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Returning to civilian life can be a disorienting process for veterans.
According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, approximately 200,000 service members transition from active duty to civilian life each year.
The government (specifically the DoD) typically offers financial support for military transitions, but in order to use it, retiring servicemembers must find their new home within three years. Service members undergoing involuntary separation, voluntary separation, or a general discharge under honorable conditions have an even tighter timeframe of 180 days.
To help veterans find the most supportive environment to settle down, we’ve created a a list of the top 10 U.S. states and top 100 U.S. cities for veterans. These top locations offer the most veteran benefits, the best air quality and state infrastructure, the largest veteran communities, and access to healthcare.
Many of these top states also don’t tax military retirees and offer property exemptions for veterans with disabilities.
For a full breakdown of the factors we took into consideration to create these lists, refer to our methodology.
Top 10 States for Retired Veterans
1. South Dakota
Topping the list of the best states for veterans to retire is South Dakota. The Mount Rushmore State scored well due to its low unemployment rate for veterans, low cost of living, and exceptionally high number of VA health facilities per capita. South Dakota doesn’t tax income, which includes military retirement pay. With some of the lowest living costs on top of and no income tax, South Dakota is a great financial choice for veterans looking to retire. Additionally, permanently disabled veterans can qualify for up to a $150,000 property tax exemption if they buy a home.
South Dakota is also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting diverse wildlife and numerous lakes and rivers. Veterans can enjoy free or reduced admission to state parks, making the state’s stunning natural landscapes and recreational amenities more accessible. This ideal setting for hunting and fishing also comes with exclusive hunting license discounts. With the scenic Black Hills providing a beautiful backdrop, The state is perfect for picnics, nature walks, campouts at Custer State Park, hayrides, pontoon rides, and campouts at Custer State Park, with the scenic Black Hills providing a beautiful backdrop. Events like the Buffalo Round-Up and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally cater to various interests.
Qualifying veterans and their children benefit from free or reduced tuition at South Dakota state-supported schools, ensuring access to quality education at a lower cost.
Rapid City, situated between the Black Hills and Badlands, is a gateway to adventures and rich narratives. With attractions like Mount Rushmore and ten parks and monuments, it offers a blend of history, nature, and culture within a vibrant community of 70,000.
Sioux Falls is one of the nation’s safest and most affordable places to live. With a population of about 200,000, it offers endless fun and adventure, making it a unique and unforgettable place to call home.
2. Wyoming
Though Wyoming only offers a maximum $3,000 property tax exemption for disabled veterans, it still earned the number two spot on the list. Like South Dakota, Wyoming doesn’t tax income at all, so your retirement income will be worth more. Wyoming scored 10th out of all 50 the states for its general quality of life score, which considers air quality, and it has the highest number of VA benefit facilities per veteran of all states.
Known as the Cowboy State, Wyoming honors those who have served our country with eight museums and ten historic sites dedicated to military history, including the Quebec 01 Missile Alert Facility. These sites offer veterans a place to connect with their military heritage and reflect on their service. Wyoming also provides significant hunting, fishing, and camping benefits: veterans who are 100% disabled receive a free lifetime game license while granting access to abundant wildlife and hunting opportunities. Veterans who are at least 50% disabled get a free lifetime fishing license. Additionally, resident veterans with a 50% or more service-connected disability rating from the VA are eligible for the Lifetime Veteran’s Permit, allowing free day use and camping at local state parks.
Cheyenne, Wyoming’s capital, blends historical charm with modern amenities. Home to over 60,000 residents, Cheyenne features the Terry Bison Ranch Resort, where veterans can view bison and immerse in Western culture. The city offers nearly 40 miles of greenway bike trails, connecting parks, schools, and neighborhoods, promoting an active lifestyle. Curt Gowdy State Park is an outdoor haven for boating, fishing, hiking, hunting, and horseback riding against the stunning backdrop of the Laramie Mountains. The park even offers mountain biking and ice fishing in colder months for year-round enjoyment. Cheyenne ranked 13th on our Best Cities for Retired Veterans list, making it a top choice for veterans who want to take advantage of Wyoming’s great state benefits and stunning scenery.
