Veterans United conducted an in-depth analysis of over 500 cities across the United States to determine which locations offer the best environment for veterans.
The study focused on four key themes:
- Financial Well-Being: Evaluating income levels, employment opportunities, and cost of living.
- Community Support: Measuring veteran-specific community programs, organizations, and social support.
- Healthcare and Facilities: Assessing the availability and quality of medical facilities, particularly those catering to veterans.
- Quality of Life: Considering safety, recreation, climate, and overall livability from a veteran’s perspective.
Each city below is ranked based on a combined performance across the four key themes. Lower numbers indicate a better ranking in that category (i.e., closer to #1 out of 500+ cities).
1. Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida
- Financial Well-Being: 339
- Community Support: 313
- Healthcare and Facilities: 64
- Quality of Life: 6
Why It Stands Out: Exceptional quality of life and access to healthcare make this Florida metro area a top choice for veterans.
2. Rochester, Minnesota
- Financial Well-Being: 353
- Community Support: 276
- Healthcare and Facilities: 1
- Quality of Life: 127
Why It Stands Out: Known for its world-class medical care, Rochester tops the healthcare rankings.
3. Wichita Falls, Texas
- Financial Well-Being: 38
- Community Support: 1
- Healthcare and Facilities: 380
- Quality of Life: 335
Why It Stands Out: The city offers strong financial and community support, though healthcare infrastructure is limited.
4. San Antonio-New Braunfels, Texas
- Financial Well-Being: 143
- Community Support: 110
- Healthcare and Facilities: 318
- Quality of Life: 22
Why It Stands Out: A vibrant city with rich military history and a strong veteran community.
5. Fargo, North Dakota-Minnesota
- Financial Well-Being: 324
- Community Support: 408
- Healthcare and Facilities: 3
- Quality of Life: 57
Why It Stands Out: Excellent healthcare services rank Fargo near the top, despite weaker community support.
6. Punta Gorda, Florida
- Financial Well-Being: 366
- Community Support: 31
- Healthcare and Facilities: 156
- Quality of Life: 38
Why It Stands Out: A peaceful Gulf Coast city offering strong community engagement and a high quality of life.
7. Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Financial Well-Being: 367
- Community Support: 9
- Healthcare and Facilities: 438
- Quality of Life: 62
Why It Stands Out: A military hub with exceptional community support for veterans.
8. Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Florida
- Financial Well-Being: 441
- Community Support: 151
- Healthcare and Facilities: 482
- Quality of Life: 7
Why It Stands Out: Although healthcare access is limited, the area boasts one of the best overall lifestyles.
9. Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, Florida
- Financial Well-Being: 447
- Community Support: 3
- Healthcare and Facilities: 424
- Quality of Life: 130
Why It Stands Out: Incredible support networks for veterans despite challenges in healthcare access.
10. Watertown-Fort Drum, New York
- Financial Well-Being: 156
- Community Support: 81
- Healthcare and Facilities: 34
- Quality of Life: 113
Why It Stands Out: Home to a large military population and solid healthcare rankings.
11. Charleston-North Charleston, South Carolina
- Financial Well-Being: 402
- Community Support: 143
- Healthcare and Facilities: 89
- Quality of Life: 12
Why It Stands Out: High livability and access to medical facilities make Charleston a strong contender.
12. Medford, Oregon
- Financial Well-Being: 400
- Community Support: 18
- Healthcare and Facilities: 323
- Quality of Life: 15
Why It Stands Out: A welcoming community and beautiful surroundings appeal to many veterans.
13. Altoona, Pennsylvania
- Financial Well-Being: 56
- Community Support: 131
- Healthcare and Facilities: 16
- Quality of Life: 135
Why It Stands Out: Strong financial stability and excellent healthcare rank Altoona high for veteran comfort.
14. Sioux Falls, South Dakota
- Financial Well-Being: 173
- Community Support: 357
- Healthcare and Facilities: 2
- Quality of Life: 217
Why It Stands Out: A top destination for healthcare, despite weaker community programs.
15. Dubuque, Iowa
- Financial Well-Being: 51
- Community Support: 332
- Healthcare and Facilities: 257
- Quality of Life: 31
Why It Stands Out: Excellent financial opportunities and a strong quality of life for veterans.
Alicia Richards