Best Coastal States for Veteran Benefits 2025
Complete guide to best coastal states for military retirees. Compare Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf Coast states for tax benefits and beach lifestyle.
Best Coastal States for Veteran Benefits 2025
America's coastal states offer unique advantages for military retirees: naval heritage, extensive VA healthcare networks concentrated in port cities, beach recreation, and in many cases, exceptional military retirement tax benefits. This guide identifies the best coastal states combining military retirement benefits with beach lifestyle.
Regional Coastal Rankings
GULF COAST TIER 1: FLORIDA - ABSOLUTE BEST COASTAL CHOICE
Why Florida Dominates All Coastal States:
- No state income tax: On any income source (ultimate advantage)
- Military retirement: 100% exempt
- 1,350+ miles of coastline: Only continental state with this access
- Property tax: 0.85% (lowest among major coastal states)
- Cost of living: Very low (98 index)
- VA healthcare: 5 major medical centers, extensive beach-area access
- Warm year-round: No winter heating costs
- Retiree infrastructure: Unmatched (retirement communities, senior services)
- Military presence: Significant naval and Coast Guard presence
Best Coastal Cities:
- Tampa Bay: Urban amenities + beaches, VA access, affordable ($330K)
- Jacksonville: Military base presence, affordable ($280K), large veteran population
- Southwest Florida: Retirement communities, beaches, Naples/Fort Myers area ($300K+)
Financial Advantage:
- Annual cost for $55K income: ~$34,000-$36,000 (lowest coastal)
- 10-year advantage over other coastal states: $50,000-$100,000+
- Perfect tax treatment + beach living + affordability
Recommendation: Florida is the single best coastal state for military retirees combining tax benefits, beach access, affordability, and veteran infrastructure.
GULF COAST TIER 2: TEXAS
Why Texas Coastal Option:
- No state income tax: On any source
- Military presence: Corpus Christi Naval Station, numerous bases inland
- Coastal recreation: Gulf beaches available
- Cost of living: Low (97 index)
- Housing: Affordable ($315K median, lower on coast)
- VA healthcare: Extensive statewide network
- Growing market: South Texas expanding
Best Coastal Cities:
- Corpus Christi: Naval base connection, beaches, affordable ($260K)
- Galveston/Houston area: Beaches, naval heritage, diverse economy
Trade-off vs Florida:
- Same no-income-tax advantage
- Slightly higher property tax (1.8% vs 0.85%)
- Less developed beach lifestyle infrastructure
- Better for military-connected veterans
ATLANTIC COAST - NO CLEAR WINNER (All Expensive)
Northern Atlantic (Virginia to Maine):
- Virginia: Military retirement exempt, moderate cost
- North Carolina: Military retirement exempt, good value
- Maryland: Does NOT exempt military retirement (major disadvantage)
- Pennsylvania: Military retirement exempt, limited coast
- New Jersey: Does NOT exempt military retirement, expensive
- New York: Expensive, high taxes
- Massachusetts: Expensive, highest taxes
Disadvantage: Northern Atlantic states either tax military retirement or are very expensive.
Best Northern Atlantic: Virginia or North Carolina (if prioritizing military tax benefits over beach lifestyle)
Southern Atlantic (South Carolina to Florida):
- South Carolina: Military retirement exempt, property tax 0.57%, affordable
- Georgia: Military retirement exempt, limited coast
- Florida: No state income tax, 1,350+ miles beach—clearly superior
Best Southern Atlantic: Florida (dominant) or South Carolina (secondary option)
PACIFIC COAST - EXCELLENT BUT EXPENSIVE
Washington:
- No state income tax: Unique advantage
- Military retirement: 100% tax-free
- Puget Sound: Beautiful but not traditional beach
- Cost of living: High (112 index)
- Housing: Expensive ($525K median)
- VA healthcare: Excellent Seattle area network
Oregon:
- Military retirement: Taxed (~3.75% effective)
- 360+ miles of Pacific beaches: Exceptional beauty
- Cost of living: 108 index (lower than WA)
- Housing: Moderate ($425K)
- VA healthcare: Good statewide
California:
- Military retirement: 100% exempt (but high other taxes)
- Coast: Exceptional (entire state)
- Cost of living: Extremely high (156 index)
- Housing: Expensive ($595K+)
- VA healthcare: World-class (research facilities)
- Best for: Only high-income professionals where salary premium offsets costs
Pacific Rating: Excellent lifestyle and recreation, but expensive; not ideal for retirees on fixed military pension.
