Retirees Can Live On Social Security Alone In A Small Texas Town Surrounded By The Outdoors

Everything is bigger in Texas, including your budget when you decide to retire in the quaint little town of Burkburnett. That's because the retirees of this Lone Star State enclave are frequently able to make ends meet with just their Social Security. It might seem like a tall tale of retirement during up and down economic times, but if you are not looking to tap into all of your savings or put your 401(k) towards rest and relaxation, Burkburnett might just be the place you want to call home after you clock out of the workforce.

In fact, Burkburnett is one of only a handful of cities where you can retire using only Social Security. The cost of living is 8% less than the national average, with housing and groceries factoring the most into savings, at 37% and 3% below the rest of the country, respectively, according to data from Payscale. That means you get more bang for your Social Security buck by planting roots in Burkburnett.

There is a lot to love about Burkburnett, including the fact that it borders Oklahoma, which is one of the states with the cheapest housing prices in America. According to Zillow, the average cost of a home in Burkburnett is $172,807, a price point which has only increased 4% since 2024. If you are not looking to buy another home, the good news is that a two-bedroom apartment or condo can be rented for about $1,350 a month, per the calculations of Zillow Rentals.

Do the math and you'll see why Burkburnett makes financial sense for retirees looking to strictly live off of their Social Security benefits. The average amount of Social Security for 62 year olds, which is the earliest age someone can claim benefits, comes to $1,976 a month, according to the Social Security Administration. Transportation, as well as food costs, are less than the national average in Burkburnett. So whether you are looking to buy a home or rent an apartment for retirement, your benefits from Social Security can more than cover your housing costs.

Moving to Texas comes with its own unique lifestyle and culture, which Burkburnett exemplifies and manages to put its own spin on for residents. As listed by the City of Burkburnett, there are plenty of activities and attractions to do for little-to-no-cost, including spending time in several parks and outdoor recreation areas that provide ample opportunities for hunting, fishing, and camping. Make sure you mark your calendar for the Boomtown Rodeo every year in July, which includes all the best roping and riding events, followed by live music.

Plenty of Americans question having enough money to retire comfortably, particularly with all the fluctuations in the economy and Social Security Administration change ups in 2025. The good news is that you can find affordable states in the U.S. to retire while also reducing your cost of living expenses, such as Burkburnett. Even if you cannot predict the future, you can plan and budget accordingly in order to live retirement on your terms. If you are hoping to use your Social Security benefits alone to cover costs, you might want to look into calling Burkburnett your retirement home.