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After everything they’ve given to our country, veterans and their families deserve to settle down in a place that not only suits their needs but also honors their service.
Each year, Veterans United Home Loans, the largest VA lender in the U.S., compiles its Best Cities for Veterans to Live list.
The team surveyed more than 599 veterans, giving extra consideration to financial factors like cost of living and home affordability, to provide a list of both small towns and big cities that are perfect locales for vets to lay down roots.
In the top 10 overall cities ranked, vets can find a mix of big-city living, small-town calm, and at the very top of the list, a relaxing beach vibe that also provides plenty of community support.
1. Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC
Topping this year’s Best Cities for Veterans list, the Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach metro area offers veteran families a vibrant coastal lifestyle with strong community support.
Home to over 28,000 veterans—nearly 8% of its population—the area ranks seventh for community support and fourth for quality-of-life infrastructure.
South Carolina also offers veterans the benefit of full property tax exemption for those with disabilities and no tax on military retirement pay.
Additionally, military families can access care at the Myrtle Beach VA Clinic and the nearby Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center.
Plus, having more than 60 miles of beaches, 100 golf courses, and events like military appreciation days aren’t perks to scoff at.
Median home price: $300,000
2. Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ
Coming in second, Atlantic City-Hammonton stands out not only for its vibrant beach culture, but also for its strong community support and many financial benefits for veterans.
Veterans benefit from New Jersey’s full property tax exemption for those with disabilities and untaxed military retirement income.
While living costs are higher and health-care accessibility ranks lower compared to other cities, its proximity to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst makes it ideal for post-service career opportunities.
That might explain why it’s grown as a hot metro for veterans with families, who can enjoy attractions like Steel Pier, the Atlantic City Aquarium, and nearby Hammonton’s farms and wineries.
Median home price: $244,900
3. Lawrence, KS
Coming in third, the college town of Lawrence offers veteran families all the joys of small-town charm with access to excellent health care services. In fact, it ranks No. 1 for VA health care, offering medical resources such as the Lawrence VA Clinic and nearby Colmery-O’Neil VA Medical Center in Topeka, as well as support through the University of Kansas’ Military-Affiliated Student Center.
Cost and quality life are ideal, with the state offering partial tax exemptions for disabled veterans on military retirement pay and property taxes.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the proximity to Clinton State Park, with its large lake and lush grounds perfect for fishing and camping. There’s also downtown Lawrence, with an abundance of locally owned shops, eateries, and a lively arts scene.
Median home price: $370,000
4. Sioux Falls, SD
Sioux Falls is a fast-growing Midwestern city on the list. It stands out for its exceptional health care access, with 101 medical doctors per 10,000 residents—one of the highest ratios in the country.
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.
In terms of finances, South Dakota offers partial exemptions on military retirement income and property taxes for disabled veterans.
For veteran families, outdoor attractions like Falls Park and a vibrant downtown with events like SculptureWalk, along with strong schools and a low crime rate, make Sioux Falls a desirable place to lay down roots.
Median home price: $375,000
5. Battle Creek, MI
Coming in at No. 5 is Battle Creek, though it ranked No. 1 for community support and No. 2 for VA facility access per capita via the survey.
The city is home to the Battle Creek VA Medical Center and is also near Fort Custer Training Center. Veterans benefit from full exemptions on military retirement pay and disability-related property taxes.
What makes the city a standout option, aside from its region’s military ties, is its laundry list of community events. Home of Kellogg’s, it hosts the National Cereal Festival every year, as well as seasonal events such as the Field of Flight Air Show and International Festival of Lights. It also offers family attractions like Leila Arboretum’s Fantasy Forest and the Binder Park Zoo.
Median home price: $210,500
6. Decatur, IL
Decatur may have come in sixth overall, but it ranked first in financial well-being among the top 25 cities on the list.
Decatur offers full exemptions on both disability-related property taxes and military retirement income, along with a notably 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.
Plus, the location can’t be beat. Nestled along Lake Decatur, the area provides outdoor recreation at Nelson Park, the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, and Rock Springs Conservation Area. Family attractions like Scovill Zoo and the Children’s Museum of Illinois, plus educational and cultural access via Millikin University, add to the city’s appeal.
Median home price: $125,000
7. Cleveland, OH
Cleveland is another strong choice for vets seeking access to big-city resources with Midwestern affordability.
The city is home to over 111,000 veterans—and with Ohio’s full tax exemption on military retirement pay, those numbers could ramp up even more in the coming years.
Health care access is a standout, with nearly 33 doctors per 10,000 people and nationally ranked institutions like the Cleveland Clinic and the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center offering some of the best care in the country.
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Its perch on the shores of Lake Erie makes the area a hot spot for families who enjoy the outdoors. Cleveland offers lakeside recreation at spots like Edgewater Park and the Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway, along with rich cultural attractions including the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Playhouse Square.
Median home price: $144,900
8. Altoona, PA
A small town in the Keystone State, Altoona stands out as a well-rounded and affordable option for veterans and their families.
It’s actually not that small of a town, with one of the highest veteran-population densities among midsized cities. Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, it’s close to attractions like Canoe Creek State Park and the historic Horseshoe Curve.
Veterans who made the move benefit from full exemptions on military retirement income and 100% disability-related property taxes, as well as access to care at the local James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center.
Plus, it’s only two hours away from Pittsburgh, if you’re looking for a hit of big-city life.
Median home price: $149,900
9. Rapid City, SD
Rapid City offers a unique combination of natural beauty and support for military families. Located near iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, and Custer State Park, the city provides endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and scenic drives through the Black Hills.
Veterans benefit from access to the VA Black Hills Health Care System, including a local hospital and outpatient clinics. The city fosters a patriotic atmosphere with events like the Black Hills Veterans March and Stand Down gatherings.
Oh, and did we mention the state of South Dakota exempts military retirement pay from being taxed?
Median home price: $415,000
10. Lawton, OK
With about 112 veterans per 1,000 residents, rounding out the top 10 is Lawton.
This military-focused city holds the largest veteran population per capita on the top 25 list. Not too far from the Wichita Mountains, the town takes care of its vets through the Lawton VA Clinic, with services also available at nearby Fort Sill.
As Oklahoma offers full exemptions on both retirement pay and property taxes for veterans with a disability, veteran families benefit from the affordability of the area as well as its sense of community.
Median home price: $164,900
With that said, if you are a veteran hoping to secure a loan, Realtor.com® has partnered with Veteran United Home Loans to provide exclusive homebuying benefits you’ve earned through your service. Please consider exploring these financing options.
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