Choosing the right place to settle after military service is a big decision. Whether you're looking to invest in your forever home using your VA loan entitlement or wanting a place to land temporarily, many cities across the U.S. offer affordable living, strong community support, and easy access to essential services.
We've rounded up a list of ten cities that stand out for their veteran-friendly vibes, offering everything from affordable housing and proximity to VA hospitals to a welcoming community to help you thrive in civilian life.
1. Chesapeake, Virginia
Chesapeake, Virginia, is located in the Tidewater region of Southern Virginia, and is a favorite location for veterans. The city offers a mix of new construction and charming older homes. Enjoy the area's numerous walking and running trails, which often edge the serene wetlands nearby, along with access to scenic beaches. The city is proud of its excellent schools, vibrant community, and desired amenities.
Veterans can find support through the Chesapeake Vet Center, which provides free counseling, as well as the American Legion Post 280's community services and the Mayor's Commission on Veterans Affairs. The Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas aids housing stability with its Supportive Services for Veteran Families program, while the Virginia Department of Veterans Services offers remote benefits assistance. Healthcare availability should improve with the new Chesapeake VA Clinic, complementing other area VA Medical Centers and reducing travel burdens for southside veterans.
2. Colorado Springs, Colorado
Make your forever home in the shadow of Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, Colorado's second largest city. With a significant veteran population, those living in the "Springs" often give glowing reviews of the city's amenities and neighborhoods. With multiple military installations scattered across the city, veterans can access healthcare and on-base benefits easily.
Colorado Springs supports its large veteran population with the Colorado Springs Vet Center, providing no-cost counseling in a non-medical setting, with referrals to broader VA support. The VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System operates the nearby Floyd K. Lindstrom Clinic, offering primary care, mental health, and specialty services.
3. Fort Wayne, Indiana
One of the perks of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is its affordable cost of living, making it an attractive option for veterans. Fort Wayne has a lower-than-average median home price compared to the rest of the country, and the city provides a welcoming environment for veterans looking to transition into civilian life. Fort Wayne has a calm, small-town feel while still being close to larger cities for job and recreational opportunities.
The Fort Wayne VA Medical Center provides primary care, mental health, and surgical services. The Allen County Veterans Service Office assists with benefits claims and appeals, operating out of the Rousseau Centre downtown. Community organizations like the American Legion Post 47 also foster veteran connections.
4. Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh, North Carolina's state capital, is recognized for its booming tech industry and growing job market. Veterans in Raleigh find access to excellent healthcare services and a welcoming community. Raleigh dazzles with gorgeous neighborhoods, historic attractions, and plenty of parks, all while keeping costs lower than the national average. The proximity to military bases adds to its appeal (within about an hour are Fort Bragg, Seymour-Johnson AFB, and Pope Field).
The Raleigh Vet Center offers free counseling, with flexible hours for working veterans. The city is home to the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs office and has a variety of programs in place to help veterans transition to civilian careers. The Durham VA Medical Center is about 25 miles away and serves as the primary VA hospital. Community initiatives like the Wake County Veterans Services Office provide additional advocacy.
Still serving in the military? Learn how to plan ahead for military retirement.
5. Lincoln, Nebraska
Lincoln is a fantastic city for veterans seeking a lower cost of living and strong community support. The city’s low housing costs, coupled with access to affordable healthcare, make it a great place for veterans to settle down. Residents enjoy the local parks, university activities, and community events that foster a tight-knit atmosphere. Additionally, Lincoln has a strong network of veteran organizations that offer a range of services, from educational support to job placement programs.
The Lincoln VA Clinic is part of the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, which includes primary care, mental health, and telehealth services. The Lancaster County Veterans Service Office provides benefits assistance and is open weekdays with walk-in hours and appointments. Local groups like the American Legion Post 3 provide more camaraderie with other veterans.With its combination of affordability and quality of life, Lincoln, Nebraska may become your heartland home after military retirement. Lincoln is about an hour's drive from Offutt AFB, NE.
San Antonio River Walk. Photo by S. Greg Panosian from Getty Images Signature via Canva.com.
6. San Antonio, Texas
Known as "Military City USA," San Antonio extends a warm welcome to veterans with its deep military roots and vibrant culture. Home to Joint Base San Antonio (Randolph AFB, Fort Sam Houston, and Lackland AFB) with its numerous military installations spread across the city, veterans find easy access to benefits and military healthcare, plus a thriving job market and affordable housing. Whether you’re drawn to its historic charm, the famous River Walk, or the nearby Hill Country, the area has become a popular post-military location, with over 159,000 veterans estimated in San Antonio alone.The San Antonio Vet Centers serve veterans with locations across the city. The Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital offers comprehensive care, including primary care, surgery, and mental health services, serving as a hub for the South Texas Veterans Health Care System. The Bexar County Department of Military and Veterans Services assists veterans with benefits claims, employment, and transition.
7. El Paso, Texas
El Paso, Texas, situated along the U.S.-Mexico border, is a city that offers both affordability and a strong military presence. El Paso is home to Fort Bliss, one of the largest military bases in the country. The local community is known for collaborating with the base on projects that benefit both civilians and military families, making it a great place for volunteering or settling in. With a cost of living well below the national average, veterans can find affordable housing while enjoying a high quality of life. The city provides numerous job opportunities in sectors such as defense, education, and healthcare.
Veterans in El Paso have a variety of healthcare service options, including the El Paso VA Health Care System. With the city's growing veteran population, some may need to travel to the Las Cruces, NM, VA clinic, about 45 miles away. There's a growing network of veteran organizations here, too, including the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Special Forces Association Chapter IX, the Veterans One Stop Center, and The American Legion, VFW, and Disabled American Veterans chapters.
8. Boise, Idaho
Does access to skiing check one of your retirement boxes? Then take a look at this western city where you can hit the slopes in less than a 20-minute drive. Boise, Idaho, is known for its outdoor lifestyle, friendly atmosphere, and affordable living costs. The city also has a growing veteran community.
Along with being home to Mountain Home AFB, Boise is ranked by multiple outlets as one of the best places for veterans to find jobs, with opportunities in tech, education, and manufacturing. The city also hosts a range of veterans’ services, including a VA clinic, career assistance, and housing programs. For veterans who enjoy a slower pace of life, Boise’s proximity to nature makes it an attractive choice.
The Boise VA Medical Center provides veterans with primary care, mental health, and surgical services. Free counseling and non-medical services are available to veterans and their families through the Boise Vet Center, with a special focus on reaching veterans in rural communities.
9. Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, MO. Photo by f11photo from Getty Images via Canva.com.10. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Check out MilitaryByOwner's home listings in other veteran-friendly cities:
- Tampa, Florida
- Anchorage, Alaska
- Fort Worth, Texas
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Arlington, Texas
- Norfolk, Virginia
Where have you landed after military life? Share with us what you love about your location!
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