Best for: Washington (high earners, no income tax) or Oregon (lifestyle-focused with some income)
Financial Comparison: Military Retiree with $45K Pension + $10K Other Income
| Coastal State | Annual Tax | Cost of Living | Housing Median | Annual Cost | 10-Yr Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida (BEST) | $0 | 98 | $280K | $33,930 | $339,300 |
| South Carolina | $675 | 97 | $280K | $35,200 | $352,000 |
| Texas (Coastal) | $0 | 97 | $260K | $37,650 | $376,500 |
| Virginia | $0 | 96 | $310K | $34,000 | $340,000 |
| North Carolina | $980 | 99 | $310K | $35,700 | $357,000 |
| Washington | $0 | 112 | $525K | $46,000 | $460,000 |
| Oregon | $3,368 | 108 | $425K | $42,000 | $420,000 |
Clear Winner: Florida (Lowest annual cost by $1,000-$12,000)
VA Healthcare Access: Coastal Advantage
Great Advantage of Coastal States:
Major VA medical centers concentrated in port cities serving naval communities:
Top Coastal VA Networks:
- Florida: 5 major medical centers with coastal access (Tampa, Miami, West Palm Beach)
- Texas: 5 major medical centers (Houston, Corpus Christi area)
- Virginia: 4 major medical centers (Norfolk naval center area)
- North Carolina: 4 major medical centers (Durham, etc.)
- South Carolina: 3 major medical centers
- Washington: 4 major medical centers (Seattle naval center)
- California: Major research centers (San Diego, San Francisco)
Naval Heritage Advantage: Coastal states have extensive VA networks built around naval bases.
Beach Recreation Comparison
| Coastal State | Beach Quality | Length | Accessibility | Climate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | Excellent (white sand) | 1,350+ miles | Excellent | Best (75-90°F) |
| South Carolina | Good | 400 miles | Good | Good (60-85°F) |
| North Carolina | Good | 300+ miles | Good | Moderate (50-85°F) |
| Virginia | Moderate | 112 miles | Good | Cool (40-75°F) |
| Washington | Moderate (rocky) | Limited | Good | Cool (45-75°F) |
| Oregon | Excellent (rugged) | 360+ miles | Good | Cool (50-70°F) |
| California | Exceptional (varied) | 800+ miles | Excellent | Excellent (varies) |
Best Overall Beach: Florida (combination of quality, length, accessibility, warmth)
Naval Heritage & Military Culture
Strongest Naval Heritage States:
- Virginia: Norfolk (largest naval base worldwide)
- Florida: Naval presence throughout (Jacksonville, Tampa, Key West)
- Texas: Corpus Christi Naval Station
- North Carolina: Naval bases (Jacksonville)
- Washington: Puget Sound naval presence (Seattle)
- California: San Diego (major naval center)
Best for Military Culture: Virginia and Florida
Best Coastal State Recommendations by Profile
Scenario 1: Retiree Seeking Perfect Balance
BEST: Florida
- No income tax + military retirement exempt
- Best beaches (white sand, warmest)
- Lowest overall costs
- Strongest veteran infrastructure
- Warmest year-round climate
- Recommendation: Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, Southwest Florida
Scenario 2: Naval/Military Heritage Focus
BEST: Virginia
- Naval heritage (Norfolk largest naval base)
- Military retirement tax-exempt
- Moderate cost of living
- Excellent VA healthcare
- Historic military significance
- Recommendation: Hampton Roads area (Norfolk, Newport News)
Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious Beach Lifestyle
BEST: South Carolina or Florida
- South Carolina: Very low property taxes (0.57%)
- Florida: No income tax, lower property taxes
- Both affordable
- Beach access good to excellent
- Recommendation: Jacksonville (FL) or Columbia (SC)
Scenario 4: Pacific Beach Lifestyle
BEST: Oregon (if affording costs)
- 360+ miles of exceptional beaches
- More affordable than Washington/California
- Good VA healthcare
- Lower cost of living than west coast average
