Best Sun Belt States for Military Retirees 2025
Complete guide to best Sun Belt states for military retirement. Compare warm-weather states with tax benefits, cost of living, and recreation.
Best Sun Belt States for Military Retirees 2025
The Sun Belt represents America's fastest-growing region with warm year-round climates, strong military retirement tax benefits, affordable living, established veteran communities, and expanding job markets. This guide ranks the best Sun Belt states for military retirees seeking warm weather combined with financial advantage.
Top 5 Sun Belt States for Military Retirees
1. FLORIDA - ABSOLUTE BEST FOR SUN BELT MILITARY RETIREES
Why Florida Dominates:
- No state income tax: On any income source
- Military retirement: 100% tax-free
- Property tax: 0.85% (lowest among large states)
- Homestead exemption: Additional $50,000-$75,000 for disabled
- Cost of living: Very low (98 index)
- Beach recreation: Unmatched (1,350+ miles of coastline)
- Warm weather: Year-round (75-90°F)
- VA healthcare: Extensive network
- Established veteran communities: Abundant
Financial Advantages:
- Zero state income tax on all sources
- Military retirement completely tax-free
- Lowest property tax rates among warm-weather states
- Homestead exemptions reduce taxes further
- Very affordable housing throughout state
- No heating costs (major budget advantage)
- Tourism infrastructure benefits retirees
Best Cities:
- Tampa Bay: Growing economy, VA access, affordable ($330K), beaches
- Jacksonville: Very affordable ($280K), military base presence, large veteran population
- Southwest Florida: Retirement communities, beaches, affordable ($250-300K)
- Orlando: Central location, growing job market, affordability ($310K)
10-Year Cost - $50K Military Pension + $10K Other Income:
- State income tax: $0
- Property tax: ~$2,130/year
- Housing: ~$19,800/year
- Other: ~$12,000/year
- Total: ~$33,930/year
- 10-Year Total: ~$339,300
Lifestyle:
- Beach recreation abundant
- Warm weather year-round
- Outdoor activities (fishing, boating, golf)
- Large retiree infrastructure
- Excellent veteran networking
Recommendation: Florida is the single best state for military retirees combining perfect tax treatment, beach lifestyle, affordability, and veteran community.
2. TEXAS - NO INCOME TAX + AFFORDABILITY + GROWTH
Why Texas Appeals:
- No state income tax: Ultimate tax advantage
- Military presence: Numerous major bases
- Cost of living: Low (97 index)
- Job market: Excellent + growing tech
- Housing: Very affordable ($315K median)
- VA healthcare: Extensive statewide
- Military culture: Very strong
- Climate: Warm, minimal winter heating
Best Cities:
- San Antonio: Very affordable ($290K), military culture, excellent VA, growing
- Austin: Tech hub (if working), higher cost but opportunities ($480K)
- Houston: Large metro, affordable, diverse economy ($310K)
Financial Profile:
- No state income tax
- Property tax: 1.8% (higher than Florida)
- Housing affordable but higher than many Sun Belt states
- Good job market for working retirees
Advantage over Florida: No property tax rate disadvantage; military culture stronger.
Recommendation: Texas excellent for military retirees who want both no income tax AND strong military community/job opportunities.
3. GEORGIA - MILITARY EXEMPTION + JOB GROWTH
Why Georgia Attracts Military Retirees:
- Military retirement: 100% exempt from state income tax
- Cost of living: Moderate (102 index)
- Job market: Excellent (especially Atlanta tech)
- Housing: Affordable ($330K median)
- VA healthcare: Excellent statewide (2,100+ providers)
- Military culture: Established
- Climate: Warm with seasons
Best Cities:
- Atlanta: Tech opportunities, urban culture, VA access ($390K)
- Savannah: Retirement-friendly, historic charm ($340K)
- Smaller cities: Very affordable statewide
Financial Profile:
- Military retirement tax-free
- State income tax: 5.75% on other income
- Property tax: 0.92%
- Very good VA healthcare
Advantage: Better for working retirees wanting career opportunities than pure retirement.
