Veterans United Home Loans, the foremost VA lender in the United States, has released its 2024 Best Cities for Veterans to Live list, identifying top locations tailored to the needs of veterans and service members. Topping the list is Tampa, Florida.
In a comprehensive report, Veterans United highlighted various cities where retired military personnel can find amenities suited to their specific requirements. Chris Birk, vice president of mortgage insight at Veterans United, underscored the methodology behind the rankings. “Our in-depth analysis factors in feedback and priorities from hundreds of Veterans we surveyed, so we can really dig into what those who serve are looking for when it comes to planting roots and building communities,” said in a statement.
According to Birk, the selected cities provide conducive environments for raising families, feature vibrant job markets, offer numerous outdoor activities, and facilitate community building among veterans.
The study involved surveying veterans to identify their key priorities. Researchers evaluated more than 500 metropolitan areas based on 25 metrics, including cost of living, crime rates, housing affordability, and the presence of a strong veteran community. Tampa, Florida, emerged as the top city due to its median home price of $415,500, strong quality of life and veteran community scores, and lower cost of living.
Veterans United also highlighted Tampa’s appeal with diverse day and nighttime activities, including amusement parks, museums, theaters, and beaches. The area’s rankings were boosted by high marks in access to fresh foods, median air quality, and healthcare facility quality. Florida’s favorable tax policies, including no state income tax and property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, along with strong pre-K-12 education scores, further enhanced Tampa’s ranking.
Other cities in the top ten include Rochester, Minnesota; Wichita Falls, Texas; Fargo, North Dakota; Virginia Beach, Virginia; Watertown, New York; Charleston, South Carolina; Medford, Oregon; Altoona, Pennsylvania; and Sioux Falls, South Dakota.