College Station, Texas, October 11, 2025
News Summary
Forbes has recognized College Station, Texas, as one of the top destinations for retirement in 2025. With its affordable housing, excellent healthcare access, and favorable tax environment, the city is appealing to retirees. The median home price is around $347,000, significantly lower than the national average. Additionally, the upcoming Varcity retirement community will enhance recreational opportunities for seniors, focusing on intergenerational engagement with Texas A&M University. College Station’s low crime rate and community services further contribute to its status as a desired retirement locale.
College Station, Texas, has been recognized by Forbes as one of the best places to retire in 2025. With a growing population of around 128,000 residents, this vibrant city is located 85 miles northwest of Houston. Its combination of affordable housing, robust healthcare access, and a favorable tax environment makes it an attractive destination for retirees.
The median home price in College Station is approximately $347,000, which is 14% lower than the national median. This affordability is crucial for many individuals looking to settle down in retirement. In addition, the city offers good healthcare facilities, boasting a sufficient number of doctors and medical services that ensure residents can access necessary health care without extensive travel.
One significant financial advantage for retirees in College Station is the absence of both state income and estate taxes. This beneficial tax environment contributes to a favorable economic landscape for those living on fixed incomes. Furthermore, the city is recognized for its low serious crime rate, providing a safe community for its older residents.
The quality of air in College Station is deemed good, and the city is recognized as very bikeable, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle among its inhabitants. However, it is essential to note that, while cycling is easy, the city does not boast high walkability, and its climate includes hot, humid summers that some might find uncomfortable.
The Mayor of College Station indicates that local residents appreciate the city’s various services, low tax rates, and affordable housing options catering specifically to retirees. For those interested in community engagement, the Meyer Senior Citizen & Community Center offers a wide array of activities, including arts and crafts, card games, and social gatherings. The city is also focusing on active lifestyles for seniors with the introduction of new pickleball fields and recreational opportunities across its parks and community centers.
Moreover, College Station’s climate is classified as moderate, with comparatively low risks of natural hazards. Some local residents enjoy commuting from nearby areas to participate in the recreational offerings at the senior center, capitalizing on the city’s resources.
Looking ahead, a noteworthy development is the new retirement community, Varcity at Texas A&M. Set to open in winter 2027, Varcity will feature 260 living units complete with modern amenities. Residents of this community will gain special access to university-related benefits, such as auditing classes and participation in various university-sponsored events. The goal of Varcity is to encourage intergenerational learning and engagement between seniors and students within the university community.
The planned retirement community is modeled after successful university-based retirement living initiatives. It will serve not only the retirees of College Station but also foster connections between residents and Texas A&M, deeply engraining itself in the culture of the community.
In summary, College Station’s combination of affordable housing, excellent healthcare access, and strong community involvement makes it a desirable place for retirees. The city’s ongoing developments, such as Varcity at Texas A&M, reflect an ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of life for seniors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes College Station a good place for retirement?
College Station offers affordable housing, excellent healthcare access, a low crime rate, and the absence of state income tax, making it financially attractive for retirees.
What recreational activities are available for seniors in College Station?
Seniors can enjoy various activities at the Meyer Senior Citizen & Community Center, including arts and crafts, card games, and new pickleball fields promoting active lifestyles.
When will the new retirement community, Varcity at Texas A&M, open?
Varcity is set to open in winter 2027 and will feature 260 living units along with access to university-related benefits.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Population | Approximately 128,000 |
| Median Home Price | $347,000 |
| Healthcare Access | Good access to doctors and medical services |
| Tax Environment | No state income tax, no estate tax |
| Recreational Activities | Meyer Senior Citizen & Community Center, Community parks, planned pickleball fields |
| Retirement Community | Varcity at Texas A&M, opening winter 2027 |
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Additional Resources
- KBTX News
- Wikipedia: College Station, Texas
- McKnight’s Senior Living
- Google Search: College Station retirement
- The Battalion
- Google Scholar: Texas A&M retirement community
- San Antonio Express-News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas A&M retirement
- Houston Chronicle
- Google News: Texas A&M retirement community
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.
