Several Houston-area communities are getting national recognition as places to settle down for retirement, with The Woodlands, Spring, Pearland and Conroe earning spots among the country's top retirement destinations.

According to U.S. News & World Report's 2026 Best Places to Retire rankings, The Woodlands ranked No. 4 nationally, followed by Spring at No. 5. Victoria, Pearland and Conroe also made the publication's top 20. The rankings evaluate cities across the country based on factors including quality of life, affordability, health care, taxes for retirees, the local job market and population trends among older residents.

The Woodlands and Spring were the highest-ranked Texas communities on the national list, placing in the top five.