3. Louisiana
While Louisiana does have an income tax, it also has legislation that fully exempts military retirement income from taxation. Louisiana also has significant property tax exemptions for disabled veterans: totally—100% disabled veterans are eligible for a full parish property tax exemption, and partially disabled veterans may qualify for a partial property tax exemption of $120,000 or less. Louisiana had the 6th lowest unemployment rate for veterans and the 14th lowest rate of veteran homelessness. One of the qualities that makes Louisiana a great place for veterans is the access to healthcare facilities, as the state is rated 9th for number of VA health locations per veteran.
Veterans with a 50% or more VA disability rating get free recreational fishing and hunting licenses. They also receive a free State Parks Permits, granting them and their companions free entry to all state parks. In spring, national parks and botanical gardens burst with stunning azaleas, providing veterans with a picturesque setting for relaxation and outdoor fun. The state’s rich history is showcased in its military museums and historical sites, especially in South Louisiana, where many Civil War battles occurred.
Louisiana’s vibrant culture shines through its architecture, music, food, and festivals. Known as “Sportsman’s Paradise,” the state offers year-round hunting, fishing, golf, and endless outdoor activities. As the birthplace of jazz, zydeco, Cajun, and swamp pop, Louisiana’s musical heritage is everywhere, from street corners to lively festivals. In spring, national parks and botanical gardens burst with stunning azaleas, providing veterans with a picturesque setting for relaxation and outdoor fun.
With populations of around 20,000 and 15,000 respectively, cities like Hammond and Opelousas, with populations of around 20,000 and 15,000, are among the best places to live for veterans who prefer small towns. Both cities cracked the top 100 for our list of the Best Cities for Retired Veterans thanks to their friendly, supportive communities and ample local resources. Hammond’s entire metro area spans 138,000 people and is only 45 miles from Baton Rouge and New Orleans, making it a perfect spot for affordable small-town living with the option to visit bigger cities.
4. Oklahoma
Like Louisiana, Oklahoma has very high access to VA health facilities, with the 7th highest of all the states. It’s also a great state all-around for veterans, with above-average scores in veteran employment and homelessness. The state exemption on military retirement income makes Oklahoma a great spot to settle down, and if you’re 100% disabled, you’re fully exempt from ad valorem taxes on your property.
Oklahoma offers free admission to all state-owned parks and museums for honorably discharged resident veterans, making it easy to explore Oklahoma’s rich history and natural beauty. Outdoor enthusiasts with a 60% or more service-connected disability rating from the VA can appreciate free hunting and fishing permits, along with exemptions from Wildlife Land Stamp requirements, making Oklahoma’s pristine lakes and lush hunting grounds yours to enjoy.
The Oklahoma Veterans Calendar is packed with activities, from career-building workshops to outdoor adventures. There are also numerous outdoor clubs and groups specifically for veterans.
Veteran-friendly cities like Enid, Lawton, and Ardmore provide welcoming communities and strong local economies. With 53,000 residents, Enid is often cited as the best city to live in Oklahoma, thanks to its thriving agricultural sector. It also ranked tenth on the Best Cities for Retired Veterans list. Lawton, with 90,000 residents, and Ardmore, with 24,000, also offer excellent environments for veterans, earning each of them a top 100 spot on the list.
5. Florida
Florida has one of the biggest veteran communities in the country, ranking 8th for veterans per 100,000 people. Between the large community and the fact that Florida has the 5th lowest unemployment rate and the 14th highest number of VA benefits facilities per capita, veterans moving to Florida can rest assured that they will have a support system in their military retirement. Additionally, the Sunshine State has some of the best weather in the United States, so it’s no wonder it scored 7th overall for quality of life.
Florida also offers an irresistible blend of benefits and activities. Resident veterans with a 100% service-connected, total, and permanent disability rating from the VA or U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for a five-year hunting and fishing license, making it easy to enjoy all the Sunshine State offers.
Florida is renowned for its unique, military-themed annual events that you can’t find anywhere else. From the Battle of Olustee Reenactment and Annual Olustee Festival to the Jacksonville Sea and Sky Spectacular, there’s always something exciting happening.
For those who love a small-town atmosphere, Punta Gorda is Florida’s best small city—and it ranked 9th on our list of Best Cities for Retired Veterans. It combines the allure of a world-class resort with the charm of a hometown. With a population of around 20,000, Punta Gorda boasts a friendly community and plenty of leisure activities.
If you prefer the buzz of a larger city, the Tampa metropolitan area also placed on our list and is home to some of the best beaches in the U.S. With a population of 3 million, there’s always something to do, from visiting state parks and fishing to golfing, dining out, and boating.
