5 Reasons to Retire in Houston, Texas

Houston has a lot to offer active adults seeking ample greenspace and a diverse cityscape.

Houston is one of the best places to retire in Texas. Sprawling 665 square miles, Space City boasts an affordable cost of living, plentiful housing options, and a never-ending array of recreation opportunities. Houston is also the most diverse city in the country, according to WalletHub, beating out both New York and Los Angeles. More than 140 languages are spoken in Houston, with Spanish and Vietnamese among the most common.

Retirees looking for homes for sale in Texas will find that this vibrant city has much to offer. Whether you’re thinking of moving to Houston to live near family or you simply want a change of pace, active adults can explore multiple active lifestyle communities in H-town.

Read on for five reasons to retire in Houston.

1. Plenty of Greenspace

A tree canopy covering a pathway with benches in a Houston, Texas park
Houston is no concrete jungle.

Although it’s the largest city in Texas, Houston is no concrete jungle—it’s home to abundant greenspaces. Bayou City contains more than 50,000 acres of park space within the city limits, and it has even undergone a greenspace transformation in recent years.

Houston has added new parks, cleaned up existing parks, and installed nature and biking trails throughout the city, giving retirees plentiful options for outdoor recreation and exercise. The Houston Parks and Recreation Department oversees 366 parks and more than 200 greenspaces, in addition to more than 125 miles of hiking and biking trails.

2. A Low Cost of Living

A resort-style swimming pool with lap lanes in front of a yellow clubhouse in the Village at Tuscan Lakes, League City, Texas
There are several 55+ communities around Houston.

Compared to similar metro areas, Houston offers better affordability for residents. Here, retirees can expect a median home sale price that’s lower than several other major cities around the country. While the national average for housing costs hovered around $315,743 in 2020, Houstonians experienced a slightly higher average of around $319,339, according to U.S. News & World Report.

There are several 55+ communities around Houston. At The Village at Tuscan Lakes in League City, retirees can enjoy the nearby Kemah Boardwalk or spend the day on Galveston Island, which is just 30 minutes away. This 55+ community offers homes for sale that range from 1,109 to 2,581 square feet.

A little closer to Downtown Houston, Heritage Towne Lake in Cypress offers single-family homes for sale ranging from 1,553 to 3,372 square feet. Homeowners in this active adult community can enjoy a resort-like atmosphere that centers around fishing and boating. 

3. A Robust Restaurant Scene

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About 55places

We’re changing the way people 55 and older are searching for their perfect next place. With a national network of hand-selected real estate experts, plus comprehensive information, unbiased content, and on-the-go insight about thousands of communities across the country, we’re a trusted resource paving the way from here to home. Whether you’re interested in a low-maintenance single-level residence, an active lifestyle or age-qualified community, an intimate enclave, or anything in between, we can help you make your next move the best one yet.

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We’re changing the way people 55 and older are searching for their perfect next place. With a national network of hand-selected real estate experts, plus comprehensive information, unbiased content, and on-the-go insight about thousands of communities across the country, we’re a trusted resource paving the way from here to home. Whether you’re interested in a low-maintenance single-level residence, an active lifestyle or age-qualified community, an intimate enclave, or anything in between, we can help you make your next move the best one yet.

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