Updated for 2026 moves. Where you live after service drives your finances, health care access, support network and day‑to‑day quality of life. This guide distills a nationwide review of 605 U.S. metros, scored on Veteran‑weighted factors across money, health care, community and livability, then re‑ranked by VA Loan Network to highlight where VA buyers get the most long‑term value.
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How These 2026 Rankings Were Built
This isn’t a “top cities” list built on vibes. The scores come from 23 hard metrics, weighted according to what nearly 600 Veterans said actually matters when choosing where to live, then re‑ordered to reflect VA Loan Network’s focus on home affordability and long‑term financial security.
Researchers evaluated 605 metro and micropolitan areas (CBSAs) across the country. Each metro was scored in four core categories:
- Financial well‑being – cost of living, median listing price, gas, employment, and how the state treats military retirement and disability for taxes.
- Community support – Veteran and disabled‑Veteran population, growth, homeless Veteran rates, number of bases and Veteran‑friendly higher‑ed options.
- Healthcare & VA facilities – density of VA health and benefits facilities, physician counts, and quality of local health systems.
- Infrastructure & quality of life – air quality, fresh food access, transport and airports, school quality, and entertainment/food venue density.
CBSAs include both large metros and smaller micro‑metros, so big‑city options like Tampa, Orlando and Nashville sit alongside smaller markets like Decatur, Altoona and Morgantown. Veteran‑specific variables are converted to per‑capita figures to keep comparisons fair.
Top 10 Best Cities for Veterans in 2026 (At a Glance)
The table below shows how our 2026 VA Home Value Index rates each metro on VA‑specific priorities: home affordability, tax treatment, healthcare strength and Veteran community. Click a column header to resort the table.
Overall Top 10 Metros (VA Loan Network 2026 Index)
Categorical scores reflect our own weighting of housing, tax and healthcare factors using federal datasets and VA Loan Network analysis. Built from U.S. Census (census.gov), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (va.gov), HUD, EPA and other federal data, combined with VA Loan Network’s 2026 VA Home Value Index.
| Rank | Metro | State(s) | VA Home Affordability Elite / Strong / Moderate | Tax Friendliness Retirement & property tax | Healthcare Strength VA + civilian access | Veteran Community Density & support | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Decatur | IL | Elite | Strong | Good | Moderate | Stretching your VA budget |
| 2 | Battle Creek | MI | Strong | Strong | Strong | High | Community & affordability |
| 3 | Myrtle Beach–Conway–North Myrtle Beach | SC | Moderate | Strong | Moderate | High | Coastal lifestyle |
| 4 | Altoona | PA | Strong | Moderate | Good | High | Small‑city balance |
| 5 | Sioux Falls | SD | Strong | Strong | Elite | Moderate | Healthcare & jobs |
| 6 | Lawrence | KS | Moderate | Moderate | Elite | Emerging | Healthcare & college‑town vibe |
| 7 | Cleveland | OH | Strong | Strong | Elite | High | Big‑city hospitals |
| 8 | Lawton | OK | Strong | Strong | Moderate | Very high | Military hub & low costs |
| 9 | Rapid City | SD | Moderate | Strong | Good | Very high | Outdoors & Veteran density |
| 10 | Virginia Beach–Chesapeake–Norfolk | VA‑NC | Moderate | Moderate | Good | Very high | Large coastal military hub |
1. Decatur, Illinois
Decatur is the financial heavyweight of our 2026 index. It ranks at the very top for cost of living and sits among the lowest median home prices in the entire 605‑metro dataset, which gives VA borrowers unusual buying power compared with coastal markets.
Situated around Lake Decatur, the city still delivers basics: access to water, parks, a zoo and a revitalizing downtown anchored by local shops and a farmers market. Illinois provides significant property‑tax and retirement‑income breaks for many disabled Veterans, so Decatur is especially attractive if your top priority is keeping monthly overhead as low as possible without giving up everyday amenities.
