10 Best Texas Towns For Retirees
Texas is a varied state that suits retirees no matter what they want. Fredericksburg is full of history, with the National Museum of the Pacific War and other institutions that bring the past to life. Brenham hosts one of the oldest festivals in Texas to celebrate its German heritage. Whatever you want to do in retirement, one of these peaceful and beautiful towns will fit.
Kerrville
Sitting on the shores of the Guadalupe River is the beautiful town of Kerrville, one of the best retirement destinations in Texas' Hill Country. The town has a friendly reputation and plenty to do, especially during its big festival. The Kerrville Folk Festival is one of the oldest outdoor music festivals still going in the United States, and it draws thousands from across the state and the country.
Of course, there's plenty to do in town when it isn't festival week, which is what makes Kerrville such a popular retirement community. The Louise Hays Park is the perfect place to get some exercise walking, enjoy the river, or meet some of your friends and neighbors. The town regularly hosts events in the park at the open-air stage, and the relaxing environment is perfect for a lazy, retired day. And Kerrville has a strong art scene, which you can see at the Museum of Western Art. The collection focuses on early settlers and Native Americans to bring those long-gone days to life.
Wimberley
Wimberley, another town in Hill Country, is where the beauty of nature meets the beauty of art and culture. Jacob's Well Natural Area demonstrates that beauty perfectly. The nature preserve offers extensive walking trails and picnic areas, making it an excellent place to bring your grandchildren and create a lifelong memory. For another outdoor option, try Blue Hole Regional Park, which offers natural beauty and walking trails to keep you active in retirement.
The arts scene is built around the EmilyAnn Theatre. The outdoor space hosts theater performances and more, so you're sure to keep coming back throughout the year. Many local artisans also showcase their wares during Wimberley Market Days on the first Saturday of each month from March through December. You'll find delicious food, live music, and beautiful crafts. There are so many vendors, you'll be coming back every time just to see it all.
Lago Vista
Lago Vista is a Hill Country town that has been attracting many new retirees in recent years. The town sits on the shores of Lake Travis, and you'll be only 20 miles from Austin when you want to enjoy city life for a day. The peaceful community of Lago Vista is excellent for retirees who want to enjoy some quiet time in their retirement at beautiful parks and natural attractions. Lake Travis is a great spot for anglers, and you'll find several species of bass, catfish, and sunfish.
The town has several parks that make for a relaxing day out in nature and attract retirees to the community. Pace Bend Park has plenty of places to relax by the lake, do some light walking, and enjoy a picnic with your grandchildren. The Lago Vista Golf Course offers 18 holes of championship golf and senior discounts. And behind the course, you'll find pickleball courts as well. No matter how you choose to enjoy outdoor time, you'll find something to do in Lago Vista.
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is another Hill Country town where history comes alive. The town is popular with seniors for its beautiful downtown, museums, and parks. The star attraction is the National Museum of the Pacific War. The museum commemorates those who served in World War II and contains many artifacts and exhibitions focusing on the Pacific campaign. For more local history, the Pioneer Museum in town has exhibits explaining the German roots of Fredericksburg and how the town has developed over the years.
While the town is normally pretty quiet, it does come alive throughout the year for various festivals and special events. The Rockbox Theater in town hosts live bands playing country, blues, and more throughout the year. And every October is a blast when it's Oktoberfest. This three-day festival has live music, traditional German food, craft beers, and family-friendly booths.
Colleyville
Heading to North Texas, you'll find Colleyville, a town that sits between Fort Worth and Dallas. It is a prosperous suburb of the metropolitan area, providing a more laid-back environment for retirees with quick access to either city for day trips or visits to medical facilities. If you love the great outdoors, Colleyville is for you. The Colleyville Nature Center spreads throughout 46 acres and provides trails to keep you active during retirement. Colleyville City Park, in the middle of the suburb, has places to enjoy a nice picnic with your grandchildren or get in some games of pickleball with your fellow retirees.
Colleyville residents take plenty of pride in their annual gatherings, with none as big as Stars and Guitars. The event celebrates Independence Day with food trucks, live music, and fireworks right by city hall.
