Hidden gems: Discover the best small towns in Texas to retire to
Retiring in Texas can be a great option for those looking for warm weather, affordable living, and a variety of leisure activities.
Here’s some key info on Texas as a whole and a look at some of the top small towns and areas to look into when you’re considering retiring to a Texas small town.
Weather: It’s always worth thinking about the potential weather where you want to live – what kind of weather do you enjoy? Texas has quite a warm climate with hot summers and mild winters. This can be perfect for those looking to escape the colder climates up north. However, some areas can be quite humid so it’s important to consider all factors when making your decision.
Healthcare: Healthcare is a super important consideration, whatever age you’re retiring at. Texas has a good range of healthcare options, with many top-ranked hospitals and a growing number of medical professionals. However, the cost of healthcare in Texas is generally higher than the national average and the number of uninsured people in the state is also high.
Cost of living: Got to think about the money! Texas has a relatively low cost of living compared to other states, which is great for retirees who want to stretch their retirement savings. Housing is also affordable, with many retirees opting for a more laid-back lifestyle in one of the state’s many retirement communities.
Crime: Texas has a relatively high crime rate compared to other states, so it’s definitely something to consider when choosing where to retire. Of course, crime can vary by location, so it’s always a good idea to research the specific area you’re interested in before making a decision.
Transport links: Texas has a good network of roads and highways, making it easy to get around. The state also has several major airports, including Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, making it easy to travel in and out of the state.
Local amenities: Texas has a wealth of local amenities, including shopping, dining, and entertainment options. There are also many great parks and outdoor recreational areas, such as the Big Bend National Park and the Hill Country.
Leisure: There are plenty of leisure activities on offer in Texas including golf, fishing, and hiking. There are also lots of cultural attraction such as museums and art galleries, and it has a thriving music scene.
Texas has a lot to offer for retirees looking for a warm climate, affordable living, and a variety of leisure activities. With its good healthcare, low crime rate, and excellent transport links, it’s definitely worth considering if you’re thinking of retiring in the US.
Related: The best places to retire in Texas Hill Country
What are the best small towns in Texas to retire in?
If small town living is what you’re after, then Texas has so many great options to consider. Here are some of the top small towns worth having a look at.
Boerne
Boerne is a small to midsize town in the Texas Hill Country with a population of around 17,000. It’s known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, and excellent healthcare facilities.
Boerne has a strong sense of community and a growing population of retirees, making it an appealing option for those looking for a tight-knit community.
There are plenty of parks and hiking trails in the area as well as golf courses shopping, and restaurants. Boerne also has a number of good hospitals and healthcare facilities, making it a good choice for retirees who prioritise quality healthcare.
Fredericksburg
Another small town in the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg has a population of around 11,000. It’s known for its German heritage and has picturesque streets lined with Victorian houses.
In terms of leisure, there are some good dining and shopping options in Fredericksburg. The town also has access to several nearby state parks including Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, which makes it a great option for outdoor enthusiasts.
Fredericksburg also has access to several good hospitals and quality healthcare options. The town has a vibrant cultural scene, taking part in events and celebrations such as Oktoberfest and the Peach Festival, so it’s a great choice for retirees looking for a mix of outdoor recreation and cultural activities.
Georgetown
Slightly bigger in size, Georgetown is a historic town in the heart of Texas and has a population of around 75,000 people. It offers a high quality of life, with good healthcare, a low crime rate, and a friendly community.
Georgetown is home to Southwestern University which gives it a vibrant cultural scene and a variety of entertainment options. Georgetown is also known for its beautiful parks (such as San Gabriel Park) and outdoor recreation opportunities – including access to Lake Georgetown.
Georgetown is a good choice for retirees looking for a mix of urban amenities and scenic beauty.
Wimberley
If you’re really looking to go small, then Wimberley fits the bill!
Wimberley is a very small town located in the Texas Hill Country with a population of around 2,500. It’s known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities, including access to the nearby Texas Hill Country and the Blanco River.
This small town will be a popular destination for retirees who are looking for a peaceful, rural lifestyle, and despite it’s size, it offers a variety of local amenities, including shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.
Wimberley is a great option for retirees looking for a tight-knit community and access to outdoor recreation.
New Braunfels
New Braunfels is a charming town in Texas with a population of around 90,000. It offers a high quality of life, access to healthcare, a low crime rate, and a growing community of retirees.
