8 Budget-Friendly Texas Cities for Retirees

Many Americans relocate for retirement. This major life change requires financial considerations, including low housing prices and rent, low crime rates, and access to good healthcare. The Lone Star State offers many benefits for retirees, with the added bonus of Southern hospitality, where you can interact with hospitable, friendly, and courteous individuals who will make you feel cared for. This article reveals eight budget-friendly cities in Texas for retirees.

Georgetown

Georgetown starts off the list. This city is conveniently located 28 miles from Austin, one of the most popular cities in the state. Georgetown isn’t bad either, with over 15 points of interest, including the Georgetown Firefighters Museum, Palace Theatre, and Berry Springs Park. The latter is the city’s most prized gem, offering a relaxing escape with places to hike, picnic, fish, and enjoy a leisurely bike ride. It also has rentable pavilions for those who want to camp overnight. For all your healthcare needs, Georgetown has four hospitals and multiple medical clinics. CrimeGrade gives this city an overall grade of B-, as the average incident rate is 25.3 per 1,000 residents, well below the national rate of 38.5. To make Georgetown your home, median listings cost $446K per Zillow, while the average rent is $1.6K per RentCafe.

Frederiksburg

This charming city was recently named one of the best road trips to take in Texas. Fredericksburg is home to a vibrant art scene, as there are over 10 galleries to explore in the downtown area, including InSight Gallery, Good Art Company, and Charles Morin Fine Art Gallery. The latter specializes in antique paintings that show what Texas looked like in the early days—and if you like what you see, you can even purchase the paintings. For panoramic views of Fredericksburg, visit Cross Mountain and witness breathtaking vistas from 1,951 feet above sea level, along with hiking trails, picnic pavilions, and a butterfly garden. To improve your quality of life through quality healthcare, Methodist Hospital/Hill Country and Mid-Texas Health Care are conveniently located in prime locations, with easy access to surrounding communities. As outlined by CrimeGrade, the crime rate is 29 per 1,000 residents, with the southeast part of the city being the safest. According to Zillow, the average home in Fredericksburg costs $547,000, while rent averages $2,100 per RentHop.

Granbury

Home to the famous Granbury Opera House and Granbury Historic Square, this bustling city has several scenic spots, including De Cordova Bend Park, which sits on the banks of the Brazos River. Explore the historic square to shop at over 60 unique boutiques. Additionally, the square hosts several annual festivals and events, including the upcoming Labor Day Weekend Festival from August 30-31, featuring sidewalk sales, street vendors, karaoke, and a boat parade. To meet your healthcare needs, the city offers multiple walk-in clinics and the Lake Granbury Medical Center/Emergency Room. For added peace of mind, the overall crime rate here is an excellent 20.34 per 1,000 residents, as reported by CrimeGrade, with the Northeast being the safest part of the city. Retiring here costs $353,000, according to data from Redfin, while renters can expect to pay an average of $1,400 per month, as reported by RentCafe.

New Braunfels

New Braunfels is known as a friendly and safe city with plenty of top-notch amenities. Explore the Gruene Historic District to enjoy antique shopping, or hit the waters at Landa Park Golf Course and nearby Landa Park, a 130-acre riverfront area with picnic tables under towering trees, an outdoor pool, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Additionally, New Braunfels boasts an A- for crime, with only 16% of U.S. cities being safer, according to CrimeGrade. New Braunfels is also home to two hospitals and more than 15 medical centers. According to Realtor, it costs $416,000 to become a local if you’re looking to buy here, while rent is $1,400, according to the latest figures from RentCafé.

Kerrville

Located 65 miles from San Antonio, Kerrville is a top city for those who love the scenery and rich culture. Start your exploration by visiting the Museum of Western Art to see artifacts and exhibits related to Western heritage. Additionally, the museum offers opportunities to participate in workshops, educational events, and programs. You can also experience the scenic waters of this city and jump into the Guadalupe River to beat the sun while kayaking. This community has two hospitals and two medical centers to meet your healthcare needs, while it has a crime rate of 32.32 per 1,000 residents. According to Zillow, it costs $358,000 to settle here if you are looking to buy a home, while rent costs $1,500 per Zumper.

Farmers

Love historical sites? Then you’ll love this town. Boerne is the main gateway to the Cascade Caverns, just 6.3 miles away. This million-year-old limestone cave has attracted thousands of visitors since 1932 and offers unforgettable tours. Alternatively, escape the noise and enjoy some serene space by heading to the Cibolo Nature Center, with two campuses spanning over 160 acres and extensive trails that wind through five unique ecosystems. Finally, explore the Main Plaza, lined with multiple cafes and restaurants, including Black Rifle Coffee, Hungry Horse Restaurant and Catering, and The Dienger Trading Co. Addressing your medical needs is no problem thanks to Methodist Hospital, conveniently located on the edge of the city’s southern border. CrimeGrade gives Boerne an overall grade of B- thanks to a rate of 27.35 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is well below the national average. Given Boerne’s proximity to San Antonio, homes cost $558,000, according to Zillow, while renters pay $1,900, based on data from Zumper.

Waco

Situated on the shores of Lake Waco, this city offers affordable housing and a low crime rate. It also offers a unique mix of history, culture, and recreation. For example, explore Woodway Park at Lake Waco and enjoy several amenities including a beach, nature trail, and two pavilions. After you’re done, explore the fascinating Waco Mammoth National Monument to learn about the enormous creatures that roamed the planet tens of thousands of years ago. Not only does the site feature life-sized fossils, but it also covers 250 acres of tranquil nature trails to stroll through. To ensure optimal care, Waco has six hospitals and several medical centers to ensure that residents have access to a wide range of services and specialists. Additionally, Waco has an average crime rate of 39.39 per 1,000 residents, with the northwest part of the city being the safest. Based on the 1,163 homes listed for sale by real estate agents, the average listing price is $309,000, while the average rent is $1,300, according to RentCafe.

Temple

This city began its humble journey as a railroad stop 143 years ago. Its history can be explored at the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum, which features permanent and rotating exhibits, workshops, and special events. Another perk of living here is its proximity to scenic Belton Lake, a massive reservoir where you can beat the heat by swimming, as well as camping, fishing, and enjoying a leisurely picnic. To provide quality healthcare, Temple has built more than 10 hospitals, including a children’s hospital and multiple emergency centers. According to CrimeGrade, the crime rate is a modest 29.38 per 1,000 residents, with most incidents occurring in central neighborhoods. Make Temple your next home; median listings are priced at $320,000 according to Realtor data as of June 2024, while RentCafe data indicates the current cost of an average apartment is $1,100.

In conclusion, these cities offer a wealth of attractions and amenities to enjoy. These cities offer access to top-notch clinics and friendly locals, providing a safe environment to enjoy your retirement years. Whether you prefer to take a rejuvenating stroll through Landa Park in New Braunfels or browse the latest masterpieces in galleries in Fredericksburg, these budget-friendly cities offer something for retirees of all types.