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What Makes Dallas-Fort Worth a Good Place to Retire

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Why exactly is Dallas-Fort Worth such a great place to retire? Does it truly have everything you’re looking for on your checklist of retirement must-haves? Keep reading to find out whether or not you should roll the dice on a Dallas-Fort Worth retirement.

 

Whether you’re looking for simply a house to live in or a full-blown retirement community will determine exactly what your retirement looks like here – and how much money you’ll need to pull it all together.

 

Naturally, the more that is provided within the community, the more it will cost. In addition, residences with more medical care are typically more expensive. Let’s talk about the factors that impact what kind of retirement you can plan in DFW and how much it may cost.

 

How Much Money Do You Need to Retire in Dallas-Fort Worth?

Of course, the price to retire in Dallas-Fort Worth varies and is dependent on the countless options available. However, retirement homes, generally speaking, start at around $1,700 per month and top out at just under $6,000 monthly. That means you’ll be spending roughly $24,000 on just housing.

 

Housing Options That Fit Your Budget in Dallas-Fort Worth

 

Housing and real estate in Dallas-Fort Worth is much more affordable compared to some other states. The national average for retirement spending is about $42,000/year. The median cost to retire in Dallas-Fort Worth is $39,814. (https://patch.com/texas/dallas-ftworth/here-s-what-it-costs-retire-comfortably-texas)

 

Many retirees are moving here from states like California, Illinois, Minnesota, New York, New Jersey and find they can live like a King or Queen compared to the high prices for everything in these states.

 

Type of Home

What kind of home do you want to live in? Do you want to build your dream luxury home, or are you hoping to find something that’s move-in ready? This will greatly affect the amount that you’ll need to save.

 

The median home price in Dallas-Fort Worth is close to $254,439, as of 2021. Choosing a condo, an apartment, a townhouse, or a single-family residence will impact the cost of your home and whether or not it’s above or below the average.

 

Suburbs vs. City Living

Celina, McKinney, and Denton are all well-known suburbs of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, and each one has retirement communities within its boundaries. Choosing to put down roots in one of these areas comes with its benefits, and the cost is one of them.

 

With the exception of The Corvalla at Stonebriar, which is a planned community and is a luxury living community, living further from the city center is usually more affordable.

 

Living within the suburbs closer to Dallas downtown might mean less maintenance and easier access to amenities, it can also come with a higher price tag. If the hustle and bustle of the city is what you’re looking for, and a high-rise condo is in your future plans, be prepared to shell out the cash.

 

Available Community Amenities

Choosing a neighborhood community that has all the bells and whistles will cost you. But it’s your retirement. If that’s what you want, that’s what you want. Just make sure to account for that in your budget.

 

Whether you want to have an on-site gym or a heated pool, you’ll have to pay. Some of these amenities may be part of your homeowner dues or your monthly fees, while others may require additional charges. Many retirement communities in Dallas-Fort Worth offer at least several of the following amenities:

 

• Fitness center

• Group exercise studio

• Party space or meeting rooms

• Convenience store

• Beauty salon or barbershop

• Shuttle bus service

• Spa or nail salon

• Full independent kitchen

• Church services

• Outdoor shared space for parties

• Internet service

• Restaurant or cafe

• Swimming pool (indoor and/or outdoor)

• Security

• Activity courts

• Parking spaces

• Coffee shop or juice bar

 

Medical Concerns and Health Care Needs

It’s not the most fun topic to discuss, but aging does come with health challenges. Overcoming these and being comfortable is something that everyone has to think about and take into account when saving.

 

If you have health issues going into retirement, this is something that has to be factored into your budget. Or, if you have a genetic background of certain illnesses in your family, you’ll want to consider this too.

 

Whether or not you’ll want to reside in a facility or close to one that has on-site medical staff is a choice that you’ll have to make, and strongly consider. So even though it’s not the best and most exciting part of retirement, your health will strongly impact your golden years. This will require some thought, whether you like it or not.

 

Taxes in Dallas 

There is a big financial bonus in DFW retirement. There’s no state income tax in Texas, and that includes social security and retirement. It’s also worth noting that there’s no estate or inheritance tax either.

 

Also, property tax is based on the appraised value calculated by the county appraisal districts. When budgeting, you can also factor in that anyone over 65 is eligible for property tax rebate/exemptions. Jackpot!

 

Extra-Curricular Activities

Let’s be honest; there’s no shortage of fun to be had in Dallas-Fort Worth. And if this is your retirement destination, you’ll want to make sure to budget for all of the entertainment the city has to offer! From multiple lakes and public parks to cultural activities, DFW provides entertainment options for everyone.

