Explore the Best Suburbs in Austin, TX, for Active Adults

The best suburbs in Austin, TX, for active adults offer more than just a place to live; they promote a lifestyle built around convenience, connection, and comfort. Whether you’re ready to trade yard work for yoga or want to spend less time commuting and more time enjoying your day, Austin has tons to offer. 

In this guide, we explore some of the best suburbs of Austin, TX, for active adults and retirees, sharing what each neighborhood offers, their pros and cons, and where to find 55+ communities built around the life you want to live.

Summary:

• Is Austin a Good Place to Retire?

• Best Suburbs in Austin, TX, for Active Adults

• Active Adult Communities in Austin, TX

• Best Austin Suburbs for Active Adults Conclusion

Is Austin a Good Place to Retire?

The short answer: yes! Austin checks all the boxes for homebuyers seeking more than just warm weather (though the city’s got plenty of that, too). A few of the benefits residents enjoy include no state income tax, quality healthcare, an exciting food and arts scene, and a city full of natural beauty. Whether you’re drawn to music festivals or farmers markets, Hill Country hikes or lakeside lounging, this city has lots to offer, and living in one of the best suburbs in Austin, Texas, can offer you easy access to all of it.

Best Suburbs in Austin, TX, for Active Adults

After researching the area, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best suburbs of Austin, TX, for active adults, including those with 55+ communities. Whether you’re looking for resort-style living or a peaceful small-town feel, these suburbs help make it easy to stay active, connected, and comfortable.

Georgetown, TX

If you're looking for charm, community, and convenience, Georgetown is ideal. Approximately 28 miles north of Downtown Austin, Georgetown's historic square is the kind of place where shop owners know your name, festivals pop up throughout the year, and dinner on the patio is just the beginning of a great night.

Georgetown is full of fun attractions and activities for adults that make daily life fun and fulfilling. Nature lovers enjoy exploring Inner Space Cavern, one of Texas’s best-preserved underground cave systems. Blue Hole Park, a scenic lagoon along the San Gabriel River, features opportunities for swimming, hiking, and picnicking under shady trees. For additional outdoor recreation, Garey Park offers over 500 acres of trails, equestrian paths, and dog-friendly areas. Culture enthusiasts love shows at the Georgetown Palace Theatre, a beautifully restored space for live performances right on the town square. And the annual Red Poppy Festival offers local flair, filling downtown with music, food, and community spirit each spring. 

If you want low-maintenance living in a place that still feels full of life, Georgetown deserves a spot on any list of the best places to live outside of Austin, TX. Explore Del Webb 55+ active adult communities in Georgetown.

Pros

• Beautiful town square with local shops and dining 

• Scenic trails, lake access, and golf courses

• Regular community events and clubs

• Easy access to healthcare and major highways

Cons

• Slightly higher property taxes

• Hot and humid summers 

• Limited nightlife, not ideal for those craving a bustling urban vibe

• Potentially higher home prices due to demand

Round Rock, TX

Only 20 miles north of Austin, Round Rock offers an appealing mix of suburban convenience and natural beauty. It's one of the nice suburbs in Austin for active adults who want convenient access to shopping, dining, and modern healthcare facilities without sacrificing peace and space.

Round Rock is a well-rounded suburb packed with ways to stay active and entertained. The crown jewel is Old Settlers Park, a massive 645-acre green space with trails, sports fields, and the fun-filled Rock’N River Water Park. Shoppers love spending afternoons at Round Rock Premium Outlets®, which features popular retailers in a scenic outdoor setting. Downtown Round Rock has also undergone a revival, now offering farm-to-table dining, local boutiques, and live music venues. 

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, a stop at the iconic Round Rock Donuts®—famous for their bright yellow glaze and supersized treats—is a must. The city is also home to Dell Diamond, the Triple-A baseball stadium, and multiple golf courses. It's a great fit for adults who seek an active, involved lifestyle with easy access to community events and local entertainment.

Pros

• Extensive parks and outdoor activity options

• Large selection of medical providers and hospitals

• Convenient to Austin and major employers

• Affordable housing 

• Plentiful shopping, dining, and entertainment options

Cons

• Heavier traffic during rush hours

• Greater suburban sprawl than in other areas

• Less historic charm than nearby towns

Bastrop, TX

Bastrop, about 30 miles southeast of Austin, is one of the best suburbs near Austin, TX, and exudes an enchanting atmosphere and natural beauty. Downtown Bastrop boasts well-preserved 19th-century architecture, housing local boutiques, art galleries, and eateries. For nature lovers, Bastrop State Park offers hiking, camping, and bird-watching opportunities amid the unique Lost Pines ecosystem. McKinney Roughs Nature Park features additional trails and outdoor activities. 

