Best States for Veterans 2025: Top 10 Ranked by Benefits

You're looking at retirement or post-military life and trying to figure out where the hell to land. Smart move researching this now—because where you hang your hat makes a massive difference in how far your pension, disability, and savings will stretch.

Some states actively compete for veteran residents with serious tax breaks and benefits. Others just pay lip service while taxing your military retirement like it's lottery winnings.

We've ranked the top 10 states that actually put their money where their mouth is. These aren't just nice places to live—they're states that structurally reward your service with cold, hard savings.

Quick Rankings: Top 10 at a Glance

Rank	State	Income Tax on Military Retirement	Property Tax Break	Education Benefits	VA Healthcare Access	Overall Grade
1	Florida	None	100% for disabled vets	Strong	Excellent	A+
2	Texas	None	$12K-$24K homestead exemption	Excellent	Excellent	A+
3	Virginia	Exempt after age 55	Varies by locality	Excellent	Best in nation	A
4	Nevada	None	Partial exemption	Good	Good	A
5	Alaska	None	$150K exemption + PFD	Good	Limited	A-
6	Washington	None	Varies	Good	Very good	A-
7	Arizona	Partially exempt	Limited	Very good	Very good	B+
8	North Carolina	Exempt up to $54K	Varies	Good	Good	B+
9	Georgia	Exempt up to $65K	$50K for disabled	Good	Good	B
10	South Dakota	None	Disabled vets only	Limited	Limited	B

Want to compare all 50 states side-by-side? Check out our interactive state benefits comparison tool.

#1: Florida - The Retirement Tax Haven

Winner: Zero income tax, zero property tax for 100% disabled vets, massive veteran population.

Loser: Hurricane insurance ain't cheap, and summer heat is oppressive.

Florida didn't become the #1 retirement destination by accident. For veterans specifically, it's a nearly perfect financial setup:

Zero state income tax on anything—military retirement, disability, civilian job, whatever.
100% property tax exemption if you're 100% disabled (or 10%+ and permanently homebound).
Partial exemptions for other disability ratings vary by county.
No estate or inheritance tax for your survivors.

The Healthcare Situation

Florida has 8 VA Medical Centers and dozens of outpatient clinics. If you're near Tampa, Miami, or Jacksonville, you've got world-class VA facilities. Rural areas? Not as strong, but still better coverage than most states.

The veteran population here is enormous—over 1.5 million. That means robust VSO presence, veteran-specific programs, and a community that actually gets it.

Who This Works For

Retirees who want warm weather year-round, 100% disabled vets who want maximum property tax savings, anyone sick of paying state income tax, veterans who want to be around other veterans.

Who Should Pass

Anyone who hates heat, humidity, and hurricanes. People looking for four seasons. Veterans who need specialized VA care only available at major academic centers.

Bottom Line: If you can handle the weather and insurance costs, Florida offers the best pure financial benefit package in the nation.

#2: Texas - Everything's Bigger, Including Tax Breaks

Winner: No income tax, massive property tax exemptions, huge VA system, booming job market.

Loser: Property taxes are high (but offset by exemptions), healthcare access is uneven outside cities.

Texas aggressively recruits veteran residents, and it shows:

Zero state income tax (never has been, never will be).
$12,000 property tax exemption for any veteran with a VA rating.
Additional exemptions based on disability rating—up to 100% exempt if you're 100% disabled.
Age 65 or older? Additional $10K exemption stacks with veteran exemption.

The Real Deal on Property Taxes

Here's the catch: Texas has higher property tax rates than most states (1.6-2.1% of home value). But those exemptions chip away at it significantly. A 100% disabled vet basically pays zero property tax on a median-priced home.

If you're 0% rated or not service-connected? You'll feel those taxes. The $12K exemption helps, but it's not game-changing on a $400K house.

Job Market and Economy

Texas has the 2nd largest economy in the U.S. Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio all have booming tech, energy, healthcare, and defense sectors. If you're transitioning and need work, Texas delivers opportunities.

VA Healthcare

7 VA Medical Centers (Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, El Paso, Temple, Amarillo, Big Spring)
Houston's Michael E. DeBakey VAMC is one of the best in the country
Rural West Texas? You're looking at long drives.

