The Lone Star State is ready to welcome you to your golden years! From bluebonnets and barbecues to rich state history, Texas has a wealth of culture and diversity to explore. Whether you prefer bustling cities or small towns, thereโs something for everyone. There are more than 1,200 cities in the Lone Star State; to help you narrow it down, here are the top 10 retiree-friendly large cities.
1. Raymondville
- Population: 10,574
- Percent of population over 65: 11.6%
- Number of physicians per capita: 32
- Violent crimes per capita: 51.3
- Nonviolence crimes per capita: 55.7
Raymondville is the county seat of Willacy County and the best large city in Texas to retire in! Enjoy tasty local eats, open space, and a friendly community here. Put on a happy face and take a walk at Smiley Face Park; the park welcomes leashed dogs, so bring your four-legged friend along too! If youโre a fan of golf, be sure to check out the Raymondville Country Club, located along the southern border of the city.
2. Robstown
- Population: 10,372
- Percent of population over 65: 29.8%
- Number of physicians per capita: 208
- Violent crimes per capita: 59.8
- Nonviolence crimes per capita: 54.2
If youโre a fan of the beach, Robstown is a great retirement location; the city is located approximately 18 miles west of Corpus Christi! Robstown has all the amenities youโll need including grocery stores, parks, retail, and places of worship. Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, so be sure to look at the calendar to see what fun awaits you!
3. Vernon
- Population: 10,206
- Percent of population over 65: 28.3%
- Number of physicians per capita: 131
- Violent crimes per capita: 19.4
- Nonviolence crimes per capita: 43.8
Vernon is in North Texas and is the county seat of Wilbarger County. Visit downtown to catch a movie at Vernon Plaza, learn more about local history at the Wilbarger County Historical Museum, or see whatโs for sale at Miller Auctions. And donโt forget to visit the local boutiques and antique stores to enjoy your golden years in style.
4. Port Arthur
- Population: 55,757
- Percent of population over 65: 12.7%
- Number of physicians per capita: 205
- Violent crimes per capita: 27.2
- Nonviolence crimes per capita: 55.8
Port Arthur is an exciting beach town and a great Texas city for retirees. Port Arthurโs fun culture and low median home price make it perfect for active adults on a fixed income. If you want a beachside retirement, but you donโt want to deal with gators, Port A has the benefits of a Florida experienceยญ minus the massive reptiles and high cost of living!
5. Sweetwater
- Population: 10,605
- Percent of population over 65: 15.5%
- Number of physicians per capita: 86
- Violent crimes per capita: 35.4
- Nonviolence crimes per capita: 59.8
Life is sweeter in Sweetwater! Located 40 miles west of Lubbock, Sweetwater has plenty to love. Visit Newman Park and its accompanying dog park so you and your furry best friend can enjoy fresh air and a bit of exercise. The adjacent Nolan County Coliseum hosts 4-H animal shows and book sales. The presence of the Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital means you never have to travel far for medical care.
6. Roma
- Population: 11,451
- Percent of population over 65: 18%
- Number of physicians per capita: 27
- Violent crimes per capita: 17.5
- Nonviolence crimes per capita: 20.4
Roma resides along the Rio Grande River at the US-Mexico border. Retirees will love settling in this beautiful community! Visit the Rio Grande Viewpoint for a stellar view of the river, and the walking trails at Roma Municipal Park are a great way to get your steps in. If you enjoy birdwatching, visit the World Birding Center and keep your eyes open for the neo-tropical birds that call the area home.
7. San Benito
- Population: 24,812
- Percent of population over 65: 16.9%
- Number of physicians per capita: 112
- Violent crimes per capita: 24.8
- Nonviolence crimes per capita: 56.6
With a population of over 24,000 residents, San Benito is one of the largest cities on our list. A waterway runs through the center of San Benito, giving the city a picturesque image. Youโll find plenty of stores and restaurants in San Benito, so you never have to go far for good food or groceries. Another of the cityโs highlights is Kennedy Park, which features part of the waterway and a community garden.
8. Rio Grande City
- Population: 15,494
- Percent of population over 65: 9.9%
- Number of physicians per capita: 27
- Violent crimes per capita: 16.8
- Nonviolence crimes per capita: 33.4
Rio Grande City is located along the river of the same name. Stretch your legs and enjoy a morning walk along one of the city parks or the Fordyce Nature and Hiking Trails. If youโre a fan of history, visit the historical Fort Ringgold, which dates back to the Mexican War.