- Lake Decatur’s shoreline trails, boat ramps and picnic areas provide low‑cost ways for Veterans to unwind close to home year‑round.
- The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs offers claims assistance, long‑term care homes and state‑level grants that stretch Decatur’s already‑strong affordability.
- Local VA clinics and nearby regional hospitals give Decatur Veterans convenient access to routine care, specialist referrals and mental‑health resources.
2. Battle Creek, Michigan
Battle Creek is our #2 pick for 2026 because it blends serious community support with manageable housing costs. It leads the original dataset in community support, combining a large Veteran share of the population with robust services and the Battle Creek VA Medical Center.
The city is known as the “cereal capital of the world,” but from a Veteran’s perspective the bigger story is affordability plus amenities: brewery growth, Binder Park Zoo, the National Cereal Festival and the Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival. If you want a small Midwestern city where the Veteran network is easy to tap into and the mortgage stays reasonable, Battle Creek belongs on your shortlist.
- Battle Creek’s compact footprint means most neighborhoods sit within a short drive of parks, the zoo, downtown restaurants and community festivals.
- The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency connects local Veterans to statewide tuition assistance, employment programs and targeted homelessness‑prevention grants.
- Battle Creek VA Medical Center anchors a regional network of clinics, giving Veterans strong access to primary care, behavioral health and specialty services.
3. Myrtle Beach–Conway–North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach drops a bit in our 2026 order because we lean harder on cost metrics, but it still lands at #3 overall. The metro combines a large Veteran presence with strong scores for community support and quality‑of‑life infrastructure. Entertainment and dining are dense for a mid‑sized market, and air quality is solid for a coastal region.
South Carolina doesn’t tax military retirement income and can fully exempt property taxes for many disabled Veterans, which helps offset middle‑of‑the‑pack pure financial scores. Access to care comes via the Myrtle Beach VA Clinic and the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in nearby Charleston. Add 60+ miles of beaches, 100+ golf courses and long‑running Military Appreciation Days events in May and you’ve got a coastal city that is actually built around Veterans instead of tourists.
- Myrtle Beach’s sixty miles of coastline, golf courses and oceanfront parks give Veterans easy year‑round access to recreation, relaxation and family activities.
- South Carolina centralizes state benefits through the South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs, including property‑tax relief, licensing perks, education support and employment resources.
- Local VA services at the Myrtle Beach VA Clinic connect quickly with Charleston’s Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center for specialized treatment and follow‑up care.
4. Altoona, Pennsylvania
Altoona jumps into our Top 5 because it hits a rare balance: high Veteran density, solid affordability and decent healthcare access without big‑city chaos. It posts top‑10 scores for both financial well‑being and community support in the underlying dataset, and it shows a strong Veteran share of the population.
Set in the Allegheny Mountains, Altoona sits near hiking, state parks and scenic rail routes while staying within driving distance of Pittsburgh and other larger metros. That expands job and cultural options while keeping day‑to‑day living costs in check.
- Altoona’s location in the Alleghenies offers quick trips to Canoe Creek State Park, Horseshoe Curve and other classic central‑Pennsylvania landscapes.
- The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs centralizes state programs for education, tax relief and long‑term care.
- James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona provides primary care, behavioral health, specialty clinics and outreach into surrounding rural counties.
5. Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Sioux Falls is a classic “big small town” with serious healthcare muscle and no‑income‑tax math. Physician density is high, the metro’s median air‑quality index is excellent, and the local economy is fueled by finance, healthcare and light industry. The city has a strong entertainment‑to‑population ratio for its size.
South Dakota offers partial exemptions for disabled‑Veteran property taxes and military retirement, which keeps Sioux Falls appealing for long‑term planning. For Veterans looking for clean air, a healthy job market and robust medical care, it’s one of the top options in the Midwest.
- Falls Park, riverfront trails and neighborhood greenways make it easy for Veterans and families to stay active without leaving the city.
- The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs highlights tax advantages, property‑tax relief and education benefits that reinforce Sioux Falls’ financial appeal.
