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Best States for Veterans: Connecticut

Part of the G.I. Jobs 50 States of Opportunity for Veterans Series

Using the Military Friendly® States Tool, this series explores what makes each state unique and why it may be the perfect place to begin your next mission.

Connecticut may be small, but its military footprint is anything but.

The state is home to Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, the Navy’s primary East Coast submarine base and the installation known as the Home of the Submarine Force. The base supports more than 70 tenant commands and employs more than 9,500 active-duty, Reserve and civilian personnel. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy is also located nearby in New London.

That military presence creates a natural advantage for Veterans transitioning into civilian careers, particularly those with experience in engineering, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, logistics, aviation, information technology and defense.

Connecticut also has something particularly important for military retirees: military retirement pay is fully exempt from Connecticut income tax. Current Connecticut tax instructions specifically identify military retirement pay as fully exempt from state income tax.

Then there’s education. Qualified Veterans attending Connecticut public colleges and universities can receive a state Veterans Tuition Waiver, which can cover tuition for eligible for-credit courses.

The trade-off is cost. Connecticut is not one of the nation’s cheapest states, particularly when it comes to housing and property taxes. But for Veterans who can take advantage of the state’s military retirement exemption, education benefits and highly skilled job market, Connecticut can be a surprisingly strong place to build the next chapter.

If you’re comparing Connecticut with the rest of the country, start with the complete Best States for Veterans rankings.

Table of Contents

• Veteran Snapshot
• Why Veterans Choose Connecticut
• Connecticut by the Numbers
• Employment Outlook for Veterans
• Education Opportunities
• Veteran Benefits in Connecticut
• Healthcare & VA Resources
• Best Cities for Veterans
• Cost of Living
• Outdoor Recreation & Veteran Lifestyle
• Pros & Cons
• Is Connecticut Right for You?
• Frequently Asked Questions

Veteran Snapshot

Category	Connecticut
Overall Ranking	See full 50-state rankings
Best For	Defense, aerospace, advanced manufacturing & education
Veteran Population	134,265
State Income Tax	Yes
Military Retirement Tax	Fully exempt
Cost of Living	Above National Average
Major Military Installations	Naval Submarine Base New London
VA Healthcare	10 locations statewide
Military Community	Strong, particularly in southeastern Connecticut

The Census Bureau reports 134,265 Veterans in Connecticut for 2020–2024.

Why Veterans Choose Connecticut

Connecticut offers something Veterans don’t always find in one place: a strong connection to the military combined with a sophisticated civilian economy.

The state’s defense industry has deep roots. General Dynamics Electric Boat, Pratt & Whitney, Sikorsky and other aerospace and defense companies operate in Connecticut, creating opportunities for people with military experience in engineering, maintenance, aviation, nuclear operations, logistics, project management and leadership. Connecticut’s economic development agency identifies aerospace and defense, advanced manufacturing, insurance, financial services, life sciences and technology innovation among its key industries.

For Navy Veterans in particular, southeastern Connecticut offers a unique advantage.

Naval Submarine Base New London is the Navy’s primary East Coast submarine base and supports more than 70 tenant commands. The installation employs more than 9,500 active-duty, Reserve and civilian personnel and serves a broader military community of service members, families, DoD employees, contractors and retirees.

Connecticut is also particularly attractive to military retirees because military retirement pay is fully exempt from state income tax.

And Veterans looking to continue their education have access to a state tuition waiver at public colleges and universities—one of the more significant Veteran education benefits in Connecticut.

In other words, Connecticut isn’t necessarily the state for Veterans looking for the cheapest everything.

It’s the state for Veterans looking for strong career opportunities, education benefits, military community and access to New England without giving up their connection to the defense industry.

Connecticut by the Numbers

Category	Connecticut
Veteran Population	134,265
Median Home Value	$366,900
Median Gross Rent	$1,431/month
State Income Tax	Yes
Military Retirement Tax	Fully exempt
VA Healthcare Locations	10
Major Military Installation	Naval Submarine Base New London
2026 Unemployment Rate	5.2%
Payroll Employment	1.7265 million

The Census Bureau reports a median value of owner-occupied homes of $366,900 and median gross rent of $1,431 for 2020–2024.

Connecticut employers had 1.7265 million payroll jobs in June 2026, an all-time high, although the state’s unemployment rate had risen to 5.2%. Health care and social assistance was the state’s largest industry and had added 3,300 jobs during the first half of 2026. Manufacturing also had a strong first half.

Employment Outlook for Veterans

Connecticut’s job market is especially interesting for Veterans because several of the state’s strongest industries align closely with military skills.

