Texas 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

55+ communities in Texas are quickly becoming a top destination for retirees seeking an active lifestyle. The North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement named Texas the second most popular retirement destination in the U.S. behind Florida.

While Texas doesn’t have as many 55+ communities as other states, the state has been keeping up with demand. As more retirees move to Texas, more retirement communities have been established. Most community features include walking trails, pools, and social activities.

Texas Climate & Geography

The Lone Star State is the second-largest in the nation based on population and area. Three of the most populated U.S. cities are in Texas: Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. 

Retirees looking for wide-open spaces and mild climates are drawn to Texas. Because of its size, Texas has mountains, forested hills, coastal plains, and prairies. There are also many rivers and lakes throughout the state.

Most areas of Texas have consistently high temperatures in the summer months. The Gulf Coast experiences a maritime climate. Further inland, it's more continental, drier in the west, and wetter along the eastern border.

Hurricanes and tornadoes are not uncommon in Texas. Spring is typically the best time to visit between February and April when the humidity is low and the days are warm and sunny.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment in Texas

Most people associate Texas with an image of a cowboy and the motto, “Everything is bigger in Texas.” Texans tend to be larger than life and accepting of everyone, making the state a huge melting pot of many cultures and lifestyles.

Texans love their history and take pride in their state. There are many popular attractions in Texas for active adults and retirees including:

• The Alamo
• Houston Space Center
• Texas State Capitol
• Paseo del Rio
• Galveston Island
• Gruene Hall
• Natural Bridge Caverns
• Cowboy Stadium
• Big Bend National Park

Texas is best known for petroleum, natural gas, agriculture, steel, banking, insurance, and tourism. The state leads the nation in livestock and cotton production. Texas has more farms than any other state and the highest acreage. Texas is also home to more Fortune 500 companies than any other state including AT&T, Dell, and Men's Warehouse.

Texas Cost of Living & Taxes

Texas is one of the most business-friendly states with low taxes, low housing costs, and high quality of education. Active adults appreciate that real estate prices are among the lowest in the country. The reasonable prices and open spaces have attracted many retirees in recent years.

 Many retirees are also drawn here because there’s no state income tax. However, be aware that the overall tax burden in Texas is one of the highest in the country. 

Health Care in Texas

Texas is home to 583 hospitals and has some of the best medical centers in the country. The citizens of Texas take fewer mental health days per month than average and the state has a low rate of cancer deaths.

Retiring in Texas FAQs

Where are the best places to retire in Texas?

Texas has many good places to retire for any lifestyle, from larger cities with lots of amenities to smaller towns with affordable real estate. Many retirees enjoy the 55+ communities in Houston.

What are the best small towns in Texas to retire in?

Katy and Richmond are some of the small towns in Texas that retirees enjoy living in.

What are the best cities to retire in Texas?

Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, and Fort Worth are the largest cities in the state by population that retirees flock to.

How much does it cost to live in a 55+ community in Texas?

As of 2023, the average cost of residing in an age-restricted community in the U.S. is between a $1,500 to $4,000 monthly fee. This price can vary by HOA fees, amenities, security, and other expenses.