22. Galveston, Texas
Even small towns are bigger in Texas, with Galveston considered a small town despite its population over 50,000. Galveston sits just south of Houston, allowing easy access to big city adventures, including art and history museums and major sports teams like Major League Baseball’s Houston Astros and the NCAA Houston Cougars. Houston also has world-class medical facilities, so Galveston is an excellent choice for retirees with chronic illnesses or other health concerns. With a median home value of only $170,000, Galveston is a much cheaper alternative to bayside Houston properties while still enjoying that Gulf Texas experience.
The island city of Galveston also boasts 32 miles of beachfront, which means no shortage of unique beachcombing experiences. There is also the unique pyramidal indoor ecosystem at Moody Gardens, as well as the lavish Pleasure Pier that was built to rival Los Angeles, California’s Santa Monica Pier. The pier includes numerous fair attractions and even a rollercoaster for the brave, young at heart retiree. While Galveston is popular with tourists, it’s still a primarily hidden gem with plenty of great spots enjoyed only by locals, with countless great locally-owned shops, restaurants, coffee spots, and bars.