9 Best Places To Retire In Texas

Texas draws retirees for practical reasons as much as lifestyle. The state has no income tax, generally mild winters, and a wide range of smaller cities that offer access to healthcare, outdoor recreation, and housing costs below major metro averages. Across Central and East Texas, towns such as Kerrville, Fredericksburg, and Lockhart appeal to seniors who want Hill Country scenery, walkable parks, and established medical services without the congestion of Austin or San Antonio.

Other communities take advantage of Texas’s lakes and suburban infrastructure. Livingston offers year-round access to Lake Livingston at a lower cost of entry, while Katy and Colleyville provide quieter residential environments with quick access to major hospitals in the Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth areas. Together, these towns show why Texas continues to attract retirees looking for safe communities, reliable healthcare, and everyday access to parks, lakes, and open space.

Lago Vista

Lago Vista is a well-established retirement community with a higher-than-average proportion of residents aged 65 and older. This contributes to a quieter lifestyle and a lively schedule of local events and clubs. The town consistently ranks as low-crime according to various crime data sources, making it attractive to retirees who want security without leaving the nearby healthcare and services of Austin. Located on the north shore of Lake Travis, Lago Vista provides easy access to boating, fishing, and lakeside views that are central to daily life. Its location in the Hill Country also offers proximity to protected open spaces within the Balcones Canyonlands region, famous for limestone hills, native bird species, and scenic trails in designated parks. These elements make Lago Vista a practical choice for retirees seeking outdoor activities, a strong senior community, and a relaxed environment in Central Texas.

Woodway

Woodway is a peaceful suburban town near Waco, attracting retirees seeking a residential area with easy access to healthcare and outdoor activities. Located near Lake Waco, residents can partake in boating, fishing, and enjoy lakeside views at local parks. The Waco region features numerous parks and trails suitable for walking and cycling, along with golf courses that enrich the area's recreational options.

Healthcare access is a key benefit, with major medical centers like Ascension Providence Hospital and Baylor Scott & White Medical Center-Hillcrest nearby, providing a wide range of inpatient and specialty services. Crime statistics consistently show Woodway has lower rates of violent and property crime compared to national averages, reinforcing its reputation as a safe, low-stress place to retire.

Clear Lake Shores

Clear Lake Shores is approximately a 30-minute drive southeast of downtown Houston and attracts retirees seeking a coastal lifestyle away from dense cities. This small waterfront community lies along Clear Lake, a key boating area connecting directly to Galveston Bay, providing residents with easy access to sailing, fishing, and tranquil inland waters. The area features many private docks and nearby marinas that foster an active boating scene. Additionally, local rental services offer kayaking and paddleboarding options for those who enjoy quieter water activities.

Healthcare access is another advantage, with major medical centers in the Clear Lake area, including Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital, located a short drive away and offering a full range of inpatient and specialty services. Crime data generally show Clear Lake Shores with lower crime rates than many large metro areas, particularly for violent crime, which adds to its appeal as a relaxed and manageable place to retire.

Colleyville

Colleyville is a well-established suburban community between Fort Worth and Dallas, appealing to retirees seeking a quiet setting with strong access to healthcare and transportation. The town’s proximity to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport makes travel convenient, while day-to-day life remains residential and low-key.

Outdoor amenities play an important role in Colleyville’s appeal. McPherson Park and the Colleyville Nature Center offer paved and natural walking trails, open green space, and a fishing pond that supports casual recreation and regular activity for seniors.

Healthcare access is another strength, with Texas Health H-E-B located nearby and major medical centers throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area within a short drive. Crime data sources consistently place Colleyville below regional and national averages for both violent and property crime, contributing to its reputation as a stable and comfortable place to retire.

Kerrville

Kerrville is a Hill Country community that attracts retirees for its slower pace, natural surroundings, and relatively affordable cost of living. Recent census estimates indicate that roughly a quarter of the town’s population is 65 or older, underscoring its strong appeal to seniors seeking a quieter lifestyle. Housing costs in Kerrville have historically been below national averages, making it a more attainable option than many other Hill Country communities.

