Military retirement after active duty life looks different for everyone. Some service members may completely leave the workforce and enjoy peaceful sunsets with friendly neighbors, but others may look for a second career, additional income, more time to travel, and an energetic lifestyle.
The one common factor for everyone is that you must choose somewhere to live after retiring from the military. Even if you remain at your last duty station, you'll have to consider the best lifestyle options. While researching is a large task, military families can get inspiration from curated city lists that round up important retirement factors, such as a tax-free state.
We’ve gathered eight military-friendly retirement locations for consideration. Each option has unique benefits that make it an excellent candidate. Military families can narrow down their choices by prioritizing their post-retirement lifestyle goals.
1. Laramie, Wyoming
"Welcome to Laradise!" That's the catchy tagline from the University of Wyoming in Laramie. It sums up why many military retirees head west after their active duty days are over.
Important Laramie Statistics
- Wyoming Military and Veterans Benefits
- Nearby Military Installation: F.E. Warren Air Force Base
- Taxes: No taxes on Social Security, retirement pay, or pensions; no state income tax; low state sales tax; tax breaks for seniors
- Health Care: Ivinson Memorial Hospital, Laramie VA Mobile Medical Unit, Cheyenne VA Medical Center
- Real Estate: Median list price of $395,000
Quality of Life Factors in Laramie
Wide-open spaces, room to explore, and mountain town vibrancy continue to attract all walks of life to Laramie. The city was a somewhat well-kept secret before the pandemic, but it has reached a new level of fame thanks to a spotlight on all things western, especially popular TV dramas and real estate shows.
Depending on your current location, Laramie’s cost of living may be competitive, if not attractive. However, with the influx of new residents and visitors, there has been an increase in costs, like local taxes.
Military retirees who prefer outdoor activities like skiing, mountain biking, hiking, and fishing appreciate the four seasons of adventure, especially when using veterans’ benefits such as free hunting and fishing licenses and entrance to state parks. While enjoying the great outdoors, don’t forget to give yourself time to adjust to the high elevation and related climate.
The city is windy year-round, but particularly during the long winter when temperatures average between 30 and 40 degrees. The wind will make it feel much colder while enjoying snow-related activities. The summers are glorious but short. The season makes up a big chunk of the 250 days of sunshine each year.
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2. Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage and Alaska are top destinations for both active-duty service members and military retirees. For military families strongly considering the popular move, MilitaryByOwner created the guide, What to Know for Your Military Move to Alaska. The resource provides detailed information for retirees on living in the Last Frontier.
Important Anchorage Statistics
- Alaska Military and Veterans Benefits
- Nearby Military Installations: Coast Guard Sector Anchorage, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson
- Taxes: No taxes on Social Security, retirement pay, or pensions; no state income tax; low state sales tax; tax breaks for seniors
- Health Care: Providence Alaska Medical Center, Anchorage VA Medical Center
- Real Estate: Median list price of $479,000
Quality of Life Factors in Anchorage
There’s a good chance that if you’re considering Anchorage for your retirement location, you or your military spouse has previously lived in the area, and you know both the challenges and excitement you’re getting into. This includes mastering the art of dressing for the unique Alaskan weather.
Alaska is tax-friendly, especially for military retirees, but the state’s cost of living is expensive because it’s difficult to ship many conveniences like groceries and home goods. Many locals supplement their grocery budgets with hunting, fishing, and adaptive gardening.
Anchorage attracts many families each year because of the overwhelming opportunities to enjoy nature. The activities are endless, and many Alaskans even learn to fly a plane. The Northern Lights never get old, nor do the picture-perfect landscapes.
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3. Rapid City, South Dakota
Mount Rushmore's iconic gaze watches over Rapid City, a place frequently on military families' vacation wish lists. However, more and more retirees call the gateway to the Black Hills home.
Important Rapid City Statistics
- South Dakota Military and Veterans Benefits
- Nearby Military Installation: Ellsworth Air Force Base
- Taxes: No taxes on Social Security, retirement pay, or pensions; no state income tax; low state sales tax; tax breaks for seniors
- Health Care: Rapid City Regional Hospital, Rapid City VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic, and Black Hills Surgical Hospital
- Real Estate: Median List Price of $389,900
Quality of Life Factors in Rapid City
Retirees are drawn to Rapid City’s attractive cost of living and the tax benefits of living in South Dakota. Housing is more affordable compared to many other states, and Rapid City provides small city/large town characteristics and charm. For some, this city can feel small because of limited retail and entertainment options, but in recent years it has expanded.