- Sioux Falls VA Health Care System and regional civilian hospitals combine to create one of the Midwest’s strongest medical ecosystems for Veterans.
6. Lawrence, Kansas
Lawrence is the healthcare outlier in our Top 10. It ranks near the top for access to VA health and benefits facilities and overall healthcare quality, with good air quality and strong physician density for a smaller metro. As a major college town anchored by the University of Kansas, it also brings sports, arts and a steady flow of younger residents.
The cost of living is moderate, and Kansas provides partial exemptions for both property taxes and military retirement pay for many disabled Veterans. Lawrence is a strong fit for Veterans who prioritize medical access and a lively college‑town environment over sheer size or coastlines.
- Massachusetts Street downtown mixes independent shops, restaurants and music venues, giving Veterans plenty of walkable options for daily errands and evening socializing.
- The Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office maintains benefits guidance, field offices and state programs that complement federal VA resources for Lawrence residents.
- Lawrence VA Clinic and nearby Topeka facilities give Veterans strong access to primary care, specialty referrals and benefits counseling within an easy driving radius.
7. Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland brings big‑city hospital systems at Midwestern prices. The metro is served by nationally recognized institutions like the Cleveland Clinic and the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, and it scores well on both physician density and healthcare access overall.
Ohio fully exempts military retirement pay from taxation, and Cleveland shows top‑tier financial scores relative to many coastal metros. Add Lake Erie waterfront parks and beaches, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a strong arts scene and major‑league sports, and you get a city that appeals to Veterans who want urban energy without West Coast price tags.
- Lakefront parks like Edgewater and Wendy Park give city‑dwelling Veterans quick access to beaches, trails, fishing piers and dog‑friendly spaces.
- The Ohio Department of Veterans Services maintains statewide benefits information, county offices and educational resources helpful to Cleveland‑area Veterans.
- World‑class systems such as Cleveland Clinic and Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center anchor some of the strongest medical capabilities in the country.
8. Lawton, Oklahoma
Lawton is built around Fort Sill and has the highest Veteran concentration of all cities in our Top 25. It ranks near the top for financial well‑being, with a low cost of living and favorable state tax treatment of military retirement and disabled‑Veteran property taxes.
The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge sits just outside town, offering hiking, climbing, fishing and sweeping views. The local arts district, Museum of the Great Plains and family‑oriented parks round out the picture. Lawton is an excellent choice for transitioning service members who want to stay in a military‑anchored community while building civilian careers.
- Fort Sill’s ongoing training mission keeps Lawton’s economy closely tied to the military, supporting jobs in logistics, healthcare and education.
- The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs details property‑tax exemptions, retirement‑income relief and state homes that complement federal VA benefits.
- Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge provides dramatic granite peaks, bison herds and scenic drives just minutes from Lawton’s neighborhoods and shopping corridors.
9. Rapid City, South Dakota
Rapid City has one of the highest Veteran shares of any metro in the Top 25, making it a natural community hub for former service members. Entertainment and food venues are plentiful for the population size, and the metro’s healthcare metrics are respectable.
The real draw is the Black Hills and surrounding federal lands: Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park and Custer State Park are all within easy reach. For Veterans who want daily access to hiking, scenic drives and wildlife, Rapid City offers an outdoor lifestyle with built‑in Veteran camaraderie.
- Downtown Rapid City’s public art, Main Street Square events and independent shops create a lively core despite the metro’s modest population size.
- The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs highlights state property‑tax reductions, bonus programs and no‑income‑tax advantages for local Veterans.
- VA Black Hills Health Care System facilities in Rapid City and Hot Springs give Veterans options for inpatient treatment, outpatient visits and specialized services.
10. Virginia Beach–Chesapeake–Norfolk, Virginia–North Carolina
Rounding out our Top 10 is the Hampton Roads region, home to one of the densest Veteran populations in the country. Naval Station Norfolk, multiple installations and more than two hundred miles of shoreline make this a natural fit for Veterans who want to stay close to the fleet and the ocean.
