Navigating retirement can be a challenging job for military veterans, especially when choosing the right state to settle down.
With nearly two million military retirees in the U.S., the need for tailored support and resources is critical. Factors like state taxation on retirement pay, access to VA facilities, and healthcare quality play a significant role in determining the best and worst states for military retiree care.
Recent analyses reveal that states such as South Carolina and Florida rank high for their supportive environments, while others may fall short.
By evaluating key metrics, veterans can make informed decisions that enhance their quality of life and ensure they receive the care they deserve.
Understanding these rankings can pave the way for a smoother transition into civilian life, allowing veterans to thrive in their post-service years.
1: South Carolina
South Carolina ranks as the best state for military retirees due to its veteran-friendly policies. The state doesn’t tax military pensions, allowing retirees to keep more of their income.
South Carolina offers academic credit for military service, making the GI Bill even more beneficial.
Also, it has preferential hiring for veterans seeking state jobs, enhancing employment opportunities.
With excellent healthcare options, including high-ranking VA hospitals, South Carolina is an ideal choice for veterans transitioning to civilian life.
2: Florida
Florida ranks second overall for military retirees, thanks to its favorable environment. It boasts a wealth of VA services and tax advantages, making it an ideal retirement choice.
Veterans benefit from seven medical centers, 50 outpatient clinics, and numerous counseling centers, ensuring extensive healthcare access.
Florida ranks fifth in the nation for colleges, offering military service credit, which shortens degree completion times.
The state also enjoys a robust job growth rate, ranking fourth, which is crucial for veterans re-entering the workforce. With these advantages, Florida provides a supportive and vibrant community for military retirees.
3: Virginia
Virginia ranks third for military retirees thanks to its strong support systems. Virginia boasts the second-highest percentage of veteran-owned businesses, fostering economic opportunities.
Virginia has the third-lowest veteran homelessness rate at just 0.05%, ensuring veterans have stable housing. Virginia also features the fourth-most mental health counselors per capita, enhancing access to necessary mental health care.
Virginia implements policies like preferential hiring for veterans and treatment courts, facilitating smoother transitions. Virginia’s funding from the Department of Defense per capita is among the highest, highlighting its commitment to veteran welfare.
4: Maryland
Maryland ranks fourth overall for military retirees, offering solid support through its healthcare resources and veteran programs.
The state excels in health care accessibility, featuring a robust network of VA facilities. Maryland has a significant number of outpatient clinics and three major VA medical centers, providing essential health services.
Tax policies favor military retirees, as Maryland exempts military retirement pay from state taxation. Veterans in Maryland also benefit from numerous educational opportunities, including tuition assistance and credit for military experience.
While Maryland provides many resources, it faces challenges with the veteran suicide rate, which remains higher than the national average.
Continuous efforts are needed to improve mental health services and community support systems for veterans.
5: North Dakota
North Dakota ranks fifth for military retirees due to its favorable economic environment and quality of life. The state offers a strong veteran community and numerous VA facilities, ensuring accessible healthcare services.
North Dakota exempts military retirement pay from state taxes, enhancing financial stability. Also, it boasts a low cost of living, which benefits retirees.
While the healthcare rankings are moderate, the state’s commitment to veterans through various support programs makes it an appealing choice for military retirees.
6: Minnesota
Minnesota ranks sixth for military retirees, thanks to its extensive support networks and healthcare access. The state offers a comprehensive range of VA facilities, including several outpatient clinics and a major VA medical center.
Minnesota provides tax exemptions on military retirement pay, which contributes to a favorable financial environment for retirees. It also boasts a high quality of life, with low crime rates and numerous recreational opportunities.
The veteran population benefits from programs that assist with job placement and housing, helping them transition smoothly into civilian life.
Mental health services are robust, with a significant number of mental health professionals available to support veterans.
Overall, Minnesota combines supportive policies and excellent community resources, making it an attractive option for military retirees.
7: Alaska
Alaska ranks high for military retirees due to its strong veteran community and available services. It hosts nine military installations and multiple VA clinics, ensuring accessible healthcare.
While the cost of living is higher, generous state benefits like housing programs and job incentives attract many veterans.
8: Connecticut
Connecticut ranks eighth for military retirees, offering a mix of solid support and resources. The state provides tax exemptions on military retirement pay, helping veterans maintain financial stability.
Connecticut also benefits from a high number of VA facilities, enhancing access to healthcare services.
However, the veteran suicide rate remains a concern, indicating a need for improved mental health support.