9. Plainview
- Population: 20,180
- Percent of population over 65: 13%
- Number of physicians per capita: 70
- Violent crimes per capita: 17.1
- Nonviolence crimes per capita: 52.6
Plainview is located 46 miles north of Lubbock. Choose one of many citywide parks as your favorite place for a morning stroll. If youโre a fan of swimming, the Plainview Aquatics Center is the place for you; enjoy cooling down in the pool on warm days or simply relaxing at one of the cabanas. The Plainview Country Club is a great choice for those who enjoy golfing and want to mingle with more of the community.
10. Jacksonville
- Population: 14,029
- Percent of population over 65: 14.8%
- Number of physicians per capita: 101
- Violent crimes per capita: 37.4
- Nonviolence crimes per capita: 50.2
Jacksonville rounds out our list of the best large Texas cities for retirees. The city is known for its tomatoes, which you can buy in bulk at the Tomato Shed. A variety of other fun, local stores and shopping opportunities await you! If youโd like to get away from the city, visit the Neches River National Wildlife Refuge outside of Jacksonville. Want more outdoor fun closer to home?
Check out Lake Jacksonville, located along the cityโs southern border, and enjoy tranquil views of the water.
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicareโs Hospital Compare and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city. Large cities were determined as those with more than 10,000 residents.
Common Questions About Retiring in Texas
Texas is a great state for retirees! If you love the idea of low taxes and a low cost of living, then you can make your fixed income last longer in Texas. Retirees can also enjoy mild winters and exciting cultural opportunities in thriving Texas cities like Houston and Dallas.
Retirees over the age of 65, or a surviving spouse is at least 55 years old, can obtain a property tax deferment or exemption for their primary residence.
People over the age of 65 can defer their property taxes for their primary homestead.
City Name | People Over 65 | Violent Crimes | Property Crimes | Access to Doctors | Median Home Price |
Raymondville | 11.6% | 51.3 | 55.7 | 32 | $64,500 |
Robstown | 29.8% | 59.3 | 54.2 | 208 | $66,700 |
Vernon | 28.3% | 19.4 | 43.8 | 131 | $69,900 |
Port Arthur | 12.7% | 27.2 | 55.8 | 205 | $70,700 |
Sweetwater | 15.5% | 35.4 | 59.8 | 86 | $72,400 |
Roma | 18% | 17.5 | 20.4 | 27 | $73,200 |
San Benito | 16.9% | 24.8 | 56.6 | 112 | $74,900 |
Rio Grande City | 9.9% | 16.8 | 33.4 | 27 | $77,400 |
Plainview | 13% | 17.1 | 52.6 | 70 | $78,500 |
Jacksonville | 14.8% | 37.4 | 50.2 | 101 | $83,000 |
Pampa | 16.2% | 38.2 | 62.9 | 99 | $84,900 |
Borger | 14.9% | 34.8 | 55.7 | 60 | $93,000 |
Alice | 15.2% | 37 | 79.7 | 65 | $93,300 |
Corsicana | 15.6% | 37.3 | 57.7 | 91 | $97,100 |
Marshall | 16.3% | 28.4 | 54.9 | 72 | $102,600 |
Mercedes | 16.4% | 25 | 61.4 | 93 | $102,600 |
Paris | 20.1% | 31.1 | 58.1 | 188 | $102,700 |
Hereford | 11.2% | 20.9 | 38.2 | 42 | $102,900 |
Donna | 15.4% | 54.1 | 77.9 | 93 | $102,800 |
Kingsville | 11.4% | 27.2 | 50.3 | 60 | $104,000 |
Access to Doctors is calculated by finding the number of hospitals, discounting childrenโs hospitals, and VA hospitals within one mile of the city.
Other Texas Resources
Drew Port is a writer for NewHomeSource. She writes on the homebuying process, as well as informing readers on homeownership.
Carol
I am looking for a rural home in the panhandle of Texas . I am of retirement age and have a fixed income. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thank you
Jamie Garcia
Hi Carol,
You can find new homes in any Texas city on newhomesource.com! Simply enter the city you’d like to live in to view available homes.