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 considering where they should move as the end of their full-time working years approach. In fact, there are nearly 40 public four-year colleges and universities in Texas, not including the private institutions of higher education located in the southern state.

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. For retirees, college towns can be attractive for a number of reasons, including the opportunity for lifelong learning, the chance to attend collegiate-level sporting events, and to enjoy the other entertainment perks that universities are known for, such as active symphonies and orchestras. There's also the close proximity of top-notch academic healthcare at 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 border with Mexico, 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, notes 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, with 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, 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, notes Zillow.

Known for its sunshine and panoramic vistas, Brownsville, in the Rio Grande Valley, could be easily counted among the most affordable college towns in the U.S. with homes selling between $130,000 and $250,000, recent housing data shows. In July, the median sales price for a home in the area was listed at $254,000, according to national real estate firm 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, real estate data shows.

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 here, including watching collegiate football. As mentioned previously, the largest university located in the Rio Grande Valley is the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), a public research university established in 2015 with campuses in Edinburg and Brownsville, plus other locations throughout a four-county region.

Fun fact: UTRGV is the only university in Texas that includes both a School of Medicine and a School of Podiatric Medicine. The university also added a football team in August 2025. And in 2024, The Wall Street Journal ranked UTRGV as the top university in Texas for the best value.

When it comes to affordable spots 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 to watch the Spurs in action, or stroll over 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 features 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. Locals also say the proximity to healthcare facilities, a warm climate and access to large airports are among the best reasons to call San Antonio home.

If you are looking to buy in this central Texas location, the average San Antonio home value was $254,107 this summer, according to data from Zillow. If you need something less permanent or pricey, the average rent in San Antonio was $1,695 in September, noted Zillow, a figure that was almost 20% lower than the national average of $2007. 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. Those who prefer more space and a third bedroom could pay upwards of $1,810 or more, depending on size, location, and other factors.

If you aren't from Texas or don't follow college sports, you may not know that College Station, Texas, is home to Texas A&M University, which is one of the largest public universities in the United States with 5,200 sprawling acres and some 72,000 students — a number larger than the populations of thousands of small towns across America. It opened in 1876 as the state's first public institution of higher education. 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 the Messina Hof Winery. History lovers may appreciate the George Bush Presidential Library and the Museum of the American G.I.

Those looking for an affordable place to settle down should know homes have historically had a median sales price of more than 10% below the national average, notes Forbes. While the median listing price for a home in College Station was $375,000 in August 2025, the median sales price for homes sold there was decidedly lower, at $312,5000, according to data from 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. In College Station, studios rent for an average of $800 per month, with one bedroom apartments listing near $1,045, and closer to $1,228 for a two-bedroom apartment. Looking for a three-bedroom rental? Expect to shell out about $1,490 or more a month, according to real estate data.

San Marcos is home to Texas State University, with an enrollment of some 44,000 students. Located in the Texas Hill Country, it's a picturesque region that lies between the Austin and San Antonio metropolitan areas. Retirees may appreciate that the weather is often warm (and humid) in the summer with mild winters where snow is rarely an issue. Some archeologists point to the spot as being one of the oldest continuously inhabited locations within North and South America, with remains at a site near the San Marcos River dating back 10,000 years. Many residents and visitors find the laid-back river lifestyle, along with the proximity to an academic community, attracted them to the area. Case in point: the San Marcos River, that flows from San Marcos Springs, offers opportunities for camping, kayaking, and even paddle boarding in calmer spots on the water.

Those looking to buy a home should note the median sale price in July 2025 was $325,000, according to data from 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.com. In September 2025, the average rent was near $1,170 per month. Renters can currently expect to pay about $900 per month for a studio space, $1,170 for a one-bedroom apartment, and approximately $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 also is home to several other bible schools and colleges. Retirees and other residents have tons of entertainment and cultural activities to choose from throughout the year, including a vintage drive-in movie theatre, and Silent Wings Museum that preserves the history of the World War II U.S. glider program. Fun fact: Lubbock was also the birthplace of Rock-N-Roll legend Buddy Holly. Today, the Buddy Holly Center celebrates his life and music through displays of artifacts and mementos from his career and other west Texas musicians.

