The Most Economical Places to Live in Texas for Retirees

• Texas offers retirees moderate weather and a low cost of living. Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

  Many retirees live on a fixed income, or tight budget, and they want to get the most for their money, as well as enjoy their golden years to the fullest. Texas is a viable option for some, as it features mild winters and no state income tax. If you are planning to retire to the Lone Star State, some areas offer cheaper housing and cost of living than other parts.

Corpus Christi

• If you've always imagined spending your retirement in a coastal, beach community, consider moving to cost-efficient Corpus Christi. According to Top Retirements, this medium-sized town is often found on the "Top 100 Places to Retire in the U.S." list along with winning other retirement city accolades. It is located on the southern tip of the Texas Gulf Coast, and it offers many activities for retirees, such as fishing, boating, golfing and bird watching. The downtown area boasts a museum district, shops and marinas. In 2009, the average home price was $133,000, according to the National Association of Realtors report.

Cedar Creek Lake

• The Cedar Creek Lake area, situated less than an hour southeast of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, is a booming retirement community made up of several small towns. Retirees there enjoy fishing, boating and golfing, as well as having the conveniences of a large city (shopping, theaters and hospitals) less than an hour away. The Cedar Creek Reservoir is the fourth-largest lake in Texas and one of the only lakes that allows waterfront residential properties. The average home price in Gun Barrel City in 2008 was $77,000.

Texarkana

• If you pictured rolling green hills and leaves that change color in the autumn, consider retiring in Texarkana, located in the most northeastern corner of the Lone Star State. This small city straddles the Texas-Arkansas state line and offers residents lakes and woods, as well as a wide variety of activities. They include a quaint downtown area, vibrant arts community and many walking, running and cycling trails ideal for an active senior. The median housing value was around $65,000 in 2009.

Big Spring

• Big Spring is situated in West Texas, and it offers a quiet, small-town atmosphere, including a local symphony and seasonal festivals. It also features a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities, such as bird watching, fishing and hunting. It is a certified retirement community, and the median housing value was around $35,000 in 2000. If you prefer a country lifestyle with simple amenities, this may be the retirement community for you.