The Best Texas College Towns For Retirees To Move To

When you think of states with affordable college towns in America, Texas may not be on the top of everyone's list. But the Lone Star State — with no personal income taxes for residents and sprawling real estate as far as the eye can see in many areas — has a lot to offer those who are already retired or are considering where they should move as the end of their full-time working years approach.

Texas is also home to some of the largest colleges and universities in America, according to Best Colleges, and enrolls more than 1.5 million college students. With an enrollment hovering at 75,000 students, Texas A&M in College Station, Texas, is considered to be among the top three largest universities in America. Add to that the University of Texas at Austin, with some 50,000 students, and you can see how quickly the numbers add up. College towns can be attractive to retirees for a number of reasons, including the opportunity for lifelong learning, the chance to attend collegiate-level sporting events, or even to enjoy the entertainment perks that universities are known for, such as active symphonies and orchestras. There's also the close proximity to top-notch academic healthcare through colleges that include medical schools. So if you are thinking about a move, consider these affordable college towns in Texas.

Located in southeast Texas, near the Mexico border, McAllen is known to be among the most budget-friendly areas in the state, with a cost of living often 15% lower than the national average, as of September 2025, per Payscale. With a mild winter climate and abundant access to nature, retirees have a lot to love about this town. The largest institution of higher education serving the McAllen area is the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, which boasts an undergraduate enrollment of some 27,000 students.

With a population of about 142,000 residents, there are plenty of things for retirees to do in McAllen in a more relaxed setting, without the hustle-and-bustle of a big city. The area is known for its golf courses, with designated areas for hiking at nearby state parks, and bird-watching at the McAllen Nature Center. Some parks also include ADA-friendly trails for those with mobility issues. On the healthcare front, access to the South Texas Health System offers residents comprehensive medical care close to home. 

Those looking to find a place to live may be surprised by the affordability. According to Zillow, the average rent was $1,367 in McAllen at the end of August 2025, which is about $600 less than the national average of roughly $2,007. Buying a home is also considered affordable in this Texas town, with a median sale price of $244,667 in late June 2025.

Known for its sunshine and panoramic vistas, Brownsville, in the Rio Grande Valley, can easily be counted among the most affordable college towns in the U.S., with homes selling between $130,000 and $250,000. In July 2025, the median listed price for a home in the area was $254,000, according to Redfin. On average, homes in Brownsville typically sell in less than three months. For retirees who want to rent, those costs are also far below national averages with one-bedroom rentals starting at $625 per month.

Located in south Texas near the border with Mexico, there's plenty of warm weather and outdoor activities to keep retirees and their families busy. Like McAllen, the largest university nearby is the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), a public research university with campuses in Edinburg and Brownsville, plus other locations throughout a four-county region. UTRGV is the only university in Texas that includes both a School of Medicine and a School of Podiatric Medicine. In 2024, The Wall Street Journal ranked UTRGV No. 1 in Texas for the best value. 

When it comes to affordable places to retire, there's definitely more to remember than the Alamo when considering San Antonio. An entertainment destination for decades, sports fans can see an NBA game, or stroll to the famous River Walk for shopping, drinks, and world-class Tex-Mex dining. Those who want to settle down in the historic town — that happens to feature more than half a dozen public, private, and religious colleges and universities — should note that median home prices have been reported to be as low as 38% below the national median here, as of September 2025, per Redfin. The proximity to healthcare facilities, a warm climate, and access to large airports are also among some of the best reasons to call San Antonio home.

If you are looking to buy, the average San Antonio home value was $254,107 as of summer 2025, according to Zillow. If you need something less permanent or pricey, the average rent in San Antonio was $1,695 in September 2025, a figure that was almost 20% lower than the national average of $2,007. According to Apartments.com, if you rent an apartment in San Antonio, you can expect to pay about $920 a month for a studio, $1,090 for a one-bedroom, and in the neighborhood of $1,400 for a two-bedroom apartment, as of September 2025. Those who prefer more space and a third bedroom could pay upwards of $1,810 or more, depending on size, location, and other factors.

College Station, Texas is home to Texas A&M University, which is one of the largest public universities in the U.S. with some 72,000 students — a number larger than the populations of many towns across America. Home to the Aggies, the area offers a college town vibe that includes numerous cultural events and entertainment options for almost every generation and interest. Besides hundreds of bars and restaurants to choose from, there are also tours and wine tastings available at places like the Messina Hof Winery. History lovers may appreciate the George Bush Presidential Library or the Museum of the American G.I.

While the median listing price for a home in College Station was $375,000 in August 2025, the median sales price for homes sold was decidedly lower, at $312,5000, according to Realtor.com. Renters were paying an average of $1,044 per month in September 2025, notes Apartments.com, which is more than 30% lower than the national average for a lease or rental. Prices are dependent on the size of the space, its location and a few other factors. Studios rent for an average of $800 per month, with one-bedroom apartments listing near $1,045, and two-bedroom apartments listing closer to $1,228. Meanwhile, three-bedroom rentals were listed for about $1,490 or more a month.