Who This Works For

Veterans with disability ratings who want massive property tax relief. Folks transitioning to civilian careers in tech/energy/defense. Anyone fleeing high-tax states who wants a booming economy. Gun enthusiasts (zero restrictions, constitutional carry).

Who Should Pass

Veterans with no VA disability rating (you'll miss the best benefits). Anyone who can't handle 100°F summers. People who want walkable cities (most of Texas is car-dependent).

Bottom Line: Texas is a financial powerhouse for disabled veterans and anyone who wants a thriving economy with zero income tax.

#3: Virginia - Worth the Taxes

Winner: Pentagon proximity, nation's best VA system, strong education benefits, huge defense contractor job market.

Loser: You'll pay state income tax (though military retirement is exempt after 55).

Wait—Virginia charges income tax and still ranks #3? Yeah, because the benefits and opportunities outweigh the tax hit.

Military Retirement Tax Treatment

Under 55: You pay state income tax on military retirement.
55 or older: Military retirement is 100% exempt (up to $40,000 subtraction).
Disability pay: Always tax-exempt.

So you'll pay taxes in your early retirement years, but it phases out.

Why Virginia Still Wins

VA Healthcare: Virginia is home to multiple top-tier VA facilities—Richmond, Hampton, Salem—and tons of community-based outpatient clinics. Access is exceptional. The Richmond VA is consistently rated among the best in the nation.

Education: In-state tuition for veterans at William & Mary, UVA, Virginia Tech, and 40+ other colleges. Virginia also offers state-funded tuition assistance programs.

Defense Contractors: Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, General Dynamics, Booz Allen Hamilton, and hundreds more. If you're transitioning into defense contracting, Virginia is the epicenter. You literally can't avoid the defense industrial complex here.

Property Taxes: Vary by locality, but many counties offer partial exemptions for disabled veterans.

Who This Works For

Veterans transitioning into defense contracting or government work. Anyone who wants top-tier VA healthcare. Folks who prefer four seasons and aren't scared of winter. Service members stationed at Norfolk, Quantico, Fort Belvoir who want to stay.

Who Should Pass

Retirees under 55 on a tight budget (income tax hurts). Anyone seeking low cost of living (Northern Virginia is expensive as hell). Veterans who want to escape the military-industrial complex (good luck with that here).

Bottom Line: Virginia makes you pay for the privilege, but the job opportunities, VA care, and community make it worth it for many veterans.

#4: Nevada - Desert Freedom

Winner: No income tax, Las Vegas VA is solid, no estate tax, outdoor recreation paradise.

Loser: Property tax exemptions are limited, extreme heat in summer, VA access outside Vegas/Reno is sparse.

Nevada's pitch is simple: keep your money, enjoy the desert, and live free.

Zero state income tax on everything.
Property tax exemption for disabled veterans is modest but exists.
No estate or inheritance tax.

VA Healthcare

Las Vegas VA Medical Center is solid and handles a massive volume. Reno VA is decent. Outside those two cities? Good luck.

Why It Works

If you want to avoid income tax, enjoy warm weather without Florida humidity, and have access to world-class entertainment (if that's your thing), Nevada delivers. Plus the outdoor recreation—Red Rock Canyon, Lake Mead, Valley of Fire—is spectacular.

Who This Works For

Veterans who want no income tax and dry heat. Retirees who like having Vegas nearby (or hate having it nearby but appreciate the tax structure). Anyone who wants desert hiking, rock climbing, or off-roading.

Who Should Pass

Veterans who need extensive VA care. Anyone who can't tolerate 115°F summers. People who want greenery and humidity (this is the desert).

Bottom Line: Nevada is a solid no-income-tax option for veterans who like desert living and don't need robust VA care outside major cities.

#5: Alaska - They'll Pay YOU to Live Here

Winner: No income tax, massive property tax exemption, Permanent Fund Dividend pays you annually.

Loser: Limited VA healthcare, harsh winters, isolated from the Lower 48.

Alaska is the wild card. If you can handle the isolation and cold, the financial benefits are absurd.

Zero state income tax.
$150,000 property tax exemption for disabled veterans.
Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD): Every Alaska resident gets an annual check from oil revenue. Recent years have ranged from $1,000-$3,000 per person. Family of four? That's $4K-$12K yearly.

VA Healthcare

Alaska has limited VA facilities. Anchorage has the main VA clinic. Rural Alaska requires travel to Anchorage or the Lower 48 for serious care.

