Texas' Senior-Friendly City Near Houston Is Known For Small-Town Charm And Extensive Parks

Houston is huge, and it just keeps getting bigger. The sprawling Texas metropolis ranks among the largest cities in the entire country and draws tens of millions of visitors each year. But if you'd prefer a quieter getaway, you can find a slew of surrounding suburbs that are far less rowdy while still offering much to do. The bedroom community of Missouri City is certainly a far cry from big-city life. Oozing small-town charm, the place is dotted with master-planned neighborhoods, cozy cul-de-sacs, and stretches of grassy parks. 

As one local shared on Niche, Missouri City "is great for families and those who prefer to be surrounded by trees rather than skyscrapers." The city's peaceful atmosphere is also appealing to older adults, with a slower pace of life and easy access to green space. AARP members may even be able to snag a good deal on accommodations, including the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, just off Highway 6 and Colonial Lakes Drive, which is top-rated online for its complimentary buffet breakfast. Missouri City is only about 20 miles southwest of downtown Houston, so it's close to all the happenings of the urban core and major transportation hubs, such as Texas' wildly underrated William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and the George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). 

Missouri City is far from tiny, but it's still on the smaller side. The former railroad town is home to nearly 80,000 people, still far fewer than the more than 2.3 million residing in Houston, one of America's most diverse cities. Missouri City prides itself on its tight-knit feel and family-oriented values, hosting a range of fun events throughout the year, including annual holiday festivities such as Oktoberfest and an Independence Day Festival. If you're in your golden years, the city's community calendar is chock-full of senior-friendly activities, too, from bingo nights and game days to ice cream socials and live music shows. No matter your age, be sure to check the city's website to see what's on the schedule for your visit. 

Grab a bite to eat at the Township Square Shopping Plaza. Located just off Highway 6, the little plaza has a few of the city's most savored restaurants. Tuck into down-home Texas grub at the Old Hickory Inn Barbecue. If the reviews are anything to go by, this place is finger-licking good, like the best barbecue joints in Texas. New American and Italian fare is on the menu at Brandani's Restaurant & Wine Bar, while Local Table has a variety of globally-inspired dishes, as well as plant-based bites if you're eating meat-free. "Veggie burger was good and very big. Had it with sweet potatoes fries [sic] which were delicious," one customer shared on Yelp. 

Missouri City has almost two dozen public parks, which stretch across more than 500 acres. You can set out bright and early at 6 a.m., and the city's green spaces stay open late until 11 p.m. Community Park covers just over 100 acres in the heart of town. Tackle the nine-hole disc golf course or plop down for a picnic beside the little lake. 

Take in more water views at Buffalo Run Park on the northern end of the city. The park has not one, not two, but four lakes, which all flow into one another. There's a public boat ramp if you want to cruise the waters. Just be sure to keep your speed down because the lakes are wake-free. If you'd rather enjoy the view from dry land, stroll out onto the observation tower to do a bit of nature watching.

The waters of Kitty Hollow Park, situated just south of Community Park, are just as scenic. The park, which is managed by the county, spans almost 200 acres, with playgrounds for the kids and an off-leash space for the pups. Be sure to stop by the DeWalt Heritage Center, also known as the Dew Plantation House, which was built more than a century ago. This cool piece of Texas history is available to tour Tuesdays through Fridays at 3 p.m. and on Saturdays at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.