East Texas City Emerges as a Budget-Friendly Retreat for Retirees Seeking Quiet Life

While some retirees envision settling along the coastline, others are looking for an alternative to crowded beaches. If you’d still like to enjoy a warm summer, mild winter, and sunny skies, it might be time to consider other up-and-coming retirement destinations along the country’s Sun Belt. 

Take Longview, Texas, which made our list of the best places to retire in 2025—and again in 2026. It’s a surprisingly affordable town with an active community centered around small-town charm and natural beauty. Located in Gregg county with a population of nearly 83,700, Longview is quiet enough to provide a relaxing retirement backdrop without limiting access to health care, entertainment, and restaurants.  

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Longview, Texas is lower than the national average, which is important if you’re managing expenses on a fixed income. 

The median household income in Gregg County, where Longview is located, is $62,488, about $21,240 less than the national median. Median monthly housing costs for the county are relatively low as well, coming in at just a little over $1,000 a month. That’s less than half the national average ($1,028 vs. $2,120 nationwide).

Even within the Lone Star state, Longview is a relatively affordable city compared to larger metropolitan areas, like Houston and Dallas. While the state’s median home price is $338,000, houses in Longview have a median value of $182,700. This is less than half of the national average of $410,800. For budget-conscious retirees looking to make the most of their resources, Longview’s low housing costs and home values can be an attractive option for retirement.

Health Care and Accessibility

When selecting your ideal retirement destination, be proactive and realistic about what type of care, support, and services you could require in the coming years. Many people need ongoing medical treatment and specialized care in retirement. In fact, around 85% of adults age 65 and older have at least one chronic disease, such as heart disease, that requires ongoing management and treatment. 

Fortunately, Longview offers retirees access to several large hospital networks. Gregg County is home to 10 hospitals and 330 health care establishments. 

You’ll also be able to access ride shares like Uber or Lyft if you don’t want to drive. Taxis are also available, but you’ll need to make arrangements ahead of time and expect longer wait times. Unlike cities like New York or Los Angeles, they aren’t easily accessible from every street corner.

The Longview Transit bus system runs several routes daily, except Sundays and holidays. If you live outside the main city limits, however, you may have difficulties finding a stop near your home or destination, depending on where you’re headed.  

If you plan on traveling often (or plan to host family from out of town often), keep in mind that the closest airport to Longview is in Dallas, about two hours away.

Lifestyle and Recreational Activities

What’s a retirement destination without fun things to do? Longview has more to it than meets the eye, and you may be pleasantly surprised at the variety of activities and community events happening all year. 

In true Texas fashion, Longview residents hold big celebrations, from the springtime rodeo lineup to the Great Texas Balloon Race, Gregg County Fair, Fireworks and Freedom Fourth of July Celebration, and more. Longview hosts festivals and events every single month, making it an active, vibrant community for retirees looking to get involved and have some fun. 

If you enjoy a bit of learning while taking long, leisurely walks, you’ll want to visit must-see museums like:

• The Longview Museum of Fine Arts
• Gregg County Historical Museum
• The Longview World of Wonders

Or when the sun’s shining and you’re looking to spend some time outdoors, go for a stroll through the Longview Arboretum and Nature Center. 

For those looking for a little more activity in retirement, Longview is within easy driving distance to Lake O’ the Pines, an 18,700-acre lake encompassing 9,000 acres of forest and land. There are prime opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing, boating, and even bird watching.

Like many other southern cities, Longview boasts mild winters and hot summers, making it an optimal spot to enjoy outdoor activities nearly all year long.

That said, those moving to Texas should be aware of the potential climate risks, including tornadoes, severe heat, and wildfires. Due to these potential concerns, FEMA ranks Longview’s climate risk as relatively moderate.

The Bottom Line

The Sun Belt region is home to many warm and inviting retirement destinations, but few offer the unique blend of affordability and entertainment that Longview does. With its sense of small-town community combined with easy health care accessibility, it may just be an ideal destination for you if you’re looking to enjoy your retirement in a quiet and relaxed setting.