Nationwide, many retirees will look to call Texas their new home to live out their best years. But what’s so great about the Lone Star State for people in their retirement age? Among a lower cost of living, fantastic health care, and no state income tax, there are plenty of reasons to move to Texas for retirement.
This makes moving into a 55+ community an even better decision for retirees. The older you get, it might become a challenge to make new friends. In a community full of other retirees, you can have more relatable conversations and participate in fun activities within your age range.
The real question is, why not live in a 55+ community? Check out these options below to help you decide what kind of environment you’re looking for!
Austin Retirement Communities
Not only is Austin the capital of Texas, but it’s also a great place to retire. With its creative arts scene, beautiful nature trails, and fantastic food, Austin is the city to be if you want to add excitement to your life. Plus, the 55+ communities in Austin range from affordable to more expensive, so you can find the perfect price range for you.
Longhorn Village
Location: Steiner Ranch
Number of Homes: 100-999 Units
Age Restriction: 55+
Features: Spa and sauna, convenience store, on-site banking, salon, arts and crafts studio, and a bar.
At Longhorn Village, residents can enjoy their retirement in luxury at this service-oriented community near the beautiful Lake Travis. Residents sit back and enjoy the amenities like the spa, arts and crafts studio, library, indoor swimming pool, or kick back at the on-site bar!
Buckner Villas
Location: Windsor Hills
Number of Homes: 1-99 Units
Age Restriction: 62+
Features: Faith-based community, small pets allowed, salon, library, movie theater, woodworking shop, ballroom, and kitchenettes in rooms.
Buckner Villas offers personalized care to every resident’s needs, including their socialization. Residents can choose to be active in the community or have plenty of time to themselves, whether they want to enjoy the outdoors or have a cozy day inside. Because Buckner is faith-based, worship services are available as well as Bible study.
Querencia At Barton Creek
Location: Wimberly Place
Number of Homes: 10 villas and 157 apartments
Age Restriction: 62+
Features: Specific diet accommodation, dogs and cats allowed, arts and crafts center, on-site and off-site activities offered, indoor and outdoor common areas.
At Querencia, residents can enjoy the best years of their lives in this resort-style senior living community. Every day feels like a vacation when residents can participate in activities like art classes, yoga, gardening, cooking classes, and even Tai Chi.
The Village At The Triangle
Location: Triangle State
Number of Homes: 206 Units
Age Restriction: 55+
Features: Religious services, kitchenette in room, dogs and cats allowed, resident parking, salon, and restaurant-style dining.
This community offers ultra-personalized living all in one place. Residents can choose to live their way which includes independent living, assisted living, and memory care without ever having to move to another section of the building. The main activities in this community include art classes, water aerobics, brain fitness, Tai Chi, gardening, and yoga.
Westminster
Location: Oakmont Heights
Number of Homes: 7 apartment buildings, 336 units
Age Restriction: 62+
Features: Exercise classes, social events, day trips and outings, on-site medical center.
Westminister specializes in unique care for each individual resident depending on their needs and choices. Residents can enjoy exercise classes, fun outings, and engaging social events. Founded by a small Austin church in 1967, this community has flourished into one of Austin’s top workplaces of Greater Austin for providing residents with excellent care.
San Antonio Retirement Communities
If you’re looking for more affordable 55+ communities, San Antonio has many options for retirees who are sticking to a budget. The lifestyle in this Texas city is friendly and welcoming, with a cultural scene of its own. Plus, it’s home to the Alamo and plenty of history!
Independence Hill
Location: Stone Oak
Number of Homes: 365 Resident Capacity
Age Restriction: 55+
Features: Church services, coffee shop, arts and crafts studio, music room, dance studio, movie theater, card and game rooms.
At Independence Hill residents can spend their days enjoying the numerous fun activities in this community like swimming, golfing, dancing, fitness classes, arts and crafts, and more! Although dining is included in the retirement community’s packages, the coffee shop is on-site with fantastic espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes.
