Deciding where to retire is no easy task. Between the cost of living, healthcare, and activities to fill up your leisure time with, there are many different factors to consider. Each year, U.S. News reports on the best places to retire. 10 cities in Texas are among the best places to retire in the nation for 2022-2023. Although the choice of where to spend your golden years takes a lot of careful consideration, it’s nice to know our state is brimming with great options. Here are the best places to retire in Texas:

1. Killeen
Killeen, TX, USA
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From last to first, Killeen is now the highest-ranked Texas city on the list, beating out Dallas-Fort Worth from previous years. Best-known for its military base, Fort Hood, Killeen also has tons of great BBQ joints, and ample outdoor activities, and isn't too far from Austin and the DFW Metroplex. The housing affordability score is 7.3; healthcare is 5.2.
2. Dallas-Fort Worth
Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area, TX, USA
Michael Fitzgerald Fine Art Photography of Texas / Moment Collection / Getty Images
Getting bumped from the best place to retire in Texas, is Dallas-Fort Worth at number two for the state. Dallas-Fort Worth offers a mixture of old-fashioned cowboy culture and metropolitan lifestyle. It scored a 5.9 for housing affordability, and 5.9 for healthcare.
3. Austin
Austin, TX, USA
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Although young people have been moving to Austin in droves over the past couple of decades, our Capital City still remains popular among retirees. Gorgeous architecture, endless nature activities, and rich history make it a perfect place to spend your golden years. The housing affordability score is 5.5; healthcare is 5.8.
4. El Paso
El Paso, TX, USA
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El Paso sees mostly thru traffic across the border or into New Mexico, but it's an incredible place to live, too. Hike the Franklin Mountains, eat delicious steak, and immerse yourself in the rich Mexican heritage. What's not to love? Housing affordability scores a 7.5; healthcare 4.3.
5. San Antonio
San Antonio, TX, USA
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Next up is the Alamo City. San Antonio has an energy that's both lively - due to the upbeat Hispanic culture - and laid-back. Residents can enjoy a thrilling day at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, or simply take a leisurely stroll along the iconic River Walk. It's also a destination city for history buffs, home to one of the bloodiest battles America has ever seen. Housing affordability scored a 6.5; healthcare 5.0.

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6. Brownsville
Brownsville, TX, USA
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Brownsville boasts a fascinating blend of Texas and Mexican culture due to its location right near the border. From beautiful beaches to great food to a comfortable climate, and even the best drivers in the nation, there's no shortage of reasons to retire here. The housing affordability score is 7.8; healthcare is 4.5.
7. McAllen
McAllen, TX, USA
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McAllen is a border town that serves as the retail, international trade, tourism, and manufacturing. The quality of life is high, medical care excellent, and Hispanic culture is strong and celebrated. Additionally, the winter climate is mild, which attracts "snowbirds" who have second homes in McAllen to escape the cold. Another interesting tidbit is that it is home to the largest single-story library in America. The housing affordability score is 7.7; healthcare is 4.5.
8. Houston
Houston, TX, USA
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Texas's largest city clocks in at #120. Despite being home to over seven million people, Houston has plenty of attributes retirees look for. The cost of living is cheaper than in many other metro areas, low-cost attractions abound, and the restaurant scene is unparalleled, with every type of cuisine under the sun. The housing score is 6.0; the health care is 5.8.
9. Beaumont
Beaumont, TX, USA
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Near the Texas-Louisiana border, Beaumont is located about 90 miles outside of Houston. Spindletop, the site of the largest oil discovery in Texas history, is located here, and a museum commemorates its far-reaching influence. In close proximity to the excitement of Houston, the renowned Cajun cuisine of Lake Charles, and the diverse ecology of the Big Thicket, Beaumont is the perfect jumping-off point for all your retirement adventures. The housing affordability score is 7.0; healthcare is 5.3.
10. Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, TX, USA
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Waterfront cities are always coveted retirement destinations, so it's no surprise Corpus Christi made the list. It's an active town, with people always out walking, cycling, and boating and the beaches boast white sands and pristine waters. Oh, and the fresh Gulf seafood is second-to-none. The housing affordability score is 6.6; healthcare is 4.8.

Living in Texas we already know how great it is, but these 10 best places to retire in Texas are supposed to be pretty swell to settle down. Are you surprised to see any of these cities on the list? Let us know your thoughts, then check out this incredibly scenic drive in El Paso that showcases the skyline as you’ve never seen before.

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More to Explore

More Texas retirement towns

Chris Muras | December 23, 2022

What are the best Texas retirement towns?

Many of the towns we've featured here have topped one list or another depending on who is putting together the rankings. From Austin to Dallas there are plenty of good retirement towns in Texas. Here is a list of a few more of the best Texas retirement towns:

  • Hutto
  • Lubbock
  • Brady
  • Burnet
  • Cameron
  • Granbury
  • Kerrville
  • Fredericksburg

Find out why life in Texas is better in these small towns when it's time to retire. Is it the hometown restaurants, the cost of living, or the friendly communities? You'll have to come to visit to find out.

Where is the cheapest and safest place to live in Texas?

Brownsville-Harlingen tops the list as the cheapest place to live in Texas. If you compare this charming small town to Dallas-Forth Worth, the cost of living is 37 percent cheaper. Here is a list of a few more towns in Texas where the cost of living and the safety ratings are favorable:

  • Georgetown
  • Pflugerville
  • Cedar Park
  • Salado
  • Round Rock
  • Hutto
  • Whitehouse
  • Cibolo
  • Meadows Place
  • League City

Whether you plan to visit one of these charming small towns in Texas or make it your retirement home these towns are among the cheapest places to live in Texas.

What part of Texas has the safest weather?

Texas can be hit pretty hard by inclement weather from time to time. So what part of Texas has the best weather? It might surprise you but Huntsville ranks as the safest part of Texas weather-wise. It has the lowest occurrence of hail, lightning, tornados, and floods.

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