4. SOUTH CAROLINA - BEACH LIFESTYLE + LOW TAXES
Why South Carolina Appeals:
- Military retirement: 100% exempt
- Property tax: 0.57% (lowest in Sun Belt)
- Cost of living: Very low
- Beach recreation: 400+ miles of coastline
- Housing: Affordable ($280K median)
- VA healthcare: Good network
- Retiree communities: Abundant
Best Cities:
- Charleston: Historic, coastal, moderate cost ($420K)
- Myrtle Beach: Beach lifestyle, affordable ($320K)
- Columbia: Very affordable capital ($280K)
Financial Profile:
- Military retirement exempt
- Lowest property tax rate Sun Belt
- Very affordable overall
- Good retirement infrastructure
5. NORTH CAROLINA - TEMPERATE ALTERNATIVE
Why Consider North Carolina:
- Military retirement: 100% exempt
- Cost of living: Low (99 index)
- Job market: Good (Research Triangle)
- Housing: Affordable ($310K)
- Climate: Four seasons + warm
- VA healthcare: Excellent
- Less crowded than other Sun Belt states
Best Cities:
- Raleigh: Tech opportunities, modern ($380K)
- Greensboro: Very affordable ($280K)
- Asheville: Mountain access, moderate cost ($420K)
Financial Comparison: $45K Pension + $10K Other Income
| State | Income Tax | Property Tax (300K) | Cost of Living | Annual | 10-Yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $0 | $2,130 | 98 | $33,930 | $339,300 |
| Texas | $0 | $5,400 | 97 | $37,650 | $376,500 |
| Georgia | $1,150 | $2,050 | 102 | $36,500 | $365,000 |
| South Carolina | $675 | $1,710 | 97 | $35,200 | $352,000 |
| North Carolina | $980 | $2,520 | 99 | $35,700 | $357,000 |
Best Value: Florida (Lowest annual cost by ~$3,700-4,000)
Climate Comparison (Sun Belt Specific)
| State | Summer | Winter | Hurricane Risk | Days of Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 85-92°F | 60-75°F | High (coastal) | 250+ |
| Texas | 95-100°F | 50-60°F | Moderate | 220+ |
| Georgia | 85-92°F | 40-50°F | Low | 210+ |
| South Carolina | 85-92°F | 45-55°F | Moderate | 215+ |
| North Carolina | 82-88°F | 35-45°F | Low | 210+ |
Best Year-Round Weather: Florida (Warmest winters, consistent)
Veteran Community Presence
Largest Veteran Populations (by state):
- Florida: 730,000+ veterans (largest Southeast)
- Texas: 1.3 million veterans (2nd in nation)
- Georgia: 730,000+ veterans
- North Carolina: 750,000+ veterans
- South Carolina: 400,000+ veterans
Winner: Texas and Florida (Largest and most established communities)
VA Healthcare Comparison
| State | Centers | Providers | Wait Time | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 5 | 2,200+ | 19 days | 4.0/5 |
| Texas | 5 | 2,800+ | 19 days | 4.1/5 |
| Georgia | 4 | 2,100+ | 18 days | 4.2/5 |
| South Carolina | 3 | 1,000+ | 20 days | 4.0/5 |
| North Carolina | 4 | 1,600+ | 18 days | 4.1/5 |
Best VA Healthcare: Georgia and North Carolina (shortest wait times)
Recommendations by Military Retiree Profile
Scenario 1: Beach-Lifestyle Focused ($50K Military Pension Only)
BEST: Florida
- No income tax saves ~$2,000-3,000/year
- Beach access unmatched
- Warm year-round
- Lowest property taxes
- Largest veteran communities
- Lowest overall costs
- Recommendation: Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, Southwest Florida
Scenario 2: Retiree + Career/Business Opportunities
BEST: Texas
- No income tax (all sources)
- Excellent job market
- Growing economy
- Military culture strong
- Good VA healthcare
- Recommendation: Austin (tech), San Antonio (military), Houston (diverse)
Scenario 3: Working Professional + Warm Weather
BEST: Georgia
- Military retirement exempt
- Excellent job market (Atlanta)
- Good VA healthcare
- Growing opportunities