Discovery Village at Dominion
Location: Friends of Friedrich Wilderness
Number of Homes: 230 Units
Age Restriction: 55+
Features: Gated golf community, great walking paths, on-site beauty salon, wellness, and nutrition coaching.
If you’re a retiree who loves playing a round of golf, Discovery Village is the community to live in! This gated golf community gives residents a beautiful place to perfect their game. Even if residents aren’t into golf, they can keep active with a lovely stroll through Raymond Russell Park and Leon Creek right across the street.
The Orchards at Valley Ranch
Location: Far West Side
Number of Homes: 88 Homes
Age Restriction: 55+
Features: Two tennis courts, a lap pool, community recreation center, walking paths, outdoor kitchens, easy access to downtown.
Looking for a more affordable retirement community? The Orchards at Valley Ranch offers resort-style living with several amenities for an active lifestyle. Residents can enjoy the fitness center, lap pool, tennis courts, recreation center, and beautiful nature spots like Government Canyon State Park.
Hill Country Retreat
Location: Thornbrooke
Number of Homes: 100-999 Units
Age Restriction: 55+
Features: Spacious clubhouse with activities, ballroom for dancing and social events, golf courses nearby, 20 minutes from downtown San Antonio.
This resort-style gated community gives residents an active lifestyle with many amenities to stay fit and healthy. They can enjoy the fitness center, go for a swim in the pools, take on the walking trails, and play a game of tennis. The arts are celebrated at Hill Country Retreat with pottery classes, painting, scrapbooking, and crafts.
Franklin Park Sonterra
Location: Far North Central
Number of Homes: 150 Units
Age Restriction: 55+
Features: Sonterra Health Center nearby, full-service kitchen, chapel, courtyards with a greenhouse, on-site salon, and woodshop.
There are numerous fun activities for residents to participate in at Franklin Park Sonterra. From exercise at the fitness center to enjoying a swim in the indoor pool, staying active is easy in this community.
Dallas Retirement Communities
If you want to retire where most of the action is, then Dallas is the city to flock to. Not only is it home to the Dallas Cowboys, but it also hosts the State Fair of Texas!
Elements at Viridian
Location: Arlington
Number of Homes: 700 Homes
Age Restriction: 55+
Features: Downtown Dallas nearby, variety of floor plans, community clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis court, spacious outdoors.
This retirement community is surrounded by luscious parks, golf courses, and peaceful Lake Viridian. The community also benefits from being within 10 miles of Dallas Fort-Worth International Airport and 21 miles to Downtown Dallas.
Gatherings at Twin Creeks
Location: Allen
Number of Homes: 189 Condo Units
Age Restriction: 55+
Features: Downtown Dallas nearby, Twin Creeks Village nearby, event lawn, yoga, great for low-maintenance lifestyles.
Located near the Twin Creeks Village shopping area, this retirement community has a lively environment with a pickleball court and event lawn. Other activities include a pool and fitness center for residents to get moving and stay active. Residents can also enjoy the convenient location close to downtown Dallas for more entertainment and day trips.
Del Webb at Trinity Falls
Location: McKinney
Number of Homes: 530+
Age Restriction: 55+
Features: Beach-entry pool, kayaking, fitness activities, spacious outdoors, walking paths, clubhouse and outdoor recreation.
Del Webb at Trinity Falls offers residents resort-style single-story homes. Residents can go for a swim in the pool, check out the walking paths, and enjoy the outdoor seating by the center’s fire pit area. Need activities? The community offers sports like tennis, pickleball, and bocce ball, so there’s something here for everyone!
Gatherings at Mercer Crossing
Location: Farmers Branch
Number of Homes: See website
Age Restriction: 55+
Features: Private balconies, elevator, great for low-maintenance lifestyles, close to the Dallas airport and shopping in Las Colinas.
