Re-entering civilian life can be challenging, so it’s great to settle down in a city that combines affordable housing, amenities, and resources for vets.
Read on to find a quick rundown of the top five cities for veterans according to 2019 research done by the personal finance site WalletHub, which took into account factors like livability, affordability, and veteran friendliness.
#1 – Tampa, FL
Why it’s great for vets:
Almost 100,000 veterans live in Tampa and surrounding Hillsborough County. Veterans programs are widely available, and the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital is well-rated.
Why you might consider it:
Tampa is a beautiful Gulf Coast city perfect for veterans who like to be near the shoreline. The state of Florida is threatened by hurricanes almost every year, but due to Tampa’s location on the west coast, landfall in the area is uncommon. Cost of living is relatively low, and Tampa has a large Cuban community, so you’ll have access to hand-rolled cigars and delicious, authentic Cuban food.
Why you might not:
The subtropical climate means high humidity and frequent thunderstorms during the summer.
#2 – Austin, TX
Why it’s great for vets:
Texas has a wealth of services, assistance, fee waivers, and programs for veterans, and a website, TexVet, to help you access all of the resources you’ll need.
Why you might consider it:
Austin is a vibrant, fun city with delicious Tex-Mex food and lots of friendly people. Known as the live music capital of the world, Austin is a delight for music lovers, boasting over 200 live music venues. Plus, Austin is both the state capital and home to the University of Texas at Austin, so you’ll have access to all the resources of a seat of government and a major university. We also have a great retail location at Camp Mabry you can check out for all of your tactical needs.
Why you might not:
Austin has grown considerably, but the infrastructure hasn’t quite kept up with the pace, so expect a fair amount of traffic on crowded highways.
#3 – Orlando, FL
Why it’s great for vets:
Florida prides itself on being the nation’s most veteran-friendly state. Veterans Florida is a nonprofit that helps veterans take advantage of the benefits of living and working in the Sunshine State.
Why you might consider it:
Orlando was ranked number 17 on the 2019 Top 100 Best Places to Live according to a study by Livability and Ipsos. Orlando is an affordable city with lots of job opportunities. And if you like theme parks, it’s home to not just Disney World, but to Sea World, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Legoland as well.
Why you might not:
Hot and humid year-round, the Orlando climate isn’t for everyone. Also, tourists visiting the theme parks may cause congestion at times in high-traffic areas.
#4 – Raleigh, NC
Why it’s great for vets:
Home to Camp Lejeune, MCAS Cherry Point, Seymour Johnson AFB, Fort Bragg, and several Coast Guard bases, North Carolina is a state that loves veterans and treats them well. Find resources at the NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs website.
Why you might consider it:
Raleigh is a bustling Southern city with lots of job opportunities for veterans. A major jobs center, the Research Triangle Park, is anchored by three major research universities: NC State, Duke, and UNC Chapel Hill. The research facilities serve as a major draw for employers such as GE, IBM, Caterpillar, Toyota, and Verizon. Although not in Raleigh city limits, We have a great retail location at Fort Bragg you can check out for all of your tactical needs.
Why you might not:
Raleigh is not a very walkable city, and you’ll have no choice but to drive everywhere due to the city’s sprawl over the last few years.
#5 – Scottsdale, AZ
Why it’s great for vets:
The people of Scottsdale have great admiration for vets, and the city even has a Veterans Advisory Commission that collaborates with City Council on ways to help improve life for Scottsdale veterans.
Why you might consider it:
Scottsdale is a restorative desert paradise. If you enjoy mild, dry winters, where the average temperature is a balmy 72 degrees, Scottsdale might be perfect for you. With gorgeous scenery and great hiking, this city is great for outdoor enthusiasts and weekend warriors.
Why you might not:
While the winters are mild, summer temperatures in Scottsdale can reach 110 degrees.
