Best Texas Cities for Military Retirement in 2026
In 2026, the best Texas cities for Military retirement are the ones that combine no state tax on Military retirement pay, serious VA medical infrastructure, and Veteran‑focused local services. San Antonio still earns the #1 spot for sheer scale of VA care and Military support, while Austin, Dallas–Fort Worth, Kerrville, and The Woodlands/Spring offer different mixes of job markets, healthcare, and lifestyle. This ranking focuses on what actually matters after you hang up the uniform: access to care, cost of living, and how it feels to live there year‑round.
#1 – San Antonio (“Military City USA”)
San Antonio tops the list for 2026 because of its VA footprint, Bexar County programs, and strong Military culture.
- Home to the South Texas Veterans Health Care System, including Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital and Kerrville VA Medical Center.
- City and county Military & Veteran Affairs departments help with claims, careers, and local resources.
- Cost of living and housing still sit below many big metros, which stretches retired pay and VA disability further.
#2 – Austin
Austin is not cheap, but Veteran income potential and VA access offset higher housing costs if you use them.
- Hosts a full Austin VA Clinic under the Central Texas system, plus a larger regional VA hospital in nearby Temple.
- Texas Veterans Commission and state Veteran agencies are headquartered in Austin, centralizing benefits help.
- Regularly ranked a top U.S. city for Veterans thanks to income, jobs, and quality‑of‑life scores.
#3 – Dallas–Fort Worth
DFW is a VA powerhouse with multiple facilities and county‑level Veteran support, ideal if you want big‑city choices.
- VA North Texas Health Care System and Dallas VA Medical Center anchor one of VA’s largest systems.
- Tarrant County Veteran Services Office and Fort Worth programs backstop benefits and emergency financial help.
- Multiple Texas cities in this metro routinely appear on “best for Veterans” lists.
#4 – Kerrville
Kerrville suits retirees who want Hill Country quiet with direct VA access and a tight Veteran network.
- Kerrville VA Medical Center provides primary, extended, and home‑based care for area Veterans.
- Kerr County Veterans Service Office and city Veteran Services help navigate benefits and local support.
- Recognized as a strong general retirement market, with small‑town safety and low everyday stress.
#5 – The Woodlands / Spring
This Houston‑area pocket combines master‑planned suburbs with access to VA care and Montgomery County Veteran resources.
- Served by the Conroe VA Clinic under the Houston VA system and VA transportation programs.
- Montgomery County Veterans Service Office and county Veteran resource guides support local retirees.
- Close enough to Houston for specialty care, far enough for a calmer suburban lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
- Texas stays attractive for Military retirement in 2026 thanks to no tax on Military retirement pay and strong statewide Veteran benefits.
- San Antonio ranks #1 for retirement because of massive VA capacity, Bexar County Veteran services, and a lower cost of living than many big metros.
- Austin lands high on the list for Veteran income potential, tech jobs, and VA access, but you pay for it with higher housing costs.
- Dallas–Fort Worth offers one of VA’s largest health systems plus multiple Veteran‑friendly suburbs, ideal if you want big‑city choices after retirement.
- Kerrville and The Woodlands/Spring suit Veterans wanting quieter lifestyles that still plug into VA clinics and county‑level Veteran support networks.
- State programs like Texas Veterans Commission and disabled‑Veteran property tax exemptions can tilt the math in your favor wherever you land in Texas.
How We Ranked Texas Military Retirement Cities for 2026
This ranking is not about which city has the fanciest River Walk or most brunch spots. It is about how Texas actually treats you after retirement—tax policy, VA access, local Veteran services, and whether your money lasts. All of the cities listed benefit from Texas‑wide perks: no tax on Military retired pay and strong disabled‑Veteran property tax exemptions, but some places clearly execute better than others when it comes to everyday Veteran support.
- Tax and benefits baseline: Texas does not tax Military retirement pay, and disabled Veterans can qualify for significant property tax exemptions on homesteads.
- VA medical access: We favored cities anchored by VA medical centers or major outpatient clinics plus reasonable access to specialty care across the VA network.
