College Station, Texas, October 19, 2025
News Summary
College Station, Texas, has been recognized by Forbes as one of the top retirement destinations in the U.S. Factors contributing to this ranking include affordable housing, healthcare access, and a low crime rate. The city offers a vibrant community and plans for a new retirement community near Texas A&M University, enhancing living options for seniors. Despite some challenges, College Station continues to develop as an ideal locale for retirees seeking comfort and engagement.
College Station Named One of the Best U.S. Towns for Retirement by Forbes 2025
College Station, Texas, has been recognized as one of the top places for retirement in the United States by Forbes for the year 2025. The city, which is home to the prestigious Texas A&M University, boasts a population of approximately 128,000 and is located about 85 miles northwest of Houston. The selection comes as part of an extensive analysis by Forbes, involving over 950 locations across the country.
Factors that contributed to College Station’s ranking include housing costs, taxes, healthcare availability, air quality, crime rates, and risks associated with climate change. It is noted that the city features a favorable environment for retirees, with multiple advantages that promote a comfortable lifestyle.
Advantages of Retiring in College Station
- Affordable Housing: The median home price in College Station is $347,000, which is 14% lower than the national median, making it an attractive option for retirees.
- Healthcare Access: The city has a wide range of doctors and excellent air quality, ensuring access to necessary medical services.
- Low Crime Rate: College Station is known for its very low serious crime rate, providing a safe environment for retirees.
- No State Income Tax: Texas has no state income or estate tax, which offers significant economic advantages to retirees.
- Strong Local Economy: The vibrant economy supports a variety of retirement living options, allowing for an active lifestyle.
Challenges for Retirees
Despite its many benefits, living in College Station comes with a few drawbacks. The city is not particularly walkable, which can pose challenges for retirees seeking pedestrian-friendly environments. Additionally, summers can be quite hot and humid, typical of the Texas climate.
Community and Facilities for Seniors
College Station is making strides to enhance its facilities for seniors. The Meyer Senior Citizen & Community Center offers a range of daytime programming, such as art classes and card games, catering to the interests of older adults. Furthermore, the city is investing in developing new community spaces, including pickleball fields that have become increasingly popular among retirees.
Upcoming Retirement Community Development
Construction is expected to commence soon on a new retirement community located near Texas A&M University, anticipated to open around 2027. This residential community, developed by Varcity, is generating significant interest from alumni and supporters of the university.
The new facility will offer 260 residences and include social and recreational amenities such as coworking spaces, lecture halls, a swimming pool, and dining options. A unique aspect of this community is its focus on fostering intergenerational relationships between retirees and university students, providing an intellectually stimulating environment.
This innovative approach aligns with growing trends in retirement living that seek to integrate seniors within vibrant, youthful settings. Varcity’s initiative is reflective of similar projects underway at other universities, including one set to launch at Purdue University.
Conclusion
Overall, College Station’s recognition as a top retirement destination underscores its many appealing attributes, including affordability, safety, and vibrant community life. As development continues, the city strives to cater to its growing retirement community with enhanced facilities and engaging programming, solidifying its status as an ideal place for retirees.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What factors did Forbes consider for the ranking?
Forbes considered housing costs, taxes, healthcare, air quality, crime rates, and climate change risks when ranking retirement cities.
2. What is the median home price in College Station?
The median home price in College Station is $347,000, which is 14% lower than the national median.
3. Are there any taxes that retirees should be aware of?
Texas has no state income or estate tax, which benefits retirees economically.
4. What amenities are planned for the new retirement community?
The new retirement community will feature coworking spaces, lecture halls, a swimming pool, and dining options.
5. Why is intergenerational living emphasized in the new community?
The community aims to foster interactions between retirees and university students, promoting intellectual engagement and social connection.
Key Features Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $347,000 |
| Low Crime Rate | Very low serious crime incidents |
| Taxes | No state income tax, no estate tax |
| Healthcare Access | Abundance of doctors, good air quality |
| Community Centers | Meyer Senior Citizen & Community Center with various programs |
| New Community Development | 260 residences, recreational facilities, intergenerational focus |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
College Station Hosts Candidate Forum for School Board Elections
LifeCare Properties Introduces The Blake at College Station
Brazos County Reports Increase in Public Intoxication Arrests
TMRS Announces Major Investment in Co-Investment Opportunities
Texas A&M Community Honors Beloved Mascot Reveille IX
College Station Named One of the Best Places to Retire
Texas A&M University MBA Candidate Fosters Community and Growth
Texas A&M University to Honor Reveille IX’s Legacy
Funeral Arrangements Announced for Reveille IX
Texas A&M University to Honor Miss Reveille IX with Funeral
Additional Resources
- Houston Chronicle: Aggie Retirement Community
- Wikipedia: Texas A&M University
- McKnight’s Senior Living: Go Aggies Retirement Community
- Google Search: Texas A&M retirement community
- KNUE: Best Retirement City Texas
- Google Scholar: best places to retire in Texas
- Express News: Texas A&M Retirement Community
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Station
- KCENTV: Officer Brad Smith Retirement Ceremony
- Google News: College Station retirement
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
