Transitioning to civilian life involves numerous significant changes, and for many veterans, this includes deciding where to live.
Choosing the right city can significantly impact your quality of life, access to resources, and overall well-being.
Some cities and states are more supportive of veterans than others, offering a range of benefits and programs tailored to meet their unique needs.
This guide will help you navigate the decision-making process by highlighting key factors and showcasing the top 15 cities where veterans can thrive.
What Makes a City Veteran-Friendly?
A veteran-friendly city excels in several key areas, providing a supportive environment that addresses the specific needs of former military personnel. These areas include financial well-being, community support, healthcare and facilities, and overall quality of life.
- Financial Well-Being:
- Job Opportunities and Cost of Living: A city with a robust job market and an affordable cost of living can ease the financial transition for veterans.
- Tax Exemptions and Financial Assistance Programs: Many states offer tax exemptions for disabled veterans and financial assistance programs to help with housing, education, and other essential needs.
- Community Support:
- Active Veteran Communities: Strong social networks and support systems can provide camaraderie and assistance.
- Community Appreciation: A welcoming community that appreciates and engages with veterans can foster a sense of belonging and purpose.
- Healthcare and Facilities:
- Access to VA Facilities: Proximity to Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals and clinics ensures access to quality healthcare services.
- Quality Healthcare Options: Beyond VA facilities, access to a range of healthcare providers is crucial for comprehensive medical care.
- Quality of Life:
- Recreational and Social Activities: Opportunities for leisure and social engagement enhance overall well-being.
- Safe and Welcoming Environment: A secure and inclusive environment contributes to a higher quality of life.
Ranked: The 15 Best Cities for Veterans
Veterans United gathered data from over 500 cities in the United States, analyzing themes such as financial well-being, community support, healthcare, and quality of life as it relates to veterans.
They also surveyed more than 600 veterans to gain a real-life perspective of the variables connected to living in each city. Here are the top 15 cities that made the list:
1. Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida
- Overall, Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater ranks high in providing a supportive environment for veterans.
- Financial Well-being: 339
- Community Support: 313
- Healthcare and Facilities: 64
- Quality of Life: 6
2. Rochester, Minnesota
- Rochester stands out for its exceptional healthcare facilities.
- Financial Well-being: 353
- Community Support: 276
- Healthcare and Facilities: 1
- Quality of Life: 127
3. Wichita Falls, Texas
- Wichita Falls is recognized for its strong community support and financial well-being.
- Financial Well-being: 38
- Community Support: 1
- Healthcare and Facilities: 380
- Quality of Life: 335
4. San Antonio-New Braunfels, Texas
- This Texan city balances financial well-being, community support, healthcare, and quality of life.
- Financial Well-being: 143
- Community Support: 110
- Healthcare and Facilities: 318
- Quality of Life: 22
5. Fargo, North Dakota-Minnesota
- Fargo is noted for its strong healthcare facilities.
- Financial Well-being: 324
- Community Support: 408
- Healthcare and Facilities: 3
- Quality of Life: 57
6. Punta Gorda, Florida
- Punta Gorda offers good community support for veterans.
- Financial Well-being: 366
- Community Support: 31
- Healthcare and Facilities: 156
- Quality of Life: 38
7. Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, Virginia-North Carolina
- This coastal area provides strong community support.
- Financial Well-being: 367
- Community Support: 9
- Healthcare and Facilities: 438
- Quality of Life: 62
8. Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Florida
- Cape Coral-Fort Myers has a good quality of life.
- Financial Well-being: 441
- Community Support: 151
- Healthcare and Facilities: 482
- Quality of Life: 7
9. Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, Florida
- Located in the Florida panhandle, this area has strong community support.
- Financial Well-being: 447
- Community Support: 3
- Healthcare and Facilities: 424
- Quality of Life: 130
10. Watertown-Fort Drum, New York
- Watertown-Fort Drum is known for its good healthcare facilities.
- Financial Well-being: 156
- Community Support: 81
- Healthcare and Facilities: 34
- Quality of Life: 113
11. Charleston-North Charleston, South Carolina
- Charleston-North Charleston offers a high quality of life.
- Financial Well-being: 402
- Community Support: 143
- Healthcare and Facilities: 89
- Quality of Life: 12
12. Medford, Oregon
- Medford has strong community support.
- Financial Well-being: 400
- Community Support: 18
- Healthcare and Facilities: 323
- Quality of Life: 15
13. Altoona, Pennsylvania
- Altoona provides strong healthcare facilities and financial well-being.
- Financial Well-being: 56
- Community Support: 131
- Healthcare and Facilities: 16
- Quality of Life: 135
14. Sioux Falls, South Dakota
- Sioux Falls excels in healthcare facilities.
- Financial Well-being: 173
- Community Support: 357
- Healthcare and Facilities: 2
- Quality of Life: 217
15. Dubuque, Iowa
- Dubuque offers strong financial well-being for veterans.
- Financial Well-being: 51
- Community Support: 332
- Healthcare and Facilities: 257
- Quality of Life: 31
Alicia Richards