Why People Move Here Anyway

The PFD alone is a unique benefit that no other state offers. Combined with zero income tax and the massive property tax exemption for disabled vets, you're looking at serious savings. Plus if you love the outdoors, Alaska is unmatched.

Who This Works For

Outdoor enthusiasts who can handle isolation. Veterans who don't need frequent VA care. Anyone who wants financial benefits and doesn't mind harsh winters. People who actually like the cold (yes, they exist).

Who Should Pass

Veterans who need regular VA care. Anyone who can't handle -40°F winters. People who need to be within driving distance of family or amenities.

Bottom Line: Alaska is a niche choice, but if the lifestyle fits, the financial benefits are unmatched.

#6: Washington - Pacific Northwest Paradise

Winner: No income tax, excellent VA healthcare, strong economy, beautiful scenery.

Loser: Property tax breaks vary, cost of living is high in Seattle area, rain for 8 months.

Washington offers zero income tax combined with some of the best VA care on the West Coast.

Zero state income tax.
Property tax relief varies by county; some offer exemptions for disabled veterans.
No estate tax for estates under $2.193 million (most veterans are fine here).

VA Healthcare

The Seattle VA is consistently rated as one of the best in the nation. Spokane VA serves Eastern Washington. Access is excellent in urban areas.

Economy and Jobs

Seattle metro has Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and hundreds of tech companies. If you're transitioning into tech, this is a top-3 state. Strong union presence if you're going into trades.

Who This Works For

Tech workers, outdoor enthusiasts who like rain, veterans who want excellent VA care, anyone who values progressive policies and environmental focus.

Who Should Pass

Anyone on a tight budget (Seattle is expensive). Veterans who hate rain and gray skies. People who want conservative politics (Western Washington leans left).

Bottom Line: Washington is a top choice if you can afford it, want great VA care, and don't mind rain.

#7: Arizona - Desert Retirement Capital

Winner: Warm, dry climate, excellent education benefits, solid VA facilities, active adult communities.

Loser: Partial tax exemptions only, summers are brutal (110°F+), Phoenix VA has had quality issues.

Arizona is a popular retirement destination, and it offers decent veteran benefits:

Military retirement income is partially exempt from state income tax (up to $3,500 deduction).
Property taxes vary widely by county; disabled veterans get modest relief.

VA Healthcare

Phoenix VA is one of the busiest in the nation (and has had quality issues in the past, though improvements have been made).
Tucson VA is solid.
Prescott VA serves northern Arizona.

Education Benefits

Arizona offers excellent in-state tuition waivers for veterans and dependents at state universities and community colleges.

Who This Works For

Veterans who want dry heat and sunshine. Retirees seeking active adult communities (Sun City, Green Valley). Anyone who wants access to major VA facilities. Golfers (Arizona has 300+ courses).

Who Should Pass

Anyone who can't tolerate 110°F+ summers. Veterans on tight budgets seeking maximum tax breaks (exemptions are modest). People who need greenery and water.

Bottom Line: Arizona is a solid choice for warm-weather retirees, but the tax benefits are less aggressive than Florida or Texas.

#8: North Carolina - Southern Charm, Solid Benefits

Winner: Military retirement income exempt up to $54,300, reasonable cost of living, strong military culture.

Loser: Property tax exemptions vary widely, VA healthcare is good but not great.

North Carolina quietly offers a strong benefit package without the fanfare of Florida or Texas.

Tax Treatment

Military retirement income: Exempt up to $54,300 (2025 limit, adjusted annually).
Property taxes: Vary by county; some offer disabled veteran exemptions.

VA Healthcare

Durham VA is solid.
Fayetteville VA serves the Fort Liberty (formerly Bragg) area.
Salisbury VA covers central NC.
Asheville VA serves the mountains.

Coverage is decent statewide, though not as robust as Virginia or Texas.

Military Culture

With Fort Liberty, Camp Lejeune, and Cherry Point, North Carolina has deep military roots. The veteran community is strong, and locals generally respect military service.

Who This Works For

Retirees who want southern weather without Florida's hurricanes. Veterans who want four seasons (mountains, coast, Piedmont options). Anyone seeking a balance of benefits and cost of living. Military families staying near bases.

