6 Towns in Texas that Are Ideal for Seniors

Texas has been a hot topic for several consecutive years, from the relocation of public and celebrity figures to the influx of new graduates seeking employment. Thousands of new residents flock to Texas annually for its income-tax exemption, predominantly conservative residents, and perfect retirement communities. From the German heritage of Fredericksburg to the Cowboy Capital of the world, one shared characteristic of the best Texas towns is their relaxing, uncrowded atmospheres. Read along with the unveiling of 6 Towns in Texas that are Ideal for Seniors, each differentiated with distinctive elements of untouched nature, friendly communities, and historic landmarks. 

Wimberley

A nature-rich town where the Blanco River meets Cypress Creek, the small Texas Hill county town stands out primarily for its swimming holes near Blue Hole Regional Park and Jacob’s Well Natural Area. From its abundance of nature and tree species to being a showroom for Texan art, Wimberly defines laid-back living without lacking a sense of entertaining community engagement and being overly secluded. Over 50% of the town's residents exceed the age of 45, crime rates are meager in the area, and better yet, Wimberly is just a 40-mile drive to the capital city of Austin. The Wimberly Senior Center goes above and beyond with activities and entertainment, hosting a range of clubs and activities for all interests, including line dancing classes and tai Chi Lessons, and granting tailored services like transportation for shopping needs, medical appointments, and more. Call-in medical attention is upon demand in Wimberly with services from Angels for Elders, nearby Massage therapy facilities, and CommuniCare Health Centers in South River Center. Although living costs in Wimberly were proven to be 30% above the national average, these price hikes are justifiable once one considers that Texans do not pay income tax, the natural beauty of the area, and its proximity to Austin.

Bastrop 

Another retirement town in Texas approximating major cities, Bastrop, sits 33 miles from Austin and 133 miles from Huston. Although this town is nothing shy of natural beauty with its Bastrop State Park, Colorado River, and many other notable attractions, Bastrop mainly stands out for being one of Texas’ most historic towns with a settlement history that dates back to 1832. The Colorado River Bridge, Bastrop Opera House, First National Bank, and Bastrop County Jail are a few of the town’s historically significant buildings. This ideal small Texas town to retire in is built around small business support, community art events, and outdoor recreation activities and tours. Spend your relaxing years embracing the slow life fishing at North Shore Park and South Shore Park and hiking along the scenic Colorado River when you relocate to Bastrop. In addition to the welcoming locals and their ever-long efforts to help their town thrive, some of Bastrop's most notable community events include the Patriotic Festival, Homecoming & Rodeo, and the annual Veterans' Day Car Show. In one of the more affordable city-side small towns, a single person would need an average yearly income of $45,600 to live comfortably in Bastrop, with the typical home price being $435,000. 

Childress

Not all seniors and retirees are after the cozy small-town feeling and a lively community; some prefer countryside living, and an agricultural setting, and nothing says agriculture better than the gateway community to the Texas panhandle. This small town’s beauty lies in its wheat, sorghum, and peanut fields. In addition to the mass production of beans and crops in the area, Childress is also land to many livestock farms, allowing newcomers to live the ruler lifestyle to its finest. Childress enjoys a population estimate of 5,844, and due to the small population and agricultural focus, the town has fewer senior care programs and facilities than others on this list; some of its most notable facilities include the Childress Busy Beavers, which strives to strengthen the sense of community among elders of the area. While no estimates on the average price of a private farm could be found, peaceful, secluded homes in the area are listed for a median price of $197,000, with annual expenses of roughly $33,448, according to 24/7 Wall St. reports. 

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg, a town in Texas, highlights agricultural communities and embodies many qualities that make the state an ideal choice for retirees and seniors. The charm of this small town comes from its German heritage, lively city parks, appealing nature preserves, and strengthened sense of community. Cross Mountain Nature Preserve, overlooking the city, showcases stunning fall foliage and sunset views. Meanwhile, Fredericksburg Nature Center offers opportunities for overnight camping and group picnics amidst a variety of wildflowers and expansive lush landscapes. Explore the Hill Country Herb Garden just a few blocks from Fredericksburg’s main street, spend time peach picking at farms like Jenschke Orchards, or immerse yourself in the colorful fields of flowers at Wildseed Farms, and visit the Japanese Garden of Peace when relocating to Fredericksburg. Historic educational centers are another key element of the town’s residential allure, with some of the most notable sites including the National Museum of the Pacific War, Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm, and Fort Martin Scott. Due to its diverse attractions for all ages, Fredericksburg tends to be slightly more expensive than other small towns in Texas, with average home prices around 540,685 according to Zillow. 

Bandera 

Bandera, one of the most affordable and relaxing towns in Texas for seniors, is a rugged rural community known as the Cowboy Capital of the World. While it played a crucial role in the cattle industry during the 1800s, it now stands out as an excellent retirement destination due to its low cost of living, assisted care options, and senior communities. Nearby natural attractions include Bandera City Park in downtown, Joshua Springs Park and Preserve northeast of Boerne, and the Hill Country State Natural Area with its rugged canyons—perfect for new residents to explore. Seniors should consider facilities such as Silver Sage Senior Center, Cedar Creek Nursing, Bandera Nursing, Innovative Urgent Care, and Bandera Medical Clinic for attentive care before relocating. Boerne, just 24 miles from the Cowboy Capital, enhances the area’s appeal with additional senior care programs and assisted living options. Living expenses in Bandera are 17% lower than the national average, with housing prices ranging from $280,000 to $344,387, which is an impressive 21% less than the American national average. 

Jefferson 

Recognized as one of America's most haunted towns, Jefferson also holds the title of Texas's 5th oldest city. It features architecturally significant sites such as the Jefferson General Store, Jefferson Carnegie Library, and over 100 other unique landmarks that showcase Victorian, early twentieth-century, and antebellum styles. Popular activities in the area include religious study and debate groups, veteran clubs, and public events like the annual Candlelight Market, historic home tours, and Mardi Gras celebrations. Nestled along the Big Cypress Bayou, this small town offers a tranquil aqua-centric environment, pristine landscapes, and rich historical attractions, making it an appealing place to live. Key attractions include the Jefferson Historical Society and Museum, Scarlett O’Hardy’s Gone With the Wind Museum, and the Lafayette Street Vintage Car Museum, all of which provide a comprehensive understanding of the town. An average adult in Jefferson can expect to spend around $38,433 each year, and the median home price is about $116,100, making this historic city one of the most affordable options on the best towns list for seniors.

Discover Your Ideal Texan Retreat

From the nature-rich Wimberley to the historically rich Bastrop, the agricultural haven of Childress to the culturally infused Fredericksburg, Texas, caters to all preferences and appeals. With its blend of urban amenities and rural tranquility, Texas is a versatile and welcoming haven for seniors looking to embrace a fulfilling retirement lifestyle.