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- calendar_today October 27, 2026
U.S. News Names McAllen and Edinburg as Top Retirement Cities
Two cities in South Texas, McAllen and Edinburg, have been recognized as some of the best places to retire in the United States, according to the 2027 U.S. News & World Report rankings. Released on October 27, the report highlights these Rio Grande Valley communities for their affordability and retiree-friendly amenities.
How the Rankings Were Determined
U.S. News & World Report analyzed data from 859 cities nationwide, scoring each one based on six main criteria: quality of life, affordability, health care quality, senior population/migration, retiree taxes, and job market. Each category was rated on a 10-point scale, with the most emphasis placed on affordability for this year’s ranking. Megan Wood, Assistant Managing Editor at U.S. News, explained, “It’s no secret that affordability is top of mind for Americans this year, which is why U.S. News updated its weighting criteria to better align with what retirees prioritize.”
McAllen and Edinburg Among Top Midsized Retirement Cities
In the latest rankings, McAllen, Texas placed 15th and Edinburg, Texas ranked 24th among the top 25 mid-sized cities in the nation for retirees. Both cities saw significant jumps in their overall standings compared to the previous year: McAllen rose from 76th to 50th among the top 250, while Edinburg leaped from 143rd to 90th.
Other Rio Grande Valley communities also appeared in the top 250, including Pharr (61), Harlingen (72), Laredo (93), Mission (95), Brownsville (100), Eagle Pass (109), and Corpus Christi (245).
Why McAllen and Edinburg Attract Retirees
Both McAllen and Edinburg scored high for affordable retirement. The cost of living in these cities is lower than in many similarly sized U.S. communities. The median home price in McAllen is just over $192,000—about 46.5% lower than the national average of $360,000. In Edinburg, the median home price is approximately $189,000. Median rent in both cities is less than $850 monthly.
Alongside affordability, retirees are drawn to the region’s mild, sunny, and warm climate throughout most of the year, adding to its appeal as a retiree-friendly destination.
Texas and Florida Dominate the Rankings
According to the report, both Texas and Florida have several cities among the top 250 best places to retire. This trend is attributed to state policies that are favorable to retirees and a general focus on keeping living costs attainable for those on fixed incomes.
What Makes a Top Retirement City?
U.S. News’ methodology incorporates factors that are significant to retirees, such as health care access, the prevalence of senior services, community engagement opportunities, and tax-friendliness. For the 2027 report, the company placed a heavier weight on affordability, which led to the rise in ranking for several south Texas retirement cities, including McAllen and Edinburg.
With their affordable housing markets, low median rent, and warm climate, McAllen and Edinburg continue to represent top choices among midsized cities for retirees considering a move in the coming years.
Source: mysanantonio.com.
