One Of The South's Best Counties To Retire Outside Of Florida Is Texas' Hidden Gem Full Of Outdoor Fun

Florida often gets the retirement spotlight, but The Motley Fool's 2026 Best Places to Retire in the South offers compelling alternatives, including an outdoorsy corner in Texas. Sitting in Central Texas, Caldwell County nabbed the No. 11 spot, making it one of the best retirement counties outside Florida. The ranking considered important factors for retirees in their golden years, like quality of life, affordability, weather, and health care. The Motley Fool said it analyzed every U.S. county using insights from 2,000 U.S. retirees, with Caldwell County earning a final score of 56. For context, the top county was Broward County, Florida, with a score of 64.

The outlet labels its entry "San Marcos, Caldwell County, Texas," though San Marcos spans Hays, Guadalupe, and Caldwell counties. Still, Caldwell County shares access to many of the area's amenities and attractions. For people searching for post-career alternatives to Florida, outdoor recreation is a strong draw for Caldwell County, as is access to Austin and San Antonio. The ranking also highlighted affordable living costs and a walkable downtown in San Marcos, while hot summers were listed as a con. For older adults needing specialized health care, the list noted that specialty providers may require a drive. In our own research, we found that Texas has no state personal income tax, which can appeal to anyone hoping to settle down while still building their nest egg. However, property taxes are set locally, and the state is known for relatively high property tax bills.

Caldwell County's most established communities are Lockhart and Luling, giving retirees small-town culture, regional cuisine, festivals, parks, and river recreation. With just over 55,000 residents countywide, Caldwell is a hidden gem within reach of major cities. For a warm-weather retirement option outside Florida, this lesser-known Texas destination stands out for its modern amenities, small-town charm, and outdoor access built into everyday life.

While The Motley Fool highlighted San Marcos, only a portion of it lies within Caldwell County's boundaries. Just a half-hour from San Marcos, however, Lockhart is Caldwell County's seat, offering a nostalgic downtown full of Americana vibes. Its downtown is built around the Caldwell County Courthouse, which Visit Lockhart calls one of the most photographed courthouses in Texas. Restaurants and shops cluster around the walkable center, and its active community calendar includes events like the free music Courthouse Nights series.  For retirees, that built-in social life is appealing. But while its downtown is walkable, Lockhart has an overall Walk Score of 61, meaning life outside downtown may be more comfortable with a car.

One of the county's top outdoor stops is Lockhart State Park. With golf, swimming, hiking, fishing, and camping on the to-do list, this park is ideal for retirees who want plenty of options for spending time outside. Beyond Lockhart, there are plenty of other ways to have fun outdoors throughout the county, from exploring the county's riverbanks to planning a weekend camping trip at San Marcos River Resort. 

Food is also a major part of Caldwell County's lifestyle. Lockhart is known as the "Barbecue Capital of Texas," and there is no shortage of barbecue joints in the area to test that title. While what constitutes good barbecue is often in the eye of the beholder, some of the most-mentioned local spots for smoky, saucy grub include The Original Black's BBQ, Smitty's Market, and Kreuz Market. Retirees can also look forward to the yearly Texas Monthly BBQ Fest, a showdown among the best pitmasters from across the state. According to one Reddit user: "Lockhart is a great place. My mother in law is in her 70's and moved to Lockhart 3 or 4 years ago. She has lots of friends and loves it there. It is very safe."

Luling gives Caldwell County residents more reasons to spend time outdoors. The Luling Zedler Mill Paddling Trail is a 6-mile stretch on the San Marcos River popular for canoeing and kayaking. During the typical two- to four-hour float, paddlers can enjoy birdwatching along the river's edge. Caldwell County also sits near Palmetto State Park, south of Luling, where visitors can paddle, swim, or drop a fishing line. The park offers hiking and biking trails as well as camping facilities for overnight stays.

In a state where it's said that "everything's bigger," it's no surprise that Luling is home to the world's largest convenience store, with the local Buc-ee's topping 75,000 square feet. However, it's a short drive outside the town along Interstate 10. Meanwhile, Zedler Mill Museum and Park gives visitors a glimpse into the town's industrial history. The Zedler Mill dates to 1874, with historical equipment and features including a cotton gin, dam, and water wheel. Visitors can come for the mill museum, the park, or river access and squeeze in a golf game afterward at Luling Municipal Golf Course across the highway. The town itself is considered walkable by Nextdoor Neighbors, with a map of Luling showing an easy-to-navigate block system.

For foodies and social butterflies, Luling also brings its own world-famous barbecue – City Market is a local favorite — as well as one of the county's best-known events. The Luling Watermelon Thump started in 1954 and draws more than 30,000 attendees annually. It includes watermelon competitions and seed-spitting contests for growers and melon enthusiasts alike to showcase their skills. Families can also enjoy car shows, live music, carnival rides, and a parade. For retirees, events like this can make a small town feel more connected. Taken together, Caldwell County offers retirees a mix of laid-back vibes, a warm climate, outdoor recreation, social events, and easy access to bigger cities when needed.