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 one of the most diverse cities in the country. 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 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.
Plenty of Greenspace
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. It also has 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. The Houston Parks and Recreation Department oversees 366 parks, more than 200 greenspaces, and more than 125 miles of hiking and biking trails.
Lower Housing Prices and Cost of Living
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. According to Best Places, the cost of living in Houston is 3.1% lower than the national average. Also, the average home costs $247,900, which is 26.7% less expensive than the national average.
There are several 55+ communities around Houston. At The Village at Tuscan Lakes, 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 offers single-family homes 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.
A Robust Restaurant Scene
Living in Houston allows you to dig into an exciting culinary scene. Houston is home to more than 11,000 restaurants that span the spectrum from traditional Southern fare to fine dining. Retirees can also savor a variety of international favorites to suit any palate, from Ethiopian dishes to Indian cuisine,
Active adults can’t go wrong ordering a dish at one of the city’s many award-winning restaurants. Check out Brennan’s of Houston or Goode Co. BBQ, named one of America’s best barbecue joints by National Geographic Traveler.
No State Income Tax
Retirees who settle in Houston can enjoy stretching their retirement dollars further than many other major metro areas. Texas doesn’t impose a state income tax, and it never will since the state constitution forbids it. This means that Social Security retirement benefits and all other types of retirement income are tax-free at the state level.
Texas joins six other states—Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming—that don’t collect income tax.
World-Class Health Care
Living in Houston gives retirees easy access to some of the world’s top doctors and specialists. Houston is home to the world’s largest medical complex and employs over 360,000 health care workers.
No matter where they live in the city, active adults are always close to a medical facility. The Houston area contains 85 hospitals with more than 19,300 beds. Houston Methodist Hospital, the city’s No. 1 hospital, is nationally ranked in nine adult specialties and high-performing in nine procedures and conditions.
55places Is Here to Help You Retire in Texas!
Are you ready to discover active adult living in Texas? Let 55places turn your dream home into reality! We’ll connect you with a seasoned real estate agent in your area. Our Partner Agents are committed to assisting you in finding the right home in the perfect community. Contact us today to begin your journey!
