Thinking About Retiring to Williamson County?

Williamson County offers a cost of living that is highly competitive compared to the major metros many retirees are leaving behind. Median home prices range significantly by city, from around $270K in Florence and $280K in Taylor to $420K in Cedar Park, giving retirees real options depending on budget and lifestyle preferences. Georgetown, home to the massive Sun City community, sits around $400K median, while Round Rock comes in at $380K. If you are relocating from California, the Pacific Northwest, or the Chicago area, you will likely find that your housing dollar stretches considerably further here.

Property tax rates across the county generally fall between 2.0% and 2.3%, which is on par with other Central Texas counties. However, Texas offers a generous homestead exemption for homeowners 65 and older, including a school district tax freeze, which can significantly reduce your annual tax burden. There is no state income tax in Texas, which is a major draw for retirees living on fixed incomes, pensions, or retirement account withdrawals.

Grocery costs in Williamson County are roughly comparable to the national average. H-E-B, the beloved Texas grocery chain, has multiple locations throughout the county and is known for competitive pricing and high-quality store brands. Utilities tend to run slightly higher in summer due to air conditioning, but overall day-to-day expenses are manageable. For retirees comparing Williamson County to places like Austin proper, you will generally find lower property taxes, more affordable housing, and a quieter pace of life without sacrificing access to big-city amenities.

Access to quality healthcare is one of the most important factors for anyone considering retirement in a new area, and Williamson County delivers strong options. The county is anchored by three major hospital systems. St. David's Georgetown Hospital serves the northern part of the county and is the closest full-service hospital to Sun City Texas. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Round Rock is a large, comprehensive facility with a wide range of specialties including cardiology, orthopedics, and oncology. Ascension Seton Williamson in Round Rock provides additional hospital capacity and emergency services.

Cedar Park Regional Medical Center serves the western corridor, covering Cedar Park and Leander residents. Taylor Regional Hospital, while smaller, provides essential services and emergency care for those in the eastern part of the county. For specialized care, the entire Dell Medical School and Seton network in Austin is within a 30- to 45-minute drive from most Williamson County cities.

Medicare acceptance is broadly strong across the county. Most primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care clinics accept Medicare, though it is always wise to verify with individual providers before scheduling. The county has seen significant growth in medical offices, urgent care facilities, and outpatient clinics in recent years, particularly along the I-35 corridor in Round Rock and Georgetown. Home health agencies, physical therapy practices, and senior-focused clinics are also well represented throughout the area, making it straightforward to build a reliable healthcare team close to home.

Williamson County enjoys a subtropical climate with mild winters, long warm seasons, and over 230 sunny days per year. For retirees relocating from the Midwest, Northeast, or Pacific Northwest, the biggest adjustment is typically the summer heat. June through September regularly brings temperatures above 95 degrees, and triple-digit days are common in July and August. However, the trade-off is that winters are remarkably mild. Daytime highs from December through February generally sit in the mid-50s to low 60s, with overnight lows rarely dipping below freezing for more than a few nights each winter. Significant snowfall is extremely rare.

Spring and fall are the standout seasons in Central Texas. March through May and October through November offer comfortable temperatures in the 70s and 80s, making them ideal for outdoor activities, gardening, and exploring the area's parks and trails. Rainfall averages around 34 inches per year, with the wettest months typically being May and October. Severe weather, including thunderstorms and occasional hail, is possible during spring, but the area is not in the most active tornado zone.

For retirees coming from colder climates, the adjustment to summer heat is real but manageable. Most homes and businesses are well air-conditioned, and many outdoor activities can be shifted to mornings or evenings. The mild winters mean far less time shoveling snow, dealing with ice, and bundling up, which is a significant quality-of-life improvement for many older adults with joint or mobility concerns.

Williamson County is home to Sun City Texas in Georgetown, the largest active adult community in the state and one of the largest in the entire country. Developed by Del Webb, Sun City encompasses over 9,000 homes spread across 5,300 acres. It is a gated, age-restricted community (55+) with an extraordinary range of amenities: three golf courses, multiple pools, tennis and pickleball courts, a fitness center, woodworking and ceramics studios, and over 50 chartered clubs and interest groups. The community has its own on-site amenity centers, restaurants, and a full calendar of social events. Sun City is a self-contained world for active retirees who want built-in community, activities, and neighbors in a similar life stage.

Beyond Sun City, The Delaney at Georgetown Village is a newer option offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care in a resort-style setting. It provides a continuum of care that appeals to retirees who want flexibility as their needs change over time.

While Georgetown dominates the 55+ landscape, many retirees in Williamson County choose age-friendly neighborhoods in other cities that are not age-restricted but still offer a comfortable, low-maintenance lifestyle. Single-story homes in master-planned communities throughout Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Leander are popular choices. Neighborhoods like Brushy Creek and Forest Creek in Round Rock, and Crystal Falls in Leander, attract retirees who prefer mixed-age settings while still enjoying well-maintained common areas, trails, and community pools. The key is finding the right balance between dedicated senior amenities and proximity to family, healthcare, and daily conveniences.

Retirees in Williamson County enjoy an impressive range of recreational and cultural activities. Outdoor enthusiasts will find well-maintained parks and trails throughout the area. Garey Park in Georgetown is a 525-acre gem with hiking and biking trails, fishing ponds, an equestrian area, and a dog park. Lake Georgetown offers boating, fishing, and lakeside camping. Blue Hole Park, also in Georgetown, features a natural swimming area along the South San Gabriel River. The Brushy Creek Trail system in Round Rock and Cedar Park provides miles of paved paths ideal for walking and cycling.