- Recommendation: Atlanta or surrounding areas
Scenario 4: Budget-Conscious Retiree, Strict Budget
BEST: Florida or South Carolina
- Florida: Lowest overall costs + best lifestyle
- South Carolina: Lowest property taxes + very affordable
- Recommendation: Jacksonville (FL) or Columbia (SC)
Scenario 5: Disabled Veteran Seeking Accessibility
BEST: Florida or Texas
- Florida: Best VA healthcare statewide accessibility
- Texas: Strong military base infrastructure (San Antonio)
- Recommendation: Tampa Bay (FL) or San Antonio (TX)
30-Year Cost Comparison ($300,000 Home)
| State | Year 1 | Year 30 | 30-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $2,130 | $2,730 | $71,850 |
| South Carolina | $1,710 | $2,190 | $58,050 |
| North Carolina | $2,520 | $3,230 | $87,150 |
| Georgia | $2,050 | $2,630 | $71,400 |
| Texas | $5,400 | $6,920 | $178,200 |
30-Year Advantage: Florida and South Carolina (lowest lifetime property tax)
Overall Sun Belt Ranking for Military Retirees
| Rank | State | Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FLORIDA | 9.6/10 | Overall winner for military retirees |
| 2 | TEXAS | 9.4/10 | No income tax + military culture |
| 3 | GEORGIA | 9.0/10 | Job opportunities + tax benefits |
| 4 | SOUTH CAROLINA | 8.9/10 | Affordability + lifestyle |
| 5 | NORTH CAROLINA | 8.8/10 | Balance of seasons + opportunities |
Key Sun Belt Advantages for Military Retirees
- Warm Year-Round Climate: No winter heating costs (saves $2,000-3,000/year)
- Military Retirement Tax Exemptions: All Sun Belt states exempt
- Established Veteran Communities: Decades of military presence
- Affordable Housing: Generally lower than national averages
- Growing Job Markets: Especially Texas, Georgia, North Carolina
- Beach/Recreation Access: Florida, South Carolina, coastal NC
- Low Property Taxes: Generally 0.5%-1.2%
- Strong Military Culture: Especially Texas and South Carolina
Sun Belt vs Other Regions
| Factor | Sun Belt | Southeast* | Southwest | Midwest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter heating costs | Lowest | Low | Low | Highest |
| Military retirement tax | Exempt | Exempt | Exempt | Exempt |
| Cost of living | Low-Mod | Very Low | Low | Very Low |
| Beach access | Excellent (FL/SC) | Good | Limited | None |
| Job growth | Highest | Moderate | Growing | Moderate |
| Veteran communities | Large | Large | Growing | Moderate |
*Southeast without Florida
Conclusion
Florida emerges as the absolute best state for military retirees in the Sun Belt due to:
- No state income tax (unique advantage among warm-weather states)
- Lowest property tax rates (0.85%)
- Unmatched beach recreation (1,350+ miles)
- Warm year-round climate (saves heating costs)
- Established veteran communities
- Lowest overall annual costs (~$33,900 for $55K income)
- Extensive VA healthcare network
Texas is close second for those wanting no-tax advantage combined with strong military culture and job opportunities.
Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina offer excellent alternatives for those prioritizing specific factors (job growth, affordability, seasons).
A military retiree with $55,000 annual income can achieve excellent quality of life for $33,900-$37,600 annually in top Sun Belt states—enabling beach vacations, recreation, healthcare enhancements, and substantial savings. The region's perfect combination of tax benefits, warm climate (reducing expenses), established veteran networks, and growing opportunities makes it increasingly attractive for next-generation military retirees.
Florida is the clear winner for pure military retirement optimization.