Choosing the perfect place to retire is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your golden years. The Lone Star State offers an incredible variety of communities that cater to different retirement preferences, from quiet small towns to vibrant cultural hubs. To help you navigate this important choice, we’ve analyzed communities across Texas using 5 criteria that matter most to retirees: Overall Retirement Score, Walkability, Urban Sophistication, Vibrant Score, and Transit-Friendly ratings.
Every score presented in this ranking is based on extensive real-world data collection and surveys from residents who experience these communities daily. This is not subjective opinion but data-driven analysis of Texas’s best towns for retirees.
Here’s the list.
18. Mico Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.81
- Walkability: 7.14
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 83.00
- Vibrant Score: 2.13
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Mico
Mico offers an exceptional retirement experience with its almost perfect quiet score of 98.77 and impressive urban sophistication rating of 83.00, despite its small size. While walkability is limited at just 7.14 and public transit isn’t available, residents appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and cultural amenities available. The median home price in Mico is $350,000, offering good value for a community with such high retirement appeal.
17. Chappell Hill Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.86
- Walkability: 10.07
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 62.43
- Vibrant Score: 8.66
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Chappell Hill
Chappell Hill boasts a retirement score of 97.86, with exceptional peace and quiet at 96.87. Its moderate urban sophistication score of 62.43 indicates good access to cultural amenities despite its small-town charm. The community has limited walkability at 10.07 and no public transit options, but compensates with a vibrant score of 8.66, indicating a good balance of activities. The median home price in Chappell Hill is $425,000, reflecting its desirability among retirees.
16. Round Mountain Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.11
- Walkability: 11.72
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 83.45
- Vibrant Score: 0.76
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Round Mountain
Round Mountain offers an outstanding retirement experience with a score of 98.11 and an almost perfect quiet score of 99.39. What makes this town truly unique is its high urban sophistication score of 83.45, suggesting excellent cultural amenities despite its rural setting. While walkability is limited at 11.72 and public transit is not available, the exceptional peace and cultural opportunities make it highly desirable. The median home price in Round Mountain is $520,000, reflecting its premium positioning in the Texas retirement market.
15. Three Rivers Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.48
- Walkability: 6.45
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 4.76
- Vibrant Score: 21.56
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Three Rivers
Three Rivers offers a high retirement score of 98.48 with an excellent quiet rating of 93.16. While its urban sophistication is limited at just 4.76, the town compensates with a vibrant score of 21.56, indicating good local activities and community events. Walkability is quite limited at 6.45 with no public transit options. The median home price in Three Rivers is an affordable $145,000, making it one of the most budget-friendly options on our list while still providing a high quality retirement lifestyle.
14. Cranfills Gap Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.49
- Walkability: 15.51
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 59.60
- Vibrant Score: 5.95
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Cranfills Gap
Cranfills Gap scores an impressive 98.49 for retirement living, with excellent peace and quiet rated at 96.07. Its walkability score of 15.51 is better than many rural Texas towns, and it offers surprisingly good cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 59.60. While public transit isn’t available, the town provides a modest vibrant score of 5.95. The median home price in Cranfills Gap is just $159,000, making it an excellent value option for retirees seeking affordability without sacrificing quality of life.
13. Oakhurst Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.52
- Walkability: 10.93
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 21.47
- Vibrant Score: 1.10
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Oakhurst
Oakhurst offers a stellar retirement score of 98.52 with exceptional peace and quiet rated at 95.19. The town has moderate walkability at 10.93 and limited urban sophistication at 21.47, making it ideal for those seeking a more laid-back retirement experience without extensive cultural amenities. The vibrant score is quite low at 1.10, indicating a very tranquil lifestyle. The median home price in Oakhurst is $295,000, providing good value for retirees who prioritize peace and quiet above all else.
12. Mullin Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.55
- Walkability: 10.73
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 54.04
- Vibrant Score: 0.54
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Mullin
Mullin offers an excellent retirement experience with a score of 98.55 and a nearly perfect quiet rating of 98.95. While walkability is limited at 10.73 and the vibrant score is very low at 0.54, the town offers surprisingly good cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 54.04. There is no public transit service. The median home price in Mullin is just $138,500, making it one of the most affordable options on our list while still providing excellent retirement quality.
11. Fredericksburg Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.57
- Walkability: 21.39
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 51.79
- Vibrant Score: 22.36
- Transit-Friendly: 4.92
About Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is a standout retirement destination with a score of 98.57. Unlike many high-ranking retirement towns, it offers better walkability at 21.39 and is the only town in our lower rankings with any transit service, albeit limited at 4.92. The town boasts good urban sophistication at 51.79 and an excellent vibrant score of 22.36, indicating a good balance of activities and amenities. The quiet score remains strong at 84.71. The median home price in Fredericksburg is $550,000, reflecting its popularity and well-rounded offering for retirees.
10. Buchanan Dam Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.75
- Walkability: 1.41
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 38.12
- Vibrant Score: 9.79
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Buchanan Dam
Buchanan Dam breaks into our top 10 with an impressive retirement score of 98.75 and exceptional peace and quiet at 97.92. The town’s walkability is extremely limited at just 1.41, the lowest on our list, and there is no public transit. However, it offers moderate cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 38.12 and a decent vibrant score of 9.79. The median home price in Buchanan Dam is $375,000, offering lakeside living opportunities for retirees who prioritize tranquility and natural beauty.
9. Haskell Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.78
- Walkability: 17.35
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 30.99
- Vibrant Score: 10.84
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Haskell
Haskell earns its place in our top 10 with a retirement score of 98.78 and excellent quiet rating of 96.18. It offers better walkability than many towns on our list at 17.35, though public transit is unavailable. The town provides moderate urban sophistication at 30.99 and a good vibrant score of 10.84, indicating a balance of peace and activities. The median home price in Haskell is remarkably affordable at just $110,000, making it one of the best value options for retirees seeking both quality and affordability.
