V
eterans and their families have given so much to our country, and they deserve a place to settle down that honors their service. To help them find the perfect location, Veterans United Home Loans compiles an annual list of the Best Cities for Veterans to Live.
The team surveyed over 599 veterans, considering factors like cost of living and home affordability, to create a list of both small towns and big cities that cater to vets' needs. The top 10 overall cities offer a mix of urban excitement, small-town charm, and relaxing beach vibes with strong community support.
Here are the top 10 cities:
1. Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach tops this year's list, offering a vibrant coastal lifestyle with strong community support. The area has over 28,000 veterans, ranking seventh for community support and fourth for quality-of-life infrastructure. South Carolina also offers full property tax exemption for disabled vets and no tax on military retirement pay.
Median home price: $300,000
2. Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ
Atlantic City-Hammonton stands out for its vibrant beach culture and strong community support. Veterans benefit from New Jersey's full property tax exemption for those with disabilities and untaxed military retirement income. The area has a high cost of living, but its proximity to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst makes it ideal for post-service career opportunities.
Median home price: $244,900
3. Lawrence, KS
Lawrence offers small-town charm with access to excellent health care services. It ranks No. 1 for VA health care and has a low cost of living. Veterans can find partial tax exemptions on military retirement pay and property taxes in the state.
Median home price: $370,000
4. Sioux Falls, SD
Sioux Falls is a fast-growing Midwestern city with exceptional health care access. Veterans benefit from top-tier care through the Sioux Falls VA Health Care System and support from local organizations like the VFW and American Legion.
Median home price: $375,000
5. Battle Creek, MI
Battle Creek ranks No. 1 for community support and No. 2 for VA facility access per capita. Veterans benefit from full exemptions on military retirement pay and disability-related property taxes.
Median home price: $210,500
6. Decatur, IL
Decatur offers full exemptions on both disability-related property taxes and military retirement income, along with a low cost of living. Veterans have access to care through a local VA clinic and additional support at the Illinois Veterans Home in nearby Quincy.
Median home price: $125,000
7. Cleveland, OH
Cleveland is a strong choice for vets seeking big-city resources with Midwestern affordability. The city has over 111,000 veterans and offers full tax exemption on military retirement pay.
Median home price: $144,900
8. Altoona, PA
Altoona stands out as a well-rounded and affordable option for veterans and their families. It's close to attractions like Canoe Creek State Park and the historic Horseshoe Curve.
Median home price: $149,900
9. Rapid City, SD
Rapid City offers natural beauty and support for military families. Veterans benefit from access to the VA Black Hills Health Care System and a patriotic atmosphere with events like the Black Hills Veterans March.
Median home price: $415,000
10. Lawton, OK
Lawton has the largest veteran population per capita on the top 25 list. The town takes care of its vets through the Lawton VA Clinic, with services also available at nearby Fort Sill.
Median home price: $164,900