 

      

 

Museums and Traveling Exhibits

DFW has plenty of museums to offer which are popular with tourists also. Tip: You may want to go to these venues when it’s not the height of tourist season or peak times.

 

Hiking and Outdoor Adventures

The unique landscape of Dallas-Fort Worth provides for so many outdoor adventure opportunities. If you’re an active senior, Dallas-Fort Worth has something for you in its natural beauty.

 

With the mountains to one side and the desert to the other, exploring nature is a great way to spend your retirement.

 

If you’re new to the area or not confident in your outdoor skills, you can hire a guide. If this is something you plan on doing often, you’ll want to make plenty of room for this in your budget.

 

Also, keep in mind that some of this may require equipment (ie. kayaking on Lake Mead or fishing in and around Dallas-Fort Worth). If you don’t have it already, you’ll need to rent some gear or make some purchases.

 

Shopping

Right up there with gambling, this is a “hobby” that can get very, very expensive.

 

Dallas-Fort Worth has a wide variety of stores available for every single budget out there, including some of the most high-end brands in all of the world. If window shopping is too much of a challenge, you’ll want to account for these purchases in your retirement savings.

 

Golf

For many, being retired means playing as much golf as you can handle. The Dallas-Fort Worth golf options are plentiful. No matter where you live in the valley there will be a golf course (or several) nearby. So, if you’d like to join a golf club or even play as many of the courses as you can, don’t forget to include these fees in your budgeting.

 

Map of golf courses in the Dallas-Fort Worth Valley.

 

Map of golf courses in Dallas-Fort Worth Valley (google maps)

 

Medical Care You Can Expect to Find in Dallas-Fort Worth

This is another important component to what you’ll want to consider when choosing a place to retire. Of course, it’s impossible to predict what kind of medical care you might need down the road; you’ll just want to be sure you’ve got options.

 

If you choose to retire in or around the Dallas-Fort Worth area, you’re choosing a very large city, and luckily, that comes with many different types of health care options.

 

Not only are there different levels of retirement medical care, but there are also many hospitals in the area including several brand new ones.

 

You’ll never be more than a phone call away if there’s an emergency. And, if you do have any specific health concerns, there’s more than likely a doctor just for you.

 

Again, picking up a crystal ball and seeing your future health care needs isn’t really an effective means of planning, but it’s nice to know you’ve got options. If you already know that you’ll need medical care, you may want to choose from one of these types of housing, depending on the level of attention you’ll need.

 

Assisted Living

Assisted living housing allows residents to live independently within their own homes or apartments, with the convenience of nurses on staff.

 

Residents that might need help here and there, but not necessarily every day, might want to choose this option.

 

Nursing Homes

This style of living is for people who don’t need constant hospital care but also cannot live on their own. These communities are fully staffed 24/7 with medical professionals in the same building.

 

However, if you don’t have any medical concerns at the time you choose a home, you can opt for one of the following types of communities.

 

Independent Living

Most retirement communities have an independent living area. Sometimes this is in the same building as assisted living or a nursing home, but oftentimes it’s separate homes that are in close proximity to the main building.

 

This allows residents to live their day to day life independently, with the convenience of a medical staff close by.

 

Age-Restricted Community

Also known as 55+ communities, these are neighborhoods that allow only a certain percentage of homeowners or renters to be under 55 years of age.

 

Similar to independent living housing, these may or not be in close proximity to a nursing home or assisted living facility. If you’re planning on residing in one of these areas, in Dallas-Fort Worth, medical care is still very close.

 

In-Home Medical Services

Most places have independent businesses that serve as in-home medical staff. If you’re living in a place that doesn’t staff medical professionals, but you do need some health care services, you may be able to contract out one of these services to visit you in your home.

 

Hospitals

Of course, nobody wants to go to the hospital, and we hope you don’t ever have to! But Dallas-Fort Worth is home to many great hospitals, so this is something that can help you feel more reassured.

 

While enjoying retirement, it would be nice to know that you can be as active as you want, with fantastic medical centers all around.

 

Click here to learn about largest hospital systems in DFW

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Map of hospitals in the Dallas-Fort Worth Valley.

Map of Dallas-Fort Worth Valley hospitals (google maps)

 

Dallas-Fort Worth Has Great Weather

Nobody wants to spend their golden years in the freezing cold weather or getting rained on.

 

Weather is a major factor in finding a place to retire. If you’re looking for lots of sunshine, and weather which is not extreme, Dallas-Fort Worth is where it’s at.

