6 Charming Texas Communities To Retire Around Houston
For many retirees, Houston’s broader region is an appealing retirement option because of its year-round warm weather, its central location for travel, and its comparatively moderate cost of living. Stepping away from the state’s largest city provides retirees with a network of smaller towns that not only boast affordability but also offer a strong sense of community.
The best of these small towns around Houston are increasingly attracting seniors seeking a quieter, more relaxed pace of life. They not only rank well for their low crime rates, they also feature reputable healthcare networks, both extremely important considerations. If you’re looking for a great place to retire to that’s close (but not too close) to Houston, Texas, each of these six communities is well worth considering.
Brenham
Just 70 miles northwest of Houston, Brenham (population 19,100) is best known as the home of Blue Bell Creameries, which has operated here since 1907. Guided tours of the facility are available and include samples of ice cream flavors not always found in stores. Downtown Brenham features local businesses such as the Book Nook and Must Be Heaven, a café specializing in homemade pies and sandwiches (it’s also a popular meeting spot). Cultural attractions include the Unity Theatre, which stages year-round performances.
Every spring, the town holds the Brenham Maifest, a May celebration of German heritage that dates back to 1881. Spring is also a great time to explore the area’s lush rolling scenery as well as historic sites like Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, where the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed. Seniors can stay socially active through the Margaret E. Blizzard Senior Activity Center, which organizes regular classes in arts, crafts, and gentle fitness.
Enjoy volunteering? The Washington County Chamber of Commerce and local charities like Faith Mission & Help Center can always use an extra set of helping hands. Retirees’ healthcare needs are also well-served, with Baylor Scott & White Medical Center (Brenham) providing emergency services, outpatient care, and specialist consultations. Crime rates in Brenham have remained below the national average for communities of its size, while single-home dwellings average around $279,000.
Bellville
Head 63 miles northwest of Houston, and you’ll find yourself in the pleasant small town of Bellville (population 4,200). Despite being a small community, Mid Coast Medical Center (Bellville) provides top-notch medical care which offers emergency services, imaging, and rehabilitation programs. Retirees can also keep busy by participating in organized programs and events at the Sens Activity Center, including regular bingo nights, potluck dinners, and wellness seminars.
If giving back to the community is a priority, consider volunteering with the New 2 U Resale Shop at the hospital or assisting at the First Bellville United Methodist Church’s food pantry program. Community events like the Bellville Small Town Christmas in December and the Austin County Fair Convention & Expo in October also provide opportunities for involvement… and fun.
Bellville’s crime rate sits lower than national averages, while the median cost of housing is around $259,000 for a single-family home.
La Grange
Along the Colorado River 100 miles west of Houston, La Grange (population 4,600) offers plenty to do for those who move here. Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery State Historic Site is a delightful place for a stroll and offers sweeping views of the countryside as well as a look at historic events like the 1842 Dawson Massacre. Downtown La Grange features The Texas Quilt Museum with its ever-changing display of quilt art from across the country, as well as the Texas Heroes Museum, honoring the lives of those who served in the Texas Revolution and other conflicts.
Seniors looking for social engagement can visit the Randolph Recreation Center, which hosts fitness classes and a variety of clubs. Those interested in volunteer work can assist at places like the Gardenia E Janssen Animal Shelter or help out with local events such as the Fayette County Fair.
Ascension Seton Smithville Hospital is an easy 15-minute drive away and caters to a range of needs, including cardiology, surgery, and rehabilitation. In-town clinics like La Grange Family Health Center are equipped for everyday healthcare needs and are easily accessible. La Grange has a crime rate that remains moderate for a rural community, further boosting its appeal to those wanting a comfortable retirement. Housing is around average for the state, with a quality single-family dwelling costing around $380,000.
Navasota
Seventy miles northwest of Houston, Navasota’s nearly 9,000 residents are justifiably proud of the town’s title as “The Blues Capital of Texas.” You can get a taste of this heritage at the Navasota Blues Alley in the downtown district, it pays homage to legendary blues musician Mance Lipscomb and features murals painted by local artists. Other notable attractions include historic homes like the Horlock House Art Gallery & History Museum.
CHI St. Joseph Health Grimes Hospital provides inpatient and outpatient services, ensuring prompt care for retirees. General wellness programs are often hosted at the nearby Grimes County Senior Center, as well as group exercises, crafts, and occasional field trips. While Navasota’s crime rate is on par with other small Texas towns, the community’s neighborly atmosphere and dedicated police presence are reassuring. As for home prices, expect to pay a reasonable $250,000 for a decent detached house.
Columbus
Seventy-three miles west of Houston, Columbus is home to 3,700 people and is a popular and pretty spot for retirees to lay down roots. Downtown highlights include the picturesque Stafford Opera House, built in 1886 and still serving as a venue for theatrical productions and special events, as well as the Live Oak Art Center. Established in a 19th-century bank building, it features rotating exhibits spotlighting Texas artists.
Another attractive old building is the Colorado County Courthouse, built in 1891 and known for its intricate Second Empire design. Nature lovers, meanwhile, can enjoy canoeing or fishing along the Colorado River, with public access points dotted around town. Volunteer opportunities are also plentiful, with the Colorado County Fair in September ranking highly on lists of groups to help out. The Columbus Garden Club is another popular volunteer option for its local beautification projects.
Columbus Community Hospital offers first-rate emergency care along with general surgery and specialty clinics, ensuring retirees have access to quality healthcare. Regular programs at the Seniors Together center include nutrition education and bingo, to name but a few. Crime rates have historically remained lower than both state and national averages, while affordable housing of around $277,00 for a single-family dwelling is within reach of anyone selling a home in Houston.
Wharton
Its location an hour southwest of downtown Houston makes Wharton (population 8,700) a wonderful choice for retirees looking to move yet remain within easy commuting distance of a large city. At the heart of this picturesque small town, the elegant Wharton County Courthouse was completed in 1889 in a stunning Renaissance Revival style. Nearby stands The Plaza Theatre, which still offers stage shows and movie screenings since 1942. The 20th Century Technology Museum is another attraction that details the evolution of everyday inventions such as telephones and televisions.
OakBend Medical Center provides healthcare services, including inpatient, outpatient, and rehabilitation facilities, along with an array of useful services for retirees. Getting involved in community programs such as those at the Wharton Senior Citizens Center, which includes exercise classes, a lunch program, and social gatherings, is a good idea. Volunteer opportunities are plentiful, too, with groups like the Wharton County Historical Museum and the annual Freedom Fest always benefitting from a helping hand.
Housing is affordable here, with the average detached home costing around $180,000. Neighborhoods where these homes are found are generally considered safe, too, with crime rates in Wharton being lower than state averages.
Retiring Near Houston: Finding the Right Fit
If you’re looking for a place to retire that’s within an easy drive of Houston, these six small towns are worth considering. Not only do these retirement-friendly communities balance affordability with small-town appeal, but they also provide older residents easy access to specialized healthcare and cultural amenities. Whatever you value most in life, these six charming Texas communities to retire around Houston should be on your shortlist.