Who Should Pass

High earners (the $54K exemption cap means you'll pay state tax on income above that). Veterans seeking maximum property tax relief. Anyone wanting cutting-edge VA facilities.

Bottom Line: North Carolina is a steady, reliable choice—not flashy, but solid benefits and livable conditions.

#9: Georgia - Peach State Potential

Winner: Military retirement exempt up to $65,000, $50K property tax exemption for disabled vets, affordable living.

Loser: Hot, humid summers, VA healthcare access is uneven, rural areas lag on services.

Georgia offers respectable benefits and a much lower cost of living than coastal states.

Tax Situation

Military retirement: Exempt up to $65,000 (higher than North Carolina).
Property tax exemption: $50,000 off assessed value for disabled veterans.

VA Healthcare

Atlanta VA is the major hub and handles a massive volume.
Augusta VA is solid (near Fort Eisenhower).
Dublin VA serves central Georgia.
Rural south Georgia has limited access.

Cost of Living

Georgia offers affordable housing compared to most veteran-friendly states. You can buy a decent home in many areas for under $250K.

Who This Works For

Veterans who want southern living with decent tax exemptions. Anyone seeking affordability without sacrificing all amenities. Folks who like being within driving distance of Atlanta. Veterans who enjoy college football (seriously, it's a lifestyle here).

Who Should Pass

Veterans who need extensive VA care and don't live near Atlanta/Augusta. Anyone who can't tolerate heat and humidity. People seeking maximum tax benefits (other states offer more).

Bottom Line: Georgia is a solid mid-tier choice with good exemptions and affordable living, but it doesn't dominate any one category.

#10: South Dakota - The Dark Horse

Winner: No state income tax, low cost of living, personal freedom.

Loser: Property tax breaks only for disabled vets, limited VA healthcare, harsh winters.

South Dakota rounds out the top 10 as a sleeper pick—offering no income tax and rock-bottom living costs, but minimal veteran-specific benefits beyond that.

Tax Situation

Zero state income tax.
Property tax exemption: Only for 100% disabled veterans.
No estate or inheritance tax.

VA Healthcare

Fort Meade VA Medical Center (near Sturgis) is the only full VA hospital.
Sioux Falls VA Clinic offers outpatient care.
Rural areas require long drives.

Why It's Here

South Dakota makes the list because of its zero income tax combined with extremely low cost of living. Housing is cheap, land is plentiful, and the state largely leaves you alone.

Who This Works For

Veterans who want no income tax and minimal government interference. Retirees who don't need much VA care. Anyone seeking wide-open spaces and independence. Motorcycle enthusiasts (Sturgis Rally, enough said).

Who Should Pass

Veterans who need regular VA care. Anyone who can't handle bitter cold winters (-20°F is common). People who want cultural amenities and variety.

Bottom Line: South Dakota is a niche choice for independent-minded veterans who prioritize freedom and low costs over robust benefits.

Final Thoughts: Picking Your Spot

The "best" state depends entirely on your situation:

Disabled veterans: Florida, Texas, and Alaska offer the most aggressive property tax relief.
Job seekers: Texas and Virginia dominate for employment opportunities.
Healthcare priority: Virginia and Washington have the best VA systems.
Pure tax savings: Florida, Texas, Nevada, Washington, Alaska, and South Dakota charge zero income tax.
Outdoor lifestyle: Alaska, Washington, Arizona, and Nevada deliver.

Don't just chase tax savings. A state with zero income tax doesn't help if you can't find work, hate the weather, or have to drive 4 hours for VA care.

Run your personal numbers, consider your healthcare needs, and think about lifestyle fit. The right state is the one that matches your priorities—not just the one with the best tax brochure.

For a complete comparison of all 50 states with interactive filters, check out militarytransitiontoolkit.com/state-benefits.

Good luck with your move. Choose wisely—you've earned the right to live somewhere that actually values your service.

Best States for Veterans 2025: Top 10 Ranked by Benefits

Some states actively compete for veteran residents with serious tax breaks and benefits. Others just pay lip service while taxing your military retirement like it's lottery winnings.