The area offers multiple VA medical centers and outpatient clinics, plus strong public‑school options and a deep catalog of outdoor activities—from surfing and kayaking to whale‑watching and historic tours in nearby Jamestown and Yorktown. Costs are higher than some inland options, but the combination of community, amenities and career paths is hard to match.
- Hampton Roads hosts Naval Station Norfolk, multiple installations and over two hundred miles of shoreline, creating one of America’s most military‑saturated regions.
- VA medical centers and outpatient clinics around Hampton Roads give Veterans multiple access points for primary, specialty and mental‑health services.
- The Virginia Department of Veterans Services outlines education, employment and family‑support programs tailored to this heavy Veteran population.
Other High‑Performing Cities for Veterans (Ranks 11–25)
These metros don’t crack our overall Top 10 but still score well for Veterans. Many offer big‑city amenities, low costs, or specialized strengths like elite healthcare access. Use them as a second‑tier shortlist for 2026 moves.
Metros Ranked 11–25 (VA Loan Network 2026 Index)
Snapshot of why each city stands out for Veterans in our 2026 VA Home Value Index. Built from federal datasets (Census, VA, HUD, EPA, USDA) plus VA Loan Network weighting for home affordability, tax treatment, healthcare access and community support.
| Rank | Metro | State(s) | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Buffalo–Cheektowaga | NY | Waterfront lifestyle, strong VA medical center and solid infrastructure. |
| 12 | Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford | FL | Sunbelt quality of life, major entertainment base and generous state tax relief. |
| 13 | Atlantic City–Hammonton | NJ | High amenity density, improving infrastructure and excellent state‑level tax policy. |
| 14 | Wilmington | NC | Coastal mid‑sized city with strong community support and port/film economy. |
| 15 | Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater | FL | Big‑metro combination of beaches, hospitals and a large Veteran population. |
| 16 | Iowa City | IA | University town with world‑class hospitals and lower costs than coastal hubs. |
| 17 | Rochester | MN | Mayo Clinic base with unmatched physician density and strong VA access. |
| 18 | Wheeling | WV‑OH | Top‑tier cost of living and quiet Ohio River setting. |
| 19 | Wichita | KS | Aviation jobs, low costs and solid infrastructure. |
| 20 | Omaha–Council Bluffs | NE‑IA | Stable metro with high Veteran count and extensive parks/amenities. |
| 21 | Salem | OH | Exceptional air quality and short drives to multiple VA facilities. |
| 22 | Charleston–North Charleston | SC | Historic coastal metro with major base presence and VA medical center access. |
| 23 | Nashville–Murfreesboro–Franklin | TN | Booming job market, high physician density and cultural capital. |
| 24 | Lubbock | TX | Low costs, strong infrastructure and a growing Veteran population. |
| 25 | Morgantown | WV | High physician density, low costs and a mountain‑town setting. |
11. Buffalo–Cheektowaga, New York
- Buffalo’s waterfront redevelopment at Canalside and Outer Harbor gives Veterans four‑season access to trails, concerts and family‑friendly public spaces.
- The region is served by the Buffalo VA Medical Center and community‑based outpatient clinics, providing broad coverage for primary and specialty care.
- The New York State Department of Veterans' Services offers statewide benefits counseling, education help and housing resources for Buffalo‑area Veterans.
12. Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford, Florida
- Beyond theme parks, Orlando’s Lake Nona medical city, parks and lakes create year‑round outdoor options in a warm‑weather, sun‑belt environment.
- Orlando VA Medical Center anchors a large campus offering specialty clinics, research programs and rehabilitation services for local Veterans and families.
- The Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs outlines extensive tax exemptions, education programs and state Veterans’ homes across Central Florida.
13. Atlantic City–Hammonton, New Jersey
- Atlantic City’s boardwalk, beaches and casino district provide constant entertainment, while nearby Hammonton offers quieter neighborhoods, farms, wineries and small‑town community life.