New Braunfels is a beautiful area with plenty of options for outdoor recreation, which includes access to Texas Hill Country and the Comal River.
The town has a fairly vibrant cultural scene – you’ll find events taking place such as Wurstfest and the New Braunfels Farmers Market.
With its blend of culture and outdoor activities, New Braunfels is a good choice for retirees looking for a mix of urban amenities and scenic beauty.
Kerrville
Kerrville is another small town located in the Texas Hill Country. It has a population of around 25,000. With beautiful scenery, outdoor recreational opportunities and friendly community, Kerrville also offers access to several nearby state parks and lakes.
If culture is important to you, Kerville also has a vibrant cultural scene with events such as the Kerrville Folk Festival and the Kerrville Wine and Music Festiva. It’s another great option for retirees looking for a mixture of outdoor recreation and cultural activities.
Canyon Lake
Canyon Lake is a small town in the Texas Hill Country with a population of around 34,000 people. It has beautiful scenery and a tight-knit community.
Canyon Lake is good for those who love the outdoors and offers access to the nearby Canyon Lake and Guadalupe River. There is also a good range of local amenities which include shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.
Canyon Lake is a great option for people looking for a peaceful, rural, retirement lifestyle with access to plenty of outdoor recreation.
Bastrop
Close to Austin and on the Colorado river, Bastrop offers good healthcare and plenty of local amenities for shopping and leisure. It’s a good option for retirees looking for affordable housing and plenty of opportunities to get outside and active.
Kemah
Highlighted in a WorldAtlas report on the best places to retire in Texas. Located on Galveston Bay, it has close access to healthcare services and plenty of amenities, such as shops and dining options.
It’s well-known for Kemah Broadwalk – a waterfront attraction with theme park rides and more, perfect for when the grandchildren visit.
These small towns in Texas listed above are just a few of the many options – the best choice will depend on your personal preferences and needs.
When choosing a place to retire, it’s important to consider lots of factors such as healthcare, cost of living and local amenities as well as the community and cultural scene.
What are the pros and cons of retiring in Texas?
Retiring in Texas can offer many advantages, as well as some potential drawbacks, just like any other state. Here are some of the pros and cons of retiring in Texas:
Pros:
- Cost of Living: Texas has a relatively low cost of living compared to many other states. Housing costs are particularly reasonable in many areas and there is no state income tax in Texas.
- Weather: Texas has a warm and sunny climate that is appealing to many retirees. There is variation of temperature and weather patterns depending on the region, so retirees can choose an area that suits their preferences.
- Healthcare: Texas has a number of hospitals and healthcare facilities, making it a good choice for retirees who are concerned about their health. The quality of healthcare care in Texas is considered to be reasonably high and the state is home to many top-rated health systems.
- Outdoor recreation: Texas has a diverse landscape, including mountains, beaches, forests, and prairies, making it a great place for those who love the outdoors. There are numerous state parks, lakes, and hiking trails.
- Cultural scene: Texas has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous festivals, concerts, and events throughout the year. Retirees looking for cultural activities will find plenty of options in Texas, from the Dallas Arts District to the historic Alamo in San Antonio.
Cons:
- Weather: While Texas has a warm climate that is appealing to many retirees, it some areas it can also be very hot in the summer, which can be a drawback for some people. In addition, Texas is prone to extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and tornadoes, which can be a concern.
- Crime: Some parts of Texas have higher crime rates compared to other states, which can be a concern for retirees. Unfortunately, in 2022, Texas was rated 11th on a list of most dangerous states. Texas retirees should research crime rates in specific areas before choosing a place to retire.
- Cost of Healthcare: While Texas has a number of top-ranked healthcare facilities, the cost of healthcare in the state can be high, particularly for retirees who are not covered by Medicare. Retirees should research the cost of healthcare in specific areas before choosing a place to retire. It also has a high number of uninsured residents.
- Political climate: Texas is a conservative state and some retirees may find the political climate to be less hospitable than other states. Retirees should consider their political views and research the political climate of specific areas before choosing a place to retire.
Is Texas a good place to retire?
Retiring in Texas has its advantages, but it’s always important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision. Retirees should look into the cost of living, weather, healthcare costs and culture in specific areas, as well as the crime rate and political climate, to find the best fit for their needs and preferences.