Residents and visitors can also enjoy performances at the Bastrop Opera House, a venue dating back to 1889. Additionally, the town hosts events like the First Friday Artwalk, showcasing local artists and fostering community engagement. Browse our 55+ communities in Bastrop, TX, and discover how this suburb offers a serene yet stimulating environment for active adults with its blend of history, culture, and natural attractions.  

Pros

• Rich historical and cultural heritage

• Abundant natural attractions and parks

• Active arts scene and community events 

• A peaceful atmosphere with proximity to Austin

• Growing dining and shopping options

Cons

• Limited public transportation

• Fewer healthcare facilities compared to other urban centers

• Fewer 55+ communities

• May be prone to seasonal flooding

• Economic development not yet on par with population growth

Leander, TX

Leander is a booming city in Central Texas and among the best Austin suburbs to live in for active adults who want value and space. With a mix of new home developments, greenbelt trails, and proximity to Lake Travis, it's an ideal spot for those seeking modern amenities without the more premium price tag of Austin proper. Plus, the CapMetro rail line runs through Leander, offering a direct public transportation option to Downtown Austin. 

With multiple communities and an ever-expanding commercial scene, Leander is ideal for retirees who want to plant roots in an up-and-coming area. You can tee off at Crystal Falls Golf Club, a lush, picturesque Hill Country-style course that can feel like a getaway in your own backyard. For fresh air and outdoor activity, Benbrook Ranch Park features trails, disc golf, and lots of wide-open green space, while the Leander Public Library serves as a local hub with classes, lectures, and book clubs for all ages. The city continues to expand its shopping, dining, and entertainment options in the heart of Leander, helping make it even more appealing for residents who want big-city amenities with small-town ease.

Pros

• Affordable homes compared to other suburbs

• Great Hill Country views and access to outdoor fun

• Convenient transit access to Downtown Austin

• Quiet, community-oriented atmosphere

• Increasing shopping, dining, and medical services

Cons

• Some infrastructure and amenities still under development

• Fewer options for shopping and dining

• Further from Austin than other suburbs

• May feel more isolated and rural depending on location

• Limited (though growing) number of 55+ communities

Cedar Park, TX

Cedar Park, roughly 26 miles northwest of Austin, is often ranked as one of the best suburbs of Austin to live in for all kinds of homebuyers, including active adults. It offers convenient access to quality healthcare, dining, and entertainment with less congestion than Austin. Cedar Park is ideal for those who appreciate easy access to Downtown Austin, while still being able to escape the city buzz.

This suburb offers a balance of scenic natural areas, such as Brushy Creek Lake Park, and convenient retail hubs like Lakeline Mall™ and The Parke shopping center, blending the best of suburban living and natural beauty. Spend your mornings along the Brushy Creek Regional Trail, a seven-mile path that winds past waterfalls, shaded trees, and serene views. The H-E-B® Center at Cedar Park hosts everything from concerts and hockey games to community events and expos. Train enthusiasts and day-trippers love the Austin Steam Train, which departs from Cedar Park and travels through the scenic Hill Country in vintage style. For art lovers, the Cedar Park Sculpture Garden offers a peaceful stroll through rotating outdoor exhibits created by Texas artists.

Pros

• Close to Austin, with easy highway access

• Well-maintained public parks and trails

• Quality healthcare options

• Large homes with modern amenities

• Active local arts and music scene

Cons

• Higher cost of living than some outlying suburbs

• Increasing local traffic 

• Limited public transit

Pflugerville, TX

Another of the best Austin, Texas, suburbs with a friendly atmosphere and growing amenities, Pflugerville offers a sweet spot between Round Rock and Austin, with easy access to both cities while maintaining a quieter lifestyle. This suburb is also home to the expansive Lake Pflugerville, a 180-acre reservoir with a three-mile loop trail, fishing piers, kayaking, and plenty of spots to relax by the water. 

