When you compare Houston areas for retirees, you’re really asking how to stretch retirement income, stay active and—if you served—use every veteran benefit Texas offers. Houston’s low cost of living, no state income tax and warm winters already check big boxes, but the neighborhood you choose will fine-tune daily life. Let’s break down the data so you can move with confidence.
Why Greater Houston Works for Retirees & Veterans
- No state income tax means your Social Security and pension are untouched, while Houston’s living costs sit about 8 % below the U.S. average according to SmartAsset.
- Property-tax relief for veterans: Texas waives all county, school and city taxes for 100% disabled veterans and offers tiered breaks starting at 10% disability, notes the Texas Veterans Commission. Surviving spouses keep the exemption, confirms the Texas Comptroller.
- Houston hosts the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center plus satellite clinics, putting specialty care within a 40-minute drive of most suburbs.
Top Houston Areas for Retirees in 2025
| Area | Typical Home Value | Walk Score | Senior/Veteran Perks |
| Cypress | $416,507 – Zillow | 52 — Somewhat Walkable – Walk Score | Master-planned 55+ sections |
| Tomball | $367,858 – Zillow | 75 — Very Walkable downtown – Walk Score | Small-town square, farmers’ market, VA outpatient clinic |
| Richmond | $395,353 – Zillow | 53 — Somewhat Walkable historic core – Walk Score | Fort Bend county tax rate, Riverside parks, New hospitals |
| Hockley | $318,917 – Zillow | 0 — Car Dependent – Walk Score | Half-acre lots, equestrian centers |
Cypress – Resort-Style Everyday Living
Lakeside trails, golf-cart lanes and on-site recreation centers mean you can “vacation at home.” Nearly one-third of current listings are new-builds offering multigenerational floor plans—ideal if grandkids visit often.
Tomball – Walkable Charm With Quick Care Access
Historic Main Street scores a 75 Walk Score, so brunch, the library and Spring Creek Park are an easy stroll. The Tomball VA Clinic opens twice-weekly wellness classes, making routine check-ups easy.
Richmond – River Views and Tax Breathing Room
Enjoy sunset paths along the Brazos and you’ve got a relaxed pace that still reaches the Galleria in 35 minutes.
Hockley – Space to Spread Out
If you crave elbow room for a workshop or RV pad, half-acre parcels abound. While the Walk Score is zero, fiber-optic rollouts and talk of a rail stop hint at long-term upside.
Ready to tour Houston areas for retirees in person? Explore models—from lakefront Cypress cottages to lock-and-leave Richmond villas—through Taylor Morrison and find the home that lets you thrive in the next chapter: https://www.taylormorrison.com/tx/houston.
Blog is intended for general informational purposes only and not as an exhaustive comparison of all factors applicable to your personal financial situation. Data used was derived from third-party sources and deemed reliable as of the date obtained, but not guaranteed, offered as investment or tax advice, or independently verified by Taylor Morrison; all information remains subject to change outside of Taylor Morrison’s control. Images do not reflect a racial, ethnic, age or familial status preference. All registered and unregistered marks of third parties used for illustrative purposes only are the exclusive property of the respective owners. ©January 2026, Taylor Morrison, Inc.
