The Woodlands ranked No. 4 and Spring ranked No. 5 in U.S. News & World Report's 2026 Best Places to Retire rankings. Victoria placed No. 12, Pearland No. 17 and Conroe No. 20. The Woodlands and Spring were the highest-ranked Texas communities on the national list.
The publication evaluated more than 850 cities for the 2026 rankings, up from 150 cities in the previous edition. It used six categories: quality of life, value, health care quality, retiree taxes, the senior population and migration trends, and the local job market. The weights were based on a survey of about 3,500 Americans ages 45 and older about the factors most important to them when choosing where to retire.
The article said the results are a starting point for people comparing retirement destinations. It noted that individual costs, access to medical care and lifestyle preferences can vary by community.