The state invests in educational programs, providing tuition assistance and military experience credit, facilitating smoother transitions for veterans.
Overall, Connecticut stands out as a supportive environment despite some challenges related to mental health services.
9: New Hampshire
New Hampshire scores well for military retirees due to its strong healthcare access and community support.
The state features no taxes on military retirement pay, ensuring financial relief. New Hampshire offers several VA facilities, enhancing healthcare options for veterans. Also, the state prioritizes mental health services, tackling veteran suicide rates effectively.
With a low cost of living, it’s an appealing choice for those seeking a peaceful retirement environment.
Community programs provide valuable resources for job placement and housing assistance, aiding veterans in transitioning to civilian life.
10: South Dakota
South Dakota ranks tenth for military retirees, offering a supportive community and a decent quality of life. It provides tax exemptions on military retirement pay, enhancing financial stability.
The state features several VA facilities, ensuring access to necessary healthcare services. However, its healthcare quality lags behind top contenders, indicating room for improvement in mental health and overall veteran support.
11: North Carolina
North Carolina ranks notably for military retirees due to its diverse resources and supportive programs. The state offers tax benefits on military retirement pay, improving financial stability.
It also has a solid number of VA facilities, ensuring veterans access to healthcare. North Carolina prioritizes education, providing veterans with tuition assistance, which eases their transition to civilian life.
However, the veteran suicide rate remains a concern, highlighting the need for enhanced mental health services.
Overall, North Carolina blends promising conditions for retirees with room for improvement in veteran care.
12: Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania ranks twelfth for military retirees, offering decent support through various programs and resources.
The state provides tax exemptions on military retirement pay, enhancing financial security. It features numerous VA facilities, ensuring healthcare access.
However, it faces challenges with higher veteran suicide rates, indicating a need for improved mental health support initiatives.
13: Wyoming
Wyoming ranks lower for military retirees due to limited VA facilities and healthcare services. The state does offer tax exemptions on military retirement pay but struggles with veteran support programs.
Housing options are available, yet access to mental health resources remains a challenge.
14: Alabama
Alabama ranks 14th for military retirees, boasting a low cost of living with assisted living averaging $3,503 per month.
The state doesn’t tax military retirement income, providing significant financial relief. It offers access to 38 VA facilities per capita, the fifth best in the country.
The healthcare options, while decent, highlight the need for ongoing support services for veterans transitioning to civilian life.
15: Michigan
Michigan ranks low for military retirees due to high living costs and average healthcare access. It offers limited VA facilities and faces a concerning veteran suicide rate.
Tax exemptions on military retirement pay are available, yet the overall support remains below the national average.
16: Massachusetts
Massachusetts ranks 16th for military retirees, benefiting from comprehensive healthcare options and strong educational programs.
The state provides tax exemptions on military retirement income, supporting financial security. However, challenges exist with limited VA facilities and higher living costs, impacting overall veteran satisfaction.
17: Ohio
Ohio ranks lower for military retirees due to several challenges. Ohio offers tax exemptions on military retirement pay, which improves financial stability.
The state features a fair number of VA facilities, providing access to healthcare, but it lacks the robust support systems seen in higher-ranking states.
While some educational benefits exist, the overall quality of mental health services needs improvement to address veteran needs effectively.
18: Arizona
Arizona ranks 18th for military retirees, offering a mix of advantages and challenges. It provides tax exemptions on military retirement pay, enhancing financial appeal.
However, the state has a limited number of VA facilities, which can restrict healthcare access. Arizona’s veteran population benefits from various support programs, yet the veteran suicide rate remains a concern, indicating a need for improved mental health resources.
19: Oklahoma
Oklahoma ranks lower for military retirees due to limited access to VA facilities and inconsistent healthcare services.
The state offers tax exemptions on military retirement pay, but the overall veteran support system lacks essential resources.
20: Wisconsin
Wisconsin ranks 20th for military retirees, offering moderate support through tax exemptions on military retirement pay.
It features several VA facilities, enhancing healthcare access. However, challenges remain with higher veteran suicide rates, indicating ongoing needs for improved mental health services.
The state’s commitment to veteran resources, though present, requires further development to enhance overall veteran care.
21: West Virginia
West Virginia supports its military retirees with the highest state funding of $1,915 per veteran. The state benefits from a low percentage of residents, just 21%, paying over 30% of their income on housing costs.
Military retirees also enjoy no taxation on their retirement pay, increasing their financial stability.
