US News and World report has just published their list of 10 best places to retire in Texas.
Here is the top 5.
Population: 2,529,453
Share of population age 65+: 13%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,118
Median monthly rent: $1,122
San Antonio is among the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. The metro area had the highest numeric gain, 13,626 people, between 2020 and 2021, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Health care is available at Methodist Hospital-San Antonio. San Antonio could be an ideal place to retire for those on a budget. Retirees can enjoy the scenic beauty of the Texas Hill Country without facing high housing costs. The San Antonio Missions, including the Alamo, were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015.
Population: 2,234,300
Share of population age 65+: 11%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,304
Median monthly rent: $1,398
Austin‘s hot job market and unique, quirky culture draw many people to the area, including retirees. The state capital is the home of the University of Texas at Austin, where seniors age 65 and older can take up to six tuition-free credit hours per semester. The area is also a hub for tech jobs, including Apple, Dell and IBM. Major health care providers include St. David’s Medical Center and Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin. Housing in Austin costs more than in many other parts of Texas, but retirees relocating from more expensive cities with similar amenities may be able to reduce their housing costs.
3. Dallas-Fort Worth
Population: 7,543,340
Share of population age 65+: 11.3%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,255
Median monthly rent: $1,264
Dallas and nearby Fort Worth are among the most populous cities in the country. Fort Worth attracted 12,916 new residents between 2020 and 2021, the Census Bureau found. The low housing costs make it affordable to relocate. Major health care providers include Baylor University Medical Center and the UT Southwestern Medical Center. Sports fans have ample professional teams to root for, including the Cowboys, Mavericks, Rangers and Stars, while those interested in the arts can find volunteer opportunities and social events at the area’s many museums.
Population: 863,807
Share of population age 65+: 12.2%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $912
Median monthly rent: $908
El Paso is among the most affordable places to retire in the country. The median home price is among the lowest of any metro area in the U.S. This western Texas city is located directly across the Rio Grande from the Mexican city of Ciudad Juarez. The 26,627-acre Franklin Mountains State Park is the largest urban park in the nation and is located completely within the city limits of El Paso. You may be able to spot pictographs and petroglyphs made by Native Americans that are thousands of years old.
Population: 467,838
Share of population age 65+: 11.2%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $920
Median monthly rent: $980
Killeen is a centrally located Texas city that is within driving distance of many larger cities including Austin, Dallas, San Antonio and Houston. But Killeen is a smaller and more affordable place to retire. Killeen’s low housing costs make it easier to live well on a fixed income. The city has a large military presence, thanks to the Fort Hood military base. There’s also no state income tax in Texas, which helps to keep costs low.