Aerial view of Granbury, Texas.

9 Most Comfortable Texas Towns For Seniors For 2025

From the rolling hills and verdant valleys that dominate Hill Country to the sugar-white beaches, fascinating history, and cowboy culture in other parts of the state, the largest state in the lower 48 is an inviting spot when it comes to retirement. Think of the phenomenal Big Bend National Park, extraordinary night skies, and the sweeping desert beauty of West Texas, and that’s not even half the story. Looking for comfort with sacrificing convenience and affordability? Starting with Granbury, discover the 9 most comfortable towns to retire in Texas.

Granbury

Aerial view of fall foliage in the town of Granbury, Texas.
Aerial view of fall foliage in the town of Granbury, Texas.

Granbury is affordable, especially with a median listing home price of around $375,000, just above the statewide median. With Fort Worth just 40 minutes down the road, and a town square that blends rich history, charming architecture, and small-town hospitality, it is an easy place to shine in your golden years. Outdoor attractions include the Brazos River, which flows through town, Granbury City Beach Park, which offers swimming access and a peaceful atmosphere, and Granbury Disc Golf Course, a beautifully shaded space for a walk with a purpose. To cap it off, Lake Granbury Medical Center is easily accessible and has been serving the community for more than 25 years.

Mineola

Aerial view of downtown Mineola, Texas
Aerial view of downtown Mineola, Texas.

Mineola is an hour and a half east of Dallas, meaning a retiree is never far from big-city amenities and cultural attractions. The area has delightful touches of the pristine, especially with places like Mineola Nature Preserve, an outdoor playground that offers walking trails, opportunities to see wildlife (such as alligators), and beautiful scenery. There is also Lake Holbrook, a glittering gem northwest of town, and Lake Holbrook Beach, a fantastic place to hang out and enjoy the occasional sunset. For even more outdoor options, 27,000-acre Lake Fork is a short drive away. Amenities include Mineola Memorial Library and CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital‑Tyler. The median listing home price in Mineola is $280,000, which is significantly more affordable than the statewide median.

Athens

Historic downtown Athens, Texas
Historic downtown Athens, Texas.

People love Athens for its strong local community, a spirit that shines in events like the seasonal weekly farmers market that supports local producers and artisans, and the town's proximity to larger cities like Dallas while still maintaining a small-town feel. Athens has galleries to explore, such as 211 Gallery, a community college for continuing education classes in a range of subject areas, and the East Texas Arboretum, which boasts hiking trails through beautiful native Texas landscape. In terms of housing, Arabella of Athens Senior Living provides a range of options, including pet-friendly independent suites, as well as assisted living and memory care. For those looking to purchase a home, the median listing price in Athens is around $350,000.

Brady

McCulloch County Courthouse on an early morning.
McCulloch County Courthouse on an early morning. (Editorial credit: xradiophotog / Shutterstock.com)

Brady is ideally located in beautiful Texas Hill Country. Think of peaceful evenings with a glass of sparkling wine, lush greenery on every side, and a cool, laid-back atmosphere. The friendly community is home to the world's largest BBQ Goat Cook Off each Labor Day, and outdoor enthusiasts head to Brady Lake, which offers excellent opportunities for fishing, skiing, swimming, and even camping. Earnest O. Martin Park is a fantastic place to rest, watch ducks, or enjoy the stream's entertaining noise. Meanwhile, Earnest O. Martin Park has shuffleboard, washer, and horseshoe courts, covered pavilions for picnics or family gatherings, a walking trail, and even a hummingbird/butterfly garden.

The median listing home price in Brady is $239,000, a price point that comes with cultural attractions like the Heart of Texas Country Music Museum, which is home to an impressive collection of memorabilia, as well as a performance space for live music. Also, Heart of Texas Memorial Hospital, part of Heart of Texas Healthcare System, is right in town.

Brownwood

Wealkey-Watson Building is located in Brownwood, Texas
the Wealkey-Watson Building is located in Brownwood, Texas. (By Renelibrary - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons)

Brownwood is a tight-knit community that provides a comfortable retirement to empty nesters. It is home to Howard Payne University, which offers adult education courses, and the Hendrick Medical Center, which has been serving area residents since 1969. Lake Brownwood State Park, just 20 minutes down the road, offers opportunities for hiking and biking, as well as rustic cabins and peaceful camping sites for a getaway close to home. It also offers lake access for fishing or kayaking. Flat Rock Park & Campground is also a popular place to swim or have a picnic, while the Martin & Frances Lehnis Railroad Museum has fun train rides that you can enjoy with your grandkids. Despite this long list of pros, the median listing home price in Brownwood is just $259,000.