Pflugerville has seen strong growth in recent years, offers a welcoming atmosphere, and is full of quiet surprises for those who enjoy a slower pace of life without sacrificing recreation. Locals enjoy browsing fresh produce and handmade goods at the Pflugerville Pfarmers Market, while the Heritage House Museum gives visitors a peek into the area’s rich history and pioneer roots. For a fun outing during the warmer summer months, Typhoon Texas Waterpark™ features water slides and wave pools. 

Pros

• Centrally located with proximity to major cities

• Abundant outdoor recreation options 

• Growing shopping and restaurant scene

• Affordable home prices

• Easy access to tollways

Cons

• Traffic congestion during peak hours

• Fewer community centers and 55+ communities

• Less developed than other suburbs

• Larger demographic of younger homeowners with growing households 

Dripping Springs, TX

Wake up to Hill Country views, rolling vineyards, and wide-open skies in Dripping Springs. As one of the best suburbs of Austin, Texas, for retirees, you can enjoy exploring nature, sampling local wine, and living at a relaxed pace. This community is increasingly popular for its beauty and serenity, and while slightly more rural, Dripping Springs features great local shops, festivals, and dining, and it's only 25 miles from Austin. It's also home to many new build homes on acreage lots.

Known as the “Gateway to the Hill Country,” Dripping Springs offers peaceful beauty with a touch of rustic sophistication. A visit to Hamilton Pool Preserve reveals a natural limestone grotto with a waterfall-fed swimming hole, perfect for a restful day in nature. The city’s historic heart, Mercer Street, is lined with charming boutiques, wine bars, and music venues, helping make it ideal for afternoon strolls or date nights. Foodies and home chefs alike love the Texas Hill Country Olive Company's olive oil tastings, tours, and cooking classes. Weekly visits to the Dripping Springs Farmers Market let you stock up on fresh produce and connect with the local community.

Pros

• Stunning Hill Country scenery

• Access to local wineries and breweries

• Peaceful and slower pace of life

• Expanding local healthcare and commercial services

• Tight-knit, small-town community feel

Cons

• Longer commute to Austin

• Limited public transit options

• Narrow and winding rural roads 

• Fewer large retail centers and major grocery stores

• Limited availability of 55+ communities

Kyle, TX

Kyle is a rapidly growing city 20 miles south of Austin, offering a lovely blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. The city's historic downtown features the Kyle Railroad Depot and Heritage Center for a glimpse into its past. The County Line Polo Club offers polo lessons and matches, adding a touch of equestrian flair to the city, while unique attractions like Unchartered Adventures feature unconventional entertainment, including axe throwing. For outdoor enthusiasts, you’ll find spots to fish, trails to explore, and picnic areas at Lake Kyle Park. With its proximity to Austin and a growing list of amenities, Kyle presents an appealing option for active adults seeking an exciting yet relaxed lifestyle.   

Pros

• Proximity to Austin with a small-town feel

• Diverse recreational activities 

• Rich community events, such as the Pie in the Sky Festival

• Affordable housing options

• Growing dining and entertainment scene

Cons

• Increased traffic and development due to rapid growth

• Limited public transportation options

• Fewer healthcare facilities than in larger cities

• Fewer 55+ communities

Active Adult Communities in Austin, TX

If you're ready to enjoy low-maintenance living with built-in amenities, clubs, and a community of like-minded neighbors, check out these Del Webb 55+ communities in some of the best suburbs in Austin for active adults:

• Del Webb Austin at Lost Pines: The community offers resort-style amenities and activities tailored to meet residents’ diverse interests. Enjoy year-round activities inside the expansive clubhouse, including a fitness center, aerobics classes, multi-purpose hobby rooms, a golf simulator, and more.

• Sun City Texas: With over 50 clubs you can join, three golf courses, four fitness centers, outdoor sports fields, a lakeside amphitheater, miles of trails, and eight resort-style pools, this community is built for active adults ready to thrive. Located in Georgetown, new neighbors soon become lifelong friends here.

Best Suburbs in Austin, TX, for Active Adults Conclusion

Your next life chapter isn’t about downsizing, it’s about upgrading your lifestyle. Where you live should support the life you want, and the best suburbs of Austin to live in for active adults and retirees do just that. Whether that means joining a book club, learning pickleball, hosting loved ones, or exploring Hill Country, these top Austin suburbs offer a little something for everyone. 

Explore active adult communities in Austin, TX, today, or browse more Del Webb blogs. 

Written By: Jordan Thomson, Freelance Writer

Last Updated: 12/16/25