Overview
Located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, Southlake is a city that offers retirees sunny southern weather, close proximity to big cities, and community organized events that are sure to keep retirees busy.
Climate & Geography
Southlake is located in Northern Texas, which is primarily composed of plains and flatland, and as a suburb of Dallas, the surrounding area is mostly residential neighborhoods. Grapevine Lake borders the northern edge of Southlake.
Residents of Southlake experience summers that are hot with high humidity and occasional severe heat waves, while winters are mild with temperatures rarely falling below freezing. Rainfall in the area is average, there is almost no snowfall, and there are about 233 sunny days each year. The city is located in the southern end of Tornado Alley, so some extreme weather and hailstorms are possible.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
Southlake’s parks system comprises developed parks, open spaces, trails, and athletic fields for residents to enjoy.
Throughout the year community events and classes are held such as gardening classes, therapeutic recreation, the Roaring Twenties Sweetheart Dance, and more. The Senior Activity Center also works to organize events and programs for active adults in the community.
The Southlake Town Square is filled with over 260 unique and fine shopping stores. There is also a diverse selection of dining options to choose from, including American, Asian, barbecue, Mexican, seafood, and more.
For day trip options, Dallas and Fort Worth are just over 30 minutes from Southlake.
Cost of Living & Taxes
In Texas, Social Security benefits and all other forms of retirement income are not taxed. Homeowners above the age of 65 are eligible for a homestead exemption when certain requirements are met to help alleviate property taxes.
The cost of living in Southlake is higher than the state and national average. Housing is the main factor for the difference in the cost of living index at almost three times the national average, while health care and utilities are close to the average. There is an 8.26 percent sales tax in Southlake.
Health Care
There are nine hospitals located within 10 miles of Southlake. Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital and Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Flower Mound are both rated high performing by U.S. News.