For those drawn to outdoor adventures, Okeechobee is a fantastic choice on our list. Known for its scenic Lake Okeechobee, which spans 730 square miles, it attracts anglers and boaters worldwide with its plentiful largemouth bass, black crappie, and catfish. The town of 5,000 also offers rodeos, casino gaming, and motocross.
Ranking number 1 overall on our list, Key West, FL, offers veterans the opportunity to immerse themselves in crystal-clear waters through diving, snorkeling, sailing, or fishing. The small island, with a population of about 25,000, offers a taste of Caribbean culture without leaving the States, —and its popularity as a vacation spot means you’ll encounter more people than you might expect. Enjoy a sunset at Mallory Square, stroll down Duval Street for live music, drinks, and souvenirs, and savor the laid-back island vibe. Though Key West is a pricier spot than the other cities on our list, it excelled in its Quality of Life and Community and Benefits score.
6. Alabama
Like most of the other states on the top ten list, veterans in Alabama do not have to pay income tax on military retirement pay, and 100% disabled veterans or veterans over the age of 65 can be eligible for a full property tax exemption. Alabama has low veteran unemployment rates for veterans and low rates of homelessness rates amongst veterans who live there, all while boasting above-average scores for cost of living, quality of life, and VA benefits and health locations per veteran.
If you’re a veteran considering a move, Sweet Home Alabama might be the perfect place for you. Disabled veterans can enjoy reduced-price lifetime hunting and fishing licenses, with costs varying based on disability percentage and age. Plus, the Alabama Parks for Patriots Program offers free admission to state parks for resident veterans and active duty service members, making it easy to explore the state’s natural beauty.
Alabama is steeped in fascinating U.S. history, with numerous veterans’ museums, memorial parks, and historical sites to visit. From whimsical Tinglewood tree carvings to the awe-inspiring Neversink Pit, and the majestic Cheaha Mountain to the relaxing waters of the Gulf Shore, there’s no shortage of awe-inspiring spots.
If you’re interested in living in Alabama, consider the cities of Decatur and Huntsville, which both of which cracked the top 100 on our Best Cities for Retired Veterans list.
In Decatur, known as “The River City,” you can enjoy a long walk on a beautiful trail, take your kids to the theater or museum, grab coffee with a friend, shop in the historic downtown, or even do yoga with a view of the river. This North Alabama community of about 57,000 is rich in hospitality, history, and natural resources.
Huntsville, the most populous city in Alabama with around 220,000 residents, is bursting with new construction, offering more shopping, dining, and apartment options for those seeking a more urban vibe. Just west of downtown, a defunct cotton mill has been transformed into a bustling arts center with craft breweries, restaurants, and even an ax-throwing venue in a renovated old middle school.
7. Arkansas
Arkansas has a lot going for veterans — high military bases per veteran and the 17th highest veteran population per capita means there’s a lot of community. Couple this with the 13th -best cost of living, 8th -best number of VA health facilities per veteran, and excellent weather/quality of life scores, and Arkansas makes a surprisingly pleasant haven for veterans. 100% disabled veterans or veterans who have lost the use of a limb or eye can receive a full property tax exemption, and Arkansas doesn’t tax military retirement pay, making Arkansas incredibly affordable.
Arkansas is a fantastic choice for veterans seeking a blend of natural beauty, historical charm, and welcoming communities. Known as the Natural State, Arkansas offers lifetime fishing and hunting licenses for qualifying veterans for as low as $1.50, and half-price camping year-round for veterans with a 100% permanent disability rating from the VA.
Arkansas boasts numerous parks and museums, including the unique Crater of Diamonds State Park. In Searcy, a college town of 23,000, veterans can enjoy arts and athletic events at Harding University, visit the historic 1874 Black House turned Searcy Art Gallery, and watch movies at the vintage 1923 Rialto Theatre. Searcy is one of the only cities in Arkansas that made our top 100 list.
Little Rock is also one of the only Arkansas cities that made the list. Unlike Searcy, the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway metro area offers a more urban vibe, with over 700,000 residents. Relax at The Old Mill, hike Emerald Park for stunning river views, take a kayak tour with Rock Town River Outfitters, or explore the city’s public art. Visit World War II naval vessels at the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum or catch a game with the Arkansas Travelers minor league baseball team.
