Connecticut Military Retirement: Best Cities, Housing Costs & Quality of Life
Where to retire in Connecticut as a veteran: best cities ranked by benefits, housing costs, veteran population, and quality of life for 2025.
Connecticut Military Retirement: Best Cities, Housing Costs & Quality of Life
Connecticut ranks among the best states for military retirees thanks to 100% exemption of military retirement pay, a new full property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans, and excellent VA healthcare access. But Connecticut is also one of America's most expensive states, with the nation's 3rd highest property taxes and 8th highest overall cost of living.
So where should you actually live? Connecticut's cities vary dramatically in housing costs, veteran populations, employment opportunities, and property tax rates—ranging from Norwich's military-friendly submarine community to Stamford's expensive but high-earning finance corridor.
This guide ranks Connecticut's best cities for veterans with real data on home prices, veteran populations, and quality of life factors.
Bottom Line Up Front
Best overall for veterans: Norwich/Groton area (submarine community, Electric Boat jobs, affordability) Best for employment: Stamford (highest salaries, defense contractors) Best for affordability: Waterbury, Bristol, New Britain Best for VA healthcare access: West Haven, New Haven (adjacent to VAMC) Best college town: Storrs/Mansfield (UConn, strong veteran programs) Best capital city: Hartford (state jobs, veteran preference)
Median home price range: $220,000 (Waterbury) to $725,000 (Stamford) State average: $415,300
Critical factor: Connecticut's property tax exemption for 100% P&T disabled veterans (full exemption as of 2024) makes expensive towns more affordable for qualifying veterans.
Top 10 Best Cities for Veterans in Connecticut
1. Norwich/Groton Area - "Submarine Capital of the World"
Overall Grade: A
Why it's #1: Norwich/Groton offers the best combination of veteran community, employment opportunities at Electric Boat, affordable housing (by Connecticut standards), and proximity to Naval Submarine Base New London.
Veteran Population
- New London County: Strong veteran concentration, particularly submarine veterans
- Norwich ranking: #5 nationally in Navy Federal Credit Union's "Best Cities After Service" survey
- Groton: Home to Naval Submarine Base New London ("Home of the Submarine Force")
- Military connection: 16 attack submarines homeported, Naval Submarine School, Electric Boat shipyard
Housing Market
- Norwich median home price: $250,000-$300,000
- Groton median home price: $275,000-$325,000
- Mill rate Norwich: ~27.0
- Property tax without exemption: ~$4,725-$5,670/year
- Property tax with 100% P&T exemption: $0
Cost of Living
- Overall: Moderate for Connecticut, still 10-15% above national average
- Housing: 30-35% above national average but significantly lower than Fairfield County
- Utilities: ~$250-$300/month
- Groceries: 12% above national average
Employment Opportunities
Electric Boat Corporation (PRIMARY EMPLOYER):
- Location: Groton (main facility)
- Current hiring: 3,000+ positions in 2025
- Current workforce: 24,000+ (goal: 33,000)
- Programs: Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarines
- Roles: Welders, pipefitters, electricians, engineers, project managers
- Pay range: $55,000-$150,000
- Perfect fit for submarine veterans
Naval Submarine Base New London:
- Civilian positions available
- Base support services
- DoD contractor opportunities
Other major employers:
- Pfizer (Groton)
- Lawrence + Memorial Hospital
- Mohegan Sun Casino (Uncasville, 10 miles)
- Foxwoods Resort Casino (Ledyard, 15 miles)
Average salary: $60,000-$75,000 (higher for Electric Boat)
VA Healthcare Access
- VA Clinic: New London VA Clinic at 1 VFW Parkway (primary care, mental health)
- VA Medical Center: West Haven (60 miles, 1 hour drive)
- Norwich Vet Center: 2 Cliff Street, Norwich - free counseling services
- VA Intake Site: Fleet & Family Support Center at submarine base
Quality of Life
- Climate: Four distinct seasons (cold winters, warm summers)
- Outdoor recreation: Connecticut coastline, hiking, Thames River, fishing
- Culture: Submarine Force Museum, Mystic Seaport (20 mins), casinos
- Education: Three Rivers Community College, Mitchell College, UConn branch
- Crime: Low to moderate
- Community: Strongest submarine veteran community on East Coast
Veterans Day Recognition
Norwich hosts significant Veterans Day ceremonies and has strong veteran support services.
