Key Takeaways
- The best places for veterans to live vary based on individual priorities, including housing costs, healthcare, employment and veteran resources.
- Large military communities can provide strong veteran support networks, while smaller and more affordable metros may offer greater housing affordability.
- State tax policies can affect the overall cost of living, particularly for veterans receiving military retirement income or qualifying for disability-related benefits.
- A VA home loan can be part of the homebuying strategy, but veterans should compare the total cost of living and housing options in each community before choosing where to put down roots.
Choosing where to settle after military service is a major decision, and the best places for veterans to live can offer a combination of affordability, healthcare, veteran resources and quality of life. For veterans and military families considering where to put down roots, factors like housing costs, veteran population, access to VA healthcare and state benefits can make a meaningful difference. A recent study evaluated hundreds of metropolitan and micropolitan areas across the country to identify some of the best cities for veterans based on these factors.
What Makes a City Veteran-Friendly?
There isn’t one factor that determines whether a community is a good fit for veterans. The study behind this list evaluated 23 different factors across 602 metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas. It also surveyed 200 veterans to help determine how those factors should be weighted.
The analysis placed additional emphasis on areas with strong veteran populations and resources, while also considering financial factors such as housing prices and cost of living.
For veterans considering using a VA home loan, affordability can be especially important. A community with a strong military presence and access to veteran services can also make the transition into civilian life easier.
10 of the Best Places for Veterans to Live
1. Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, Virginia-North Carolina
The Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk metro area has a deep connection to the military, largely because of the presence of Naval Station Norfolk and other major military installations.
The area has approximately 194,678 veterans and one of the country’s larger veteran populations. Housing remains relatively moderate for a coastal market, with a median listing price of about $412,500 in the study.
Veterans also have access to VA healthcare, military resources, beaches and more than 200 miles of shoreline. Virginia provides property tax relief for qualifying veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability, along with certain benefits for surviving spouses.
The combination of a large military community, coastal lifestyle and veteran resources makes Hampton Roads a notable option for veterans considering the region.
2. San Antonio-New Braunfels, Texas
San Antonio has long been closely connected to the military, with Joint Base San Antonio serving as a major presence in the region.
The metro has approximately 200,411 veterans, making it one of the largest veteran communities in the study. It also offers relatively affordable housing, with a median listing price of approximately $323,950.
Texas does not have a state income tax and does not tax military retirement income. Qualifying disabled veterans may also receive property tax exemptions.
Beyond its veteran resources, San Antonio offers a lower cost of living than many major metros, along with attractions such as the River Walk, historic missions and a growing economy.
3. Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville combines a large veteran community with relatively affordable housing and access to Florida’s coastline.
The metro has approximately 141,594 veterans and ranked highly for veterans per capita in the study. Its median listing price was approximately $385,000.
Florida does not have a state income tax or tax military retirement income. Qualifying disabled veterans may also receive property tax exemptions.
Veterans have access to VA facilities and nearby military installations, while Jacksonville’s beaches, parks and growing economy provide plenty of options outside of work.
4. Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, Tennessee
Nashville offers a different environment, with a large economy, healthcare infrastructure, entertainment and a growing population.
The metro has approximately 94,635 veterans and performed particularly well for healthcare access. The major drawback for many buyers is housing affordability, with a median listing price of approximately $529,000 in the study.
Tennessee does not tax military retirement income, and qualifying disabled veterans may be eligible for property tax relief.
Veterans also have access to the Nashville VA Medical Center and additional military resources in the surrounding region. Murfreesboro and Franklin provide additional communities outside Nashville’s urban core.
Veterans also have access to the Nashville VA Medical Center and additional military resources in the surrounding region. Murfreesboro and Franklin provide additional communities outside Nashville’s urban core.
6. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City stands out for veterans who place a high priority on affordability.
The metro has approximately 89,162 veterans and performed particularly well for financial well-being in the study. Its median listing price was approximately $318,450, giving buyers more purchasing power than many larger metropolitan areas.
Oklahoma does not tax military retirement income and provides property tax exemptions for qualifying disabled veterans, including a full homestead exemption for veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability.
The presence of Tinker Air Force Base also contributes to the area’s military connection. Outside of work, residents have access to Bricktown, Scissortail Park, museums, restaurants and other entertainment options.
7. Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, Texas
Austin’s strong economy and growing technology sector make it an appealing option for veterans transitioning into civilian careers.
The metro has approximately 108,817 veterans, with a median listing price of about $470,000 in the study. Housing costs are higher than some other cities on this list, but Texas’s lack of a state income tax and tax exemption for military retirement income can offset some expenses for eligible residents.
Veterans also have access to VA healthcare and a growing support network.
For those who enjoy an active lifestyle, Austin offers extensive outdoor recreation, including trails, parks, lakes and the Barton Creek Greenbelt, along with its well-known music and food scenes.
7. Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, Texas
Austin’s strong economy and growing technology sector make it an appealing option for veterans transitioning into civilian careers.
The metro has approximately 108,817 veterans, with a median listing price of about $470,000 in the study. Housing costs are higher than some other cities on this list, but Texas’s lack of a state income tax and tax exemption for military retirement income can offset some expenses for eligible residents.
Veterans also have access to VA healthcare and a growing support network.
For those who enjoy an active lifestyle, Austin offers extensive outdoor recreation, including trails, parks, lakes and the Barton Creek Greenbelt, along with its well-known music and food scenes.
8. St. Louis, Missouri-Illinois
St. Louis offers a combination of affordable housing, healthcare resources and a sizable veteran community.
The metro has approximately 155,770 veterans, while its median listing price of approximately $237,500 was among the lowest of the top-ranked metros in the study.
Missouri does not tax military retirement income. Veterans may also qualify for certain property tax benefits depending on their circumstances and location.
The area provides access to VA healthcare, medical institutions, sports, museums and established neighborhoods. For veterans focused on keeping housing costs manageable while maintaining access to healthcare and city amenities, St. Louis offers a different option from the more expensive coastal markets.
The area provides access to VA healthcare, medical institutions, sports, museums and established neighborhoods. For veterans focused on keeping housing costs manageable while maintaining access to healthcare and city amenities, St. Louis offers a different option from the more expensive coastal markets.
10. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas
Dallas-Fort Worth offers one of the largest and most diverse veteran communities on the list.
The metro has approximately 325,572 veterans, while its median listing price was approximately $420,000 in the study. The region also recorded strong veteran population growth.
Texas does not tax military retirement income or have a state income tax. Qualifying disabled veterans may also receive property tax exemptions.
DFW provides access to multiple VA healthcare facilities, military installations, major airports and a broad employment market. Veterans can choose from urban neighborhoods, established suburbs and communities farther outside the metro area.
Other Cities That Stand Out for Veterans
The study also highlighted individual metro areas that performed particularly well in specific categories.
| Category | Top Metro |
| Highest veteran population per capita | Danville, Illinois |
| Lowest home prices | Danville, Illinois |
| Most healthcare resources per capita | Rochester, Minnesota |
| Lowest cost of living | Tupelo, Mississippi |
| Most entertainment and food venues per capita | Ocean Pines, Maryland |
Other communities that ranked highly across these individual categories included Johnstown, Pennsylvania; Pine Bluff, Arkansas; Ann Arbor, Michigan; Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, Texas.
These rankings highlight an important point: the best places to live for veterans can look very different depending on what matters most to you.
What Veterans Should Consider Before Choosing a City
A city’s ranking is only one part of the decision. Veterans and military families should consider how a community fits their own priorities and budget.
Housing Affordability
Home prices can vary dramatically from one metro to another. A lower-cost market may allow a VA buyer to purchase more home while keeping monthly payments manageable.
VA Healthcare
Access to VA hospitals and outpatient clinics can be especially important for veterans who regularly use VA healthcare services. Look at both the number of facilities and their distance from the neighborhoods you’re considering.
Veteran Community
A large veteran population can provide opportunities to build connections with other former service members and find local organizations, events and support services.
Employment Opportunities
Veterans transitioning into civilian careers may want to prioritize areas with strong employment opportunities in industries that match their military experience and skills.
Taxes and Military Benefits
State policies can affect your overall cost of living. Some states don’t tax military retirement income, while others offer property tax benefits to qualifying disabled veterans.
Quality of Life
Cost isn’t everything. Recreation, schools, entertainment, transportation, climate and proximity to family can all influence whether a community feels like the right long-term fit.
Using a VA Home Loan to Put Down Roots
For eligible veterans and service members, a VA home loan can be an important part of the homebuying process.VA loans can offer benefits such as no down payment for qualified borrowers, no monthly mortgage insurance and competitive financing options, although eligibility and lender requirements apply.Where you choose to live can also affect how far your housing budget goes. Comparing home prices, property taxes, insurance costs and local living expenses can help you determine which communities fit your overall financial picture.
A mortgage professional can help you understand your VA financing options and estimate what your monthly payment could look like in different markets.
Bottom Line
The best places for veterans to live depend on more than a city’s ranking. Affordability, healthcare, veteran resources, employment opportunities, taxes and lifestyle can all play a role in finding the right community.
The cities highlighted in this study range from large military hubs like San Antonio and Virginia Beach to more affordable markets like Oklahoma City and St. Louis. Veterans should use these rankings as a starting point, then compare individual communities based on their own priorities and homebuying budget.
If you’re considering buying a home after military service, a Loan Pronto mortgage professional can also help you understand how a VA home loan could fit into your plans and what your purchasing power may look like in different markets.
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