8. Iowa
Iowa has great employment rates amongst veterans and the 4th lowest rate of homelessness for veterans. The Hawkeye State also boasts an incredible cost of living score, ranking the 5th best of all states, respectively. The quality of life score is also among the best, ranked 4th thanks to the state’s above-average scores in energy consumption, clean air, road conditions, and fuel costs. Military retirement pay tax exemptions make Iowa an even more affordable place to retire, and 100% disabled veterans can appreciate full property tax exemptions on qualifying homes.
Resident service members on leave can hunt or fish without a license, and veterans with a service-connected disability or former POWs can get a lifetime hunting or fishing license for just $7.
The Iowa Veterans Trust Fund offers extensive financial assistance, including travel expenses, job training, medical aid, emergency services, and housing support.
Explore Iowa’s attractions like historical military museums, the Avenue of Flags, a 200-foot waterfall near downtown Decorah, and sprint car racing at the Knoxville Nationals.
Cedar Rapids is a solid choice for veterans, landing 17th on our list. With a population of 136,000, it is an arts and cultural hub featuring theaters, live music, museums, family-friendly sports teams, and a vibrant culinary and craft brewery scene.
Though much lower on the list, Ottumwa also made the top 100. In Ottumwa, the Video Game Capital of the World, enjoy 16 miles of river trails, visit the American Gothic House & Center, or check out the Antique Airplane Association’s Air Power Museum.
9. Alaska
Though Alaska doesn’t boast full property tax exemptions for disabled veterans like several of the other states on this list, it doesn’t tax income at all, and it has several other qualities that make it a solid choice for veterans. For one, it has the highest rate of veterans per 100,000 people, meaning the state has a significant population proportion of veterans. There are several military bases in Alaska, and the state has a high rate of VA health facilities per veteran.
Disabled veterans receive a free Alaska State Park Camping Pass and, for those with a 50% or greater VA disability rating, free hunting and fishing licenses for those with a 50% or greater VA disability rating. Active Alaska National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces Reserves service members also enjoy free annual hunting and fishing licenses. Veterans with a service-connected disability benefit from reduced Alaska Marine Highway System fares. Additionally, the National Guard/Naval Militia Retirement System (NGNMRS) retirement system provides $100 per month for each month of satisfactory Alaska National Guard service.
Alaska’s unparalleled natural beauty features the largest national park, the highest peak, and the longest coastline in the United States. Veterans can immerse themselves in nature with ATV rides, ziplines, glacier treks, and kayaking on pristine lakes. Wildlife enthusiasts will love bear viewing and birding, while adventure seekers can hike, camp, ski, and bike across vast landscapes. Alaska’s waterways offer stand-up paddleboarding, jet boating, private cruises, and fishing charters for trophy salmon and halibut. Culinary tours showcase local seafood, produce, and brews. Veterans can delve into Alaska Native culture and marvel at the northern lights.
Anchorage, the state’s largest city with around 287,000 residents, perfectly blends wild Alaskan beauty with urban comforts. Located within Dena’ina E?nena, on the traditional homelands of the Dena’ina Athabascan people and the Native Village of Eklutna, Anchorage offers captivating outdoor spaces, arts, and culture.
Juneau, with a population of over 30,000, is located in one of the largest wilderness areas in the United States. Here, veterans can view wildlife, embark on unforgettable fishing trips, explore glaciers, or enjoy the city’s shops, restaurants, and artistic flair.
10. New Hampshire
Rounding out the top ten is the Granite State, New Hampshire. New Hampshire is an excellent choice for veterans who want an affordable and pleasant spot in the northeast, as it’s the only northeast state to crack the top ten. The state has above-average employment rates for veterans and relatively low rates of veteran homelessness, all while boasting the 3rd best cost of living overall and the 19th -best quality of life. New Hampshire also doesn’t tax income (though it does tax dividends and interest income). The only thing holding New Hampshire back from a higher score is the low count of military bases and the relatively small veteran community.
Eligible veterans receive free or reduced-fee lifetime Fish and Game Licenses and free day-use admission to all state parks for those with any VA service-connected disability. With these licenses and New Hampshire’s varied climate, the state is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers paddling and swimming on the seacoast, skiing and dogsledding in winter, and activities like fishing, biking, and hiking year-round.
For a small-town feel, Keene, NH, is a great option. With a population of around 22,000 and a top 30 rank on our list of Best Cities for Retired Veterans, the area is veteran-friendly and boasts hiking and cycling trails, a picturesque downtown, and frequent art and music events.
