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Texas continues to be a retirement hotspot, drawing seniors with its lack of state income tax, affordable living, and pleasant weather. For those looking to stretch their Social Security checks, here are fifteen Texas cities where the average monthly benefit of $1,900 can cover living expenses:
East Texas Charm:
- Lufkin: Enjoy lakeside living on Lake Sam Rayburn, known for its fishing and water activities. The cost of living is 6% below the national average, with median rent at $896.
- Athens: This small town near Tyler offers affordable rent (median $975) and access to the East Texas Arboretum and Botanical Society. The cost of living is 9% below the national average.
- Marshall: Rich in history, Marshall offers a median rent of $942, and a cost of living 5% below the national average.
- Henderson: Known for its annual Heritage Syrup Festival, Henderson boasts a cost of living 8% below the national average and a median rent of $895.
Enjoy outdoor recreation at Martin Creek Lake State Park.
- Longview: A popular retirement destination with a strong healthcare system.
Median rent is $908, and the cost of living is 5% below the national average. Enjoy Lake O’Pines and Martin Creek Lake.
Coastal Living:
- Port Arthur: This coastal town offers a low cost of living (12% below national average) and affordable rent (median $911). Beaumont and Houston are within easy reach.
- Galveston: Retire by the beach in historic Galveston. Enjoy fishing, Victorian architecture, and a tourist-town atmosphere.
Cost of living is 8% below national average, with median rent at $946.
- Bay City: Located between Houston and Corpus Christi, Bay City offers an active lifestyle with affordable rent (median $736) and a cost of living 17% below the national average.
Enjoy kayaking, hiking, and access to Matagorda Regional Medical Center.
West Texas Opportunities:
- Canyon: Near Amarillo, Canyon offers a cost of living 14% below the national average and a median rent of $1,200, leaving room for disposable income. Enjoy hiking and desert trails.
- Kermit: Once a bustling oil town, Kermit now offers a relaxed lifestyle centered around golf and state park adventures. Median rent is $930, and the cost of living is 6% below the national average.
- Burkburnett: This small town near the Oklahoma border offers a remarkably low cost of living (37% below national average) and a median rent of $950. Enjoy parks, golf, and local restaurants.
South Texas Value:
- Weslaco: Minutes from the U.S.-Mexico border, Weslaco boasts a cost of living 22% below the national average, with a median rent of just $848.
Metro-Area Access:
- Clute: Enjoy the benefits of being near Houston without the high prices. Clute offers a quiet lifestyle with a median rent of $822 and a cost of living 14% below the national average.
- Beaumont: Experience a slower pace of life in Beaumont, located near Houston. The cost of living is 7% below the national average, and the median rent is $1,094.
- Arlington: Close to Dallas, Arlington offers a median rent of $1,085 and a cost of living 3% below the national average.
Choosing the right location is key to a comfortable retirement. Texas, with its favorable tax laws and diverse cities, offers many affordable options for retirees looking to maximize their Social Security benefits.