So you have been working hard for a long time and now you are finally ready to retire. But where should you retire? You have a lot of options, but you want to make sure you choose the right place. After all, this is where you will be spending the rest of your life.
Texas has a lot to offer retirees as there are big cities, small towns, and everything in between. You can find places with great weather, plenty of things to do, and a low cost of living. In this article, we will take a look at the top 5 cities in Texas to retire in.
Things to consider when choosing a retirement city
When you are trying to decide where to retire, there are a lot of things to consider. Here are some of the most important factors:
1. Cost of living:
The first thing you need to consider is the cost of living in the city you are considering. You need to make sure you can afford to live there comfortably on a fixed income. Places that have a low cost of living are often more affordable for retirees. However, it will be hard for you to get access to the same amenities and services that you would in a more expensive city.
2. Weather:
The weather is another important factor to consider when choosing a retirement city. You want to make sure you choose a place with the type of weather you enjoy. You should also consider the climate when making your decision.
3. Things to do:
You also need to think about what there is to do in the city you are considering. You want to make sure you will have enough to keep you busy. Otherwise, you will get bored and restless. Some cities have more to offer retirees than others.
4. Laws:
The laws in a city can also have an impact on your decision. For example, if you are considering a retirement community that is 55+, you need to make sure the city has laws that protect people in that age group. Different places have different laws, so you need to make sure you are aware of the laws in the city you are considering.
5. Safety:
The safety of a city is also an important factor to consider when it comes to retirement. You want to make sure you choose a city that is safe and has a low crime rate. This will help you feel more comfortable and secure in your new home.
So these are some of the things you should consider when choosing a city to retire in.
The top 5 cities in Texas to retire in
Now that we’ve looked at some of the things to consider when choosing a retirement city, let’s take a look at the top 5 cities in Texas to retire in.
1. Beaumont
Beaumont is a city in southeastern Texas along the Neches River, which forms part of the border with Louisiana and Sabine Lake. It's a delightful destination for people who enjoy fishing, as it offers both freshwater and saltwater options. The lake is linked to the Gulf of Mexico via a canal. Beaumont is just about an hour and a half drive away from Houston. It offers access to big-city facilities and health care services to retirees while having a lower cost of living than Houston.
Population: 395,000
Population of age 60+: 22%
Mortgage cost/month: $1,300
Monthly rent/month: $800
2. Brownsville
Brownsville is Texas' southernmost city, located on the Gulf of Mexico and the border with Mexico. The low cost of living and proximity to the beach entice retirees from colder climates. South Padre Island is known for its mild winter weather and gorgeous beaches. It's a popular beach getaway for "winter Texans" who come to enjoy the temperate climate and Gulf Coast beaches. You can also watch rockets launch into orbit from the SpaceX South Texas launch site.
Population: 821,500
Population of age 60+: 19%
Mortgage cost/month: $1,100
Monthly rent/month: $700
3. Dallas
The Census Bureau discovered that over the last decade, new people have been flocking to Dallas and neighboring Fort Worth at a fast pace. The main reason is the low housing costs. The UT Southwestern Medical Center and the Baylor University Medical Center are two major health care institutions in Dallas. Professional sports fans may choose from a variety of teams to support, such as the Dallas Cowboys, Mavericks, Rangers, and Stars. Those interested in the arts may also participate in community service programs and social gatherings at the city's numerous museums.
Population: 7,320,000
Population Of age 60+: 18%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,700
Median monthly rent: $1,100
4. San Antonio
San Antonio is one of the United States' fastest-growing cities. According to data from the US Census Bureau, the metro area's population increased by 107,218 people during the last decade. Methodist Hospital-San Antonio provides healthcare. For people on a tight budget, San Antonio may be a great location to retire. Retirees may live in the picturesque Texas Hill Country without paying high housing expenses.
Population: 2,468,000
Population of age 60+: 20%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,500
Median monthly rent: $1,000
5. Austin
Austin's job market and distinctive, quirky culture attract many people to the region, including those looking for a change. The Austin area is also a hotbed for IT employment, including Apple, Dell, and IBM. St. David's Medical Center and Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin are among the most prominent hospitals in the region. Although living in Austin is more expensive than in many other parts of Texas, retirees who move from cities with better amenities may be able to reduce their housing expenses.
Population: 2,114,000
The population of age 60+: 18%
Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,900
Median monthly rent: $1,200
Conclusion
So there you have it! These are the top 5 cities in Texas to retire in. If you're still not sure where you want to retire, consider consulting with a financial advisor. They can help you figure out what's best for your unique situation.