Quick Rankings: Top 10 at a Glance

Rank	State	Income Tax on Military Retirement	Property Tax Break	Education Benefits	VA Healthcare Access	Overall Grade
1	Florida	None	100% for disabled vets	Strong	Excellent	A+
2	Texas	None	$12K-$24K homestead exemption	Excellent	Excellent	A+
3	Virginia	Exempt after age 55	Varies by locality	Excellent	Best in nation	A
4	Nevada	None	Partial exemption	Good	Good	A
5	Alaska	None	$150K exemption + PFD	Good	Limited	A-
6	Washington	None	Varies	Good	Very good	A-
7	Arizona	Partially exempt	Limited	Very good	Very good	B+
8	North Carolina	Exempt up to $54K	Varies	Good	Good	B+
9	Georgia	Exempt up to $65K	$50K for disabled	Good	Good	B
10	South Dakota	None	Disabled vets only	Limited	Limited	B

Want to compare all 50 states side-by-side? Check out our interactive state benefits comparison tool.

#1: Florida - The Retirement Tax Haven

Winner: Zero income tax, zero property tax for 100% disabled vets, massive veteran population.

Loser: Hurricane insurance ain't cheap, and summer heat is oppressive.

Florida didn't become the #1 retirement destination by accident. For veterans specifically, it's a nearly perfect financial setup:

Zero state income tax on anything—military retirement, disability, civilian job, whatever.
100% property tax exemption if you're 100% disabled (or 10%+ and permanently homebound).
Partial exemptions for other disability ratings vary by county.
No estate or inheritance tax for your survivors.

The Healthcare Situation

The veteran population here is enormous—over 1.5 million. That means robust VSO presence, veteran-specific programs, and a community that actually gets it.

Who This Works For

Retirees who want warm weather year-round, 100% disabled vets who want maximum property tax savings, anyone sick of paying state income tax, veterans who want to be around other veterans.

Who Should Pass

Anyone who hates heat, humidity, and hurricanes. People looking for four seasons. Veterans who need specialized VA care only available at major academic centers.

Bottom Line: If you can handle the weather and insurance costs, Florida offers the best pure financial benefit package in the nation.

#2: Texas - Everything's Bigger, Including Tax Breaks

Winner: No income tax, massive property tax exemptions, huge VA system, booming job market.

Loser: Property taxes are high (but offset by exemptions), healthcare access is uneven outside cities.

Texas aggressively recruits veteran residents, and it shows:

Zero state income tax (never has been, never will be).
$12,000 property tax exemption for any veteran with a VA rating.
Additional exemptions based on disability rating—up to 100% exempt if you're 100% disabled.
Age 65 or older? Additional $10K exemption stacks with veteran exemption.

The Real Deal on Property Taxes

If you're 0% rated or not service-connected? You'll feel those taxes. The $12K exemption helps, but it's not game-changing on a $400K house.

Job Market and Economy

VA Healthcare

7 VA Medical Centers (Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, El Paso, Temple, Amarillo, Big Spring)
Houston's Michael E. DeBakey VAMC is one of the best in the country
Rural West Texas? You're looking at long drives.

Who This Works For

Who Should Pass

Veterans with no VA disability rating (you'll miss the best benefits). Anyone who can't handle 100°F summers. People who want walkable cities (most of Texas is car-dependent).

Bottom Line: Texas is a financial powerhouse for disabled veterans and anyone who wants a thriving economy with zero income tax.

#3: Virginia - Worth the Taxes

Winner: Pentagon proximity, nation's best VA system, strong education benefits, huge defense contractor job market.

Loser: You'll pay state income tax (though military retirement is exempt after 55).

Wait—Virginia charges income tax and still ranks #3? Yeah, because the benefits and opportunities outweigh the tax hit.

Military Retirement Tax Treatment

Under 55: You pay state income tax on military retirement.
55 or older: Military retirement is 100% exempt (up to $40,000 subtraction).
Disability pay: Always tax-exempt.

So you'll pay taxes in your early retirement years, but it phases out.

Why Virginia Still Wins

Education: In-state tuition for veterans at William & Mary, UVA, Virginia Tech, and 40+ other colleges. Virginia also offers state-funded tuition assistance programs.

Property Taxes: Vary by locality, but many counties offer partial exemptions for disabled veterans.

Who This Works For

Who Should Pass

Bottom Line: Virginia makes you pay for the privilege, but the job opportunities, VA care, and community make it worth it for many veterans.

#4: Nevada - Desert Freedom

Winner: No income tax, Las Vegas VA is solid, no estate tax, outdoor recreation paradise.