Want a condo without all of the maintenance? This retirement community has everything and more covered for you, like lawn duty and mending outdoor fixtures. Residents can check out the pool and recreation rooms, play on the bocce ball court, explore the greenhouse, or have a fantastic cup of coffee on their private balcony.
Frisco Lakes
Location: Thornbrooke
Number of Homes: 3,000 homes
Age Restriction: 55+
Features: Convenient location to Dallas, nearby Lake Lewisville, golf courses, aerobics studio, walking and biking trails, and tennis courts.
Located 30 miles north of Dallas, the Frisco Lakes community has a lot to offer for lovers of the outdoors. Residents can enjoy the 18-hole golf course with two clubhouses, the fitness center, multiple pools, tennis, and bocce ball courts. There’s also plenty of outdoor space to admire the beautiful surroundings.
Corpus Christi Retirement Communities
If you want to get away from city life and enjoy retirement with more tranquility, Corpus Christi is a great place to live. It’s the perfect size for a smaller city with a country feel and is laidback to boot.
Brookdale Corpus Christi
Location: Southside
Number of Homes: 60 Resident Capacity
Age Restriction: 65+
Features: 12-16 hour nursing available, full-time non-medical care, resident organized activities, creative arts classes and events, kitchenettes, and group morning walks.
Need a creative space to flourish? Brookdale Corpus Christi has outlets like book clubs and creative arts classes to flex that artistic muscle. Other great activities include exercise programs, music and dance classes, a game room, art and pet therapy, and scheduled day trips.
Holmgreen Center
Location: Central City
Number of Homes: 62 Resident Capacity
Age Restriction: All ages
Features: 12-16 hour nursing available, 24-hour non-medical care, mental wellness program, resident organized activities, outdoor space, library, on-site beauty salon, and group activities.
The meaning of community takes the forefront at Holmgreen Center, where residents can not only enjoy activities but can also organize them! Other activities include exercise classes, game nights, and group walks in the morning.
Brookdale Trinity Towers
Location: Bay Area
Number of Homes: 62 Resident Capacity
Age Restriction: 65+
Features: 24-hour security, 2 miles from the ER, concierge service, resident transportation, small pets allowed, billiards room, heated outdoor pool, multilingual staff, outdoor space, and private rooms.
Are you someone who prefers a private space? Brookdale Trinity Towers retirement community has several private room options to accommodate residents. The spacious apartments feature amazing views from the balcony. Activities include playing in the billiards room, going for a swim in the heated outdoor pool, day trips and outings, and exercise classes.
Solstice Senior Living at Corpus Christi
Location: South Side
Number of Homes: 132 Units
Age Restriction: 55+
Features: Community-sponsored events, small pets allowed, on-site beauty salon, mental wellness program, outdoor space, pool, game nights, and close proximity to Oso Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
On this southside Corpus Christi beach community, every day is a laid-back experience being right by Oso Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Outside entertainment isn’t far away with several restaurants and shopping malls waiting to be discovered.
Mirador
Location: South Side
Number of Homes: 48 Resident Capacity
Age Restriction: 62+
Features: Concierge services, in-room kitchenettes, resident transportation, religious services, coffee shop, fitness center, off-site activities, and on-site beauty salon.
Mirador retirement community is self-described as the “most distinctive retirement resort” in Corpus Christi. Residents are encouraged to be the best version of themselves with their goals for wellness and personal growth. The great activities residents can find to achieve these goals are yoga classes, sharing personal stories, book club, arts and crafts, gardening, and even Tai Chi.
Houston Retirement Communities
Have a budget, but want a taste of the city life? Check out Houston for your retirement! Not only is it known for its fabulous museum district and abundant outdoor activities, but it was also named as one of the most affordable cities to retire in. So if you want an area deep in history and culture without the huge price tag, check out Houston for your retirement plans!