Top Industries for Veterans

• Aerospace & Defense
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Healthcare
• Biotechnology & Life Sciences
• Insurance
• Financial Services
• Information Technology
• Engineering
• Logistics
• Government
• Construction
• Energy

Connecticut describes itself as an aerospace and defense powerhouse, with major employers and manufacturers throughout the state. The state is also home to strong insurance, financial services, healthcare and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Major Veteran-Friendly Employment Opportunities

Veterans may find opportunities with companies and organizations such as:

• General Dynamics Electric Boat
• Pratt & Whitney
• Sikorsky
• Stanley Black & Decker
• United Rentals
• Hartford Financial Services
• Yale New Haven Health
• State of Connecticut
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Department of Defense contractors

Connecticut’s aerospace and defense sector is particularly well positioned for Veterans with technical military backgrounds.

The state also has dedicated employment assistance for Veterans. Connecticut’s Department of Labor operates Veteran employment programs, including Hire Vets First, Veteran representatives and the Office of Veteran Workforce Development.

Connecticut also offers a Military to Machinists workforce program, connecting Veterans with training and career opportunities in manufacturing.

Veterans looking for companies committed to recruiting and supporting former service members should explore Military Friendly® Employers.

And don’t underestimate the importance of translating military experience into civilian language before you apply.

For Veterans looking to add an in-demand credential quickly, explore the best certifications for Veterans to earn in under six months.

Education Opportunities

Connecticut punches above its weight when it comes to higher education.

Veterans can choose from institutions including:

• University of Connecticut
• Yale University
• Central Connecticut State University
• Eastern Connecticut State University
• Southern Connecticut State University
• Western Connecticut State University
• Quinnipiac University
• University of New Haven
• Charter Oak State College
• Connecticut community colleges

But the biggest reason Veterans should look closely at Connecticut isn’t simply the schools.

It’s the Veterans Tuition Waiver.

Connecticut offers qualified Veterans tuition waivers at the University of Connecticut and Connecticut State Colleges and Universities. The waiver can cover tuition for eligible for-credit courses, although it does not cover expenses such as books, fees, parking, transportation or room and board.

Charter Oak State College also offers a 50% tuition waiver for eligible Veterans.

Veterans should also investigate whether military training and experience can translate into academic credit before enrolling.

And when comparing schools, use the Military Friendly® Schools directory to identify institutions with established programs and support for military-connected students.

Veterans using federal education benefits should also understand how the Yellow Ribbon Program and Post-9/11 GI Bill work together, particularly when considering private or higher-cost institutions.

Veteran Benefits in Connecticut

Connecticut has several significant benefits for Veterans, particularly in the areas of retirement income, property taxes and education.

State Income Taxes

Connecticut has a state income tax, but there is an important exception for military retirees.

Military Retirement

Connecticut fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax.

Current Connecticut Department of Revenue Services guidance says military retirement pay and Tier 1 and Tier 2 railroad retirement benefits are fully exempt from Connecticut income tax.

That’s a major advantage for Veterans considering Connecticut for retirement.

Property Tax Benefits

Connecticut provides a basic property tax exemption for certain qualifying Veterans, including those who served at least 90 days during wartime and were honorably discharged. Additional relief may be available based on income.

Connecticut also enacted a significant benefit for Veterans with permanent and total service-connected disabilities. Qualifying Veterans may receive a property tax exemption on their primary residence or, if they do not own a home, one motor vehicle.

Because property taxes vary by municipality, Veterans should check eligibility with their local assessor.

Education Benefits

The Connecticut Veterans Tuition Waiver can cover tuition at eligible public colleges and universities for qualifying Veterans.

Employment Services

Connecticut provides specialized employment assistance through Veteran representatives and the Office of Veteran Workforce Development.

Services include:

• Career counseling
• Resume assistance
• Job searches
• Training referrals
• Hiring events
• Veteran employment programs

The state also offers Hire Vets First, designed to connect qualified Veterans with employers.

Healthcare & VA Resources

Connecticut Veterans have access to the VA Connecticut Healthcare System, which operates 10 locations statewide.

Those facilities include:

• West Haven VA Medical Center
• Newington campus
• Community outpatient clinics in Danbury
• New London
• Stamford
• Waterbury
• Willimantic
• Winsted
• Orange
• West Haven

Services include:

• Primary care
• Specialty care
• Mental health
• PTSD treatment
• Women’s health
• Telehealth
• Rehabilitation
• Whole health
• Vocational assistance
• Caregiver support

The VA Connecticut system also provides employment and vocational services for Veterans facing physical or mental health challenges, including transitional work, supported employment and vocational assistance.

Connecticut’s state government also maintains a broader Veterans health resource network that connects Veterans and families with healthcare and benefit information.

For Veterans who prioritize healthcare access, Connecticut’s combination of VA facilities and major civilian healthcare institutions is a meaningful advantage.

Best Cities for Veterans

Connecticut is compact, but the best place to live depends heavily on what kind of civilian career and lifestyle you’re after.

Groton

Best for: Military and defense careers

Groton is the obvious choice for Veterans who want to remain connected to the military community.

Naval Submarine Base New London is located here, and the installation supports thousands of active-duty, Reserve and civilian personnel.