 

While Dallas-Fort Worth sunshine allows for lots of outdoor activities, it also has its health benefits. Sunlight is great for mature bodies in so many ways.

 

But of course, too much exposure is dangerous, so keeping sun safety in mind is of the utmost importance, especially with aging skin. If you’re going in the sun, don’t forget to…

 

Stay hydrated

Drink water when you are out in the sun to keep your body hydrated.

 

Wear sunscreen

Be sure to choose a sunscreen that will protect your skin from sun damage. The sun here is strong!  

 

Stay Cool

The Dallas-Fort Worth heat in summer is no joke. Yes, everyone says it doesn’t seem so hot because it’s a dry heat. While that may be true, hot is hot!

 

If you feel like you’re overheating, stay inside. Chances are there’s an activity happening within your community to occupy your time that doesn’t involve roasting in the sun.

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All That Sunshine Helps to Keep Bones Strong

 

Over 234 days of Dallas-Fort Worth sunshine a year.

 

While there are medications to strengthen bones and plenty of vitamin options available,  sunshine is a natural source of Vitamin D. Increasing safe exposure to sunlight and Vitamin D can enhance your immune system.

 

Lifestyles to Fit Your Own

 

Although there’s obviously a level of relaxation that comes with retirement, it’s also important to maintain, or even level up, when it comes to living your best life. If you’re used to having a jam-packed schedule day in and day out, and you like it that way, you’ll want a retirement community that offers an abundance of activities.

 

We all have things that we dream of doing or projects that we’d love to start. But, with working full time (and of course, saving for retirement) it’s hard to find time to squeeze those in. Retirement is the perfect time to take up one of those hobbies!

 

Many of the retirement communities offer all kinds of options for activities and hobbies and the like. Whether you’re looking to add more exercise, find more social outlets, or even use your free time to volunteer, chances are, there’s a spot to do that in your new retirement community.

 

More than likely, there are a few other people interested in the same activities that you like, so most of the time, there’s a designated space or time for most of the fun and games.

 

Here are a few favorites that are common offerings in senior living communities:

 

• Card Games

• Bridge

• Rummy

• Poker

• Table Games

• Chess and checkers

• Backgammon

• Bingo

• Puzzles

• Dominos

• Mahjong

• Yahtzee

• Board Games

• Scrabble

• Cranium

• Trivial Pursuit

• Apples to Apples

• Parties & Theme Nights

• Holidays

• Movie night

• Murder Mysteries

• Karaoke

• Wine tasting

• Theatrical Performances

• Talent shows

• Plays

• Musicals

• Group Lessons, Classes, and Workshops

• Cooking

• Dancing

• Sewing, knitting, crocheting

• Writing

• Painting

• Pottery

• Jewelry making

• Shared Interest Groups and Clubs

• Book club

• Choir

• Writing/Poetry

• Grilling

 

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Recreational Activities for Seniors in Dallas-Fort Worth

 

Just like the entertainment listed above, senior living places offer recreational activities for anyone, with any activity level. A huge positive for Dallas-Fort Worth retirement is that many of these activities can be done outdoors during winters, where you can soak up all the sunshine while you’re having fun.

 

Whether you’re looking for an individual activity or even a team sport, there’s something out there for you that fits with your goals. Here are a few of the recreational fan favorites amongst Dallas retirement community residents…

 

Outdoor Activities

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• Bocce ball

• Croquet

• Horseshoes

• Washers

• Badminton

• Tennis

• Swimming

• Tai Chi

• Indoor Activities

• Ping Pong

• Chair yoga

• Dance classes

• Zumba lite

• Aerobics

 

 

 

Home & Yard Maintenance

 

One more important factor in choosing your retirement home and community in Dallas is how much maintenance you’re willing to commit to doing on your home. This can include anything from mowing your own yard to trash pick-up and even hanging up Christmas lights.

 

If the upkeep of your house and yard isn’t a part of your retirement plans, then you should opt for a community that provides all of the maintenance. Many senior living choices will provide most of the necessary maintenance. Of course, this comes at a price.

 

Some communities will factor in maintenance along with monthly fees or homeowners’ dues. Others will ask that you independently contract someone to do this, and then that fee will come out of your own budget.

 

However, many people enjoy taking care of their yard and keeping gardens. If this is something you hope to do in your retirement, then you may want to find a community that allows you this kind of freedom.

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Best Neighborhoods in Dallas-Fort Worth for Retirees

 

Now for the exciting part: researching neighborhoods. Looking at all those beautiful brochures and searching all the websites for the best match for you.