- The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs outlines generous property‑tax relief, retirement exemptions and homeless‑Veteran support programs useful to local residents.
- Proximity to Joint Base McGuire–Dix–Lakehurst and regional VA services gives transitioning service members multiple on‑ramps into civilian careers, education and health care.
14. Wilmington, North Carolina
- Historic downtown Wilmington mixes riverfront restaurants, film studios and brick streets with quick access to Wrightsville, Carolina and Kure beaches.
- Wilmington VA Clinic and nearby coastal health systems give Veterans straightforward access to primary care, mental‑health support and specialty referrals.
- The North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs consolidates benefits information and state‑backed initiatives supporting coastal Veterans.
15. Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater, Florida
- Bayfront neighborhoods, barrier‑island beaches and a growing downtown scene make Tampa Bay attractive to Veterans prioritizing outdoor recreation and nightlife.
- James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and Bay Pines VA Healthcare System provide extensive inpatient, outpatient and specialty services across the metro region.
- Florida’s Veteran policies, detailed by the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs, include full exemptions on military retirement pay and strong property‑tax relief.
16. Iowa City, Iowa
- Iowa City’s identity as a Big Ten college town brings cultural festivals, bookstores and arts venues alongside stable public‑sector employment.
- Iowa City VA Health Care System works closely with University of Iowa Hospitals, giving Veterans access to advanced specialty clinics and research‑driven care.
- The Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs offers state grants, home‑loan support and benefits navigation useful for Iowa City residents.
17. Rochester, Minnesota
- Rochester’s reputation revolves around Mayo Clinic, whose global draw supports high‑wage healthcare jobs, extensive services and a health‑focused local culture.
- Rochester VA Clinic and Minneapolis VA Health Care System ensure Veterans can plug into both local and regional specialty networks when needed.
- The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs operates state Veterans homes, cemeteries and benefit programs that complement Rochester’s clinical strengths.
18. Wheeling, West Virginia–Ohio
- Wheeling’s Ohio River setting, historic architecture and compact downtown provide an affordable Appalachian option for Veterans wanting slower‑paced living.
- Wheeling VA Community‑Based Outpatient Clinic and nearby hospitals deliver everyday care while keeping major metropolitan centers within driving distance.
- The West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance details state tax breaks and services that contribute to Wheeling’s strong financial score.
19. Wichita, Kansas
- Known as the “Air Capital of the World,” Wichita hosts major aviation manufacturers, creating skilled‑trade and engineering roles attractive to transitioning Veterans.
- Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center and local service organizations support a large regional Veteran community with healthcare, counseling and outreach.
- The Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office lists state incentives, cemetery benefits and field offices available to Wichita‑area Veterans.
20. Omaha–Council Bluffs, Nebraska–Iowa
- Omaha’s Old Market district, riverfront redevelopment and extensive park system offer urban amenities balanced by family‑friendly neighborhoods and good schools.
- Offutt Air Force Base and VA Nebraska‑Western Iowa Health Care System provide strong military and Veteran infrastructure across the metro area.
- The Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs and Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs both support benefits access for residents on either side of the river.
21. Salem, Ohio
- Salem’s small‑town setting combines historic architecture, independent shops and community festivals with quick access to larger employment markets in northeast Ohio.
- Exceptional air‑quality scores and low home prices give health‑conscious Veterans a low‑stress environment with room in the budget for savings.
- The Ohio Department of Veterans Services coordinates county‑level offices and benefits programs that Salem Veterans can tap for guidance.
22. Charleston–North Charleston, South Carolina
- Charleston’s historic downtown, port waterfront and nearby beaches offer a rare mix of deep history, food culture and relaxed coastal lifestyle.
- Joint Base Charleston and Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center provide dense military presence and robust access to healthcare across the metro.
- The South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs highlights statewide property‑tax relief and tuition programs that support Charleston‑area Veterans.
