5 of the Best 55+ Communities in Texas
The Lone Star State is a retirement haven, offering a warm climate and plenty of outdoor activities. Learn here the best 55 plus communities in Texas.
Texas is one of the best states for older Americans looking to retire or downsize as they prepare for their golden years. About six million residents in Texas are aged 60 and over, making up 19% of the state’s population.
The state’s lack of income tax, wide open spaces, affordability, and sightseeing opportunities, among other advantages, make it an ideal retirement destination. No wonder it has one of the highest numbers of people aged 60 and up moving in, with many seeking the best 55+ communities in Texas.
In this post, we’ve consulted with a top real estate agent in Texas, Scott Myers, who has extensive experience helping seniors relocate, and researched some of the best 55+ communities in terms of lifestyle, location, affordability, and safety.
To compile this list, we looked at:
- Amenities
- Activity offerings
- Location of each community
- Access to quality healthcare
- Nearby desirable amenities and services
- Established and enforced age restrictions (55+)
- Type of retirement community (active adult, independent living)
- Ratings and reviews
- Affordability
- Homebuyer interest
- Top real estate agent recommendations
Get Expert Advice About Choosing a 55 Plus Community
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What is a 55+ community?
A 55+ community is an intentionally planned housing development for those of retirement and pre-retirement age. Its most notable feature is age restrictions on who can live there.
Residents typically have to meet the 55+ requirement to purchase a home. However, there can be exceptions, depending on your circumstances and the community’s guidelines. For example, a younger spouse or an adult child (18 or over) moving with you may not need to meet the age requirement.
The appeal of these communities is for those in their later years to live in desirable surroundings among their peers following the busy years of career-building or child-rearing. While not all residents are retired, many are and seek recreational outlets throughout the week that they didn’t have time for during their earlier years.
Such neighborhoods often provide activity programs and can include things like golf, nature trips, and crafting. Planned 55+ communities give mature residents a sense of belonging and often offer a low-maintenance way of life.
What are the most popular retirement cities in Texas?
According to U.S. News & World Report, some of the most popular or best cities in Texas for retired or older Americans include:
- Killeen (population: 163,581)
- El Paso (population: 678,760)
- Fort Worth (population: 1,015,045)
- Austin (population: 989,252)
- San Antonio (population: 1,532,653)
- Brownsville (population: 192,260)
- Beaumont (population: 110,417)
- Houston (population: 2,324,082)
- McAllen (population: 149,385)
- Corpus Christi (population: 315,615)
Why seniors choose Texas
There are many reasons why Texas is an appealing destination for Americans making a move to retire or to downsize. Some of the most notable include:
