8 Best Cities To Retire In Texas

Although many people come to Texas to save on income tax, the Lone Star State has several other enticing appeals for retirees. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to feast their eyes on, from fern-covered grottos to wetlands dripping with Spanish moss, while those who prefer vibrant lifestyles will appreciate the energy, amenities, and social opportunities that come with city living. Big cities in Texas tend to offer more lively entertainment, greater access to healthcare, diverse dining scenes, and more established community networks, all of which are important considerations when planning for retirement. From Houston’s world-class culture to New Braunfels’ riverside fun, the small-town warmth of Georgetown to the Piney Woods charm of Tyler, the following are the eight best cities in Texas to retire.

Houston

Houston is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the U.S., and that alone makes it quite an exciting place to retire. As a corollary, being a melting pot makes the city an exceptional culinary destination, particularly due to the variety of cuisines and flavors from nearly every corner of the world. The city boasts a beautiful convergence of Western, Mexican, Caribbean, Cajun, and Creole influences, along with a healthy dose of Asian influences. Also, you will have immediate access to academic opportunities at the University of Houston, Houston Community College, and the University of Houston-Downtown.

As if that is not enough, Houston boasts a large cultural district with several first-class museums. These include the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH), and the Houston Museum of Natural Science, a wonderfully curated museum that combines science, history, and creativity in an inspiring way. If you want to see a play, an opera, or a music performance, several options will beckon, including Miller Outdoor Theatre, which offers the largest "always free" open-air theater program of its kind in the country. Finally, Houston Methodist Hospital is consistently ranked among the top hospitals in Texas by U.S. News & World Report, providing easy access to great healthcare.

New Braunfels

New Braunfels has established a reputation as one of the most visit-worthy places in Texas, and that tells you that there are truckloads of stuff for a retiree to see and do all through the year. Two rivers, the Guadalupe and the Comal, flow right through the middle of town and draw hordes of tourists in the summer, who come to enjoy various kinds of recreational activities, particularly tubing. Just so you know, Comal is one of the shortest navigable waterways in the United States. Expect a vibrant cottage industry, some excellent restaurants, including McAdoo's Seafood Company, Huisache Grill, and Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar, famous for its historic setting in a converted 1878 cotton gin, as well as stunning Guadalupe River views.

Additionally, Gruene Hall, built in 1878, is a renowned live music venue that also serves as Texas's oldest continually operating dance hall. Meanwhile, the Comal County Senior Citizens Foundation offers a variety of services, games, and clubs, including a newcomers' club. CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital - New Braunfels is accredited by the Joint Commission and has won several national quality awards.

Georgetown

Although it has been changing, Georgetown remains a pleasant place to live and retire, especially with its charming downtown, suburban atmosphere, the San Gabriel River offering excellent walking and rollerblading trails, and the fantastic festivals that electrify the town throughout the year. Talking of festivals, Georgetown has a special connection with the red poppy and is one of the few places in the United States where the red poppy reseeds annually. To celebrate this unique aspect of town, Georgetown hosts the annual Red Poppy Festival in April, which features live music and art performances throughout the weekend, handcrafted works from local artisans, a classic car show, and, of course, food.

Southwestern University, whose history dates back to the 1870s, is a beloved fixture in the cultural landscape, keeping things lively and liberal. Also, residents rave about the Lark & Owl Booksellers, a women-founded, independent bookstore that doubles up as a community hub with a bistro, unique gifts, and regular author events. Although Austin is just 30 minutes away and boasts some of the finest hospitals in the state, St. David's Georgetown Hospital is at your doorstep and has won several prestigious accolades. According to Healthgrades, it is in the top 5% of hospitals nationwide for consistently delivering clinical quality.

McKinney

McKinney is a shining example of charm, growth, and community spirit. Although it offers a wide range of amenities to keep retirees comfortable, Dallas is just 30 minutes south. The beautifully preserved historic downtown is a centerpiece. It packs unique boutiques, cozy cafes, and family-owned restaurants that give the city a welcoming and endearing atmosphere. If renting suits your budget or preference, head straight to McKinney. According to RentCafe’s 2025 Best Cities for Renters Report, McKinney ranks #1 in the nation for its ideal mix of affordability, apartment quality, and overall livability. The Old Collin County Courthouse, initially completed in 1876, has been beautifully repurposed into a thriving performance arts center that’s central to the city’s cultural life.

Adriatica Village is a beautiful European-style community with living, dining, and shopping areas. It boasts a wonderful residential community designed for seniors, modeled after the village of Supetar on the Adriatic coast of Croatia. Other highlights include the McKinney Repertory Theatre, Heritage Ranch Golf & Country Club, conveniently located in a retirement community on the outskirts of the McKinney area, and Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney, notably recognized by Healthgrades for the America's 100 Best Hospitals Award (2025), placing it in the top 2% of hospitals nationwide for consistent clinical quality.

