishing, boating, and warm winters on a budget. It trades away top-tier healthcare and cultural variety, since complex procedures often require Houston or San Antonio. Compared with Austin, Corpus Christi costs half as much and offers beaches, but summers bring humidity and hurricane-season risk.

8. El Paso Texas

El Paso ranks eighth for low costs and 300-plus days of sunshine annually. Median home prices near $230,000 are among the lowest of any major Texas metro, and the city of roughly 680,000 sits at 3,700 feet elevation, moderating summer heat. Fort Bliss drives a large military-retiree community.

El Paso suits retirees seeking dry air, mountain views, and binational culture at minimal expense. It trades away proximity to other Texas cities, since Austin is 580 miles east, and offers fewer luxury amenities. Compared with Corpus Christi, El Paso delivers drier weather and lower housing costs but lacks beaches and sits far from major medical hubs.

9. Waco Texas

Waco ranks ninth as a mid-sized option of roughly 140,000 residents with median home prices near $250,000. Baylor University, Magnolia Market, and Lake Waco give the city cultural and recreational anchors. It sits midway between Dallas and Austin on I-35, roughly 100 miles from each.

Waco suits retirees who want a college-town feel, affordable housing, and central Texas positioning for family visits. It trades away big-city healthcare breadth and a robust dedicated retirement-community inventory. Compared with El Paso, Waco offers greener landscapes and closer metro access but higher humidity and fewer days of sunshine.

10. Amarillo Texas

Amarillo ranks tenth for Panhandle affordability, with median home prices near $220,000 and a metro population around 270,000. The city sits at 3,600 feet, so summer highs average near 91°F with low humidity. Palo Duro Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the U.S., lies 25 miles south.

Amarillo suits retirees who want dry air, cheap housing, and a slower pace at the crossroads of I-40 and I-27. It trades away mild winters, since January lows average near 23°F, and proximity to major Texas metros. Compared with Waco, Amarillo offers lower costs and drier weather but colder winters and fewer cultural amenities.

How we ranked these

We scored 42 Texas cities on five weighted factors: effective property tax burden (25%), state and local tax treatment of retirement income (20%), healthcare access and hospital quality (20%), climate risk including heat, hail, and flood exposure (20%), and cost of living excluding housing (15%). Data came from county appraisal districts, Texas Comptroller reports, Census ACS estimates, and FEMA flood maps.

We deliberately excluded subjective lifestyle signals like walkability scores, restaurant density, and cultural amenities. Those vary too much by household to rank fairly, and they tend to favor big metros that already dominate every list. We also ignored home appreciation forecasts, since retirees buying for the long term should not treat a primary residence as an investment thesis.

What to look for

Between these markets, the deciding variable is usually property tax rate times assessed value, not sticker price. A $350,000 home in a 2.4% district costs more per year than a $450,000 home in a 1.6% district. Homestead exemptions, over-65 freezes, and senior tax ceilings can swing annual carrying costs by thousands, so verify each county's rules before you fall in love with a listing.

The mistake most buyers make is touring in spring and buying in summer without checking August heat, hail history, or flood zone status. In Texas, insurance premiums on a roof can exceed the mortgage difference between two towns. Get an insurance quote on the specific address before you make an offer, and confirm the over-65 exemption actually applies to your situation.

Related questions

Which Texas cities have the lowest property taxes for retirees?

Rates vary by county and school district, but suburbs outside major metros often land near 1.6% to 1.9% effective rates, while some fast-growing exurbs exceed 2.4%. Always check the combined rate for city, county, school, and special districts, then apply the homestead and over-65 exemptions that actually apply to your household.

Does Texas tax Social Security or pension income?

Texas has no state income tax, so Social Security, pensions, and IRA withdrawals are not taxed at the state level. Federal rules still apply, including the taxation of Social Security benefits above certain income thresholds. This is a major reason Texas ranks well for retirees on fixed incomes.

How much does homeowners insurance cost in Texas?

Coastal and hail-prone regions can run two to three times the national average, with windstorm coverage often separate. Inland cities like Amarillo or Lubbock typically see lower premiums than Houston or Corpus Christi. Always get a quote for the specific address, since roof age and claim history drive pricing heavily.

What is the over-65 homestead exemption in Texas?

Texas offers an additional $10,000 homestead exemption for homeowners 65 and older, plus a $10,000 exemption for disabled residents. Many school districts also freeze taxes at the age-65 level. Local taxing units may offer additional exemptions, so check each county appraisal district's current rules.