- Local Veteran support: City and county Veteran Service Offices and the Texas Veterans Commission matter when you actually need help with claims and appeals.
- Cost of living and housing: We weighed cost data and recent rankings that compare Texas metros on affordability and long‑term economic strength.
- Quality of life: Climate, outdoor access, crime, and community feel matter for a 20‑ or 30‑year retirement, not just a one‑year tour.
#1 – San Antonio: “Military City USA” Still Leads for 2026
San Antonio stays in the top slot for one reason: scale. If you want to be surrounded by fellow Veterans, plugged into a huge VA system, and close to multiple installations, nothing else in Texas really competes. The South Texas Veterans Health Care System runs major campuses at Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital and Kerrville VA Medical Center plus community clinics across the region.
| Factor | Why San Antonio ranks #1 | Retirement impact |
|---|---|---|
| VA health care | Large VA medical system with inpatient, specialty, and mental health services plus multiple outpatient clinics. | Reduces travel for appointments and concentrates specialists who understand complex Military histories. |
| Local Veteran support | City Military & Veteran Affairs department and Bexar County Military and Veterans Services Center assist with claims and resources. | Gives you human beings to sit with when benefits, employment, or housing issues get messy. |
| Cost of living | Below national average, especially compared with coastal metros and many other large cities. | Stretch retired pay and VA disability further without moving to the middle of nowhere. |
- VA footprint: San Antonio’s VA system covers tens of thousands of Veterans with inpatient and outpatient care, including specialized programs for chronic conditions.
- City and county VSOs: City Military & Veteran Affairs and Bexar County Veterans Service Office give you local advocates for claims, appeals, and employment.
- Culture fit: With Joint Base San Antonio and a massive Veteran population, Military culture is normal here, not a novelty.
- Realistic downside: Healthcare access is great, but some hospital systems are consolidating; you still need to vet specific doctors and wait times like anywhere else.
#2 – Austin: High-Income Potential if You Can Handle the Prices
Austin is not a budget retirement play, but it is absolutely a top pick if you still want to work, especially in tech, state government, or education. VA Central Texas runs a large Austin VA Clinic backed by the Olin E. Teague Veterans’ Center in Temple, so you get both outpatient and regional specialty care. Recent national rankings repeatedly put Austin near the top for Veteran quality of life, income, and job growth.
- VA access: The Austin VA Clinic provides primary, mental health, and specialty services, with Temple handling heavier hospital‑level care when needed.
- Statewide support hub: Texas Veterans Commission and other state‑level Veteran agencies are based in Austin, so advocacy and program decisions run through here.
- Income upside: Studies show high median Veteran incomes and strong job growth, which can offset housing costs if you keep working.
- Reality check: Housing is expensive and rising; if you want a quiet, low‑cost retirement, Austin is not it.
#3 – Dallas–Fort Worth: Big-Metro Options with Serious VA Capacity
Dallas–Fort Worth is huge, messy, and full of opportunity. If you want big‑city amenities and do not mind traffic or sprawl, it is a strong retirement base. VA North Texas Health Care System and Dallas VA Medical Center form one of the largest VA systems in the country, supported by multiple clinics and Vet Centers. Tarrant County and Fort Worth also run Veteran programs that go beyond basic claims help, including targeted financial assistance to prevent homelessness.
| Metro | Major VA presence | Local Veteran support | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas | Dallas VA Medical Center plus associated VA clinics and specialty programs. | North Texas VA system and local VSOs help with claims and healthcare coordination. | Retirees wanting maximum medical options and big‑city energy. |
| Fort Worth / Tarrant County | Served by VA clinics and nearby medical centers in the same regional system. | Tarrant County Veteran Services Office and city programs supporting housing stability. | Retirees preferring western‑side suburbs with strong support networks. |
- Health system depth: VA North Texas and Dallas VA handle everything from primary care to complex specialty and mental health services for regional Veterans.
- County‑level help: Tarrant County Veteran Services Office advocates for benefits and connects Veterans to state programs and local assistance.