Loser: Property tax exemptions are limited, extreme heat in summer, VA access outside Vegas/Reno is sparse.

Nevada's pitch is simple: keep your money, enjoy the desert, and live free.

Zero state income tax on everything.
Property tax exemption for disabled veterans is modest but exists.
No estate or inheritance tax.

VA Healthcare

Las Vegas VA Medical Center is solid and handles a massive volume. Reno VA is decent. Outside those two cities? Good luck.

Why It Works

Who This Works For

Who Should Pass

Veterans who need extensive VA care. Anyone who can't tolerate 115°F summers. People who want greenery and humidity (this is the desert).

Bottom Line: Nevada is a solid no-income-tax option for veterans who like desert living and don't need robust VA care outside major cities.

#5: Alaska - They'll Pay YOU to Live Here

Winner: No income tax, massive property tax exemption, Permanent Fund Dividend pays you annually.

Loser: Limited VA healthcare, harsh winters, isolated from the Lower 48.

Alaska is the wild card. If you can handle the isolation and cold, the financial benefits are absurd.

Zero state income tax.
$150,000 property tax exemption for disabled veterans.
Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD): Every Alaska resident gets an annual check from oil revenue. Recent years have ranged from $1,000-$3,000 per person. Family of four? That's $4K-$12K yearly.

VA Healthcare

Alaska has limited VA facilities. Anchorage has the main VA clinic. Rural Alaska requires travel to Anchorage or the Lower 48 for serious care.

Why People Move Here Anyway

Who This Works For

Who Should Pass

Veterans who need regular VA care. Anyone who can't handle -40°F winters. People who need to be within driving distance of family or amenities.

Bottom Line: Alaska is a niche choice, but if the lifestyle fits, the financial benefits are unmatched.

#6: Washington - Pacific Northwest Paradise

Winner: No income tax, excellent VA healthcare, strong economy, beautiful scenery.

Loser: Property tax breaks vary, cost of living is high in Seattle area, rain for 8 months.

Washington offers zero income tax combined with some of the best VA care on the West Coast.

Zero state income tax.
Property tax relief varies by county; some offer exemptions for disabled veterans.
No estate tax for estates under $2.193 million (most veterans are fine here).

VA Healthcare

The Seattle VA is consistently rated as one of the best in the nation. Spokane VA serves Eastern Washington. Access is excellent in urban areas.

Economy and Jobs

Seattle metro has Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and hundreds of tech companies. If you're transitioning into tech, this is a top-3 state. Strong union presence if you're going into trades.

Who This Works For

Tech workers, outdoor enthusiasts who like rain, veterans who want excellent VA care, anyone who values progressive policies and environmental focus.

Who Should Pass

Anyone on a tight budget (Seattle is expensive). Veterans who hate rain and gray skies. People who want conservative politics (Western Washington leans left).

Bottom Line: Washington is a top choice if you can afford it, want great VA care, and don't mind rain.

#7: Arizona - Desert Retirement Capital

Winner: Warm, dry climate, excellent education benefits, solid VA facilities, active adult communities.

Loser: Partial tax exemptions only, summers are brutal (110°F+), Phoenix VA has had quality issues.

Arizona is a popular retirement destination, and it offers decent veteran benefits:

Military retirement income is partially exempt from state income tax (up to $3,500 deduction).
Property taxes vary widely by county; disabled veterans get modest relief.

VA Healthcare

Phoenix VA is one of the busiest in the nation (and has had quality issues in the past, though improvements have been made).
Tucson VA is solid.
Prescott VA serves northern Arizona.

Education Benefits

Arizona offers excellent in-state tuition waivers for veterans and dependents at state universities and community colleges.

Who This Works For

Veterans who want dry heat and sunshine. Retirees seeking active adult communities (Sun City, Green Valley). Anyone who wants access to major VA facilities. Golfers (Arizona has 300+ courses).

Who Should Pass

Anyone who can't tolerate 110°F+ summers. Veterans on tight budgets seeking maximum tax breaks (exemptions are modest). People who need greenery and water.

Bottom Line: Arizona is a solid choice for warm-weather retirees, but the tax benefits are less aggressive than Florida or Texas.

#8: North Carolina - Southern Charm, Solid Benefits

Winner: Military retirement income exempt up to $54,300, reasonable cost of living, strong military culture.