Healthcare access is a significant benefit, with Peterson Regional Medical Center offering comprehensive medical services within the town. Outdoor recreation is an integral part of daily life, with local green spaces like Lehmann & Monroe Park featuring walking trails along the Guadalupe River that are flat and scenic, ideal for regular use. Nearby, the Kerr Wildlife Management Area safeguards over 6,000 acres of native Hill Country habitat and promotes conservation-oriented access through designated programs and seasons.

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg appeals to retirees who value outdoor access and a slower Hill Country pace. Set among rolling limestone hills, the area sits within a region known for strong bird diversity and preserved natural landscapes. One of the most popular nearby destinations is Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, where several miles of designated hiking trails allow visitors to explore granite domes, wooded canyons, and expansive views of the surrounding countryside.

Recreation options within town include the Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Golf Course, which offers an accessible way to stay active while enjoying Hill Country scenery. Fredericksburg’s median age is just over 50, reflecting a community with a significant retiree presence alongside long-term local residents. Crime data sources consistently show violent crime rates below state and national averages, adding to the city’s appeal as a stable and comfortable place to retire.

Lockhart

Lockhart is a small community in Central Texas, about 30 miles southeast of Austin. It attracts retirees due to its affordability and distinct local identity. Housing costs there have usually been lower than the national average, making it more affordable than many closer communities to Austin, while still providing access to the area's services and amenities.

Healthcare access is available within driving distance, with regional facilities such as Ascension Seton Hays and Ascension Seton Edgar B. Davis serving the area. Outdoor recreation is centered around Lockhart State Park, the only Texas state park that features a golf course, along with walking paths, creeks, and shaded green space spread across more than 260 acres.

Lockhart is also nationally recognized for its barbecue tradition and is commonly referred to as the “Barbecue Capital of Texas,” with long-established institutions such as Black's Barbecue drawing visitors year-round. This blend of affordability, recreation, and local culture makes Lockhart a distinctive option for retirees in Central Texas.

Katy

Katy is a large suburban community west of Houston that appeals to retirees who want residential neighborhoods, modern amenities, and convenient access to major healthcare and services. While Katy has grown significantly in recent decades, many areas retain a quieter, master-planned feel that suits those looking to step away from the pace of the urban core.

Housing costs in Katy vary widely by neighborhood, but prices have generally remained competitive compared with many inner-loop Houston communities. Outdoor recreation is supported by a network of local parks and trail systems, offering walking paths, green space, and community facilities that encourage regular activity without long drives.

Healthcare access is a major advantage, with Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital located within the city and other major medical centers throughout the greater Houston area. Crime data sources typically place Katy below Houston-area averages for violent crime, contributing to its reputation as a stable, well-managed place to retire while remaining close to one of Texas’s largest metro areas.

Livingston

Livingston is a small community in East Texas situated beside Lake Livingston, one of the state's largest reservoirs. The lake greatly influences local life, facilitating activities like boating, fishing, and seasonal outdoor recreation that attract retirees. Public access to the shoreline and the forested areas around the lake is provided by Lake Livingston State Park, which features marked hiking trails, campsites, and picnic spots by the water.

Lake Livingston is widely regarded as a strong fishing destination, particularly for largemouth bass and catfish, and regularly hosts organized fishing events throughout the year. Housing costs in Livingston have historically been below national averages, making it an accessible option for retirees seeking a lake-oriented lifestyle without the price pressure found in many larger Texas metro areas.

Retiring in Texas: Safe, Scenic, and Welcoming

Texas is home to some of the most secure places for retirement at a price point that works for anyone. Because these towns are so safe, you can travel freely on all of the beautiful trails that Texas harbors. No income tax and warm weather are the perfect additions to make entering the golden years worry-free. The Lone Star state makes anyone’s retirement warm and inviting with some of the best southern hospitality the United States offers.