Carrollton, Texas, is a retirement destination that balances suburban comfort and quiet with the culture, dining, and entertainment amenities of nearby Dallas-Fort Worth. Investopedia named it one of the 100 best places to retire in the U.S., and with a population of just over 130,000, it’s a diverse community with many neighborhoods for retirees to choose from and a vibrant calendar of local events to keep residents busy.
Cost of Living & Housing
Retirees will find that the overall cost of living in Carrollton is manageable; some daily costs, like groceries and transportation, are lower than national averages, while others, like utilities, are higher. However, housing is more expensive. In June 2026, the average home value in Carrollton was $409,845, compared to a national average of $372,995.
At about $2,450 per month, rent is also higher than the national average of $2,000 per month. However, retirees may find that some of these costs are offset by Texas’s lack of state income tax. There is also no state inheritance or estate tax, which can simplify retirees’ long-term planning.
Carrollton Community & Cultural Events
Carrollton’s historic downtown has a busy calendar, with dozens of celebrations, concerts, and local events happening every month. Sounds on the Square features low-key live music and dancing on select Friday nights, while major events like Festival at the Switchyard include rides, games, and concerts by nationally known artists. Seasonal celebrations like TEXFest in March, the Halloween Critter Hunt in October, and Santa on the Square in December bring the local community together.
Trinity Valley shopping center hosts Carrollton’s farmers market, along with Trinity Nights, a night market featuring music, food, and shopping. For even more dining, art venues, and sporting events, a 30- to 40-minute drive will take retirees to either Dallas or Fort Worth.
Healthcare Access in Carrollton
Retirees in Carrollton have many options to choose from for healthcare. Local hospital systems include Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano, Medical City Lewisville, and many Baylor Scott & White facilities for primary, specialty, and acute care.
World-class specialty care is accessible throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, and veterans can find additional care options at nearby VA clinics in Plano, Garland, and Grand Prairie. However, retirees in Carrollton may need to budget carefully for healthcare costs, which are 4 percent higher than the national average.
Downtown Walkability & Outdoor Recreation
Carrollton’s extensive trail network links many of the city’s parks and green spaces, giving retirees walkable access to different neighborhoods. Over 35 parks and centers, including the Elm Fork Nature Preserve, provide options for outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, tennis, golf, and swimming.
Many neighborhoods are pedestrian-friendly, with sidewalks and trails. For retirees who want to get around without driving, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) rail connects Carrollton to the broader Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, including Downtown Carrollton, the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, and the VA clinic in Dallas.
Climate in Carrollton
Texas is known for its sunny weather, making it a popular destination for retirees who want to be outside year-round. Winters are generally mild, reaching an average low of 39°F in January. However, retirees should be prepared for hot summers. Temperatures reach an average high of 95°F in July and August, though rarely do they get above 102°F.
The Bottom Line
Carrollton, Texas, offers retirees a balance of local community and access to big-city amenities, as well as plentiful options for healthcare. With warm, sunny weather year-round and Texas’s retiree-friendly tax structure, Carrollton is an appealing choice for retirees who want a little bit of everything without the high costs and crowding of city living.