23. Nashville–Murfreesboro–Franklin, Tennessee
- Nashville’s music industry, universities and corporate headquarters generate diverse white‑collar and creative roles for Veterans entering the civilian workforce.
- VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System and nearby Fort Campbell resources give local Veterans strong access to advanced medical care and counseling.
- The Tennessee Department of Veterans Services details property‑tax relief, state cemeteries and licensing benefits that offset Nashville’s higher living costs.
24. Lubbock, Texas
- Lubbock’s wide‑open layout, Texas Tech University influence and growing arts scene appeal to Veterans wanting space without sacrificing amenities.
- Local VA clinics and regional hospitals provide everyday care, while Amarillo and Dallas systems expand specialty options within driving distance.
- The Texas Veterans Commission and Texas Veterans Portal outline extensive state benefits, including property‑tax exemptions and education assistance.
25. Morgantown, West Virginia
- Morgantown’s college‑town energy, riverfront walking paths and nearby Coopers Rock State Forest make it attractive to outdoors‑oriented Veterans and families.
- WVU Medicine’s academic medical center and the Morgantown VA Clinic combine to provide unusually dense healthcare access for a small metro.
- The West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance summarizes tax exemptions, state Veterans’ homes and cemetery benefits that reinforce Morgantown’s affordability.
Data Highlights: Where Each City Really Shines
The overall ranking is useful, but many Veterans care more about a single factor: being around other Veterans, limiting housing costs, or maximizing healthcare access. These “best of” lists cut across all 605 metros in the dataset.
Cities with the Highest Veteran Population per Capita
If you want to be surrounded by other Veterans, these metros have the densest Veteran communities in the dataset:
Most Veteran‑Dense Metros
Top 5 metros by Veteran population share. Compiled by VA Loan Network from U.S. Census (census.gov), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (va.gov) and related federal datasets.
| Rank | Metro | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sierra Vista–Douglas | AZ |
| 2 | Pahrump | NV |
| 3 | Wildwood–The Villages | FL |
| 4 | Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–Destin | FL |
| 5 | Killeen–Temple | TX |
Metros with the Lowest Home Prices
These markets give VA buyers the lowest median listing prices in the dataset, regardless of whether they made the overall top‑25 list:
Lowest Median Home Prices
Best for stretching a VA loan purely on purchase price. VA Loan Network analysis using listing data and federal housing statistics plus price estimates from the U.S. Census (census.gov).
| Rank | Metro | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johnstown | PA |
| 2 | Pottsville | PA |
| 3 | Decatur | IL |
| 4 (tie) | Altoona | PA |
| 4 (tie) | Flint | MI |
Metros with the Most Healthcare Resources per Capita
For Veterans managing chronic conditions or expecting frequent appointments, local healthcare capacity matters as much as VA access. These metros have the strongest combined doctor and facility density:
| Rank | Metro | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rochester | MN |
| 2 | Lawrence | KS |
| 3 | Ann Arbor | MI |
| 4 | Morgantown | WV |
| 5 | Whitewater–Elkhorn | WI |
Metros with the Lowest Overall Cost of Living
These metros post the lowest combined cost‑of‑living scores. They’re especially attractive to fixed‑income retirees and Veterans planning to stretch disability benefits as far as possible:
Lowest Cost‑of‑Living Metros
Overall basket of housing, goods, utilities and services. VA Loan Network cost‑of‑living analysis using indices from the Council for Community and Economic Research and federal price data from the U.S. Census (census.gov).
| Rank | Metro | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Decatur | IL |
| 2 | Brownsville–Harlingen | TX |
| 3 | McAllen–Edinburg–Mission | TX |
| 4 | Tupelo | MS |
| 5 | Niles | MI |
Metros with the Most Entertainment & Food Venues
If walkability and having places to go on a random Tuesday matter, these metros pack the most entertainment, dining and drinking venues per capita:
Amenity‑Dense Metros
Most entertainment and food venues per 10,000 residents. VA Loan Network analysis of County Business Patterns and U.S. Census (census.gov) employment data.
| Rank | Metro | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barnstable Town | MA |
| 2 | Bozeman | MT |
| 3 | Atlantic City–Hammonton | NJ |
| 4 | Sandusky | OH |
| 5 | Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim | CA |
Best States for Veterans
Beyond individual cities, the dataset also ranks states based on factors like median air quality, average cost of living, VA facility density, support for homeless Veterans, and statewide tax policy on military retirement and disability.