If you prefer a big-city vibe, the Manchester-Nashua metro area offers a lively social scene with comedy clubs, theaters, and plenty of other activities while still providing access to nature at nearby lakes and parks — and it ranked in the top 50 cities.
Best Cities for Retired Veterans
We’ve created this list of Best Cities for Veterans to Retire based on state metrics as well as several important local factors, including the city’s affordability, crime rate, surrounding veteran community and facilities, and more.
These top cities are great for veterans and their families, with most boasting affordable living costs and family-friendly neighborhoods.
| City/Metro | Quality of Life | Community Support & Veteran Benefits | Financial Ease & Economic Opportunity | State Scores | Overall Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key West, FL | 12.68 | 49.39 | 11.40 | 24.96 | 98.42 |
| Wichita Falls, TX | 12.40 | 46.69 | 14.26 | 24.31 | 97.66 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL | 13.17 | 46.37 | 13.04 | 24.96 | 97.54 |
| La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | 13.45 | 45.56 | 13.71 | 24.53 | 97.24 |
| Laredo, TX | 13.12 | 45.68 | 13.94 | 24.31 | 97.05 |
| Sioux Falls, SD | 12.40 | 45.73 | 13.91 | 25.00 | 97.05 |
| Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ | 11.93 | 46.31 | 13.89 | 24.75 | 96.88 |
| Abilene, TX | 12.75 | 45.57 | 14.10 | 24.31 | 96.74 |
| Punta Gorda, FL | 13.99 | 44.01 | 13.52 | 24.96 | 96.47 |
| Enid, OK | 12.10 | 45.91 | 14.22 | 24.11 | 96.34 |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | 13.25 | 44.34 | 13.73 | 24.96 | 96.28 |
| Altoona, PA | 13.30 | 44.72 | 14.18 | 23.84 | 96.04 |
| Cheyenne, WY | 12.45 | 49.35 | 13.49 | 20.67 | 95.95 |
| Saginaw, MI | 12.20 | 44.51 | 14.12 | 24.56 | 95.39 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum, NY | 13.55 | 46.79 | 13.97 | 21.00 | 95.31 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | 13.62 | 43.10 | 13.61 | 24.96 | 95.28 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | 13.32 | 43.60 | 14.09 | 24.24 | 95.25 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL | 12.60 | 43.95 | 13.66 | 24.96 | 95.16 |
| Traverse City, MI | 12.43 | 44.58 | 13.45 | 24.56 | 95.01 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | 12.47 | 44.31 | 13.91 | 24.24 | 94.94 |
| Green Bay, WI | 13.73 | 42.96 | 13.71 | 24.53 | 94.93 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | 12.92 | 47.84 | 13.65 | 20.51 | 94.91 |
| Wausau-Weston, WI | 12.38 | 44.07 | 13.69 | 24.53 | 94.67 |
| Dubuque, IA | 14.15 | 42.09 | 14.18 | 24.24 | 94.67 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach, FL | 13.54 | 42.59 | 13.58 | 24.96 | 94.66 |
| Palatka, FL | 12.48 | 43.32 | 13.76 | 24.96 | 94.51 |
| Battle Creek, MI | 11.64 | 44.26 | 14.00 | 24.56 | 94.46 |
| Rapid City, SD | 11.96 | 43.70 | 13.80 | 25.00 | 94.46 |
| Keene, NH | 12.36 | 44.36 | 13.45 | 24.28 | 94.45 |
| Fond du Lac, WI | 13.85 | 42.07 | 13.99 | 24.53 | 94.43 |
| Lawton, OK | 11.09 | 44.66 | 14.55 | 24.11 | 94.42 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | 12.31 | 43.82 | 14.13 | 24.12 | 94.37 |
| Birmingham-Hoover, AL | 12.49 | 43.69 | 14.06 | 24.12 | 94.36 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | 13.19 | 46.05 | 14.63 | 20.47 | 94.34 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | 12.90 | 43.06 | 13.97 | 24.31 | 94.24 |
| Sebring-Avon Park, FL | 12.79 | 42.72 | 13.75 | 24.96 | 94.21 |
| Bay City, MI | 13.15 | 42.39 | 14.09 | 24.56 | 94.20 |
| Appleton, WI | 14.11 | 41.89 | 13.58 | 24.53 | 94.11 |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH | 13.72 | 43.41 | 12.61 | 24.28 | 94.02 |
| Manitowoc, WI | 12.47 | 42.98 | 13.95 | 24.53 | 93.93 |