8. Harper Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.87
- Walkability: 8.88
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 63.32
- Vibrant Score: 1.54
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Harper
Harper ranks 8th on our list with an outstanding retirement score of 98.87 and exceptional peace and quiet at 96.97. What makes Harper unique is its high urban sophistication score of 63.32 despite limited walkability at 8.88 and almost no vibrant activities at 1.54. This suggests a community with good cultural amenities but a very tranquil lifestyle. There is no public transit service. The median home price in Harper is $315,000, offering good value for a high-ranked retirement destination.
7. Woodcreek Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.99
- Walkability: 10.12
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 51.02
- Vibrant Score: 32.50
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Woodcreek
Woodcreek stands out as our 7th best retirement town with a score of 98.99. While its quiet score of 81.82 is lower than some others in our top ranks, it compensates with the highest vibrant score of any town in our top 10 at 32.50, indicating an active community with plenty to do. It offers good cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 51.02, though walkability is limited at 10.12 and there is no public transit. The median home price in Woodcreek is $550,000, reflecting its popularity and active lifestyle offerings.
6. Crowell Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.04
- Walkability: 18.86
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 16.72
- Vibrant Score: 5.59
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Crowell
Crowell earns 6th place with an exceptional retirement score of 99.04 and excellent peace and quiet at 93.21. It offers one of the better walkability scores on our list at 18.86, though urban sophistication is limited at 16.72 and the vibrant score is modest at 5.59. Public transit is not available. The median home price in Crowell is just $90,000, making it the most affordable town in our top rankings and an extraordinary value for retirees on a budget.
5. Oklaunion Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.28
- Walkability: 15.11
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 35.54
- Vibrant Score: 4.47
- Transit-Friendly: 9.68
About Oklaunion
Oklaunion makes our top 5 with an impressive retirement score of 99.28. It offers a good balance of quiet living at 84.60 while providing decent walkability at 15.11 and the second-highest transit-friendly score on our list at 9.68. The town has moderate urban sophistication at 35.54 but a lower vibrant score at 4.47. The median home price in Oklaunion is very affordable at $125,000, making it an excellent value for retirees seeking a well-rounded community without breaking the bank.
4. Menard Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.28
- Walkability: 14.80
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 27.90
- Vibrant Score: 0.70
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Menard
Menard ranks 4th on our list with an outstanding retirement score of 99.28 and exceptional peace and quiet at 96.94. The town offers moderate walkability at 14.80 and some cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 27.90, though the vibrant score is minimal at 0.70 and there is no public transit. This is a destination for those seeking maximum tranquility. The median home price in Menard is $169,900, providing excellent value for such a highly-ranked retirement town.
3. Marfa Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.38
- Walkability: 12.96
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 28.98
- Vibrant Score: 6.78
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Marfa
Marfa secures 3rd place with an outstanding retirement score of 99.38 and excellent peace and quiet at 95.35. Known for its arts scene, Marfa offers a good urban sophistication score of 28.98 and a reasonable vibrant score of 6.78, despite limited walkability at 12.96 and no public transit options. This unique west Texas destination combines arts and culture with small-town tranquility. The median home price in Marfa is $375,000, reflecting its popularity as both a retirement and cultural destination.
2. Stonewall Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.62
- Walkability: 9.57
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 56.96
- Vibrant Score: 3.75
- Transit-Friendly: 7.03
About Stonewall
Stonewall claims our 2nd spot with a near-perfect retirement score of 99.62 and exceptional peace and quiet at 98.12. Despite limited walkability at 9.57, the town offers excellent urban sophistication at 56.96 and has some transit options with a score of 7.03. The vibrant score is modest at 3.75, indicating a peaceful lifestyle with good access to cultural amenities. The median home price in Stonewall is $485,000, reflecting its premium status in the Texas retirement market.
1. Marathon Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.98
- Walkability: 7.32
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 42.82
- Vibrant Score: 3.91
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Marathon
Marathon tops our list as the #1 retirement town in Texas with a nearly perfect retirement score of 99.98. It offers excellent peace and quiet at 89.01 while providing good cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 42.82. Walkability is limited at 7.32, the vibrant score is modest at 3.91, and there is no public transit. This west Texas gem offers the perfect combination of tranquility, beauty, and just enough cultural amenities. The median home price in Marathon is $289,500, making it a surprisingly affordable option for Texas’s top retirement destination.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Retirement Score: A comprehensive rating that factors in numerous elements important to retirees including safety, healthcare access, tax advantages, senior amenities, community support, and age-appropriate recreation options.
- Walkability: Measures how easily residents can navigate the community on foot, reflecting the availability of sidewalks, pedestrian-friendly streets, and proximity of essential services to residential areas.
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): Evaluates the availability of cultural opportunities such as museums, theaters, art galleries, educational institutions, and diverse dining options that contribute to a stimulating retirement lifestyle.
- Vibrant Score: Indicates the level of community energy, events, and activities available, reflecting how lively and socially engaging a town is for retirees seeking an active lifestyle.
- Transit-Friendly: Assesses the availability and convenience of public transportation options, important for retirees who may eventually prefer not to drive or who want to reduce car dependency.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
- Texas Real Estate Research Center https://www.recenter.tamu.edu/
- Zillow Home Value Index https://www.zillow.com/research/data/
- Redfin Data Center https://www.redfin.com/news/data-center/
- Texas A&M University Real Estate Center https://www.recenter.tamu.edu/