Pros:
- Unmatched submarine veteran community
- Electric Boat offers thousands of high-paying jobs
- Most affordable housing in eastern Connecticut
- Direct access to submarine base and VA clinic
- Strong sense of military community and support
- Tax-free military retirement income
- Full property tax exemption for 100% P&T veterans
Cons:
- Cold winters (not for everyone)
- Smaller city amenities compared to Hartford or Stamford
- Still expensive by national standards
- West Haven VAMC requires 1-hour drive for specialty care
- Limited non-defense employment options
Bottom line: If you're a submarine veteran or have manufacturing skills, Norwich/Groton is unbeatable in Connecticut. Electric Boat's massive hiring, strong veteran community, and reasonable housing costs make this the clear winner.
2. Stamford - "Connecticut's Booming Finance Hub"
Overall Grade: B+
Why it ranks #2: Highest salaries in Connecticut, excellent quality of life, proximity to New York City, but extremely expensive housing.
Veteran Population
- Fairfield County: Moderate veteran concentration (3.7% of population)
- Military connection: Coast Guard presence, defense contractors
Housing Market
- Median home price: $614,300-$725,000 (highest in Connecticut)
- Mill rate: ~20.0
- Property tax without exemption: ~$8,610/year on median home
- Property tax with 100% P&T exemption: $0
- Rental costs: $2,200-$3,500/month for 2BR apartment
Cost of Living
- Overall index: 145-150 (45-50% above national average)
- Housing: 80-90% above national average
- Everything is expensive: This is Connecticut's most expensive city
Employment Opportunities
Major employers:
- Synchrony Financial (headquarters, 5,000+ employees)
- Charter Communications (cable/internet)
- RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland)
- UBS Financial Services
- Pitney Bowes
- Henkel Corporation
- WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment)
Defense/aerospace nearby:
- Sikorsky Aircraft (Stratford, 30 mins)
- Various defense contractors in Fairfield County
Industries: Finance, corporate headquarters, hedge funds, insurance, healthcare
Median household income: $110,720 (highest in Connecticut outside Greenwich/Darien)
Why salaries matter: You need high income to afford Stamford, but jobs exist paying $80,000-$150,000+
VA Healthcare Access
- Stamford VA Clinic: 1275 Summer Street - primary care, mental health
- West Haven VA Medical Center: 45 miles, ~1 hour drive
- Excellent private healthcare: Stamford Hospital, other facilities
Quality of Life
- Climate: Milder than northern Connecticut, four seasons
- Outdoor recreation: Cove Island Park, Cummings Park, beaches, boating
- Culture: Rich arts scene, Stamford Center for the Arts, restaurants, nightlife
- Proximity to NYC: 45-minute train ride to Manhattan
- Education: Excellent public schools in certain neighborhoods, UConn Stamford campus
- Crime: Low in most neighborhoods
- Transportation: Metro-North rail to NYC, I-95 corridor
Pros:
- Highest salaries in Connecticut (outside NYC metro)
- Excellent quality of life and amenities
- Strong job market beyond defense industry
- Low crime in most areas
- Access to NYC culture and entertainment
- Tax-free military retirement
- Full property tax exemption saves $8,000+/year for 100% P&T veterans
Cons:
- Extremely expensive housing ($600K+ median)
- High cost of living across the board
- Limited veteran community compared to Norwich
- Competitive job market
- Traffic congestion
- Not ideal for veterans on fixed incomes
Bottom line: Stamford works if you land a high-paying job ($100K+) in finance, insurance, or corporate sector. The property tax exemption for disabled veterans helps significantly, but you still need strong income to afford this lifestyle.
3. West Haven/New Haven Area - "Home of Yale and the VA"
Overall Grade: B+
Why it ranks #3: Direct access to VA medical center, affordable housing, cultural amenities from Yale, diverse job market.