San Marcos is home to Texas State University, which enrolls around 44,000 students and is located in the Texas Hill Country — a picturesque region that lies between Austin and San Antonio. Retirees may appreciate that the weather is often warm in the summer with mild winters where snow is rarely an issue. Many residents and visitors are attracted to the laid-back river lifestyle, along with the proximity to an academic community. Plus, the San Marcos River, which flows from San Marcos Springs, offers opportunities for camping, kayaking, and even paddle boarding.

Those looking to buy a home should note the median sale price in July 2025 was $325,000, according to Redfin. If you are looking to rent, the average size of an apartment in the area is just under 1,000 square feet, notes RentCafe. In September 2025, the average rent was around $1,170 per month. Renters can expect to pay about $900 per month for a studio space, $1,170 for a one-bedroom apartment, or $1,380 for a two-bedroom apartment. Those who select three-bedroom rentals could pay upwards of $1,600 or more, according to Apartments.com.

Home to Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, is located in the northwestern part of the state in what's known as the South Plains region. The city of 261,000 is also home to several other schools and colleges. Retirees have access to tons of entertainment and cultural activities to choose from throughout the year, including a vintage drive-in movie theatre, and the Silent Wings Museum that preserves the history of the World War II U.S. glider program. Lubbock was also the birthplace of Rock-N-Roll legend Buddy Holly, and the city's Buddy Holly Center celebrates his life and music through artifacts and mementos from his career as well as other west Texas musicians.

When it comes to buying a home, Lubbock offers newcomers affordable housing at a variety of price points. As of 2024, the median property value in Lubbock was $212,400, and the homeownership rate was 51.2%, according to DataUSA. The average rental price for apartments in Lubbock, per Rent.,was between $885 and $1,099, as of September 2025.

With a population near 245,000, Waco is located in central Texas along the Brazos River, approximately halfway between of Dallas and Austin. Waco is Home to Baylor University, which was actually stablished before Texas was even a state, and typically enrolls about 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Those who want to settle down here will likely find a buyer's market. Realtor.com data shows that the median listing price for a home in Waco was $290,000 in August 2025, while the median sales price came in at $288,800 — still far below the national average for a single family home in the U.S. Waco is also known for affordable rental prices. In September 2025, the average rent in Waco was near $1,030 a month, according to Apartments.com. Depending on the location, size and other factors, you could expect to pay about $990 a month for a studio apartment in Waco, or $1,030 for a one-bedroom. Two-bedroom apartments come in at an average of $1,260 a month, while three-bedroom rentals can run $1,425 or more.

With about 65,000 residents, Nacogdoches, Texas, is home to Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA), a regional higher education institution that's part of the University of Texas System. Known as the oldest town in the Lone Star State, locals and visitors are drawn to this east Texas community for its culture and historic charm, including a walkable downtown district featuring red brick lined streets.

Affordability is also a big factor for residents, with the cost of living about 10% lower than the national average, per Payscale. Meanwhile Redfin shows that, in July 2025, Nacogdoches homes were selling for a median price of $235,000. Retirees looking to rent before they buy can expect prices far below the national average for apartments as well. Per Rent., the average rent for apartments in Nacogdoches in September 2025 was between $728 and $1,200.

Situated in the Texas Hill Country of central Texas, Kerrville is located about 65 miles northwest of San Antonio. With a population of some 25,000 residents, the town is home to Schreiner University, a private Presbyterian school situated on 220 acres that enrolls an estimated 1,500 undergraduate and graduate students each year.

Those looking to settle down in the area can expect a buyer's market. While the median listing price for homes in Kerrville was $475,000 in August 2025, per Realtor.com, while the median home sale price was significantly lower at $339,833. In summer 2025, just over 12% of homes in Kerrville sold for more than the asking price. As of September, 2025, retirees and other families looking to rent could expect to pay an average of $1,715 for an apartment in Kerrville, which is below the $2,007 national average rent, as of August 31, 2025, notes Zillow.

Wichita Falls, Texas is home to two primary institutions of higher education, including Midwestern State University, a public university and the state's only public liberal arts institution, and Wayland Baptist University, a private university. Wichita Falls is located in the north-central part of Texas, close to the Oklahoma border and is about a two-hour drive to Dallas and about 141 miles southwest of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Retirees will likely appreciate the affordability in Wichita Falls, which is reported to be almost 10% below the national average, per Apartments.com. Typically, homes and condos in Wichita Falls are over 34% less expensive than the national average, with monthly rentals landing between $650 and $1,080. If you are looking to settle down, the median sales price for homes in summer 2025 was $207,483, according to Zillow.

Edinburg, Texas is located in Hidalgo County, and is considered one of the best college towns for retirees in the Rio Grande Valley. The town of 108,000 (and counting) serves as the county seat and borders Mexico. It's home to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, a public research university established in 2015.

Retirees looking to move to the area can expect affordability to be front and center. In Edinburg, homes sold for a median price of $287,900 in August 2025, according to Movoto. As of September 2025, the average rent in Edinburg was hovering near $870 per month with the average apartment size reported to be 685 square feet, per Apartments.com. Those looking for studio apartments can expect to pay an average of $562 per month, or $870 for a one-bedroom apartment. Two bedroom apartments go for $990 while renting a three-bedroom could cost $1,140 or more.