Austin ranks 14th for retirement

Austin placed 14th on the 2027 list of the best large U.S. cities for retirees, according to U.S. News and World Report.

The publication evaluated more than 850 cities across the United States using six metrics. These metrics included quality of life, affordability, health care, retiree taxes, the job market, and population migration. The top 250 finalist cities were then ranked by size and national standing.

Midland, Michigan, retained the number one spot for the second year in a row. Homosassa Springs, Florida, and Weirton, West Virginia, followed in second and third place, respectively. Austin’s neighbor, Round Rock, ranked 19th among the smallest U.S. cities and 60th in the overall national list.

Megan Wood, assistant managing editor of home services and real estate at U.S. News, stated that affordability is the most considered factor for retirees. She noted that the 2027 rankings reflect updated weighting criteria to align with current priorities. "It’s no secret that affordability is top of mind for Americans this year," Wood said.

The Austin profile on U.S. News noted a lower cost of living compared to similarly sized cities. However, the profile also highlighted a substantial difference in housing prices. The national average home value is $359,870, while the median home value in Austin is $581,402.

Six other Central Texas cities appeared in the top 250 overall. Leander ranked 59th, Pflugerville 64th, and Cedar Park 113th. Georgetown placed 118th, New Braunfels 193rd, and Temple 214th. In the Houston area, The Woodlands held the fourth overall position, while Spring ranked fifth.