- City of Fort Worth programs: Fort Worth’s Veteran assistance offerings include targeted help with rent, mortgage, and utilities in crisis situations.
- Trade‑offs: Higher traffic, more complex crime patterns, and bigger housing swings mean you must choose your specific suburb carefully.
#4 – Kerrville: Hill Country Quiet with Direct VA Access
Kerrville is for Veterans who are done with city drama but still want serious VA care and a functioning small town. The Kerrville VA Medical Center provides primary, extended, and home‑based care as part of the South Texas system, while the Kerr County Veterans Service Office and city Veteran Services support claims and local programs. Kerrville also shows up on national lists as a top general retirement city thanks to its slower pace and Hill Country setting.
- Embedded VA hospital: Kerrville VA Medical Center handles rehab, extended care, and outpatient services for area Veterans, reducing long drives for basic appointments.
- County and city VSOs: Kerr County Veterans Service Office and city Veteran Services pages outline local help with claims and financial assistance programs.
- Nonprofit support: Hill Country Veterans Center and regional mental health nonprofits add peer support and community programming.
- Reality check: Job options and specialized care are more limited; you will occasionally drive to San Antonio for certain services or travel and entertainment.
#5 – The Woodlands / Spring: Suburban Houston with Strong Veteran Infrastructure
If you want trees, master‑planned communities, and access to Houston‑level healthcare without living inside Loop 610, the The Woodlands/Spring/Conroe area is worth a hard look. The Conroe VA Clinic offers primary care under the Houston VA Health Care System, and Montgomery County Veterans Service Office backs that up with local benefits help. This corridor is more expensive than some Texas markets, but you trade that for healthcare depth and serious amenities.
- VA clinic access: Conroe VA Clinic provides primary care and mental health, with Houston VA medical centers available for more complex treatment.
- County Veteran services: Montgomery County Veterans Service Office and regional Veteran memorial organizations support claims, referrals, and community engagement.
- Suburban lifestyle: You get trails, lakes, and master‑planned neighborhoods with quick freeway access into Houston’s medical center and job base.
- Downside: Houston‑area housing and insurance costs have climbed, and some suburbs face affordability and resiliency issues you should factor into long‑term planning.
Statewide Benefits That Make Texas Attractive in 2026
Regardless of which city you choose, Texas offers a baseline package of Veteran benefits that many other states simply cannot match. Military retirement pay is not taxed at the state level, and disabled Veterans can qualify for progressive property tax exemptions that reach full exemption at 100 percent disability. State agencies and county VSOs coordinate benefits, employment help, and education programs that plug into whichever city you retire in.
- No tax on retired pay: Texas does not tax Military retired pay or VA disability, which compounds over a multi‑decade retirement.
- Property tax exemptions: Disabled Veterans receive tiered homestead exemptions that climb with disability rating and can reach full exemption at 100 percent.
- Texas Veterans Commission: Acts as the state department of Veteran affairs, with benefits, employment, education, and mental health advocacy statewide.
- VA locator tools: VA’s official facility finder lets you validate how close you are to hospitals, clinics, and Vet Centers before you pick an address.
The Bottom Line
There is no single “best” Texas city for every Military retiree in 2026, but some are obviously better bets than others. San Antonio wins for overall balance: VA access, cost of living, and Military culture. Austin pays you back if you want to keep working and can stomach the housing costs. Dallas–Fort Worth, Kerrville, and The Woodlands/Spring cover different mixes of metro, Hill Country, and suburban life. The smart move is simple: match your health needs, income plans, and tolerance for noise to a specific place, then let Texas‑level tax and property benefits do the rest.
