For many people, retirement is the culmination of years of career and life upbringing. The following is a list of the best places to retire in Texas.
These retirement communities in Texas were chosen based on a range of characteristics, including the cost of living, health care, recreation, and weather.
Texas’s Best Retirement Communities
Texas is home to a number of “best retirement communities,” which are particularly popular with active folks over the age of 55. Austin is a livable city that thrives as the home of the University of Texas. San Antonio and its riverfront promenade are excellent retirement destinations, attracting a large number of military personnel. Corpus Christi, The Woodlands, and the Rio Grande Valley all rank well on numerous lists of the “100 finest places to retire.”
Texas Certified Retirement Communities
The Texas Department of Agriculture administers the Texas certified retirement community program. As of 2016, Texas had more than 35 authorized retirement communities, but the state routinely adds new communities. Lufkin, Athens, Nacogdoches, Winnsboro, Longview, St. Augustine County, Odessa, Palestine, Panola County, Shelby County, and Duncanville are just a few of the certified retirement communities – these communities have all undergone a rigorous screening process to ensure they are desirable retirement communities.
This state program honors towns that excel in a variety of categories, including housing, safety, employment opportunities, healthcare, transportation, continuing education, recreation, cultural events, sports, community service, and spiritual enrichment. We’ll take a detailed look at five of the best places to retire in Texas:
5 Best Places to Retire in Texas
#1: Lufkin
Facts about LUFKIN
Environment: Small-mid Sized City,Golf Community,
City Population: 25,001-50,000
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 41-60
Avg July Temperature: 81+
Median HH Income: 20,001-40,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $100,000-$200,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: Less than 2000
Total Crime Index: 111-120 (high)
Cost of Living Index: 81-90 (low)
Culture Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: No
Lufkin, Texas has been chosen as one of the first communities in the state to achieve “Texas Certified Retirement Community Certification.” According to town authorities, who pursued this accreditation as a novel form of economic growth, the award served as “a validation of Lufkin’s overall quality of life.” The county of Nacogdoches, which is located 18 miles north of Lufkin, was likewise recognized as one of the first three accredited communities in the country. The two settlements are located within Texas Forest Country, which is often regarded as one of the most beautiful regions in the southern United States. Lufkin is a city in the state of Texas in the county of Angelina.
#2: Athens
Facts about CITY OF ATHENS
Environment: Rural, Lake, Small Town,
City Population: 10,000-25,000
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 21-40
Avg July Temperature: 81+
Median HH Income: 41,001-60,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $200,001-$300,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: Less than 2000
Total Crime Index: 81-90 (low)
Cost of Living Index: 81-90 (low)
Culture Index: 91-100 (slightly below average)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: No
Athens is a recipient of the Texas Department of Agriculture’s “Shining Star Award” for being a hardworking rural town, as well as being designated as a “Certified Retirement Community.” It offers the feel of a tiny town while being close enough to big cities like Tyler, 35 miles to the east, and Dallas, 75 miles to the northwest, to take advantage of their attractions.
There are numerous lakes surrounding it, including Lake Athens, Cedar Creek Lake, Lake Palestine, and Purtis Creek, making it a boater’s and fisherman’s paradise. Every weekend, an equestrian competition occurs at the Henderson County Fair Park Complex. It is a treat for nature lovers and those who like to explore the trails of the East Texas Arboretum. Athens is located in Henderson County and is part of the Prairies and Lakes region.
#3: Nacogdoches
Facts about NACOGDOCHES
Environment: College Town,Lake, Small-mid Sized City,
City Population: 50,001-100,000
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 41-60
Avg July Temperature: 81+
Median HH Income: 20,001-40,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $100,000-$200,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: Less than 2000
Total Crime Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
Cost of Living Index: 81-90 (low)
Culture Index: 81-90 (low)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: No
One of the first three communities in Texas to be certified as a Certified Retirement Community was Nacogdoches County, which was established in 1989. As the “oldest town in Texas,” it was the administrative center for the Spanish government for a substantial chunk of the state’s territory in the 1700s. It is located in East Texas’ Texas Forest Country. It is estimated that the first Caddo settlement in this area began around 700 B.C., long before the advent of Europeans. Several mounds built by these Native Americans can still be seen in the city’s National Historic District, which is designated as such.
#4: Winnsboro
Facts about WINNSBORO
Environment: Urban, Small Town,
City Population: Less than 10,000
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 41-60
Avg July Temperature: 81+
Median HH Income: 20,001-40,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $100,000-$200,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: Less than 2000
Total Crime Index: 81-90 (low)
Cost of Living Index: <80 (Very low)
Culture Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: No
Winnsboro, Texas, also known as the Crossroads, is a city in the state of Texas that is strategically placed between the cities of Dallas, Shreveport, and Texarkana. Winnsboro is a quaint tiny hamlet nestled in the midst of breathtaking scenery. A Texas Main Street City, Winnsboro is preserving and repairing historic buildings and landmarks. Winnsboro hosts a number of festivals throughout the year. Autumn Trails Festival, Texas Woodstock Festival, Class Car Cruise-In, and Biker Rally are just a few of the events on the calendar.
#5: Longview
Facts about LONGVIEW
Environment: Urban, Small-mid Sized City,
City Population: 50,001-100,000
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 41-60
Avg July Temperature: 81+
Median HH Income: 20,001-40,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $100,000-$200,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: Less than 2000
Total Crime Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
Cost of Living Index: 81-90 (low)
Culture Index: 81-90 (low)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: No
Longview, Texas, is a town and recognized retirement community with a population of approximately 100,000 people in east Texas. Being a recognized community ensures that seniors have the facilities they need for a happy and pleasant retirement by adhering to basic infrastructural requirements. Over the course of the year, Longview organizes a number of events, including AlleyFest, a Balloon Fair, and the annual Memorial Day Weekend Motorcycle Rally, also known as Party In The Pines.
Looking For Your Retirement Home in Texas?
If you already felt the need to retire, now is the best time to work with a trusted realtor to assist you in your home buying journey.