Veteran Population
- New Haven County: Moderate to high veteran concentration
- West Haven: Literally hosts the VA medical center—strong veteran presence
Housing Market
- West Haven median: $280,000-$320,000
- New Haven median: $249,000-$350,000 (varies by neighborhood)
- Mill rate New Haven: ~40.0 (high)
- Mill rate West Haven: ~35.0
- Property tax without exemption: $4,900-$9,800/year
- Property tax with 100% P&T exemption: $0
- Rental costs: $1,400-$2,200/month for 2BR
Cost of Living
- Overall: 18-22% above national average
- Housing: Affordable for Connecticut, expensive nationally
- Wide variation by neighborhood: Some areas very affordable, others expensive
Employment Opportunities
Yale University and Yale New Haven Health:
- Combined 25,000+ employees
- Roles: Healthcare, administration, research, facilities, security
- Pay: $45,000-$120,000+ depending on role
Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System:
- Major employer of veterans
- Clinical and administrative positions
- Federal pay scales with veteran preference
Other employers:
- Southern Connecticut State University
- City of New Haven
- Alexion Pharmaceuticals
- Assa Abloy (security products)
Industries: Healthcare, education, biotech, pharmaceuticals
Average salary: $55,000-$70,000
VA Healthcare Access
- West Haven VA Medical Center: 950 Campbell Avenue (you're literally living next to it)
- PERFECT for veterans needing regular VA care
- West Haven CBOC: 141 Captain Thomas Boulevard
- Orange VA Clinic: 170 Boston Post Road, Orange (adjacent)
Quality of Life
- Climate: Four seasons, milder than inland Connecticut
- Outdoor recreation: Lighthouse Point Park, beaches, East Rock Park, hiking
- Culture: Yale museums (free), theaters, diverse restaurant scene, arts
- Education: Yale, Southern CT State, Gateway Community College, UConn branch
- Crime: Higher in some New Haven neighborhoods (research carefully), West Haven generally safer
- Transportation: Metro-North rail to NYC, Amtrak, I-95
Pros:
- Direct access to VA medical center (best in Connecticut)
- Affordable housing by Connecticut standards
- Strong healthcare employment
- Yale cultural amenities (museums, concerts, lectures)
- Diverse, vibrant community
- Tax-free military retirement
- Full property tax exemption for 100% P&T veterans saves $5,000-$10,000/year
Cons:
- High property taxes even with good assessments
- Crime concerns in certain New Haven neighborhoods
- Limited defense industry jobs
- Not as strong veteran community as Norwich
- Parking can be difficult in New Haven
Bottom line: West Haven/New Haven is ideal if VA healthcare access is your top priority or if you work in healthcare/education sectors. Living adjacent to the state's only VA medical center is invaluable for veterans with service-connected conditions requiring regular care.
4. Hartford - "The Insurance Capital"
Overall Grade: B
Why it ranks #4: State capital with government jobs, veteran hiring preference, affordable housing, but has highest property tax mill rate in Connecticut.
Veteran Population
- Hartford County: Strong veteran presence
- State capital: Connecticut DVA headquarters in nearby Rocky Hill
Housing Market
- Median home price: $270,000
- Mill rate: 68.95 (HIGHEST IN CONNECTICUT)
- Property tax without exemption: ~$13,028/year (brutal)
- Property tax with 100% P&T exemption: $0 (HUGE savings)
- Rental costs: $1,200-$1,900/month for 2BR
Cost of Living
- Overall: 15-18% above national average
- Housing: Affordable purchase price, but high taxes
- The 100% P&T property tax exemption is transformative in Hartford
Employment Opportunities
Insurance Industry (Hartford is "Insurance Capital of the World"):
- The Hartford (insurance, 10,000+ employees)
- Travelers (insurance, 7,000+ in Hartford)
- Aetna/CVS Health
- Cigna (nearby)
- Pay: $50,000-$110,000
State Government (MAJOR VETERAN ADVANTAGE):
- Connecticut state agencies (veteran hiring preference)
- Roles: Administration, transportation (ConnDOT), corrections, regulation
- Pay: $45,000-$85,000 with excellent benefits
- Pension and job security
Other employers:
- Pratt & Whitney (East Hartford, 15 mins)
- United Technologies
- Trinity College
- Hartford HealthCare
Industries: Insurance, state government, healthcare, aerospace
Average salary: $58,000-$72,000
VA Healthcare Access
- Newington VA Campus: 555 Willard Avenue, Newington (20 minutes)
- West Haven VA Medical Center: 50 miles (45-60 minute drive)
- Multiple VA clinics: Waterbury, Winsted within 30-40 minutes
Quality of Life
- Climate: Cold winters, warm summers
- Outdoor recreation: Bushnell Park, Elizabeth Park (rose gardens), Connecticut River trails
- Culture: Wadsworth Atheneum (art museum), Bushnell Theater, Mark Twain House
- Education: Trinity College, Capital Community College, UConn Hartford
- Crime: Higher in some neighborhoods (North End, South End), safer in West Hartford suburbs
- Transportation: Bradley International Airport (20 mins), Amtrak, I-91/I-84
Pros:
- State government jobs with veteran preference
- Affordable housing prices
- Insurance industry offers stable employment
- Cultural amenities of state capital
- Property tax exemption saves $13,000+/year for 100% P&T veterans (highest savings in state)
- Tax-free military retirement
- Pratt & Whitney nearby for aerospace jobs
Cons:
- Highest property tax mill rate in Connecticut (68.95)
- Higher crime in some neighborhoods
- Less veteran community than Norwich
- Cold winters
- City has struggled economically
- Even with exemption, non-exempt costs are high
Bottom line: Hartford makes sense if you qualify for state government jobs (veteran preference) or work in insurance/aerospace. The 100% P&T property tax exemption is MORE valuable here than anywhere else in Connecticut—turning a $13,000/year tax bill into $0 is transformative.