Pros

• Major Navy presence
• Defense employment
• Strong military community
• Coastal lifestyle
• Close to New London

Cons

• Smaller civilian job market
• Housing costs can vary considerably

Hartford

Best for: Insurance, finance and professional careers

Hartford is Connecticut’s capital and a major center for insurance and financial services.

Veterans transitioning into business, management, finance, IT, healthcare administration or government careers may find a broad range of opportunities here.

Pros

• Diverse professional job market
• State government opportunities
• Healthcare
• Major employers
• Central location

Cons

• Higher housing costs in desirable communities
• Urban challenges

New Haven

Best for: Healthcare and education

New Haven offers access to major healthcare and education institutions, including Yale University and Yale New Haven Health.

Pros

• Major healthcare sector
• Higher education
• Cultural attractions
• Diverse employment opportunities

Cons

• Higher housing costs in some neighborhoods
• Urban environment

Stamford

Best for: Finance and corporate careers

Stamford sits in southwestern Connecticut and provides proximity to New York City while maintaining a Connecticut home base.

Pros

• Finance and corporate employment
• Access to New York City
• Strong professional-services sector
• Transportation connections

Cons

• Expensive housing
• Higher overall living costs

Norwich

Best for: Smaller-city living near the military community

Norwich provides a smaller-city alternative in southeastern Connecticut while keeping Veterans within reasonable reach of Groton and New London.

Pros

• Smaller community
• Southeastern Connecticut location
• Access to military and coastal areas
• More relaxed pace

Cons

• Smaller job market
• Fewer big-city amenities

Cost of Living

Expense	Connecticut	U.S. Average
Housing	Higher	Average
Rent	Higher	Average
Utilities	Moderate	Average
Groceries	Moderate	Average
Transportation	Moderate	Average
Property Taxes	Higher	Average

Connecticut is not a low-cost state, and Veterans should factor housing and property taxes heavily into a relocation decision.

The Census Bureau reports a $366,900 median value for owner-occupied homes and $1,431 median gross rent for 2020–2024.

But the statewide averages don’t tell the whole story.

Housing costs differ considerably between southeastern Connecticut, Hartford-area communities, New Haven, and the much more expensive southwestern part of the state.

For Veterans considering Connecticut, the better question isn’t simply “Is Connecticut expensive?”

It’s: “Does my expected civilian salary, military retirement and Veteran benefits make Connecticut’s cost of living work for me?”

For military retirees, the complete exemption of military retirement pay from state income tax can materially change that calculation.

Outdoor Recreation & Veteran Lifestyle

Connecticut may not have Colorado’s mountains or Alaska’s wilderness, but its compact size gives Veterans easy access to an impressive mix of outdoor activities.

Veterans can enjoy:

• Hiking
• Fishing
• Boating
• Kayaking
• Camping
• Beaches
• State parks
• Cycling
• Skiing
• Golf
• Hunting
• Scenic drives

Connecticut also offers easy access to the broader New England region.

A Veteran living in southeastern Connecticut can spend a weekend exploring the Connecticut shoreline, Rhode Island or Massachusetts. A Veteran in western Connecticut can reach New York City relatively easily.

And because the state is small, “getting away” doesn’t necessarily require a full military planning exercise.

Pros & Cons

Pros

✔ Military retirement pay is fully exempt from state income tax

✔ Strong aerospace and defense industry

✔ Naval Submarine Base New London

✔ Significant Veteran education benefits

✔ Connecticut Veterans Tuition Waiver

✔ Strong VA healthcare network

✔ Access to major civilian healthcare systems

✔ Advanced manufacturing opportunities

✔ Strong professional-services economy

✔ Easy access to the rest of New England

Cons

✖ Higher cost of living

✖ Higher property taxes

✖ State income tax on most other income

✖ Smaller job market than nearby New York or Boston

✖ Winter weather

✖ Housing affordability varies significantly by region

Is Connecticut Right for You?

Connecticut may be one of the better choices for Veterans who want strong benefits without giving up access to sophisticated civilian industries.

It’s especially compelling for:

• Military retirees
• Navy Veterans
• Veterans with aerospace experience
• Engineers
• Advanced manufacturing professionals
• Healthcare workers
• Cybersecurity professionals
• Finance and insurance professionals
• Veterans pursuing higher education

The state’s full exemption for military retirement pay is a major advantage for retirees. Its public college tuition waiver can also make Connecticut particularly attractive for Veterans who want to continue their education.

The biggest consideration is cost.

Connecticut isn’t the place to move simply because you found a cheap house. Instead, Veterans should look closely at the relationship between salary, housing, property taxes, retirement income and benefits.

For Veterans who can make those numbers work, Connecticut offers something fairly unique: a state where military experience, technical skills and education can all translate into a strong civilian future.

And if you’re a Navy Veteran with submarine, engineering or technical experience?

Connecticut deserves a particularly close look.

Frequently Asked Questions