Pickleball has exploded in popularity across the county, with dedicated courts at Sun City, Clay Madsen Recreation Center in Round Rock, and several municipal parks. Golf options are plentiful, including Sun City's three courses, Cimarron Hills in Georgetown, Avery Ranch Golf Club in Austin (minutes from Cedar Park), and the Crystal Falls Golf Club in Leander.

Georgetown's historic downtown square is a beloved destination for dining, shopping, antique browsing, and attending community events. The Round Rock Express minor league baseball team plays at Dell Diamond, drawing fans from across the county for affordable family entertainment. The Williamson Museum in Georgetown and the Round Rock Public Library's active programming offer cultural enrichment.

For those who enjoy day trips, Austin's live music scene, museums, and restaurants are 20 to 45 minutes away. The Texas Hill Country wine trail is an easy weekend outing. Community centers throughout the county host fitness classes, art workshops, card groups, and social events specifically designed for older adults.

Texas is one of only nine states with no state income tax, and this is a significant financial advantage for retirees. Pension income, Social Security benefits, IRA and 401(k) withdrawals, and investment income are all free from state income tax. For retirees relocating from states like California, Illinois, New York, or Minnesota, the tax savings can be substantial, often amounting to thousands of dollars per year depending on income level.

While Texas does rely more heavily on property taxes to fund local services, Williamson County offers important relief for seniors. Texas law provides a mandatory homestead exemption for homeowners aged 65 and older, which includes an additional $10,000 exemption from school district taxes on top of the standard homestead exemption. Even more valuable is the school district tax ceiling, which freezes your school property tax amount at the level it was in the year you turned 65 or the year you acquired the property, whichever is later. This means that as property values rise, your school tax portion does not increase.

Many local taxing entities in Williamson County, including the county itself and several cities, also offer optional homestead exemptions for seniors. The details vary by jurisdiction, so it is worth checking with the Williamson County Tax Assessor's office or your city's tax office to understand the full picture. Additionally, Texas has no estate tax and no inheritance tax, which simplifies financial and estate planning for retirees. Overall, Texas's tax structure is designed in a way that meaningfully benefits retirees, particularly those on fixed incomes who can take advantage of the property tax protections available to older homeowners.

Williamson County consistently ranks as one of the safest large counties in Texas. Compared to neighboring Travis County (Austin), Williamson County has noticeably lower violent crime and property crime rates. Cities like Georgetown, Cedar Park, and Round Rock regularly appear on statewide and national lists of safe cities. This is a meaningful consideration for retirees who prioritize personal safety and a secure living environment.

The county benefits from well-funded law enforcement agencies, including the Williamson County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in each city. Community policing initiatives are common, with many neighborhoods participating in programs like National Night Out and neighborhood watch groups. Georgetown, in particular, maintains a strong community policing presence that residents frequently praise.

Sun City Texas has its own gated entry with staffed access points, adding an extra layer of security for residents. Many of the master-planned communities throughout the county also feature controlled access, well-lit streets, and security patrols.

That said, no area is completely free from crime, and it is always wise to take standard precautions. Package theft and vehicle break-ins do occur, particularly in higher-traffic areas along the I-35 corridor. However, the overall sense of safety throughout Williamson County is one of the most commonly cited reasons retirees choose to relocate here. The small-town atmosphere, even in the larger cities like Round Rock and Cedar Park, contributes to a feeling of community where neighbors know each other and look out for one another.

Williamson County is primarily car-dependent, which is typical of Central Texas and most of the Sun Belt. The major highways provide straightforward access across the region: I-35 runs north-south through the heart of the county connecting Georgetown, Round Rock, and Pflugerville to Austin. Highway 183 provides an alternative north-south route, while the 45 Toll Road and 130 Toll Road offer faster east-west and bypass options. Most daily errands, medical appointments, and social activities require a car.

For retirees who rely on or prefer public transit, options are limited but improving. Capital Metro, Austin's transit authority, extends bus service into portions of Leander and some parts of the county. The MetroRail Red Line runs from downtown Austin to Leander, with stops in several communities along the way. This can be useful for day trips into Austin without needing to drive or park. However, Capital Metro service does not cover Georgetown, Hutto, Taylor, or the more rural parts of the county.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available throughout the county, with the most reliable coverage in Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Georgetown. Several local organizations and senior service agencies provide medical transport and ride assistance for older adults who no longer drive. The Williamson County chapter of the American Red Cross and various nonprofit organizations offer volunteer driver programs.

The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is approximately 30 to 50 minutes from most Williamson County cities, depending on traffic and location, making air travel for visiting family or taking trips reasonably convenient.

Georgetown is the county seat and the clear leader for dedicated senior living, thanks to Sun City Texas, its charming historic downtown square, and St. David's Georgetown Hospital. Round Rock is the largest city in the county and offers the most urban conveniences, including major hospitals, extensive shopping and dining, and proximity to Austin. Cedar Park is a growing city on the western edge of the county with Hill Country access, strong medical facilities, and excellent trail systems.

Leander is one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas, offering more affordable housing than Cedar Park with growing amenities and a MetroRail connection to Austin. Pflugerville provides suburban value with a diverse, welcoming community, a popular lake, and easy access to both Round Rock and Austin. Hutto maintains a genuine small-town feel with very affordable housing, rapid growth, and a strong community spirit centered around its distinctive hippo mascot.

Taylor is the most affordable city in the county, with a historic downtown square, deep agricultural roots, and newfound energy from the nearby Samsung semiconductor campus. Liberty Hill offers scenic Hill Country living with a more rural, spacious atmosphere and a rapidly growing community. Jarrell is a small but quickly developing town at the northern edge of the county, appealing to retirees seeking affordable homes and a tight-knit community. Florence is the most rural option, offering the lowest home prices, peaceful countryside living, and proximity to Hill Country lakes and outdoor recreation.