Texas keeps showing up on retirement shortlists for its warm weather, tax perks, and range of small towns that feel safer than the big metros. The focus here is on places where violent and property crime stay low, access to hospitals and clinics is straightforward, and extreme-weather risk is more manageable than you might expect in parts of the state.
This guide highlights the safest places to retire in Texas so you can weigh crime patterns, storm exposure, and healthcare access before you decide where to put down roots.
Our Top Picks for Retirees
• Melissa for the state’s most impressive safety ratings in a fast-growing North Texas community that blends small-town charm with easy access to premier medical hubs.
• San Elizario for a secure and historic retirement near El Paso, offering a tight-knit community feel and a low-risk environment for extreme weather.
• Colleyville for a peaceful and high-end suburban lifestyle in the DFW metroplex, known for its excellent public safety and beautiful nature trails.
• Fulshear for a protected and scenic retreat near Houston that offers a tranquil pace of life alongside immediate access to world-class specialized hospitals.
• Iowa Park for a safe and quiet small-town experience in North Texas, providing a close-knit atmosphere and reliable healthcare services in nearby Wichita Falls.
What Are The Safest Places to Retire in Texas?
1. Melissa
- Violent Crime Rate: 0.2 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 3.2 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate, minimal hurricane exposure
Melissa is a fast-growing community in North Texas that boasts
low crime rates and a family-friendly atmosphere. This city is largely protected from coastal weather, which makes it an appealing destination for retirees.
With its small-town charm, Melissa offers access to parks, walking trails, and other senior-friendly amenities. Additionally, the city is within a short drive to larger hospitals in nearby McKinney, providing retirees with peace of mind when it comes to healthcare access.
2. San Elizario
- Violent Crime Rate: 0.4 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 3.2 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Low, minimal hurricane or tornado risk
Situated just outside El Paso, San Elizario is known for its historical sites and tight-knit community. The low crime rates provide a sense of security, while the town's position away from major weather systems makes it a great choice for retirees seeking minimal extreme weather threats.
San Elizario has a laid-back lifestyle, offering easy access to senior amenities such as community centers and parks. Local healthcare is available in El Paso, where several major hospitals provide excellent care for seniors.
If a few Texas towns are starting to sound right, the next step is usually getting your feet on the ground and seeing how they feel in person. Visiting
senior living communities in Texas lets you walk the halls, listen to how noisy or calm things are, and ask staff and residents what the neighborhood is actually like once you’ve lived there for a while.
3. Fulshear
- Violent Crime Rate: 0.2 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 5.6 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate, with some hurricane exposure
A picturesque city located just outside Houston, Fulshear has transformed from a rural town into a suburban retreat. While it experiences some risk from Gulf Coast
hurricanes, Fulshear remains a low-crime, peaceful place for retirement. Seniors can enjoy parks, recreational facilities, and nearby golf courses.
For healthcare, Fulshear is near top-tier hospitals in Houston, including Memorial Hermann and Houston Methodist, ensuring seniors have access to specialized medical services.
4. Colleyville
- Violent Crime Rate: 0.5 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 4.4 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Low, minimal severe weather risks
Colleyville, located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, offers a serene environment with low crime rates and excellent public safety. The area experiences few severe weather events, which makes it a safe and desirable place to retire. Colleyville provides a range of senior-friendly activities, such as nature trails and local libraries, while healthcare services are easily accessible through Baylor Scott & White and Texas Health hospitals, both just a short drive away.
5. Iowa Park
- Violent Crime Rate: 0.5 per 1,000 people
- Property Crime Rate: 4.1 per 1,000 people
- Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate, with occasional tornadoes
A quiet, small town in North Texas, Iowa Park offers retirees a peaceful lifestyle with low crime rates. While tornadoes occasionally occur in the region, the overall weather risks are manageable.
The town has a close-knit community feel, with parks, fishing spots, and walking trails that appeal to retirees. Wichita Falls, a nearby city, provides access to full-service hospitals, including United Regional Health Care System, ensuring that seniors have access to excellent healthcare without the need for long-distance travel.
What Are the Best Healthcare Facilities in Texas for Seniors?
Texas offers a range of healthcare facilities catering specifically to seniors. Notable hospitals in the safest cities include:
- Melissa: The nearby Baylor Scott & White Medical Center provides comprehensive care and specialized services for seniors.
- San Elizario: University Medical Center in El Paso is recognized for its senior care programs and advanced medical facilities.
- Fulshear: Residents have access to Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, which is known for its excellent services and patient-centered care.
- Iowa Park: United Regional Health Care System in Wichita Falls offers various programs tailored for older adults.
- Colleyville: The Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital in nearby Southlake is a top-rated facility known for its specialized geriatric services.
These facilities offer a combination of emergency care, rehabilitation, and specialized services, ensuring that seniors receive the care they need.
Is Texas Senior-Friendly and Accessible?
Texas is increasingly senior-friendly, with initiatives like the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services ensuring accessible healthcare, transportation, and community-based services.
Many Texas cities, such as Dallas and Houston, have age-friendly certifications and provide a variety of programs designed to promote active senior living, from wellness programs to social events. Additionally, Texas is home to top-rated healthcare facilities that specialize in senior care, such as Houston Methodist and Baylor Scott & White.
What City Has the Lowest Crime Rate?
Melissa holds the title for the lowest crime rate among the safest cities to retire in Texas. In 2024, Melissa reported a violent crime rate of just
0.2 incidents per 1,000 people and a property crime rate of
3.2 incidents per 1,000 people.
In comparison, other cities also showcased low crime rates, but Melissa stood out due to its notably lower statistics. San Elizario, while also safe, had a slightly higher violent crime rate of
0.4 per 1,000 people.
Ready to Explore Texas Senior Living Options?
When you’re ready to start scheduling those visits, our
Texas senior living directory can help you decide where to go first. You can pull up communities in the towns you’re considering, then use what you see online as a springboard for in‑person questions about safety, staff response, and how residents feel about living there day to day.
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