Top 10 States for Veterans
States scoring highest on Veteran‑relevant cost, policy and support metrics in our 2026 view. VA Loan Network state‑level analysis using U.S. Census (census.gov), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (va.gov), and state tax and benefits publications.
| Rank | State | Why It Ranks Well |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montana | Low population density, strong outdoor quality of life and solid VA access relative to size. State guidance is available through official Veterans resources at mt.gov and partner agencies. |
| 2 | South Dakota | Very Veteran‑friendly tax policy, low overall costs and good air quality. The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs summarizes key programs. |
| 3 | Alaska | Robust VA footprint and benefits; strong support for homeless Veterans, offset by distance, climate and higher travel costs. |
| 4 | Wyoming | Low cost of living, sparse population, clean air and favorable tax treatment for Veterans’ retirement income. |
| 5 | South Carolina | Strong retirement and property‑tax exemptions plus multiple high‑ranking Veteran metros. See the South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs for details. |
| 6 | New Mexico | Balanced cost profile, decent VA access and relatively clean air in most population centers. |
| 7 | Alabama | Low costs and favorable tax treatment on military retirement income, plus expanding Veterans’ services infrastructure. |
| 8 | Nebraska | Moderate cost of living, good VA access and representation in the top‑25 city list. Visit the Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs for benefits information. |
| 9 | Maine | Clean environment, manageable costs and focused efforts to support Veterans, particularly in rural communities. |
| 10 | Oklahoma | Aggressive breaks on retirement and property taxes and high‑scoring metros like Lawton. See the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs for statewide programs. |
The pattern is clear: the Midwest and South dominate the top of the list, largely because they combine lower general costs, more favorable tax codes for Veterans and sufficient VA infrastructure.
How to choose your best city as a Veteran
Forget the marketing slogans. Here’s the rational decision path.
- Lock in your monthly housing budget. Use realistic mortgage or rent numbers based on current rates. Shortlist metros in the lowest home-price and cost-of-living buckets if money is tight: Decatur, Johnstown, Pottsville, Altoona and Flint all show rock-bottom prices in this dataset.
- Look at state-level tax policy next, not last. Most states now partially or fully exempt military retirement income; a smaller group still taxes it aggressively. Around twenty states offer full property-tax exemptions for many disabled Veterans—worth thousands per year in some markets.
- Map your healthcare needs. If you have serious or complex medical issues, cities like Rochester (MN), Lawrence (KS), Morgantown (WV), Sioux Falls (SD) and Cleveland (OH) deserve extra weight. Check both VA and civilian capacity.
- Decide how much you care about climate and coast. Warm/coastal usually means higher housing and insurance costs (Tampa, Charleston, Orlando, Myrtle Beach). Inland Midwest/Plains are cheaper but often mean harsher winters (Decatur, Sioux Falls, Omaha, Wichita).
- Check Veteran density and community support. If you want constant access to peers, look at places like Lawton, Rapid City, Altoona, Virginia Beach, Sierra Vista–Douglas, Killeen–Temple and The Villages area.
- Don’t ignore employment and training. College-anchored metros (Lawrence, Iowa City, Morgantown) and tech/health hubs (Orlando, Tampa, Rochester, Cleveland) generally offer stronger job and retraining options than pure retirement towns.
Levi Rodgers is the Founder of VA Loan Network, a leading resource for Veteran homebuyer education. A Retired Green Beret and Broker-Owner of LRG Realty in San Antonio, Levi leverages his military discipline and real-world real estate expertise to provide Veterans with expert loan advice, guidance, and trusted financial leadership.