There are a variety of outdoor activities and excursions available year-round in Rapid City. The Black Hills have adventures like hiking, biking, skiing, and other snow sports. There are also five national parks all within an hour's drive.
One of South Dakota’s nicknames is the Sunshine State. Many people are more familiar with the state’s harsh winters, and will need to prepare for the snow, ice, wind, and negative temperatures, but residents also experience more than 250 days of sunshine.
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4. Bellevue, Washington
Bellevue is nicknamed "the city in a park." There are lakes, mountains, and woodsy neighborhoods in this Seattle suburb. The city attracts both military retirees, familiar with the Pacific Northwest’s benefits and charms, and younger families who are searching for strong job prospects and highly rated schools.
Important Bellevue Statistics
- Washington Military and Veterans Benefits
- Nearby Military Installations: Naval Station Kitsap, Naval Station Everett, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord
- Taxes: No taxes on Social Security, retirement pay, or pensions; no state income tax; relief programs for high sales and property taxes; tax breaks for seniors
- Health Care: Overlake Medical Center, Swedish Medical Center, Bellevue VA Clinic, Seattle VA Medical Center
- Real Estate: Median list price of $1,526,500
Quality of Life Factors in Bellevue
Bellevue is an upscale neighborhood in one of Seattle’s most coveted bedroom communities, offering many desirable amenities that come with a higher cost of living. The picturesque area includes parks and trails set off by lively cultural and entertainment activities. There's always something to do in and around Bellevue.
Bellevue residents are familiar with a cool, wet climate much of the year, and they don’t often get annoyed by cloudy, drizzly days. Summer is precious when highs only reach the low 80s, and the sun shines. Festivals, concerts, and art walks pop up regularly to take advantage of the perfect weather. There are also plenty of local beaches to choose from for a day spent on the shore.
If you’re choosing a second career post-military life, you’ll find a lot of opportunity, especially in the tech sector. Microsoft, T-Mobile, and their adjacent micro-industries are near Bellevue, and they require a professional workforce, which is good news for a military spouse, too. Bellevue’s schools are top-notch and highly desirable.
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5. Marion, Texas
Marion’s day-to-day small-town personality juxtaposes nicely with the big-city amenities of nearby military-friendly San Antonio.
Important Marion Statistics
- Texas Military and Veterans Benefits
- Nearby Military Installations: Joint Base San Antonio (Randolph, Fort Sam Houston, Lackland, Camp Bullis)
- Taxes: No taxes on Social Security, retirement pay, or pensions; no state income tax; state sales tax runs high; tax breaks for seniors
- Health Care: San Antonio Military Medical Center, Methodist Healthcare System, Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans' Hospital
- Real Estate: Median list price of $325,195
Quality of Life Factors in Marion
Military retirees who want to slow down and enjoy their surroundings could find that Marion has what they’re looking for. Marion, home to approximately 1,000 people who prefer rural living, is situated about 30 miles from San Antonio. If you decide to call Marion home, you'll probably meet families with multiple generations in town.
Niche.com recently named the city #1 in Best Places to Buy a House in the San Antonio Area, so the small town is growing in popularity. If you have school-aged children, the public schools are rated above average, and they have small class sizes. Marion residents take great pride in their school teams, with activities that bring the community together. The city is quiet on purpose, and the residents prefer it that way.
Although there are delicious local restaurants and a few entertainment options, you’ll have to head to San Antonio for concerts, sports, museums, and galleries. The same is true for most medical care offered by the VA.
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6. Henderson, Nevada
Henderson residents love that they can enjoy their peaceful, slow-paced neighborhoods every day, and they also appreciate being down the road from world-class dining and entertainment in Las Vegas.
Important Henderson Statistics
- Nevada Military and Veterans Benefits
- Nearby Military Installations: Nellis Air Force Base, Creech Air Force Base
- Taxes: No taxes on Social Security, retirement pay, or pensions; no state income tax; state sales tax runs high
- Health Care: St. Rose Dominican Hospitals, North Las Vegas VA Medical Center, Southeast Las Vegas VA Clinic
- Real Estate: Median list price of $538,999
Quality of Life Factors in Henderson
Many military retirees are drawn to desert climates for outdoor recreation. Henderson is no exception, especially during the non-summer months, when walking, hiking, golfing, and dining outdoors are favorite pastimes. There are even active adult sports leagues that include pickleball, volleyball, soccer, softball, and basketball. The weather is amazing, but there are very dry, hot summers to get used to.
