Where is the best place for a Veteran to live after military service?
Leaving the military gives you something you may not have had in years: the ability to choose where you want to live.
But choosing isn’t simple.
One state may offer better jobs for your military background. Another may stretch your retirement pay further. Some don’t tax military retirement income. Others offer valuable education or property-tax benefits to qualifying Veterans. And the state with the lowest housing costs isn’t necessarily the best choice if the jobs you want—or the VA healthcare you need—are three hours away.
That’s why we’ve created G.I. Jobs Best States for Veterans—a comprehensive guide to help you compare every state through the lens of military transition.
This series helps you compare the things that actually matter after military service: careers, housing, taxes, Veteran benefits, education, healthcare, military communities and quality of life. Then you can find out why it may—or may not—be the right place to build your next chapter.
Click here to jump to the list of 50 states.
What Makes a State Great for Veterans?
Every Veteran has different priorities.
For some, it’s landing a high-paying job.
For others, it’s buying a home, raising a family, starting a business, finishing college, or enjoying retirement.
Throughout this series, we’ll examine every state using the factors that matter most to transitioning service members.
Not Sure Which State to Start With?
Looking for defense and aerospace careers?
Start by exploring states with major military and defense economies.
Prioritizing affordability?
Compare housing, taxes and cost of living—not just home prices.
Retiring from the military?
Pay particular attention to military retirement taxation, property-tax rules, healthcare access and state Veteran benefits.
Going back to school?
Compare state education benefits alongside your federal GI Bill benefits.
Want to stay near a military community?
Look closely at states with major installations, defense employers and established Veteran populations.
Planning to work remotely?
Housing, taxes, broadband and quality of life may matter more than the local job market.
Already know what’s important to you? Use the Military Friendly® States Tool to compare states in more detail.
Don’t choose a state based on one number.
A state with cheap housing may have weaker job opportunities in your field. A state with generous Veteran benefits may have expensive housing. A state with excellent VA healthcare may require a long drive if you settle in the wrong part of it.
When comparing states, look at the whole picture:
- Career: Are there jobs that match your experience?
- Housing: Can your expected civilian income support the area you want?
- Taxes: How does the state treat military retirement and other income?
- Benefits: Which state Veteran benefits would you actually qualify for?
- Healthcare: How close would you be to the VA and other care you use?
- Education: Are there useful benefits for you, your spouse or your children?
- Lifestyle: Would you actually enjoy living there?
How We Research the Best States for Veterans
G.I. Jobs uses current information from authoritative sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, state Veterans affairs departments, state revenue and taxation agencies, state education agencies and other official government sources.
We also examine local employment markets, major industries, military installations, Veteran communities, housing and lifestyle factors.
Benefits and eligibility requirements change. We link to official state and federal sources throughout these guides so Veterans can verify current requirements before making financial, education or relocation decisions.
How We Evaluate Each State
There isn’t one “best” state for every Veteran. A 28-year-old separating service member looking for a cybersecurity job has very different priorities than a military retiree looking for low taxes, affordable housing and easy access to VA healthcare.
That’s why we don’t reduce states to a single score.
Instead, every G.I. Jobs state guide looks at the factors that actually affect life after the military…
| Category | What We Measure |
|---|---|
| 💼 Career Opportunities | Hiring, industries, job growth |
| 🎓 Education | Veteran and family education benefits |
| 🏡 Cost of Living | Affordability and tax advantages |
| 👨👩👧 Family Support | Resources for military families |
| 🚀 Entrepreneurship | Veteran business opportunities |
| 🌲 Outdoor Lifestyle | Recreation and quality of life |
While no state is perfect for everyone, these scorecards provide a quick snapshot to help narrow your search.
Compare States with the Military Friendly® States Tool
Our articles provide the big picture.
The Military Friendly® States Tool helps you dive deeper.
Use it to explore:
- Veteran benefits
- Employment opportunities
- Education resources
- State-specific programs
- Military family resources
- Quality-of-life information
Whether you’re comparing two neighboring states or planning a cross-country move, it’s one of the best resources available for Veterans making relocation decisions.
Explore the Military Friendly® States Tool
Start exploring our first featured state: Alabama →
Explore All 50 States
We’ve researched all 50 states to help Veterans compare employment, housing, taxes, education, state benefits, VA healthcare access and quality of life.
Start with a state you’re already considering—or compare a few places you may not have thought about yet.
Connecticut Guide for Veterans
Massachusetts Guide for Veterans
Mississippi Guide for Veterans
New Hampshire Guide for Veterans
North Carolina Guide for Veterans
North Dakota Guide for Veterans
Pennsylvania Guide for Veterans
Rhode Island Guide for Veterans
South Carolina Guide for Veterans
South Dakota Guide for Veterans
West Virginia Guide for Veterans
Where Will Your Next Mission Take You?
Every state has something unique to offer Veterans.
Some excel at career opportunities.
Others stand out for education, affordability, retirement benefits, entrepreneurship, or quality of life.
The best state isn’t the one with the highest score.
It’s the one that fits your goals.
Whether you’re transitioning next month or planning years ahead, we hope this series helps you make one of the biggest decisions of your civilian life with confidence.