Best Cities After Service 2024

Survey Methodology: Navy Federal worked with Sperling's BestPlaces to evaluate and rank more than 400 US cities and towns across the country based on a variety of quality-of-life metrics (Veteran community, cost of living, etc.). Using these findings, Navy Federal and Sperling's BestPlaces determined which cities best meet the needs of Veterans overall, and then specific to those looking to start a small business, retire from the workforce, buy a home and prefer living in small towns.

After evaluating and ranking 400 US cities, Navy Federal and Sperling’s BestPlaces^{© Footnote 1} curated the Best Cities After Service report to help servicemembers and Veterans smoothly transition to civilian life. We considered many factors, such as Veterans’ average income, proximity to VA hospitals and military bases, and arts and recreation. Then, we coupled this with a suite of quality-of-life measures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

• Veteran success and wellness (e.g., community of Veterans, Veteran income, Veteran-owned businesses, proximity to VA hospitals and military bases to serve as resources)
• Affordability (e.g., taxes, housing costs)
• Economic health (e.g., unemployment, income change, house appreciation)
• Climate, environmental health (e.g., healthy air and water) and national hazard risk
• Recreational opportunity (e.g., trails, sports, zoos, aquariums) and proximity to amenities, arts and culture
• Crime rate
• Community diversity and population change
• Proximity to airport
• Quality of schools
• Health resources

From coastal and midwestern locations, to warm and cold climates and big cities and small towns, the Best Cities After Service report has options for everyone.

Overall Best Cities After Service:  

1. Sarasota, FL
2. Norwich, CT
3. Derry, NH
4. Omaha, NE
5. Portland, ME
6. Virginia Beach, VA
7. Sebastian, FL
8. Oklahoma City, OK
9. Duluth, MN
10. Rapid City, SD

Best Cities for Retired Veterans:

We looked at cities ideal for retirement and military families looking for a permanent home—compiling a brand-new set of locations that breaks down family compatibility, the cost of living, low crime rates and more.

1. Sarasota, FL
2. Derry, NH
3. Tampa, FL
4. Duluth, MN
5. Norwich, CT

Best Cities for Veterans to Buy a House:

Looking for the best place to settle down? We’ve assembled a new list of ideal locations based on the cost of a house, tax prices, low crime rates, comfortable climate, health resources, strong amenities and more.

1. Altoona, PA
2. Abilene, TX
3. Muncie, IN
4. El Paso, TX
5. Mansfield, OH

Best Cities for Veterans to Start a Business:

Veterans are motivated to use the skills they developed during service to start their own businesses, pursue their passions and earn a comfortable living in the long term. We’ve put together a list of the best cities for Vetrepreneurs—considering costs, taxes, crime rate, growth potential of economy, Veteran resources and more.

1. Coeur d'Alene, ID
2. Johnson City, TN
3. Bend, OR
4. Logan, UT
5. Wichita Falls, TX

Best Small Towns for Veterans:

Interested in moving to a small town post-military service? We’ve put together a list of the top small towns for Veterans and their families based on factors like community, safety, arts, recreation and affordability.

1. Glens Falls, NY
2. Ames, IA
3. Mankato, MN
4. La Crosse, WI
5. Manhattan, KS

Regardless of where you move after service, planning for the transition to civilian life also means having a financial plan to match. Navy Federal Credit Union is proud to offer tools, tips and resources to help servicemembers succeed as they transition to civilian life.