 

You’ve made your list of exactly what you’re looking for and decided upon a budget, now it’s time to make the match. The following are just a few of the best examples of communities across the spectrum of choices out there for retiring in Dallas-Fort Worth.

 

 

Age Restricted (55+) Communities in Dallas-Fort Worth

Let’s face it, this is what retirement is all about. The following communities are located all around the Dallas-Fort Worth Valley and are made up of independent homes.

 

Many of these are in gated neighborhoods and offer homes all along the price spectrum. No matter what kind of fun you’re looking for you can find it in one of these neighborhoods.

 

These communities have things like groups, activities, social events, gyms, pools, golf courses, tennis courts, racquetball, community centers and more to keep you active and entertained!

 

If you’re ready to really embrace your retirement, I suggest taking a look at some of the following communities. Click on each of the links to find more information, photos, and active listings.

 

Free Standing Homes for 55+

 

• Gatherings at Twin Creeks

• Uptown Crossing

• Elements at Viridian

• Isabella Village at Savannah

• Robson Ranch - Texas

• Heritage Ranch

• Gatherings at Mercer Crossing

• Orchard Flower

• The Legends

• Ladera at Tavolo Park

• Frisco Lakes

• Mira Lagos Villas

• Ladera Highland Village

• Villas of Stone Glen

• The Cottages at Lyndhurst

• Del Webb at Union Park

• Ladera Mansfield

• Ladera at the Reserve

• Del Webb at Trinity Falls

• Fireside Village McKinney

• The Village at Prestonwood

• Cove of Hickory Creek

• Ladera Rockwall

• Watermere at Southlake

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Final Thoughts

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As you can see the options for retiring in Dallas-Fort Worth are abundant. With great weather, a low cost of living and an endless amount of entertainment and activities, Dallas-Fort Worth may be the retirement paradise you’re looking for.

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CONSIDERATIONS WHEN BUYING OR RENTING IN A 55 PLUS COMMUNITY IN DALLAS

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Before you make a decision and decide where you want to live, it's important to ask a number of important questions.

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BUYING VS RENTING

The second decision you'll have to make is whether you want to buy or rent a home in an active adult community in Dallas. This will have serious implications for your future, so take your time and weigh up the pros and cons. While there's no better feeling than owning your own home, taking out a mortgage later in life is not for the faint of heart.

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Even if you're financially free, owning a home comes with a greater sense of responsibility than renting in a similar location. It's important to factor in local tax rates and insurance costs when you make your decision and take a look at the mortgage market and approval process.

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COMPARING COMMUNITIES

Once you know where you want to live and what type of home you're looking for, it's important to compare different communities by creating a short-list. Everyone has different needs and expectations when it comes to retirement, so do your homework and make a decision based on your finances and lifestyle. Here are a few factors to consider:

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Local tax rates.

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Texas is more retirement friendly than other states as there is no state income tax. Property taxes are relatively high in Texas and in addition some new communities can have MUD/PID assessments that can add to you tax bill.

 

Medical care.

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Medical care availability is an important consideration for buyers trying to identify an active adult community in DFW.  Buyers should find out if  the community provide medical services and wether there are on-site health care facilities, Distance to hospitals and pharmacies is important.

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Community financials.

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Financial health of the community you are interested in is important to you as a buyer of an active adult community in Dallas. Due diligence should include careful review of the financial records of the homeowners’ association and  Search of county clerks’ offices for liens and foreclosures within the community. You should also look into  community assessments through the home owner's association and the local property appraiser tax district.  You should also ask for the meeting minutes of the community board to learn what they’ve been concerned about lately.

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Resident approval process.

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Some active adult retirement communities in Dallas have stringent approval processes. Learn about what’s required by consulting with your real estate agent and current residents. If you do not like the idea of your new neighbors looking at your banking records, or asking for references, you may want to consider a living situation with a less invasive approval process.

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Activity calendar.

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Different communities offer different set of activities for the residents. Making sure that you understand the type of activities available in the community is important before you finalize the purchase of your home in the active adult community in Dallas. Activities can vary from golf, tennis to activities like Pickelball & Bocce imported from other countries.

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HOA & Community restrictions.

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HOA and community restrictions can vary from  Rental and resale restrictions to restrictions on pets and street parking. Some places ban outdoor grilling and cigar smoke. Others may not allow a wood fence in your backyard. 

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Costs of Living in The Retirement Community - Explore “memberships.”

