What happens after you spend decades in the military? After years of packing up and moving from place to place and giving up so much for your country? You would hope that veterans are taken care of after devoting so much of themselves to the service. But the unfortunate truth is that it doesn’t always go that way.
Many military veterans feel like the U.S. doesn’t really take care of them. It’s heartbreaking to see so many veterans struggling with homelessness or living in poverty after all of their sacrifices.
One of the first things veterans have to figure out when their service ends is where to settle down. They want a place that values what they’ve done. A recent study looked closely at the 100 largest cities in America to find the top areas for veterans to live in—cities that offer great job opportunities, robust health care, and an overall high quality of life. Here’s a peek at the best and worst cities for veterans to call home.
Best: Raleigh, North Carolina
You might be wondering why Raleigh is number one on the list. Well, surprise, surprise—it has the lowest number of homeless veterans per capita.
Being near Seymour Johnson Air Force Base means connecting with a strong military community. While the cost of living is a bit higher than other parts of North Carolina, it remains 4% cheaper than the national average. With excellent schools and a low unemployment rate, a veteran’s future here looks bright!
Best: Austin, Texas
The vibe in Austin is perfect for veterans seeking new opportunities. It’s a tech hotspot, home to big names like Apple and Dell, making it easy to land a rewarding civilian job. The Veteran Entrepreneur Program is a fantastic resource for those wanting to start their own businesses. Further education is also possible through supportive veteran services at the University of Texas and Austin Community College.
Apart from working or studying, veterans can enjoy a lively music scene, mouthwatering BBQ, and outdoor fun. It all sounds amazing, but what’s the catch? Well, the cost of living here is 7% higher than the national average.
Best: Orlando, Florida
Veterans love Orlando, and it’s easy to see why! The lack of a state income tax means your hard-earned money stretches further here, and with one of the lowest property tax rates around, you can save even more. Plus, the Florida Homestead Exemption can help lower or eliminate property taxes for some homes.
On top of that, Orlando is a cultural playground. From theaters and music venues to museums and pro sports, there’s never a dull moment. The job market is booming, too, leading the nation in aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, and biotechnology.
Best: Tampa, Florida
Fresh food access, good air quality, and top-notch healthcare? All Check. Just like Orlando, Veterans find Tampa hard to resist since there’s no state income tax and special property tax exemptions for veterans with disabilities, making it a financially smart choice. As a bustling commercial hub, Tampa has one of the best job markets in the country, offering competitive salaries and low unemployment rates for veterans.
It is also home to the U.S. Special Operations Command and MacDill Air Force Base. But really, it’s those blue skies and warm sunshine in the city that everyone loves!
Best: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach is home to Naval Air Station Oceana. So not surprisingly, the city ranks fifth among the best places to live for veterans.
This city is bursting with history and culture, perfect for families who love to explore museums, shopping centers, and outdoor activities. Virginia Beach offers a more affordable living experience compared to other coastal cities, making it easy to settle in. You’ll also find top-rated hospitals and medical centers nearby, as well as an efficient public transportation system with buses, trolleys, and light rail to get you around town.
Best: Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale isn’t just a favorite for veterans—it consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in America. With beautiful warm weather year-round, abundant job opportunities, and plenty of fun attractions, it’s a great spot for anyone. Its walkability makes getting around easy and enjoyable.
The city has strong veteran-friendly policies that support personal and professional growth. Just a heads-up, though—the cost of living is on the higher side, mainly due to the steep housing market, so plan accordingly!
Worst: Detroit, Michigan
Detroit has found itself on the list of the worst cities for veterans, and it’s not hard to understand why. With a veteran unemployment rate of 9.4% and a lack of veteran-owned businesses, the challenges are real.
You might even come across people on the street holding signs saying “Help Me -Homeless Veteran,” highlighting the struggles many face. Almost 18% of veterans in the city live in poverty, and the median income for veterans is less than $27,000.
Worst: Jersey City, New Jersey
Jersey City is a vibrant urban hub with a stunning skyline and diverse neighborhoods that many adore. However, veterans might have a different take on the city.
Its proximity to New York City means the cost of living is steep, with housing expenses 79% higher than the national average and utility prices up by 5%. Traffic can be a hassle, and the noise pollution is tough to ignore. On top of that, the weather can be pretty unpredictable, making it a mixed bag for those who served.
Worst: Chicago, Illinois
The thing is, veterans just can’t overlook the crime rates in Chicago, which rank among the highest in the U.S., especially for violent crime. With a rate of 5.38 per 1,000 residents, it’s significantly above the national average.
Finding affordable housing can be a struggle here, too, as the cost of living is relatively high. On top of that, the city’s notorious traffic can be a major headache.
Worst: Memphis, Tennessee
Tennessee isn’t exactly a top choice for military retirees, especially when it comes to quality of life. The state has a limited number of Veterans Affairs facilities and mental health counselors, making it tough for veterans to get the support they need.
To make it worse, Memphis struggles with high violent and property crime rates, which can be a serious concern.
Worst: Newark, New Jersey
Newark has its share of challenges, including crime, poverty, and social inequality, which can make it less appealing, especially for those who have worn the uniform.
Living here isn’t cheap either—costs run about 16% higher than the national average. Many neighborhoods still face income and employment struggles, and the aging infrastructure can lead to issues with public services and transportation.
Worst: Indianapolis, Indiana
It can be frustrating for veterans looking for a supportive community when the resources just aren’t there. Indiana has a surprising number of veterans, but it falls short on veteran care infrastructure compared to states with smaller populations.
Despite Indianapolis’s efforts to support local veterans, it still struggles with quality-of-life metrics, like available discounts at restaurants and entertainment. While public buses are available, they don’t cover enough ground for a city this size.
Source: WalletHub
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