Tyler

Welcome to the Piney Woods Country of East Texas, where anything seems to grow, especially crepe myrtles, azaleas, dogwood trees, and roses. Talking of roses, Tyler is known as the "Rose Capital of America, and as if to cement that title, it hosts the largest municipal rose garden in the United States. For perspective, the Tyler Municipal Rose Garden spans 14 acres and features 38,000 bushes, as well as 600 cultivars. Historic neighborhoods, such as Bergfeld Park, boast elegant homes, many of which are reminiscent of the town’s oil boom years, especially during the Great Depression. The Tyler Azalea and Spring Flower Trail offers the opportunity to explore more than 10 miles of residential gardens and historic home sites, all covered with azaleas, tulips, wisteria, dogwood, and other beautiful flowers.

There’s the East Texas Symphony Orchestra, which has played a vital role in the cultural life of Tyler and the surrounding region since the 1930s. Meanwhile, active seniors have easy access to Lake Tyler and Lake Palestine, typically the go-to spots for boating and fishing. Not to be outdone, the 985-acre Tyler State Park, just north of town, is a pristine place for swimming, camping, birding, hiking, biking, and quiet contemplation. In terms of healthcare access, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital has previously received the Platinum Performance Award for cardiac patient care from the American College of Cardiology.

San Marcos

Seniors will adore the home base of Texas State University, which has a vibrant town square teeming with unique vintage shops, inviting restaurants serving delicious Tex-Mex, and energetic bars such as Zelicks Icehouse, a fantastic place to mingle over a glass of cold craft beer as you tap your feet to the sound of live music. This town is situated along the headwaters of the San Marcos River, where a tableau of gently rolling hills and prairie farmland stretches into the distance. Ashford Wellington Apartments, a vibrant 55+ retirement community featuring a heated swimming pool, fitness center, and cozy library, offers an exceptional experience for active seniors who want to stay engaged and cared for.

The San Marcos River offers fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and canoeing opportunities almost throughout the year. You can occasionally cruise along The Devil's Backbone Scenic Drive, which offers stunning ridge-top views of the surrounding scenery. Alternatively, you can paddle Canyon Lake or explore Purgatory Creek Natural Area, which features a network of trails and loops suitable for both short and long hikes. Additionally, the San Marcos Activity Center offers a range of classes and activities specifically designed for seniors aged 60 and above.

McAllen

McAllen is tucked away in South Texas’s Rio Grande Valley, within earshot of the Mexican border. It does not come as a surprise, therefore, that Mexican culture thrives here, primarily through arts and the city’s south-of-the-border food scene. If concerned about healthcare access, Rio Grande Regional Hospital was recently recognized by Healthgrades with two prestigious 2025 awards: the Patient Safety Excellence Award and the Gastrointestinal Surgery Excellence Award. The Rio Grande Valley has long been a popular destination for bird and butterfly enthusiasts, who come to enjoy rare sightings of the winged creatures that call this region home.

There's the Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center, which shares knowledge about birds, plants, and environmental stewardship, and Cinemark Hollywood USA McAllen North, one of several movie theaters in town that has the potential to transform a dull afternoon into one filled with laughter and memories. If golfing is up your alley, Champion Lakes Golf Course serves as the home course for some of the biggest tournaments in the area, including the McAllen Amateur Golf Championship and the prestigious VAMOS Golf Tournament.

Beaumont

Beaumont is an engaging retirement destination near the Louisiana border in southeast Texas. It is a culturally rich city with numerous galleries, theaters, and museums, including the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, which displays permanent and rotating exhibits of modern art, as well as 19th- and 20th-century fine and folk art from the region. Highlights include pieces by world-renowned artists John Alexander and Paul Manes, whose works have been exhibited in prestigious venues such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City.

Additionally, the historic Jefferson Theatre hosts exciting shows and performances, making it a fantastic place to spend time occasionally. Keep in mind that you are surrounded by nature and will enjoy exploring outdoor playgrounds, such as the Big Thicket National Preserve and Cattail Marsh Wetlands. Although you have to jump behind the wheel for the former, the latter is right in town. Moreover, Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas has received several awards from Healthgrades, including the America's 50 Best Hospitals for Vascular Surgery Award.

A Comfortable Retirement In Texas Cities

So, while big is not always better, Texas offers several retirement-friendly appeals, most of which are hands-down irresistible. For starters, the state is among a handful that does not charge income tax, meaning you will have more cash in your wallet, money you can put toward fun and adventure. Although each of Texas's cities has its own individuality, some of them are epic places to retire. Think of world-class museums with a variety of informative exhibits, live entertainment venues with heart-melting river views, and regional hospitals winning back-to-back awards for clinical quality.