Finding the best town in texas to retire in comes down to one truth most listicles miss: the best fit depends on your income, health needs, and whether you want a walkable downtown or wide-open land.
Texas has no state income tax on Social Security benefits, and the Tax Foundation reports that Texas is one of only a handful of states with no personal income tax at all, which stretches retirement dollars further than most retirees expect.
The problem is that Texas is huge. From Hill Country hamlets to Gulf Coast suburbs, the options overwhelm anyone comparing property taxes, healthcare access, and summer heat. This guide cuts through the noise with five towns that consistently earn high marks from retirees, plus the data and practical checks you need before you pack a moving truck.
Why Texas Keeps Winning for Retirees
Texas ranks among the most popular retirement destinations in the country, and the reasons are measurable rather than sentimental. The state collects no personal income tax, and according to the Tax Foundation, that absence applies to wages, pensions, and retirement account withdrawals alike.
For a household drawing $60,000 a year from a 401(k) and Social Security, that difference alone can free up thousands annually compared with high-tax states.
The trade-off is property taxes. Texas school districts and municipalities rely heavily on property tax revenue, so effective rates often run higher than the national average. Homestead exemptions soften the blow, and residents 65 and older can freeze their school district taxes, which protects them from future increases.
Cost of living also varies widely. Rural West Texas towns cost far less than Austin suburbs, but they also offer fewer hospitals and specialists. According to the Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University, housing affordability across the state has shifted noticeably since 2020, making it essential to verify current numbers rather than rely on older rankings.
Before you commit, pull the county appraisal district's tax rate for any town on your shortlist and run your expected property value through it. That single calculation will eliminate half your candidates fast.
The Income Tax Advantage in Plain Numbers
- No state tax on Social Security, pensions, or IRA withdrawals
- Homestead exemption reduces taxable value for school taxes
- Age 65+ homeowners can freeze school district taxes
- No state estate or inheritance tax
How to apply this: request the exemption form from your county appraisal district before your first tax bill arrives.
Texas ranks among the most popular retirement destinations in the country, and finding the best town in texas to retire in starts with understanding why the state keeps winning.
With no personal income tax and measurable advantages, the best town in texas to retire in becomes easier to identify once you weigh the numbers.
1. Boerne: Hill Country Charm With San Antonio Access
Boerne sits about 30 miles northwest of San Antonio, which means retirees get small-town sidewalks plus a major medical network within a short drive. The town's Main Street is walkable, the Hill Country scenery is genuinely attractive, and the cost of living stays below Austin or Dallas levels.
Healthcare access matters more as you age, and this is where Boerne outperforms remote Hill Country towns. San Antonio's hospital systems, including major teaching hospitals, sit within a 40-minute drive for most residents. That proximity is often the deciding factor when someone names the best town in texas to retire in.
Summers are hot, with highs regularly pushing past 95°F, so shade, air conditioning, and early-morning routines become part of daily life. Winters are mild, which appeals to retirees escaping northern snow.
Property values have climbed steadily, so verify current prices with a local agent rather than trusting older cost-of-living indexes. If you want culture, festivals, and a farmers market without big-city traffic, Boerne delivers a strong balance.
How to apply this: check drive times to the nearest hospital with a cardiology unit before you tour any home.
2. Georgetown: One of the Fastest-Growing Retirement Cities
Georgetown, just north of Austin, has repeatedly appeared on national "best places to retire" lists, and the data supports the attention. The U.S. Census Bureau has documented rapid population growth in the area, driven partly by retirees drawn to the Sun City community and the town's restored Victorian square.
The appeal is straightforward: mild winters, a walkable historic downtown, and access to Austin's specialists without living in Austin's traffic. Healthcare is a genuine strength here, with a regional medical center and multiple clinics inside town limits.
The downside is growth itself. Traffic has increased, and housing prices have risen faster than in many Texas towns. If you bought elsewhere a decade ago, the numbers here may surprise you.
Still, for retirees who want an active social calendar, organized clubs, and proximity to a major airport, Georgetown is hard to beat. The town's recreation centers and trail system keep residents moving, which matters for long-term health.
How to apply this: join a local retiree Facebook group or community center mailing list for two weeks and read the real complaints before you visit.
What to Verify Before Choosing Georgetown
- Current property tax rate for Williamson County
- Wait times at the nearest primary care clinic
- HOA fees if you consider a 55+ community
- Summer electric bills from an actual resident
Georgetown has repeatedly appeared on national "best places to retire" lists, and many retirees consider it the best town in texas to retire in.
Census data documenting rapid growth supports the attention, reinforcing why Georgetown earns a spot as the best town in texas to retire in.
3. New Braunfels: Rivers, Recreation, and Reasonable Costs
New Braunfels pairs two rivers, a German heritage downtown, and Comal County's steady growth into one of the most balanced retirement options in central Texas. The town sits between San Antonio and Austin, so both metro areas' hospitals and airports remain accessible.
Recreation is the headline. Tubing, walking trails, and riverfront parks give retirees a reason to stay active, and the climate supports outdoor activity most of the year. Community groups, churches, and senior centers are plentiful.
Costs run moderate. It is not the cheapest town in the state, but it undercuts Austin and many coastal markets. Property taxes follow the Texas pattern of higher rates offset by no income tax.
The heat and occasional flooding near the rivers are real considerations. Check flood zone maps before buying near the water, and confirm your insurance quote in writing.
For retirees who want activities, mild weather, and a central location, this town earns its place on any serious shortlist for the best town in texas to retire in.