22: Maine
Maine ranks low for military retirees due to limited VA facilities and higher living costs. It offers basic tax exemptions on military retirement pay but struggles with access to quality healthcare and veteran support services.
23: Montana
Montana ranks 23rd for military retirees, offering a blend of resources and challenges. It provides tax exemptions on military retirement pay, which helps financial stability. However, the state faces limited VA facilities, impacting healthcare access.
The veteran population benefits from community programs, yet mental health services require improvement.
While Montana’s scenic beauty is appealing, the healthcare support network could enhance veteran care significantly.
24: Arkansas
Arkansas ranks 24th for military retirees, offering mixed support despite some favorable aspects. The state provides tax exemptions on military retirement pay, which enhances financial security.
However, it has a limited number of VA facilities, impacting healthcare access for veterans. While Arkansas features community programs aimed at veterans, the overall healthcare quality and mental health resources need improvement to better support this population.
25: Kansas
Kansas ranks as a mixed option for military retirees due to its moderate healthcare access and support. It offers tax exemptions on military retirement pay, providing some financial relief.
However, the number of VA facilities is limited, which affects available healthcare services. Mental health resources require improvement, highlighting the need for enhanced programs to better support veterans in the state.
26: Utah
Utah ranks as a mixed choice for military retirees, primarily due to its limited number of VA facilities.
While the state offers tax exemptions on military retirement pay, it lacks robust mental health services to support veterans.
The cost of living is reasonable, but access to quality healthcare remains a concern for the retired military community.
27: Louisiana
Louisiana ranks 27th for military retirees, facing challenges in healthcare access and support services. The state offers tax exemptions on military retirement pay, enhancing financial relief.
However, limited VA facilities affect healthcare availability, and the veteran suicide rate is a concern, highlighting the need for improved mental health resources.
28: Texas
Texas ranks 28th for military retirees due to several challenges. It features a moderate number of VA facilities, which can limit access to healthcare services for veterans.
While the state does provide tax exemptions on military retirement pay, the overall quality of mental health support is lacking.
Also, Texas faces issues with higher living costs in certain areas, impacting many retirees’ financial stability.
Improvements in community resources and veteran programs are essential to enhance support for those who’ve served.
29: Hawaii
Hawaii ranks lower for military retirees due to its high cost of living and limited state funding for veterans. While the state has a vibrant community and natural beauty, the tax burden may impact financial stability.
With only 10 VA facilities, access to healthcare is restricted. The state offers quality health care, ranking first nationally, but the high living expenses can offset this advantage.
Also, veterans face unique challenges, as Hawaii has the second lowest rate of veteran suicide, indicating a pressing need for mental health support.
30: Missouri
Missouri ranks low for military retirees due to limited support and healthcare resources. It features a modest number of VA facilities, which restricts healthcare access.
Although the state offers tax exemptions on military retirement pay, the overall cost of living remains a concern.
Mental health services need improvement, as the veteran suicide rate is higher than the national average.
Community programs are present but require enhancements to effectively support veterans transitioning to civilian life.
31: Kentucky
Kentucky ranks lower for military retirees, facing several challenges in support and healthcare. It features limited VA facilities, reducing accessible healthcare options.
Despite offering tax exemptions on military retirement pay, mental health services need substantial improvement.
Also, the veteran community might benefit from enhanced support programs to aid in transitioning to civilian life.
32: Idaho
Idaho ranks 32nd for military retirees, presenting a mixed environment for veterans. It offers limited VA facilities, impacting healthcare accessibility.
Although the state does not tax military retirement pay, community support systems require enhancement to better serve veterans and their families.
33: Illinois
Illinois ranks 33rd for military retirees, offering limited support and resources. While veterans don’t pay state taxes on military retirement income, the number of VA facilities is insufficient.
The state faces challenges with mental health access, reflected in a higher veteran suicide rate. Community programs exist but require enhancements to better serve veterans and their families.
34: Georgia
Georgia ranks low for military retirees, facing several challenges in support and healthcare. The state rarely taxes military retirement pay, providing some financial relief.
However, its limited number of VA facilities restricts healthcare access, which is crucial for veterans. Mental health services also need improvement, as the veteran suicide rate remains concerning.
Community programs are present but lack sufficient resources, highlighting the need for enhancements to better support veterans transitioning to civilian life.
35: Delaware
Delaware ranks 35th for military retirees due to limited resources and healthcare access. It offers some tax exemptions on military retirement pay but has fewer VA facilities than higher-ranking states, restricting vital healthcare services.