The Tradition Buffalo Speedway
Location: Braeswood Place
Number of Homes: 316 Units
Age Restriction: 55+
Features: Activities assistance, 24-hour concierge service, courtyards with elegant water features, fitness center with heated indoor pool, group exercise programs, arts and crafts studio, spa services, and beauty salon.
Located inside the Loop at Buffalo Speedway, the Tradition at Buffalo Speedway is surrounded by beautiful landscaped grounds and courtyards with elegant water features. Walking this area is a full-time activity, but there’s plenty of other fun things to do.
Brookdale West University
Location: Greenway/Upper Kirby
Number of Homes: 51 Resident Capacity
Age Restriction: 55+
Features: Mental wellness program, resident organized activities, resident transportation, 12-16 hour nursing available, outdoor space, library, on-site beauty salon, and religious services.
This retirement community located in the heart of Houston offers lots of convenience to shopping areas and restaurant dining outside of the facility. It’s also close to Houston Medical Center, giving more peace of mind to residents and their loved ones.
The Forum at Memorial Woods
Location: West Oaks
Number of Homes: 259 Units
Age Restriction: 55+
Features: Houston Medical Center nearby, 12-16 hour nursing available, large activity center, full-service barber and beauty salon, mental wellness program, outdoor space, and library.
Whether residents are here for a short-term stay or living out their best years to come, this retirement community has numerous events and activities to do while enjoying the beauty of this facility. With the best shopping centers and cultural attractions nearby, residents will love going out for day trips.
The Village of River Oaks
Location: River Oaks
Number of Homes: 198 Units
Age Restriction: 62+
Features: 12-16 hour nursing available, mental wellness program, resident organized activities, resident transportation, community-sponsored activities, outdoor space, multiple on-site amenities.
At the Village of River Oaks, residents can live a life of luxury in this community like an indoor heated pool and spa, elegant living room and dining room, a library, bistro, beautiful outdoor space, a full-service salon, and valet parking. The facility is close to several sites like The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center and the Memorial Park Tennis Center.
The Tradition - Woodway
Location: West Oaks
Number of Homes: 314 Resident Capacity
Age Restriction: 55+
Features: 12-16 hour nursing available, mental wellness program, resident organized activities, community-sponsored activities, library, on-site beauty salon, and outdoor space.
The Tradition - Woodway offers the best of independent living and memory care for residents who may need an extra hand from the excellently trained staff. This facility prides itself on being a warm environment for everyone with plenty of events and activities.
Residents can enjoy being treated every day to a full-service salon offering manicures, pedicures, facials, and massage therapy.
Miscellaneous Retirement Communities
Not sure which town or city in Texas to settle down into for retirement? No worries! The great state of Texas has so many amazing options to choose from, so check out this list of 55+ communities from all over.
Alamo Country Club
Location: Rio Grande Valley
Number of Homes: 526 homes
Age Restriction: 55+
Features: Golf community, FREE golf for residents, gated with 24/7 security, large clubhouse, golf shop, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, pool with spa, ballroom, and close proximity to beautiful walking parks.
Called “the best-kept secret in Texas,” the Alamo Country Club is nestled in South Texas with a 9-hole golf course for residents to enjoy. Other amenities include a fitness center, ballroom, library, and catering kitchen. This is the ideal community for residents who want to live an active lifestyle, as this area is known as a dream location for golf enthusiasts.
Oaks at Wildwood
Location: Georgetown
Number of Homes: 86 homes
Age Restriction: 55+
Features: 24-hour fitness center, clubhouse, close proximity to Downtown Georgetown, close proximity to San Gabriel River, fully equipped kitchen, yoga and dance classes, and a heated pool.
Looking for a small-town feel with the convenience of city life? This retirement community is only 5 miles away from Downtown Georgetown, where residents can enjoy shopping at boutiques and specialty shops. The neighborhood is only 4 miles from Jim Hogg Park, where locals go to fish, swim, and take their boats out on the San Gabriel River.