| Sheboygan, WI | 13.80 | 41.93 | 13.63 | 24.53 | 93.90 |
| Greenville, MS | 12.56 | 43.04 | 14.47 | 23.80 | 93.87 |
| Okeechobee, FL | 12.31 | 42.90 | 13.69 | 24.96 | 93.85 |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | 12.45 | 43.00 | 13.45 | 24.96 | 93.85 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | 12.30 | 42.73 | 14.50 | 24.31 | 93.84 |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI | 13.75 | 41.81 | 13.75 | 24.53 | 93.83 |
| Jackson, MS | 12.58 | 43.22 | 14.22 | 23.80 | 93.82 |
| Jasper, AL | 12.43 | 43.39 | 13.88 | 24.12 | 93.82 |
| Ardmore, OK | 12.39 | 42.84 | 14.45 | 24.11 | 93.79 |
| Williamsport, PA | 12.37 | 43.61 | 13.97 | 23.84 | 93.79 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | 12.75 | 42.46 | 13.60 | 24.96 | 93.76 |
| Harrisonburg, VA | 14.08 | 45.18 | 13.64 | 20.81 | 93.71 |
| Gadsden, AL | 12.35 | 43.33 | 13.91 | 24.12 | 93.70 |
| DuBois, PA | 12.41 | 43.29 | 14.14 | 23.84 | 93.68 |
| State College, PA | 14.17 | 42.02 | 13.64 | 23.84 | 93.67 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | 12.60 | 42.51 | 14.31 | 24.24 | 93.66 |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL | 12.44 | 42.63 | 14.48 | 24.12 | 93.66 |
| Dothan, AL | 12.47 | 42.84 | 14.20 | 24.12 | 93.63 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL | 13.02 | 42.05 | 13.59 | 24.96 | 93.62 |
| Monroe, MI | 12.48 | 42.71 | 13.86 | 24.56 | 93.61 |
| Ocala, FL | 12.37 | 42.25 | 14.03 | 24.96 | 93.61 |
| El Paso, TX | 13.10 | 42.03 | 14.17 | 24.31 | 93.61 |
| Wisconsin Rapids-Marshfield, WI | 12.47 | 42.26 | 14.33 | 24.53 | 93.59 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL | 12.33 | 43.84 | 13.30 | 24.12 | 93.59 |
| Janesville-Beloit, WI | 12.95 | 42.34 | 13.77 | 24.53 | 93.58 |
| Madison, WI | 13.43 | 42.47 | 13.15 | 24.53 | 93.57 |
| Jacksonville, NC | 12.49 | 46.15 | 13.73 | 21.19 | 93.56 |
| Erie, PA | 13.28 | 42.09 | 14.32 | 23.84 | 93.54 |
| New Castle, PA | 12.43 | 43.08 | 14.18 | 23.84 | 93.52 |
| Kingsville, TX | 12.56 | 42.54 | 14.09 | 24.31 | 93.50 |
| Eau Claire, WI | 13.48 | 41.86 | 13.59 | 24.53 | 93.45 |
| Waco, TX | 12.03 | 43.22 | 13.89 | 24.31 | 93.45 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | 14.00 | 41.33 | 13.14 | 24.96 | 93.44 |
| Killeen-Temple, TX | 12.52 | 42.56 | 14.03 | 24.31 | 93.42 |
| Meridian, MS | 12.44 | 42.67 | 14.50 | 23.80 | 93.42 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | 12.62 | 42.76 | 14.14 | 23.89 | 93.41 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | 13.07 | 42.00 | 13.58 | 24.75 | 93.40 |
| El Dorado, AR | 12.40 | 43.09 | 14.00 | 23.89 | 93.37 |
| Hammond, LA | 12.37 | 41.71 | 14.33 | 24.95 | 93.36 |
| Tyler, TX | 12.72 | 42.62 | 13.68 | 24.31 | 93.32 |
| Decatur, AL | 12.31 | 42.66 | 14.23 | 24.12 | 93.32 |
| Ottumwa, IA | 12.33 | 42.62 | 14.12 | 24.24 | 93.31 |
| Ames, IA | 13.58 | 41.59 | 13.89 | 24.24 | 93.31 |
| Baraboo, WI | 12.51 | 42.54 | 13.73 | 24.53 | 93.31 |
| Marquette, MI | 12.66 | 42.34 | 13.73 | 24.56 | 93.29 |
| Clinton, IA | 12.40 | 42.64 | 13.97 | 24.24 | 93.25 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | 12.86 | 42.50 | 13.32 | 24.56 | 93.24 |
| Opelousas, LA | 12.50 | 41.75 | 14.03 | 24.95 | 93.23 |
| Tupelo, MS | 12.43 | 42.51 | 14.46 | 23.80 | 93.21 |
| Johnstown, PA | 12.47 | 42.64 | 14.24 | 23.84 | 93.20 |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | 12.44 | 42.29 | 14.33 | 24.12 | 93.19 |
| Huntsville, AL | 12.64 | 42.56 | 13.86 | 24.12 | 93.18 |
| Sturgis, MI | 12.44 | 42.21 | 13.95 | 24.56 | 93.16 |
| Muskegon, MI | 12.54 | 42.06 | 13.91 | 24.56 | 93.07 |
| Carbondale-Marion, IL | 12.54 | 45.45 | 14.16 | 20.90 | 93.05 |
| Searcy, AR | 12.42 | 42.73 | 13.95 | 23.89 | 92.99 |