Gonzales
In the past, Gonzales played a pivotal role in the Texas Revolution. Today, it is a peaceful retirement community for those who enjoy living in a place where history comes alive. To learn more about the importance Gonzales played in the Texas Revolution, take a trip to the Gonzales Memorial Museum. The exhibits feature artifacts from the war, memorials for the fallen, and the story of how Texas gained independence from Mexico. For more early history, check out the Gonzales Pioneer Village. The museum has preserved buildings from the early days of life in the state and offers tours that explain how a community developed in Gonzales. The town also celebrates this history with the Come and Take It Celebration every year with live music, a reenactment, and much more.
Gonzales also provides that vintage Texas experience at the J.B. Wells Arena. There, you'll find rodeos, gun shows, and all kinds of other events that make Texas so unique.
Brenham
Brenham is one of the sweetest places to retire in all of Central Texas. The town's claim to fame is its Blue Bell Creameries, which have been providing delicious ice cream to the town since 1907. You can tour the facility to see how they make their ice cream, then stop for a scoop or two on the way out. It's an excellent day trip with the grandkids that are sure to make you their favorite grandparents. For an adult day out, try the Brazos Valley Brewing Company. The brewery offers several local varieties and a gorgeous environment to enjoy drinks with your friends and family.
Aside from sweets, the other big part of Brenham is its German heritage. The town celebrates German culture during the Brenham Maifest, one of the oldest festivals in Texas. Held every spring since 1881, the event features parades, music, delicious food, and more, all evoking the German spirit.
Nacogdoches
Nacogdoches is the oldest town in Texas and one of the best retirement communities in East Texas. It is the home to Stephen F. Austin State University, and there's always something interesting to see on campus. The university regularly hosts events for the public, like special art collections and performances. And despite being a college town, Nacogdoches does not have the same loud, rowdy atmosphere you might expect at other schools.
Aside from the university, the town's main draw is its history. Millard's Crossing Historic Village displays vintage homes and artifacts that explain the early history of Texas's oldest town. For another historical trip, make time to see the Sterne-Hoya House, Museum, and Library. The rustic home, preserved from the 19th century, is filled with antiques, a library, and even a wine cellar.
Palestine
Very few towns are famous for their trees, but Palestine is one of them. Visitors often make a trek to see the beautiful dogwood trees in town that bloom in the spring. For the best look, visit Davey Dogwood Park. The park is filled with beautiful ornamental trees and is perfect for a shady walk or a relaxing picnic. Regan Park also provides the opportunity for a relaxing day with your grandchildren, as it has a splash pool and playgrounds to keep them entertained while you enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Palestine is also a railroad town that celebrates its importance to this day. The Texas State Railroad runs near town, and you can catch a ride at the depot for a romantic train trip across the state. And to learn more about how the railroad shaped the area, head to the Railroad Heritage Center in town, with scale replicas of trains and exhibits explaining the importance of the railroad to the Palestine community.
Alpine
Heading across the state to West Texas, you'll find Alpine. It lives up to its name, as it is high up, with an elevation of nearly 4,500 feet. But a low cost of living and a walkable downtown combine to make this an excellent retirement destination. If you love baseball, you're in the right place, since Alpine has Kokernot Field, where the Alpine Cowboys play. The professional team isn't associated with Major League Baseball and instead plays in the Pecos League.
When you're not taking in a baseball game, you can take a trip to the Museum of the Big Bend, which serves as a cultural hub for West Texas. Inside, you'll find exhibits on art, history, and culture in the Big Bend area. And for some retail therapy, check out Front Street Books and The Cheshire Cat Antiques. In the former, you'll find your next favorite novel, while the latter has plenty of art and jewelry on sale to spice up your home or wardrobe.
Make Your Retirement Bigger In Texas
Everything's bigger in Texas, so why not your retirement? These ten Texas towns are the best places for retirees. No matter whether you value culture, outdoor attractions, or history, one of these towns is sure to be your ideal retirement destination.