How to apply this: request a flood zone determination from your insurance agent before making an offer on any river-adjacent property.
4. Kerrville: Affordable Hill Country Living
Kerrville offers lower housing costs than Boerne or New Braunfels while keeping the Hill Country setting retirees love. The Guadalupe River runs through town, and the area's arts community, including the museum and performing arts venues, gives the town more cultural depth than its size suggests.
A regional medical center anchors local healthcare, and San Antonio sits roughly an hour away for advanced care. That distance is manageable but worth testing with a real drive before you commit.
Housing remains comparatively affordable, which helps retirees on fixed incomes. Utility costs matter here, as summer cooling bills can run high, so ask for a year of actual bills from any seller.
The town skews older, which means services, volunteer groups, and social opportunities geared toward retirees are well established. If you want a slower pace and lower prices than the Austin suburbs, Kerrville is a strong contender.
How to apply this: ask three local retirees what they wish they had checked before moving, then verify each item yourself.
Kerrville offers lower housing costs than Boerne or New Braunfels, making it a strong contender for the best town in texas to retire in.
The Guadalupe River and a lively arts community add to the appeal of this affordable Hill Country option for the best town in texas to retire in.
5. Wimberley: Small-Town Character, Big Trade-Offs
Wimberley trades convenience for character, and that trade deserves a hard look. The town is small, scenic, and full of artists, shops, and swimming holes. It also sits farther from major hospitals than the other towns on this list, which becomes critical as health needs grow.
Housing costs have risen sharply as the area gained popularity. Inventory is limited, and prices reflect demand from both retirees and remote workers.
For retirees who are healthy, drive confidently, and value quiet over convenience, Wimberley can be ideal. For anyone managing chronic conditions, the distance to specialists is a genuine drawback.
This is where the honest answer to the best town in texas to retire in depends on your health and mobility rather than a ranking. Match the town to your medical reality, not to a magazine list.
How to apply this: map the drive from your candidate neighborhood to the nearest emergency room at 7 a.m. and again at 5 p.m. to test real traffic.
Comparing the Top Texas Retirement Towns
The table below summarizes the trade-offs so you can match each town to your priorities and act on the comparison immediately.
| Town | Best for | Main trade-off | Action to take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boerne | Walkable charm, San Antonio access | Rising home prices | Check hospital drive times |
| Georgetown | Active 55+ communities | Traffic and growth | Attend a community event |
| New Braunfels | Recreation and central location | Flood risk near rivers | Pull flood zone maps |
| Kerrville | Affordability, arts scene | Distance to specialists | Request 12 months of utility bills |
| Wimberley | Quiet, scenic small town | Limited healthcare nearby | Time the ER drive yourself |
The table makes one pattern clear: no single town wins on every measure. Rank your own priorities, then let the table eliminate the mismatches.
How to apply this: score each town from 1 to 5 on healthcare, cost, climate, and social life, then total the columns.
The comparison table summarizes the trade-offs so you can quickly match each town to your priorities when choosing the best town in texas to retire in.
Use the table to act on the comparison immediately, since the best town in texas to retire in depends on what matters most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions About best town in texas to retire in
What is the cheapest town in Texas for retirees on a fixed income?
Rural towns in West Texas and the Panhandle generally carry the lowest housing costs, though they also have fewer services. Kerrville and similar Hill Country towns offer a middle ground with more amenities.
If affordability drives your search for the best town in texas to retire in, verify current property tax rates and utility costs directly with the county rather than trusting national averages.
How do Texas property taxes affect retirement budgets?
Texas has no state income tax but relies heavily on property taxes, so a paid-off home still generates a significant annual bill. The homestead exemption and the age 65 school tax freeze reduce the impact substantially. When comparing the best town in texas to retire in, always calculate the full annual tax bill, not just the purchase price.
Which Texas towns have the best healthcare for older adults?
Towns near major metros win on healthcare access. Georgetown benefits from Austin's network, Boerne and New Braunfels from San Antonio's, and both offer regional hospitals in town. Remote Hill Country towns trade this access for scenery. If you manage a chronic condition, weight healthcare access heavily when choosing the best town in texas to retire in.
Is Texas a good state for retirees who still work part-time?
Yes, because there is no state income tax on wages, which makes part-time work more rewarding than in states that tax earned income. Towns with strong local economies, such as Georgetown and New Braunfels, offer more part-time options.
Confirm that any town on your list for the best town in texas to retire in has the employers or clients you need nearby.
What should I check before moving to a Texas retirement town in summer?
Visit in July or August, not during a pleasant spring weekend. Confirm your home's cooling system age, ask for a full year of electric bills, and test morning outdoor routines in real heat. A town that feels perfect in March can feel miserable in August, so time your visit accordingly.
Visit in July or August, not during a pleasant spring weekend, before deciding on the best town in texas to retire in.
Confirm your home's cooling system age and ask for a full year of electric bills to test whether the best town in texas to retire in suits your summer routine.
Your Next Steps Toward a Texas Retirement
Choosing the best town in texas to retire in is a personal calculation, not a popularity contest. The five towns here each win on different measures, and your job is to match them to your health, budget, and social needs.
Key takeaways:
- Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes are high, so run the full annual numbers
- Healthcare proximity should outweigh scenery if you manage chronic conditions
- Visit in summer and time the emergency room drive under real traffic
- Verify tax rates, utility bills, and flood zones with primary sources, not listicles
Start with one concrete action this week: pull your shortlist of two towns and request their county tax rates and a year of utility data from a local realtor. That single step will confirm or eliminate your favorites faster than any ranking ever could.
