If retirement is on the horizon and you want to kick off your Golden Years somewhere new, you may want to consider Texas. The Lone Star State is the second largest by area and population, bordering Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. There are many cities to choose to retire to in Texas, such as Dallas and Frisco.
But no matter where you choose to settle down, Texas is a great place to do it. Known for its hospitality, food, climate and wide open land, Texas is a great place to retire with your spouse, on your own or with friends. But getting here is best left up to the professionals skilled in Texas moves, large and small.
The Perks of TX
The country’s second-most populous state attracts retirees from all over the nation and the world for its warm weather, lower taxes, affordable housing, and abundance of leisure activities. Plus, there’s no state income tax here. And if you’re planning to launch a second career or hold some type of part-time job just to stay busy, you’ll be happy to know Texas has plenty of job opportunities for retirees.
Health care is understandably a big factor for many older adults. Texas boasts some of the best doctors and hospitals for managing health conditions, according to US News and World Report.
Best Places to Retire Here
McAllen
Population: 850,000
Population over 60: 15%
Average mortgage/month: $1,100
Average rent/month: $700
Median home price: $70,600
Situated at the southern tip of Texas, McAllen is the only metro area in the nation where the average home costs less than $100k. This is great for retirees with fixed incomes.
Corpus Christi
Population: 452,000
Population over 60: 20%
Average mortgage/month: $1,500
Average rent/month: $1000
Median home price: $122,800
Clocking in at a higher price point, Corpus Christi features a laid-back lifestyle and relatively low housing prices for living close to the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy the sun, sand and wildlife of The Padre Island National Seashore which spans 70 miles. Get a job or volunteer at South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, the Texas State Aquarium or USS Lexington.
El Paso
Population: 842,000
Population over 60: 16%
Average mortgage/month: $1,200
Average rent/month: $800
Median home price: $105,400
As one of the most affordable places to retire in the United States, El Paso scores high in life satisfaction, which includes happy life balance and the presence of supportive relationships. It sits across the Rio Grande from Ciudad Juarez, a Mexican city.
Austin
Population: 2,058,000
Population over 60: 15%
Average mortgage/month: $1,800
Average rent/month: $1,200
Median home price: $262,400
Austin’s got a hopping job market and unique culture, both of which lure people of all ages, including retirees. In fact, between 2018 and 2019, more than 16,000 new residents set up shop here. It’s a college town (University of Texas-Austin), but that’s great news for seniors who can sign up for six tuition-free credit hours each semester. For those interested in tech jobs, Apple, Dell and IBM are the big three employers here. Those concerned about health should know that Austin is home to St. David’s Medical Center and Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin.
Austin housing costs aren’t the cheapest, but if you’re coming from another area of the state or country where cost of living is high, you will find Austin to be a refreshing change.
Houston
Population: 6,780,000
Population over 60: 16%
Average mortgage/month: $1,700
Average rent/month: $1,000
Median home price: $170,000
As the fourth largest city in the U.S., Houston boasts lots of recreation and volunteer opportunities for retirees in its museum and theater districts. In addition, Houston Methodist Hospital is 20th in the nation and the University of Houston allows seniors over 65 to audit courses for free.
Dallas
Population: 7,255,000
Population over 60: 16%
Average mortgage/month: $1,700
Average rent/month: $1,100
Median home price: $180,000
Dallas has relatively low housing costs, with major health care providers located here, including Baylor University Medical Center and UT Southwestern Medical Center. Those who love sports will have plenty to do here, thanks to the Cowboys, Mavericks, Rangers and Stars. If you’re interested in volunteering or picking up a part-time job, check out the many museums around the city.
Contact Around the Block Moving Company
Once you know where you want to retire, call us for a free quote at 214-433-6763. We are experienced with moves all over Texas, especially Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano and Allen.