Pampa

Two Harley Davidson Motorcycles by The Welcome to Pampa Sign
Two Harley Davidson Motorcycles by The Welcome to Pampa Sign. (Editorial credit: Andy Sutherland / Shutterstock.com)

Pampa is a town of about 17,000 residents with decent amenities and a wide variety of indoor and outdoor attractions. The median listing home price is around $129,000, which makes it an affordable option for those on a fixed income. Attractions include the nearby Lake Meredith, a glimmering beauty with lots of outdoor adventure opportunities, and Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, which offers several different campgrounds to enjoy. Back in town, you can take in a show at Cinema 4, or hit the links at Hidden Hills Golf Course. For medical care, Pampa Regional Medical Center is a critical-access hospital that provides a full range of services.

Graham

shady park scenery on spring day at possum kingdom lake
Spring day at Possum Kingdom Lake.

If you are looking to escape the concrete jungle, Graham will feel like a breath of fresh air. Lakes Graham and Eddleman are just north of town, while Possum Kingdom Lake and State Park, which features the towering limestone cliffs of Hell's Gate, is within an hour's drive. For recreation closer to home, you can head to Graham Country Club, which includes tennis, pickleball, and racquetball courts, as well as a pool for members, in addition to the challenging 18-hole golf course. Graham Regional Medical Center serves the region, while Elison Assisted Living & Memory Care is an award-winning facility for those who need support to thrive. As for affordability, the median listing home price in Graham is around $220,000, which is significantly lower than the average across Texas.

Hillsboro

The old business district in Hillsboro, Texas.
The old business district in Hillsboro, Texas. (Editorial credit: Roberto Galan / Shutterstock.com)

Hillsboro is right on Interstate 35, less than an hour south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metropolitan area. With the chance to explore big-city cultural attractions on a whim, Hillsboro certainly qualifies to be among the most comfortable places in Texas to retire. Brace yourself for top-notch shopping opportunities, historic attractions, quality restaurants and hotels, and excellent outdoor recreational opportunities. In Hillsboro proper, the Texas Heritage Museum, dedicated to Civil War research, is part of Hill College and presents a range of engaging exhibits.

Meanwhile, Lake Whitney, just 40 minutes away, is a popular spot for aquatic activities like swimming and boating. There's also Lake Aquilla, just a few miles southwest of town, and the Hillsboro Country Club, which offers a nine-hole golf course smack in the heart of Hillsboro. With a median house listing price of $260,000 and the benefits of Hill Regional Hospital, a 25-bed critical access facility with a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services, a move to Hillsboro is both affordable and accessible.

Denison

Denison, Texas: the storefront to a historic building on the main street
Denison, Texas: the storefront to a historic building on the main street (Editorial credit: Sabrina Janelle Gordon / Shutterstock.com)

Rounding off the list of the most comfortable towns in Texas to retire is Denison, a restful gem tucked away in northeastern Texas, near the Oklahoma border. With Dallas just an hour south, you don't have to worry about access to amenities, including some of the best hospitals in the entire state. Lake Texoma is on the edge of town and has been aptly called the Striper Capital of the World for its top-notch fishing.

There's also Waterloo Park, which offers hiking trails, caves to explore, fishing ponds, and beautiful scenery, and cultural attractions like the Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site, a place that celebrates the life of one of the country's most decorated generals, and the first President in US history to be born in Texas. The best part about retiring in Denison is that you don't have to break the bank. The median listing home price is around $259,000, and the award-winning Texoma Medical Center is right in town for quality care close to home.

Texas is dotted with rural towns and friendly communities that offer a blend of comfort and convenience. With access to award-winning hospitals, a high-quality cultural scene, and epic outdoor adventure opportunities, it's no wonder so many choose to retire in the Lone Star State. From Brady to Brownwood and points in between, there is something for everyone in Texas.

Share
  1. Home
  2. Places
  3. Cities
  4. 9 Most Comfortable Texas Towns For Seniors For 2025

More in Places