When it comes to buying a home, Lubbock offers newcomers affordable housing at a variety of price points. In recent years, the median property value in Lubbock was $197,900, and the homeownership rate was 50.8%, according to DataUSA. The median sales price for homes in Lubbock came in at $231,109 in June 2025, according to Zillow. The average rent charged for apartments in Lubbock was between $885 and $1,099 in 2025, notes rent.com. Those seeking a one-bedroom apartment could look to pay $890 or so per month, with two-bedroom units averaging just under $1,000, depending on factors including location, size, and other amenities at the property.

With a population near 245,000, Waco is located in central Texas along the Brazos River, situated approximately halfway between the larger cities of Dallas and Austin. Fans of HGTV and Magnolia Network may already know a thing or two about the charming aspects of the Texas town where husband and wife Chip and Joanna Gaines have created a real estate, shopping, and entertainment destination for tourists with The Silos, bakeries, coffee shops, restaurants, bed-and-breakfasts, and an historic hotel. Waco is also home to Baylor University, situated on the banks of the Brazos River. Established before Texas became a state, the private Christian university 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, which is still far below national averages for single family home sales 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 place, according to the national apartment website. Two-bedroom apartments come in at an average of $1,260 a month, while a three-bedroom rental could run $1,425 or more, real estate data shows.

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. It offers degrees in fields including business, education, and the sciences. 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, according to Payscale. Real estate data from Redfin shows that in July 2025, Nacogdoches homes were selling for a median price of $235,000. Houses in the Nacogdoches area sell — on average — in less than 60 days, national real estate data shows. Retirees looking to rent before they buy can expect prices far below the national averages for apartments as well. The average rent for apartments in Nacogdoches is between $728 and $1,200 in 2025, according to Rent.com. When it comes to one-bedroom apartments, the average rent in the area hovers near $730 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment averages $1,020. You can expect to pay a little more for three-bedroom and larger units in the area, according to Rent.com.

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, according to Realtor.com, the median home sale price was significantly lower at $339,833. This summer, 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 Aug. 31, 2025, notes Zillow.

Fun fact: Those who live in Kerrville are just a short drive from Stonehenge II, a stone structure created by two friends to replicate the original popular landmark in England. After one of the builder's deaths, the sculptures were carefully relocated to a spot beside the Guadalupe River on the campus of the Hill Country Arts Foundation. The area is now home to an annual Half-K and field day event where free beer is served.

Wichita Falls, Texas, population 105,000, is home to two primary institutions of higher education, including Midwestern State University (often referred to as MSU Texas), a public university and the state's only public liberal arts institution, and Wayland Baptist University, a private university. Wichita is located in the north-central part of Texas, close to the Oklahoma border. Residents appreciate that the town is situated in close proximity to two much larger cities. It's about a two-hour drive (144 miles) from 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, according to Apartments.com. Because of that, housing and rent are among the lowest in Texas, with some apartments renting for under $700 a month, according to U.S. housing data. Typically, homes and condos in Wichita Falls are more than 34% less expensive than the national average, notes Apartments.com with many monthly rents landing between $650 and $1,080. If you are looking to settle down here, the median sales price for homes this summer was $207,483, according to Zillow.

If you aren't familiar with Edinburg, Texas, it's located in Hidalgo County on the southern tip of the state, within 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 that includes a school of medicine, a school of podiatry and a new collegiate football team launched in 2025.

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 data from Movoto. As of September, the average rent in Edinburg was hovering near $870 per month with the average apartment size reported to be 685 square feet, according to Apartments.com. Overall, the cost of housing is currently about 45% lower than the national average, according to Payscale. Those who lease 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. Edinburg is also home to the South Texas Motorcycle Museum that's open on weekends for visitors and guests.