Over the last decade or so, retirees have been flocking to Texas to make their homes, whether in large cities or small towns ideal for retirement living. There are numerous advantages to migrating to the Lone Star State, including low housing costs, a relatively temperate climate, and a plethora of outdoor activities.
Texas’ population continues to expand year after year, with the state leading the United States in population growth in 2023.
The expense of living in Texas contributes to its appeal as a retirement destination. This is because the cost of living in Texas is 7% lower than the national average. As a result, retirement dollars stretch further, reducing the likelihood that retirees will be forced to return to work if they do not like to.
Even better, there are places in Texas where the cost of living is far lower than the national average. While some may believe that the cheapest city to retire in Texas is bleak and lacking in facilities, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Instead, the city has a strong job market, a variety of activities, and wonderful outdoor excursions, all of which contribute to its appeal to retirees.
El Paso is the Cheapest City to Retire in Texas.
El Paso is the cheapest place to retire in Texas. With a cost of living that is 15.8% lower than the national average, retirees may live well, even on a budget. However, if retirees can pay $2,500.00 each month for that budget, they will have no trouble meeting their expenses month after month.
Housing costs are one of the most important considerations in keeping the cost of living low. With an average property price of $215,671 and rental prices ranging from $798.00 for a studio to $1,195.00 for a two-bedroom, it is much easier to live in a desirable El Paso neighborhood at a reasonable cost.
Another reason El Paso is the cheapest city to retire in Texas is because it has an excellent public transit system. While the majority of El Paso residents still possess a car, it is not required if you live in the city center. There are buses and streetcars to carry people to and from their locations in the city quickly, as there is rarely any major traffic.
There is also an airport nearby, El Paso International Airport, making it easier to commute from point A to point B.
El Paso’s sales tax is even slightly lower than in other areas of Texas. It is now 7.25%, however, other cities and municipalities in El Paso County pay up to 8.25%. Another reason why El Paso is the least costly city in Texas.
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What Makes El Paso Appealing to Retirees?
If the reduced cost of most goods isn’t enough to entice retirees to relocate to El Paso, there are a few more compelling reasons. One significant benefit is that retirement is tax-free.
Texas does not have an income tax, thus retirement is not taxed there. As a result, regardless of whether the money was earned in Texas or another state, withdrawals from an IRA, pension, 401(k), or Social Security are not taxed.
All of the money earned, saved, and interest gained goes directly to the retiree rather than being taxed as it would in other jurisdictions. This is a significant benefit for persons on fixed incomes because they receive more money each month because the state does not take a portion of it for itself.
El Paso also boasts a low crime rate. There are 1,692 offenses per 100,000 individuals. To put this into perspective, only nine other major cities in the United States have lower crime rates. With a population of over 675,000, El Paso is a relatively safe place to reside.
Healthcare alternatives are diverse, as are those in most major cities. Some hospitals in the area are excellent, while others may be deficient. As a result, retirees will need to conduct research to determine which healthcare alternatives are best for them, which hospitals take their health insurance, and whether any changes are necessary to ensure the best possible care.
El Paso is very popular among retirees due to its warm climate. While summer temperatures might reach the mid-90s and winter temperatures can hover around freezing, there is rarely any snow. This means that activities can be carried out regardless of the season.
While spring and fall are the most agreeable seasons in El Paso, there is no time of year when the weather forces residents to stay indoors for extended periods of time, unlike in other regions of the country.
Read More: This Texas Town is Known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World”
Great Restaurant That Retirees Can Enjoy in El Paso
| Taft Diaz | 209 N Stanton St., El Paso, TX 79901 |
| 1700* Steakhouse | 10 Henry Trost Ct, El Paso, TX 79901 |
| Zeno’s Greek & Mediterranean Cuisine | 7040 N Mesa St Ste H, El Paso, TX 79912 |
| L&J Cafe | 3622 E. Missouri Ave., El Paso, TX 79903 |
| Kiki’s Restaurant & Bar | 2719 N Piedras St, El Paso, TX 79930 |
| Los Banditos De Carlos & Mickey’s | 12111 Montwood Drive, El Paso, TX 79936 |
| Cattle Baron Steak & Seafood | 1700 Airway Blvd, El Paso, TX 79925 |
| Crave Kitchen and Bar | 11990 Rojas Dr., El Paso, TX 79936 |
| State Line Restaurant | 1222 Sunland Park Dr., El Paso, TX 79922 |