Is Dallas a good place to retire? Many retirees are asking this question—and for good reason. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex offers a unique blend of urban excitement, Southern charm, and practical benefits. From its legendary Tex-Mex and barbecue to its world-class sports events, this region has something for everyone.
Whether you’re drawn by the chance to live near family, enjoy wide-open spaces in places like Denton, or relax by the lakes in Frisco, DFW continues to attract retirees from across Texas and beyond. Here are five reasons why Dallas might be the perfect place to enjoy your next chapter—and some of the top 55+ communities in the area.
1. No State Income Tax
Retirees living on a fixed income can make their dollars stretch further by living in DFW. Texas doesn’t have a state income tax, which means Social Security and all other types of retirement income are tax-free. Texas is one of just seven states—joining Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming—that don’t levy a personal income tax.
2. A Pleasant Year-Round Climate
Retirees who want to put away their snow shovels for good can find respite in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. DFW experiences mild winters, making it an ideal retirement destination for those who have grown weary of the cold. While Texas is often known for its heat, DFW experiences all four seasons—sometimes in the same week. Plenty of sunshine and enjoyable temperatures are a big reason why Dallas is a great place to retire.
3. A Picturesque Skyline
Whether retirees are grabbing a bite to eat in Deep Ellum or strolling the Dallas Design District, they’re bound to have a breathtaking view. Dallas boasts one of the country’s most iconic skylines. In 2014, the Dallas skyline claimed the top spot in the Best International Skyline contest category for USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice survey.
One of the Dallas skyline’s most recognizable landmarks is Reunion Tower. It’s an observation tower that rises 571 feet and offers panoramic 360-degree views of Big D. Other dominant features include the 72-story Bank of America Plaza building and the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, a local hotspot for urban photoshoots.
4. The Texas State Fair
Retirees who live in DFW can easily experience the legendary State Fair of Texas. Held every year since 1886 in Dallas’ historic Fair Park, the State Fair of Texas is the country’s longest-running fair. It’s also one of the largest by average daily attendance, drawing more than 2.25 million visitors each year.
Living in a 55+ community in DFW puts retirees in the heart of the action every fall. They don’t have to commute from another city or book a hotel room to experience the fair. Retirees can check out impressive cars at the auto show, catch a live concert, or sink their teeth into creative new fair food. Some of the hottest food offerings include deep-fried pico de gallo and Southern-fried chicken nachos.
5. Some of the Best 55+ Communities in Texas
The Dallas-Fort Worth area offers a wide range of active lifestyle communities that are perfect for retirees. For those who want to stay close to family while enjoying the amenities and vibrant social scene of a 55+ community, DFW has plenty of appealing options. Many of these age-restricted neighborhoods are thoughtfully integrated into larger master-planned developments.
While there are 55+ active adult communities across the DFW metroplex, the following neighborhoods and apartment communities are located within the city limits of Dallas and Fort Worth.
Dallas
RENT
Rent starting at: $2,100
Discover vibrant 55+ living at Everleigh Forestwood, a resort-style apartment community in Dallas. Located just north of downtown, this pet-friendly community offers beautifully crafted one- and two-bedroom units with upscale finishes like granite countertops, walk-in showers with spa benches, and private patios or balconies. Residents enjoy over 12,000 square feet of amenities, including a heated pool, a yoga studio, a putting green, a theater room, and a lively calendar of social events.
Fort Worth
BUY
High $400ks – Low $600ks
This gated neighborhood offers 228 thoughtfully designed single-family homes. With up to 18 floor plans, these homes feature options like covered porches and private courtyards. Residents also enjoy exclusive amenities, including a resort-style pool, fitness center, pickleball courts, and a social hub known as The Getaway. Additionally, homeowners can access the broader Tavolo Park amenities, such as The Big Table clubhouse with a community kitchen, fire pit, and beer garden.
RENT
Rent starting at: $1,400
Offering modern one- and two-bedroom floor plans with upscale finishes like granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and private patios or balconies, this community is designed for comfort and convenience. Residents enjoy a wealth of amenities, including a resort-style pool, fitness center, yoga studio, game room, and arts & crafts space. With its prime location near shopping, dining, and entertainment, Album Keller Ranch provides the perfect setting for an active and engaging lifestyle.
$1,400s – $3,400s
Discover the vibrant lifestyle at Overture River District, a premier 55+ active adult community in Fort Worth, Texas. This gated community offers 198 one- and two-bedroom apartment homes. Residents enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle with access to 12,000 square feet of resort-style amenities, including a heated outdoor pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, and a private theater. The community also features outdoor spaces like grilling stations, a fire pit, and a tranquil terrace, all nestled along the scenic West Fork Trinity River with direct access to walking and biking trails.
$1,300s – $2,000s
Offering spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans, each residence features upscale finishes, including 9-foot ceilings, granite countertops, and private patios or balconies. Residents can enjoy a resort-style pool, fitness center, putting green, pet park, and a state-of-the-art theater. With beautifully landscaped courtyards, walking trails, and a variety of social activities, Aviva Fort Worth provides a perfect blend of comfort and community.
$1,500s – $2,500s
Experience 55+ living at Overture Ridgmar, an active adult apartment community in Fort Worth. The community offers spacious two-bedroom homes ranging from 1,252 to 1,432 square feet. Also, each residence features open-concept layouts, dual-bedroom suites with walk-in closets, and private balconies. Residents enjoy a resort-style heated pool with spa, fitness center, bistro, club room, library, and a community garden.
Get Started on Your Journey to Retirement Living in DFW!
If you’re considering making Dallas-Fort Worth your retirement destination, the next step is finding the right 55+ community. At 55places.com, we make it easy to connect with a local real estate expert who understands the unique needs of active adult homebuyers.
Whether you’re looking for resort-style amenities or a close-knit community vibe, our experienced agents can help you find the perfect place to call home in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Contact us today to get started on your journey to retirement living in DFW!