Loser: Property tax exemptions vary widely, VA healthcare is good but not great.

North Carolina quietly offers a strong benefit package without the fanfare of Florida or Texas.

Tax Treatment

Military retirement income: Exempt up to $54,300 (2025 limit, adjusted annually).
Property taxes: Vary by county; some offer disabled veteran exemptions.

VA Healthcare

Durham VA is solid.
Fayetteville VA serves the Fort Liberty (formerly Bragg) area.
Salisbury VA covers central NC.
Asheville VA serves the mountains.

Coverage is decent statewide, though not as robust as Virginia or Texas.

Military Culture

With Fort Liberty, Camp Lejeune, and Cherry Point, North Carolina has deep military roots. The veteran community is strong, and locals generally respect military service.

Who This Works For

Who Should Pass

High earners (the $54K exemption cap means you'll pay state tax on income above that). Veterans seeking maximum property tax relief. Anyone wanting cutting-edge VA facilities.

Bottom Line: North Carolina is a steady, reliable choice—not flashy, but solid benefits and livable conditions.

#9: Georgia - Peach State Potential

Winner: Military retirement exempt up to $65,000, $50K property tax exemption for disabled vets, affordable living.

Loser: Hot, humid summers, VA healthcare access is uneven, rural areas lag on services.

Georgia offers respectable benefits and a much lower cost of living than coastal states.

Tax Situation

Military retirement: Exempt up to $65,000 (higher than North Carolina).
Property tax exemption: $50,000 off assessed value for disabled veterans.

VA Healthcare

Atlanta VA is the major hub and handles a massive volume.
Augusta VA is solid (near Fort Eisenhower).
Dublin VA serves central Georgia.
Rural south Georgia has limited access.

Cost of Living

Georgia offers affordable housing compared to most veteran-friendly states. You can buy a decent home in many areas for under $250K.

Who This Works For

Who Should Pass

Veterans who need extensive VA care and don't live near Atlanta/Augusta. Anyone who can't tolerate heat and humidity. People seeking maximum tax benefits (other states offer more).

Bottom Line: Georgia is a solid mid-tier choice with good exemptions and affordable living, but it doesn't dominate any one category.

#10: South Dakota - The Dark Horse

Winner: No state income tax, low cost of living, personal freedom.

Loser: Property tax breaks only for disabled vets, limited VA healthcare, harsh winters.

South Dakota rounds out the top 10 as a sleeper pick—offering no income tax and rock-bottom living costs, but minimal veteran-specific benefits beyond that.

Tax Situation

Zero state income tax.
Property tax exemption: Only for 100% disabled veterans.
No estate or inheritance tax.

VA Healthcare

Fort Meade VA Medical Center (near Sturgis) is the only full VA hospital.
Sioux Falls VA Clinic offers outpatient care.
Rural areas require long drives.

Why It's Here

South Dakota makes the list because of its zero income tax combined with extremely low cost of living. Housing is cheap, land is plentiful, and the state largely leaves you alone.

Who This Works For

Who Should Pass

Veterans who need regular VA care. Anyone who can't handle bitter cold winters (-20°F is common). People who want cultural amenities and variety.

Bottom Line: South Dakota is a niche choice for independent-minded veterans who prioritize freedom and low costs over robust benefits.

Final Thoughts: Picking Your Spot

The "best" state depends entirely on your situation:

Disabled veterans: Florida, Texas, and Alaska offer the most aggressive property tax relief.
Job seekers: Texas and Virginia dominate for employment opportunities.
Healthcare priority: Virginia and Washington have the best VA systems.
Pure tax savings: Florida, Texas, Nevada, Washington, Alaska, and South Dakota charge zero income tax.
Outdoor lifestyle: Alaska, Washington, Arizona, and Nevada deliver.

Don't just chase tax savings. A state with zero income tax doesn't help if you can't find work, hate the weather, or have to drive 4 hours for VA care.

Run your personal numbers, consider your healthcare needs, and think about lifestyle fit. The right state is the one that matches your priorities—not just the one with the best tax brochure.

For a complete comparison of all 50 states with interactive filters, check out militarytransitiontoolkit.com/state-benefits.

Good luck with your move. Choose wisely—you've earned the right to live somewhere that actually values your service.