| Watertown-Fort Atkinson, WI | 12.37 | 42.38 | 13.68 | 24.53 | 92.96 |
| Roanoke, VA | 12.97 | 45.27 | 13.92 | 20.81 | 92.96 |
| Panama City, FL | 11.81 | 42.69 | 13.49 | 24.96 | 92.95 |
| Chambersburg-Waynesboro, PA | 12.50 | 42.83 | 13.76 | 23.84 | 92.93 |
Methodology
To find the best states & cities for veterans to live in, we took data on various veteran benefits and general state factors and combined it with survey data we sent to our veteran audience. Our internal survey had veterans rate the following variables based on how important they were to the veteran:
- Property tax exemptions (for disabled veterans)
- Tax exemptions on military retirement pay/income tax exemptions
- The amount of VA benefits locations per veteran
- The amount of VA health facilities and other hospitals per veteran
- Cost of living, including which includes gas, groceries, utilities, and more
- veteran population
- Weather
- veteran unemployment
- Other state benefits for veterans, such as grants and education benefits
- Military bases in the state
- Quality of life factors, such as air quality and state infrastructure
- State support for homeless veterans
For the city methodology, we included all of the above in the state score in addition to individualized, local variables. The variables were compiled into a single state score to reduce the over-representation of the top states in our city analysis. Some state variables were available at the local level. For variables where this was the case, we excluded those from the new state score to avoid double-weighted variables, though they were still included for the original top 10 state results.
Unique localized variables included:
- The quality of VA health facilities
- Veteran population growth year over year
- Disabled veteran population
- Home affordability
- Access to nearby airports
- Violent crime rates
- Property crime rates
These variables and the extracted state variables fall into three broad categories: Quality of Life, Community and Benefits, and Financial Ease and Economic Opportunity. These categories were segmented to show clean data results in the Best Cities for Retired Veterans section.
We took the following steps to score our states:
- Collection and evaluation of data sources
- Transformation of categorical variables via encoding
- Normalization of each variable through min-max scaling techniques
- Multiplication of the normalized scores based on the following weights from our veteran survey, with weights adding up to a scale of 100:
- Property tax exemptions for disabled veterans (Highest weight, 13.79%)
- Tax exemptions on military retirement pay/income tax exemptions (Second highest weight, 10.34%)
- The amount of VA benefits locations per veteran (Second highest weight, 10.34%)
- The amount of VA health facilities and other hospitals per veteran (Second highest weight, 10.34%)
- Cost of living, including which includes gas, groceries, utilities, and more (Highest weight, 13.79%)
- Veteran population (Highest weight, 13.79%)
- Weather (Small weight, 3.45%)
- Veteran unemployment (Middle weight, 6.9%)
- Miscellaneous state benefits for veterans, such as grants and education benefits (Small weight, 3.45%)
- Military bases in the state (Small weight, 3.45%)
- Quality of life factors, such as air quality and state infrastructure (Small weight, 3.45%)
- State support for homeless veterans (Middle weight, 6.9%)
Data sources: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Census Bureau and Current Population Survey (CPS), U.S. News and World Report, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Council for Community and Economic Research, Realtor.com, and World Population Review.
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