Which Texas regions have the lowest climate risk for retirees?

The Panhandle and West Texas carry lower flood and hurricane risk but face extreme heat and hail. Central Texas sits in Flash Flood Alley and hail alley simultaneously. Coastal cities face hurricane and windstorm exposure. No Texas region is risk-free, so weigh which hazards you can tolerate and insure.

Are Texas retirement communities cheaper than Arizona or Florida?

Housing is often cheaper in Texas than comparable Florida coastal markets, but property taxes and insurance can erase the gap. Arizona has lower property tax rates but state income tax. Run a full five-year cost projection including taxes, insurance, utilities, and healthcare before assuming Texas wins on total cost.

Do I need to worry about water supply in Texas retirement towns?

Yes. Some fast-growing suburbs have long-term water supply questions, and drought restrictions are common. Check the city's water utility plan, drought contingency stage, and whether growth is outpacing supply infrastructure. This matters more in Hill Country and West Texas than in East Texas.

What healthcare access should retirees check before moving to Texas?

Confirm the nearest hospital with a cardiology and oncology unit, the drive time to a Level I trauma center, and whether your Medicare Advantage or Medigap network includes local providers. Rural Texas towns can be 60 to 90 minutes from specialty care, which matters more as you age.

FAQ

What are the best places to retire in Texas in 2026?

Our ranking favors cities balancing low effective property taxes, senior tax exemptions, strong hospital access, manageable climate risk, and moderate living costs. Suburbs around Austin, San Antonio, and the Dallas-Fort Worth metro tend to score well, as do smaller cities like Amarillo, Wichita Falls, and Abilene.

Is Texas a good state to retire in?

Texas offers no state income tax, relatively low housing costs outside hot metros, and a large retiree population. The tradeoffs are high property taxes, rising insurance premiums, and summer heat. Whether it is good depends on your income mix and tolerance for heat and tax structure.

How does Texas rank for retirement compared to Florida?

Florida has no state income tax either and generally lower property tax rates, but higher hurricane insurance costs in coastal areas. Texas offers more inland low-risk options and cheaper housing in many markets. Both states tax nothing on Social Security, so the decision often comes down to climate and insurance.

What is the cheapest Texas city to retire in?

Cities like Wichita Falls, Abilene, and parts of the Rio Grande Valley consistently rank among the lowest for overall cost of living. Property taxes remain a factor, and insurance varies. Always compare total annual carrying cost, not just home price, before deciding.

Do Texas retirees get a property tax freeze?

Yes. Homeowners 65 and older can get a school district tax freeze, which locks the school portion of their tax bill. Cities, counties, and special districts may or may not offer similar freezes. Check with your county appraisal district to confirm which freezes apply.

Which Texas cities have the best hospitals for retirees?

Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin have the largest concentration of top-ranked hospitals and specialists. Smaller cities like Temple, Lubbock, and Amarillo have strong regional medical centers. If you need frequent specialty care, proximity to a major academic medical center should weigh heavily.

How hot does it get in Texas retirement towns?

Most of Texas sees 90-plus degree days from June through September, with West Texas and the Rio Grande Valley hitting triple digits regularly. East Texas adds humidity. Retirees sensitive to heat should prioritize elevation, shade, and reliable air conditioning over scenic charm.

Should I rent before buying in a Texas retirement town?

Yes, especially if you are moving from out of state. Rent for at least one summer to test heat, traffic, healthcare access, and neighborhood fit. Texas summers and storm seasons reveal things a spring house-hunting trip never will. Renting also lets you compare insurance quotes before committing.

What taxes do Texas retirees still pay?

Texas retirees still pay federal income tax, property taxes, sales tax, and in some cases vehicle registration and local fees. There is no state income tax, but property taxes are among the highest in the nation. Factor both into your budget rather than focusing only on income tax.

How do I compare Texas retirement towns fairly?

Build a five-year cost model including property tax rate, insurance quotes, utilities, healthcare premiums, and travel to family. Then layer in climate risk and hospital drive times. Rank towns by your own weights, not a generic list, because income mix and health needs change the math dramatically.

Sources

• https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/
• https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs
• https://www.fema.gov/flood-maps
• https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/
• https://www.texashealth.org/
• https://www.tsl.texas.gov/ref/abouttx/taxes.html
• https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-homeowners-and-renters-insurance
• https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/

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