Saddle Up and Check Out the Best Places To Retire in Texas in 2024

The “Lone Star” state of Texas is among the fastest-growing states in the entire country — only Utah and Idaho have surpassed the percentage growth rate of Texas since 2010. And in 2022, Texas became only the second state to have a population of over 30 million. 

Retiring in Texas vs. Georgia

Each of the southern states in the U.S. offers their own special perks, like rich history, and, of course, a feeling of classic southern hospitality. Texas, however, has some special perks of its own. Examples include:

• Desirable weather: Summers in Texas provide lots of warm weather accompanied by clear skies, and winters are very mild. As a result, lakes, parks, and local hiking trails provide plenty of outdoor fun for local residents.
• Low cost of living: With a cost of living index of 94.2, it’s cheaper to live in Texas than in many other areas in the country (the national cost of living index is 100).
• Tax-friendliness toward retirees: The marginal state tax rate in Texas is zero percent, so there is no tax on any forms of retirement income.

Places To Retire in Texas – FAQs

Q: Where is the most affordable place to retire in Texas?
A: Woodway is not only one of the best places to retire in Texas but also one of the most affordable, as the cost of living is much lower than the state average. 

Q: Is Texas a good state for seniors to retire?
A: With no taxes on any form of retirement income, Texas is one of the best states for seniors to retire. 

Q: Where is the most desirable place to live in Texas?
A: The San Antonio suburb of Hollywood Park is currently ranked as the #1 best place to retire in Texas, according to Niche.com.

Piney Point Village, Texas
(Source: Sharon Ballas, Greenwood King Properties via Facebook)

2. Piney Point Village, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,300
• Average home value: $2.56M
• Great for: Peaceful atmosphere, proximity to major cities, access to healthcare

The tranquil and peaceful community of Piney Point Village is ideal for those who prefer a calmer and laid-back lifestyle but with access to big-city amenities. It’s in close proximity to Houston, so you can enjoy plenty of entertainment options from restaurants, shopping centers, and attractions like the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Piney Point is also in close proximity to a variety of top-rated healthcare facilities, including the Spring Branch Community Health Center and the Harris Health Vallbona Health Center. 

West Lake Hills, Texas
(Source: Kathryn Scarborough Real Estate Group via Facebook)

3. West Lake Hills, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,000
• Average home value: $2.08M
• Great for: Natural beauty, shopping, outdoor recreation

West Lake Hills is a small Austin suburb surrounded by rolling hills and ranchland. It’s situated near the Colorado River, and residents can enjoy engaging in fun outdoor activities like swimming, boating, and fishing. Living in West Lake Hills means getting to enjoy the most beautiful natural scenery of flora and fauna, including oak, hackberry, and mimosa trees.

West Lake Hills is also popular for its variety of shopping centers, which are filled with major retailers and upscale establishments. One of these is Barton Creek Square Mall, which features major retailers like Macy's and Sephora and nearly 200 stores.

4. Hollywood Park, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,300
• Average home value: $507,800
• Great for: Healthcare access, restaurants, shopping

Those considering retiring to the San Antonio area often choose to live in Hollywood Park, which is located in the northern part of the city. This area is close to the San Antonio International Airport and various other local facilities, including healthcare services like the nearby South Texas Medical Center.

Hollywood Park residents have a wide variety of restaurants to choose from, such as The Longhorn Cafe and Saltgrass Steak House. Some of the best burger and beer establishments in the area also include Willie's Grill and Icehouse and Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux. And for retail therapy and other shopping needs, the Northwoods Shopping Center is the place to be!

5. Woodway, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,200
• Average home value: $358,900
• Great for: Local attractions, friendly community, low cost of living

The Woodway community is situated on the outskirts of the city of Waco, Texas. It has a tranquil rural setting and plenty of natural beauty, and local residents can easily access various local attractions, such as McLane Stadium at Baylor University and the Cameron Park Zoo. The best part? Woodway’s strong sense of community and low cost of living make it a best place to retire in Texas on a budget. 

6. Weston Lakes, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,750
• Median home sale price: $515,000
• Great for: Natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, golfing

The Weston Lakes community is located in Fort Bend County, and it’s a great place to call home if you’re looking for either an active lifestyle or a peaceful retirement. Surrounded by nature, there are numerous ponds and lakes that add to the community's local beauty, along with plenty of wildlife.

One of the best golf courses to choose from in Fort Bend County is the Weston Lakes Golf Course, which was designed by Hale Irwin and features 18 challenging holes and a par of 72. This course isn’t just known for its challenging holes — it has some incredible panoramic views, too!