Windsor Hills
Location: The Woodlands
Number of Homes: 437 Homes
Age Restriction: 55+
Features: Close proximity to medical centers, close to shopping and other convenience areas, fitness classes, bocce and pickleball courts, spa, BBQ and grilling area, and spacious deck.
Located near Windsor Lakes, this beautiful community offers resort-style amenities while being close to the convenience of downtown city life. Residents can enjoy socializing in Club Windsor, where most of the fun amenities like the arts and crafts room, TV room, cards and games room, and a library with computers.
Bonterra at Cross Creek Ranch
Location: Fulshear
Number of Homes: 700 homes
Age Restriction: 55+
Features: Close proximity to Memorial Hermann Urgent Care Fulshear and two other medical centers, nearby Weston Lakes Country Club, and resort-style pool.
Bonterra at Cross Creek Ranch is known as one of the best places for single retirees because of its friendly environment and social activities that encourage residents to form new friendships. Residents have full access to The Bonterra Clubhouse that has a resort-style pool, spa, fire pit, a large lawn for events, a billiards room, and courts for bocce ball and pickleball.
Ladera Mansfield
Location: Mansfield
Number of Homes: 186 homes
Age Restriction: 55+
Features: 3.1 miles to Cooper Street Medical Clinic, large clubhouse, outdoor pool, grills and fire pits, scenic walking paths, and seven different styles of homes.
Ladera Mansfield features a Texas Hill Country-style lodge with amenities like a fitness center, TV room, den, and kitchen for residents to use. Other features include an activity center, walking paths, an outdoor pool, a socializing area with fire pits and grills, and bocce ball and pickleball courts.
Tips for Choosing The Right 55+ Community
The best thing to do to ensure a spot in one of these amazing retirement communities is to prepare early on. This can be done by saving for retirement earlier, which will only help reap the benefits of affording your dream retirement community. If you’re interested in buying a home in one of these areas, you’ll most likely need a mortgage.
But there’s more to choosing the best community for you than just the financial side. Check out these 5 tips to find your dream retirement community!
* Check out the size of the community - 55+ communities can vary in size, from about 30 homes up to the hundreds. If you’re an introvert who gets overwhelmed by large groups, maybe a community of hundreds or more residents wouldn’t be the best fit for you. Similarly, if you’re a social butterfly who loves socializing all day, maybe a smaller community wouldn’t be enough to fulfill your social needs.
* Make sure the age requirement is exactly what you’re looking for - Although many of these communities tend to stay in the 55+ range, some places actually accept adults of all ages. This has caused issues in some 55+ communities that decided to open to all age ranges, so make sure to contact your top choices and ask them if the community has an age requirement.
* Think about what community lifestyle you want to live - A lot of 55+ communities have lots of fun activities to do every day. But make sure that the community’s amenities are suited for your interests.
If you want to be a part of an active community playing sports or having daily outings to the nearby downtown area, don’t move to a small community with only a few dozen homes. The larger the community, the more likely they’ll have a variety of options for activities and events.
* Check if there’s a medical center close by - Whether you have daily health needs or can live every day independently, it’s still a good idea to check the proximity of the nearest medical center to your preferred community. You never know when you could need help that would require the fastest route to the ER.
* Consider HOA fees in finding the right home for you - Although maintenance is covered in 55+ communities, some areas may use the Homeowners Association for the upkeep of the grounds. This means you’ll be paying larger fees every month for them to do their job. These fees can be from around $100 to $600, so make sure you’re okay with your finances also going towards HOA as these monthly fees can be costly.
Retirement is a big change of pace, but you can make it work for all the right reasons. With all the time in the world to participate in activities, social events, and sparking new friendships, these communities can provide you with the carefree retirement you deserve.
If you’re ready to prepare for retirement, start searching for homes in 55+ communities that meet your price range or browse retirement homes near you to get ideas of what you’re looking for!