- Recommendation: Bend or Eugene (coastal access nearby)
Scenario 5: High-Earning Professional (Tech/Aerospace Coastal)
BEST: Washington or California
- Washington: No income tax on high earnings
- California: Top salary potential
- Both have strong VA healthcare
- Accept higher costs for career opportunities/income
- Recommendation: Seattle area (WA) or San Diego (CA)
Scenario 6: Disabled Veteran Seeking Naval VA Access
BEST: Florida or Virginia
- Florida: 5 major VA medical centers with coastal access
- Virginia: Largest naval base, excellent VA infrastructure
- Both excellent disability healthcare access
- Recommendation: Jacksonville area (FL) or Hampton Roads (VA)
Overall Coastal State Ranking
| Rank | State | Score | Primary Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FLORIDA | 9.7/10 | Best beaches + tax + affordability |
| 2 | VIRGINIA | 8.8/10 | Naval heritage + military benefits |
| 3 | SOUTH CAROLINA | 8.7/10 | Low property tax + beach lifestyle |
| 4 | NORTH CAROLINA | 8.5/10 | Balance of affordability + beaches |
| 5 | TEXAS (Coastal) | 8.3/10 | No income tax + affordability |
| 6 | WASHINGTON | 8.0/10 | No income tax but expensive |
| 7 | OREGON | 7.8/10 | Exceptional beaches, lower cost |
| 8 | CALIFORNIA | 7.2/10 | Best beaches but very expensive |
Why Coastal States Appeal to Military Retirees
- Naval Heritage: Military presence, VA healthcare concentration, naval culture
- Tax Benefits: Most coastal states exempt military retirement
- Recreation: Beach access, water sports, boating
- Warm Climate: Reduced winter costs (especially Gulf Coast)
- Veteran Communities: Large populations in coastal military cities
- Healthcare: VA hospitals concentrated in port cities serving naval communities
- Lifestyle: Beach living, outdoor recreation year-round
- Economic Opportunity: Coastal cities offer diverse employment
Key Coastal State Advantages for Veterans
- VA Healthcare Concentration: Major medical centers in port cities
- Naval Heritage: Strong military culture and veteran communities
- Beach Recreation: Unmatched outdoor recreation opportunity
- Military Retirement Tax Benefits: Most coastal states exempt
- Year-Round Activity: Warm climate enables year-round outdoor life
- Lower Heating Costs: Gulf Coast especially (saves $2,000-$3,000/year)
- Established Communities: Long military presence creates infrastructure
- Water Recreation: Boating, fishing, water sports access
Conclusion: Best Coastal States for Military Retirees
Florida is unquestionably the best coastal state for military retirees, combining:
- No state income tax (any source)
- Military retirement completely tax-free
- 1,350+ miles of beaches (only option with comprehensive coast access)
- Lowest property tax rates among coastal states (0.85%)
- Lowest cost of living among coastal states
- Extensive VA healthcare network (5 major medical centers)
- Warmest climate year-round (saves winter heating costs)
- Largest and most established veteran communities
- Perfect tax + beach + affordability combination
Virginia and South Carolina offer strong secondary coastal options:
- Virginia: Naval heritage + tax benefits + moderate cost
- South Carolina: Ultra-low property taxes + affordability
Pacific Coast states (Oregon, Washington, California) offer exceptional beach scenery but at higher costs; only appropriate for high-earning professionals or those prioritizing beach lifestyle over financial optimization.
A military retiree with $55,000 annual income can live comfortably in coastal Florida for $33,900-$35,900 annually—among America's lowest costs while enjoying year-round beach living, unmatched recreation, and established veteran communities.
Florida is the definitive best coastal state for military retirement.