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Some full service communities have expensive membership requirements can play a big role in your financial planning.  There will usually be costs associated with community management, upkeep for your home and landscape, and possibly other expenses.

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Some of these monthly fees will be put towards maintaining common areas that every resident gets to enjoy.

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While all communities will have monthly fees, the amounts involved can vary considerably based on location, services, amenities, and membership arrangements. While you will need to pay for the upkeep of common areas and assets, you may not require medical care, food delivery, or many of the extras typically offered by larger communities. Lots of 55 plus communities also require club membership, which can end up being very expensive.

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The more services offered, or the more exclusive the community, the more costly it is to live there. It would be best if you chose a community that works with your budget.

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The monthly fees can really add up in some places, so you need to be sure that you’ll be using what you’re paying for.

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Active Adult Communities Vs. Independent Living 

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Active Adult Communities in Dallas, Texas

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Active adult communities have emerged in recent years as an option for individuals over age 55 who don’t need all the services and amenities of a traditional senior living community. Many so-called “empty-nesters” — retired adults or those nearing retirement whose children have left home — may choose active adult communities as they seek smaller living spaces.

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People who move into active adult neighborhoods also may look for communities catering to an older demographic than traditional neighborhoods. Most active adult communities do not have formal age restrictions but do tend to attract people over age 55.

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Housing in active adult communities can include traditional single-family homes, condos and other living arrangements. Communities may include amenities like swimming pools but typically do not include health care, meals, housekeeping and other services provided in traditional senior living.

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Independent Living in Dallas, Texas 

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Independent living communities offer a variety of services and amenities designed to support older adults as they enjoy an active lifestyle and continue to thrive. Services usually include landscaping and maintenance, housekeeping, security, meals, educational and entertainment programming, transportation, and access to personal care and health care services should an individual’s needs change.

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Housing in independent living communities may include cottages, apartments and studios that residents rent, purchase or lease with the addition of a one-time entrance fee or community fee. Fully trained staff members are on hand to oversee the many services provided in independent living.

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How do I identify best retirement communities in dallas area?

Contact a good local real estate agent who  specializes in working with seniors and who has required training

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I’ve heard that if 80 percent of the community is 55 and older, the remaining 20 percent of residents can be younger. Is this true for active adult communities in Dallas?

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Yes! This is referring to the 1995 Housing for Older Persons Act, or HOPA. Under this act, once 80 percent of the units are occupied by at least one person over the age of 55, communities are allowed to adjust their age requirements.

However, they’re not required to allow younger residents after this 80 percent threshold is met. Communities might lower the minimum age by a few years to allow more homebuyers, or they might not.

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Can I still purchase a home in a 55+ community in Dallas if I’m just under the age requirement?

It’s possible, but to be sure, check with a community representative. The community might require that buyers reach the minimum age within a certain timeframe, or they may have flexible age requirements due to HOPA.

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My child is under 18. Can I move in to a 55+ community in Dallas?

Possibly. This restriction has more to do with available resources and amenities and less to do with age policing. Communities with children often focus on proximity to resources like strong public schools and family entertainment venues. Because 55+ communities cater to a different demographic, these important amenities aren’t guaranteed to be nearby, thus making it difficult for families with children to settle.

If you fall into this category, be sure to ask reach out to specific communities you’re interested in to get answers. Just because it’s uncommon doesn’t mean it’s impossible; you’ll just have to do some digging to find the community that meets your needs.

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Can my grandchildren come visit if I live in a 55+ community in Dallas?

Yes! In fact, some 55+ communities will even designate weeks for children-themed activities to help keep grandkids entertained.

The key point here is that these visits are meant to be short-term. If you’re used to having your grandkids visit for months at a time, ask if there is a maximum number of days guests under age 55 are allowed to visit.

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Can a person with a disability live in a 55+ community in Dallas if they do not meet the age requirement?

Like other instances where age is a factor, almost always the person will be required to live full-time with a resident who is 55 or older. If the goal is to find a community with in-home living assistance, know that this isn’t typical of 55+ communities.

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If the 55+ resident passes away, can their younger-than-55 kid/spouse/etc. inherit the property?

This will be at the discretion of the community. If you are including your home in your will and you live in a 55+ community, it is best to involve a community representative and a lawyer to determine the details.

 

Can I rent the property to someone under 55 in Dallas?

This is a grey area, and you’re going to have to take it up with the community’s HOA guidelines. Most communities want permanent residents, not renters, to help foster connections among neighbors, so renting out the home in general is a rare opportunity. In order to maintain the themes and personality of a community, renters under 55 aren’t often permitted.

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