Lago Vista, Texas
(Source: Viktoriia Jones via Facebook)

7. Lago Vista, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,275
• Average home value: $416,100
• Great for: Outdoor lake activities, golfing, bird-watching

Looking for one of the best places to retire in Texas Hill Country? Look no further than Lago Vista, a community situated on the shores of Lake Travis. This community is, by far, one of the best places to retire near water in Texas, as it features the perfect mix of activities and relaxation.

You can take advantage of outdoor activities like water skiing, biking, and even scuba diving (to name a few). And for those times when you want to take it easy, you can try to spot some rare birds, such as the black-capped vireo or the endangered golden-cheeked warbler at the Balcones Canyonlands. Golf enthusiast? You’ll definitely want to play a couple of rounds at the local Lago Vista Golf Course.

Emerald Bay Golf Course
(Source: Emerald Bay Golf Course via Facebook)

8. Emerald Bay, TX

• Average rent (all sizes): $1,650
• Median home sale price: $970,000
• Great for: Natural beauty, outdoor activities, fun local events, local clubs

Emerald Bay is a beautiful coastal Texas town that's surrounded by nature, as it's situated on the Gulf of Mexico's coast and offers a variety of outdoor activities, from fishing to beach-going. The town's welcoming atmosphere is evidenced by the wide variety of restaurants, shops, and local events throughout the year, such as a Fourth of July Celebration, theme parties, and a Christmas visit with Santa that’s perfect for the young grandkids!

Besides attending the local festivities in Emerald Bay, residents can also get more involved in the community by joining clubs, such as the Fishing Club or Women’s Club, or even participating in neighborhood groups.

9. Highland Park, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,075
• Average home value: $2.44M
• Great for: Outdoor activities, shopping, proximity to Dallas

The suburb of Highland Park, bordered by University Park and the city of Dallas, is one of class and affluence — and even considered to be one of the richest places in the entire state.

There are plenty of things to do in Highland Park when it comes to shopping and other attractions. One of these is visiting the Highland Park Village, a great place for all your shopping needs. Another great place to visit is the Lakeside Park, which is quite popular among the locals and features picnic areas, walking paths, and other outdoor activities. 

10. Olmos Park, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,175
• Average home value: $945,200
• Great for: Outdoor activities, restaurants, attractions for grandkids

Residents living in Olmos Park are just a short drive north of San Antonio's downtown area. However, this neighborhood is exciting in and of itself, as its home to plenty of coffee shops, restaurants, and Texas flora and fauna. It’s also close to the Olmos Basin for easy access to Olmos Basin Park and the Olmos Basin Golf Course. 

People who are planning on retiring within the San Antonio area can expect to lead a high quality life when settling down in Olmos Park. And when the grandkids visit, there are a number of kid-friendly attractions nearby, including the San Antonio Zoo and the interactive children’s museum, the Doseum!

11. Colleyville, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,775
• Average home value: $841,800
• Great for: Outdoor recreation, cultural experiences, proximity to other major cities

While the smaller communities in Texas make up the majority of the best places to retire, sometimes city life is just the most suitable choice. Located in the heart of Tarrant County, Colleyville is home to more than 25,000 residents and is regarded by many as the best city to retire in Texas. 

It’s known for its beautiful natural surroundings and numerous outdoor activities, such as fishing, cycling, and walking along the trails of the Colleyville Nature Center. Those looking for a unique cultural experience can visit the Artisan Center Theatre, which features a variety of performances year-round. And Colleyville also provides easy access to other major cities nearby, like Dallas and Fort Worth.  

12. Palm Valley, TX

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,150
• Average home value: $245,400
• Great for: Natural beauty, outdoor activities, shopping

Located in the wonderful region of the southern tip of Texas, Palm Valley may be a small town, but it has a lot to offer its retired residents, whether they prefer a relaxed or an active lifestyle. For example, you can take up golfing at the nearby Harlingen Country Club or explore South Padre Island just a short drive away, where you can relax by the waters or take on some saltwater fishing. 

While there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in Palm Valley, residents also have access to several local shopping malls, including Valle Vista Mall. And for more of a selection, you can drive a little further to the Rio Grande Valley Premium Outlets, which offer over 50 stores! 

PODS Can Make Your Dream of Retiring in Texas a Reality 

Once you've found your best place to retire in Texas, get moving help from PODS to make the journey a bit easier. A portable moving and storage container will be delivered to your doorstep, where you can pack and load your belongings at your own pace. And when you're ready, PODS will pick up the container and take it to your new home. One month of storage is included in each move, so you can easily take your time unloading on your own schedule, as well!

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.