References Used
- VA South Texas Veterans Health Care System – facility overview for San Antonio and Kerrville
- VA Central Texas – Austin VA Clinic locations and services
- VA North Texas Health Care System – Dallas–Fort Worth facilities
- VA Houston Health Care – Conroe VA Clinic serving The Woodlands/Spring area
- Texas Veterans Commission – statewide benefits and advocacy for Texas Veterans
- Texas Comptroller – disabled Veteran property tax exemption FAQs
- MyArmyBenefits – Texas Military and Veteran benefits summary
- Tarrant County Veteran Services Office – local benefits and programs in Fort Worth area
- Kerr County Veterans Service Office – claims and assistance in Kerrville
- Montgomery County Veterans Service Office – services for Veterans in The Woodlands/Conroe
- City of San Antonio Military & Veteran Affairs – local Veteran support resources
- Bexar County Department of Military and Veterans Services – county‑level Veteran programs
- VA “Find Locations” – official facility locator for hospitals, clinics, and Vet Centers
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is San Antonio ranked the best Texas city for Military retirement in 2026?
San Antonio combines one of VA’s largest regional health systems with strong city and county Veteran offices and a lower cost of living than many big metros. You get serious medical capacity, an enormous Veteran community, and decades of Military culture baked into how the city runs, which matters more than tourist marketing once you retire.
Is Austin still a good choice for Veterans even though it’s expensive?
Austin is a strong pick if you plan to keep working and can handle higher housing costs. The city offers a large VA clinic, proximity to the Central Texas VA hospital in Temple, state‑level Veteran agencies, and some of the best Veteran income and job growth numbers in the country. If you want maximum earning potential, it belongs near the top of your list.
How does Dallas–Fort Worth compare to San Antonio for retired Veterans?
Dallas–Fort Worth rivals San Antonio in sheer VA capacity and suburban options but comes with more sprawl, traffic, and bigger housing swings. It suits Veterans who want big‑city job markets and multiple suburban choices more than those who prefer a compact, Military‑centric environment. Both metros work; the better fit depends on how much chaos you are willing to live with.
What makes Kerrville appealing for Military retirement?
Kerrville offers a quieter Hill Country lifestyle anchored by its own VA medical center and county Veteran Service Office. You get easier drives, lower population stress, and strong nonprofit support for Veterans. The trade‑off is fewer jobs and specialty services, so it is best for retirees who value calm and do not need daily access to big‑city amenities.
Is The Woodlands a good option if I want access to Houston’s medical system?
Yes. The Woodlands/Spring/Conroe area gives you suburban living, trails, and master‑planned neighborhoods with direct access to the Conroe VA Clinic and relatively short drives into Houston’s medical center. It is more expensive than some Texas markets, but you get deep healthcare and Veteran resources in return, which can be worth it for certain conditions.
How do Texas property tax exemptions help disabled Veterans retire here?
Texas offers tiered property tax exemptions for disabled Veterans that grow with your VA disability rating and can reach a full homestead exemption at 100 percent disability. Combined with no state tax on Military retirement pay, these exemptions can significantly cut long‑term housing costs, especially if you plan to stay put for many years.
Where can I get unbiased help with VA claims and appeals in Texas?
Your best starting points are Texas Veterans Commission and your local county Veterans Service Office. These offices are not private “consultants” chasing fees; they are state and county agencies whose job is to help you file, document, and appeal claims using official VA channels. They can also flag state programs you might be missing.
Should I pick a city for retirement based mainly on VA facilities?
VA access should be near the top of your list but not the only factor. You also need to look at housing costs, property taxes, weather, crime, and whether you can tolerate the local pace of life. San Antonio and Dallas–Fort Worth excel on VA capacity, but Kerrville or The Woodlands might fit better if you prioritize quiet or specific family needs.
Are Texas cities for Veterans likely to change rankings after 2026?
Rankings move as housing costs, VA funding, and local economies change. Austin’s housing could keep climbing; some suburbs around Houston may struggle with affordability and resiliency. The fundamentals in San Antonio, Dallas–Fort Worth, and Kerrville are strong enough that they will likely remain top‑tier choices, but you should always recheck the latest data before moving.
What’s the smartest first step before choosing a Texas city to retire in?
Start by mapping your health needs and income against VA facility locations and realistic housing costs in each candidate city. Then sit down with a Texas Veterans Commission representative or county Veterans Service Officer to confirm how state tax rules and property exemptions would apply to you personally. Decide only after seeing that full picture on paper.