36: Indiana
Indiana ranks as a less favorable state for military retirees. It features limited VA facilities, reducing healthcare accessibility.
While there are tax exemptions on military retirement income, community support services remain insufficient for veteran needs.
The state faces challenges with mental health resources, impacting overall veteran wellbeing.
37: New York
New York ranks lower for military retirees due to high living costs and limited healthcare access. It offers tax exemptions on military retirement income, but its few VA facilities restrict vital services.
Mental health support requires significant improvement, as the veteran suicide rate poses a concern. Community resources exist but need enhancement to better serve the veteran population.
38: New Jersey
New Jersey ranks lower for military retirees, primarily due to high living costs and limited access to VA facilities.
It offers tax exemptions on military retirement pay, but the number of available healthcare resources is insufficient, impacting veterans’ overall wellbeing.
The state struggles with mental health support, evident from elevated veteran suicide rates. Community programs aimed at assisting veterans exist but require significant improvement to better meet their needs.
39: Nebraska
Nebraska ranks 39th for military retirees due to limited VA facilities and healthcare options. It provides tax exemptions on military retirement pay, enhancing financial stability.
However, the state faces challenges with access to mental health services, necessitating improvements to better support veterans.
40: Rhode Island
Rhode Island ranks as a lower option for military retirees. It offers limited VA facilities, impacting healthcare access.
The state provides tax exemptions on military retirement pay, but the overall veteran support system requires significant improvement.
41: California
California ranks 41st for military retirees due to high living costs and limited VA services. It has a moderate number of VA facilities but struggles with mental health support, reflected in the state’s elevated veteran suicide rates.
Tax exemptions on military retirement pay exist, yet the overall financial environment remains challenging.
Community resources for veterans are present but require enhancements to more effectively support their transition to civilian life.
42: Colorado
Colorado ranks 42nd for military retirees due to limited access to VA facilities and healthcare services.
It offers tax exemptions on military retirement pay, providing some financial relief. However, with fewer mental health resources and support programs, veterans face challenges in transitioning to civilian life.
The cost of living is moderate, yet the overall support for veterans remains insufficient, impacting their quality of life.
43: Iowa
Iowa ranks lower for military retirees due to limited healthcare access and VA facilities. The state provides tax exemptions on military retirement pay, yet the overall veteran support system requires improvement.
Challenges persist with mental health resources, impacting veteran wellbeing.
44: Tennessee
Tennessee ranks 44th for military retirees, presenting several drawbacks in veteran care. It has limited access to VA facilities, which restricts healthcare options.
Although the state offers tax exemptions on military retirement pay, the overall support system lacks sufficient resources.
Mental health services require significant improvement, as the suicide rate among veterans remains a concern.
Community programs exist but need enhancements to effectively assist veterans transitioning to civilian life.
45: Mississippi
Mississippi ranks low for military retirees due to limited VA facilities and healthcare access. It struggles with mental health resources, impacting veteran support and overall wellbeing.
The state’s high veteran suicide rate highlights the need for enhanced community programs and services.
46: Washington
Washington ranks low for military retirees due to limited VA facilities and high living costs. It lacks sufficient mental health resources, contributing to a high veteran suicide rate. Access to healthcare services is inadequate, affecting overall veteran support.
47: Nevada
Nevada ranks low for military retirees, primarily due to limited VA facilities and healthcare access.
It offers tax exemptions on military retirement pay, but challenges persist in mental health resources, affecting overall veteran wellbeing and support.
48: Vermont
Vermont faces significant challenges for military retirees. It has the highest veteran suicide rate in the nation, 887 higher than the national average.
Access to VA healthcare is limited, requiring long travel distances for treatment, especially in rural areas.
The state imposes taxes on military retirement, contributing to lower discretionary income. Also, harsh winter conditions impact the overall quality of life for veterans.
49: New Mexico
New Mexico ranks low for military retirees due to limited VA facilities and healthcare services. The state provides tax exemptions on military retirement pay but struggles with inadequate mental health resources.
The overall support system requires significant improvements to better serve veterans and their families.
50: Oregon
Oregon ranks last for military retirees due to high taxes on military retirement income, significantly impacting financial stability. The state faces a high cost of living, leading to elevated homelessness among veterans.
Access to VA healthcare is limited, especially in rural regions, creating disparities in service quality and availability.
Mental health services also lag, contributing to challenges for veterans. Overall, Oregon’s economic environment and healthcare shortcomings hinder support for retirees.
Alicia Richards