Henderson’s neighborhoods, like Green Valley Ranch, are coveted locales thanks to strong schools and everyday amenities. If you’re keeping tabs on a tight budget, you should know that the city’s cost of living is higher than the national and state average, so those tax breaks will come in handy.
Henderson is a family-friendly area, so evening activities tend to revolve around school life versus the high energy of the Vegas strip, but this is exactly the atmosphere current residents prefer, as well as potential newcomers, for their new hometown.
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7. Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota may be the quintessential retirement dream for a military family planning life after active duty. Sun, Gulf surf, and a chill lifestyle are hallmarks of living in this small city.
Important Sarasota Statistics
- Florida Military and Veterans Benefits
- Nearby Military Installations: Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater and MacDill Air Force Base
- Taxes: No taxes on Social Security, retirement pay, or pensions; no state income tax; state sales tax runs high; tax breaks for seniors
- Health Care: The Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, Sarasota VA Clinic
- Real Estate: Median list price of $586,500
Quality of Life Factors in Sarasota
According to locals, one of the best things about living in Sarasota is its accessible city size and small population of around 58,000. A large part of that population is aged 49 and up, and they consider themselves snowbirds, meaning they temporarily live in Sarasota when their hometowns get too cold in the winter. Then they head north when Florida’s heat becomes unbearable.
What Sarasota lacks in size or amenities is made up for by visiting the Bradenton-North Port metro area and Tampa. Of course, Tampa is home to MacDill Air Force Base, which offers plenty of health care and recreation geared toward military retirees. Naples is south of Sarasota, and it also has a substantial retiree population, which could be interesting if you or your military spouse wants to expand your network of like-minded friends.
Sarasota holds its own when it comes to things to do. Great weather offers year-round outdoor excursions, including many beaches in the area. The city has a lively arts and culture scene, a growing business sector, and enough accolades to draw curious vacationers and potential new residents daily.
Just a little research shows that Sarasota often appears on "Best Of" lists, including best locations for retirees, best places to live, and best restaurants. If you enjoy beautiful coastal views, a calm atmosphere, and plentiful sunshine, Sarasota could be your next home. However, you aren’t the only one to consider Sarasota for retirement. The cost of living and real estate figures are much higher than the national average.
8. Columbia, Missouri
When planning retirement life, you’ll often find college towns fit the bill. Columbia is the perfect example of why. Easy access to education and entertainment, a lower cost of living, and a youthful attitude are always welcome.
Important Columbia Statistics
- Missouri Military and Veterans Benefits
- Nearby Military Installations: Whiteman Air Force Base and Fort Leonard Wood Army Post
- Taxes: Taxes based on adjusted gross income; no taxes on military pension; tax breaks for seniors
- Health Care: The Boone Hospital Center, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital
- Real Estate: Median list price of $415,000
Quality of Life Factors in Columbia
Columbia has been lovingly coined CoMo. It's home to the University of Missouri, or Mizzou to most locals, and the college town vibe is thick with school spirit.
You might think only young adults enjoy this environment, but older adults love the camaraderie on game days and the easy access to cultural activities and events held on campus. Keep your mind sharp with classes for those over 50 at the Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Missouri.
You’ll likely find everything you need in Columbia, including plenty of outdoor activities, charming neighborhoods, and delicious dining, but the city also offers easy access to larger metros like St. Louis and Kansas City. Both are quick trips thanks to Columbia’s central location. Another popular day trip nearby is the Lake of the Ozarks.
One of Columbia’s best attributes is its lower cost of living, including housing, compared to other retirement hot spots. You’ll definitely get more bang for your buck around Columbia, especially if you are used to living in military-heavy cities like Washington, DC, or San Diego.
Life After Military Retirement
It's never too early to consider where you want to live after military retirement. A military retirement calculator can be helpful when filtering through choices. And it's never too late to reconsider moving after you’ve settled into post-active duty days.
Use these eight locations as a guide to find your perfect landing spot. They might inspire a trip to visit a new region or solidify your top picks!