5. Waterbury - "The Brass City"
Overall Grade: B
Why it ranks #5: Most affordable housing in western Connecticut, improving economy, good VA clinic access.
Veteran Population
- New Haven County: Moderate concentration
- Working-class city: Strong blue-collar veteran presence
Housing Market
- Median home price: $220,000 (most affordable on this list)
- Mill rate: ~35.0
- Property tax without exemption: ~$5,390/year
- Property tax with 100% P&T exemption: $0
- Rental costs: $1,000-$1,600/month for 2BR
Cost of Living
- Overall: 8-12% above national average (lowest in this ranking)
- Housing: Very affordable by Connecticut standards
Employment Opportunities
Major employers:
- Waterbury Hospital (part of Prospect Medical Holdings)
- Webster Bank (regional headquarters)
- Waterbury Public Schools
- City government
- Chase Brass & Copper (manufacturing)
- Naugatuck Valley Community College
Nearby:
- Sikorsky Aircraft (45 minutes south)
- Pratt & Whitney (45 minutes east)
Average salary: $48,000-$62,000
VA Healthcare Access
- Waterbury VA Clinic: 95 Scovill Street (primary care, mental health)
- West Haven VA Medical Center: 35 miles (40 minute drive)
- Good access to both clinic and hospital
Quality of Life
- Climate: Four seasons, typical New England
- Outdoor recreation: Lakewood Park, hiking trails, proximity to state forests
- Culture: Mattatuck Museum, Palace Theater, improving downtown
- Education: Naugatuck Valley Community College, Post University, UConn Waterbury
- Crime: Moderate to high in some areas (research neighborhoods)
- Transportation: I-84 corridor, Route 8
Pros:
- Most affordable housing in western Connecticut
- VA clinic on-site for primary care
- Reasonable drive to West Haven VAMC
- Lower cost of living overall
- Property tax exemption valuable
- Tax-free military retirement
- Growing job market
Cons:
- Limited high-paying jobs compared to Stamford/Hartford
- Higher crime in certain neighborhoods
- City has faced economic challenges
- Fewer amenities than larger cities
- Not strong defense contractor presence
Bottom line: Waterbury is Connecticut's affordability play for veterans. If you're on a fixed income or prioritizing low housing costs while staying in Connecticut, Waterbury delivers the lowest entry point while maintaining VA clinic access.
6. Storrs/Mansfield - "College Town Excellence"
Overall Grade: B
Why it ranks #6: UConn provides excellent education benefits, strong veteran support, college town quality of life.
Veteran Population
- UConn: 500+ student veterans
- College town: Moderate overall veteran population
Housing Market
- Median home price: $300,000-$350,000 (elevated due to UConn)
- Mill rate: ~28.0
- Property tax without exemption: ~$5,880-$6,860/year
- Property tax with 100% P&T exemption: $0
- Rental market: Competitive due to students, $1,300-$2,000/month
Cost of Living
- Overall: 12-16% above national average
- Housing: Elevated by university demand
- Small town: Some costs lower than metro areas
Employment Opportunities
Primary employer:
- University of Connecticut (10,000+ employees)
- Roles: Administration, facilities, research, athletics, housing
- Pay: $40,000-$85,000
Other employers:
- UConn Health (Farmington, 30 mins)
- Eastern Connecticut State University (Willimantic, 25 mins)
- Pratt & Whitney (Hartford area, 40 mins)
Limited beyond university, but Hartford/Manchester employment within commuting distance
VA Healthcare Access
- Willimantic VA Clinic: 133 Mansfield Avenue, Willimantic (20 minutes)
- Newington VA Campus: 45 minutes west
- West Haven VAMC: 70 minutes
Quality of Life
- Climate: Rural New England, cold winters
- Outdoor recreation: UConn Forest, hiking, biking trails, lakes
- Culture: UConn athletics (Big East basketball), concerts, lectures, art galleries
- Education: UConn (excellent for GI Bill + state tuition waiver)
- Crime: Very low (college town safety)
- Community: College town atmosphere, younger demographic
Pros:
- Excellent education benefits at UConn (state tuition waiver + GI Bill)
- Strong veteran student support programs
- Very safe community
- College town amenities (sports, culture)
- Good schools for families
- Low crime
- Tax-free military retirement
Cons:
- Higher housing costs due to university
- Limited employment beyond UConn
- Small town may feel isolated
- Student-dominated town (good or bad depending on perspective)
- VA healthcare requires travel
- Cold winters
Bottom line: Storrs/Mansfield is ideal for veterans using GI Bill at UConn or those with families prioritizing excellent schools and safety. Not ideal if employment outside education is your primary concern.
7. Bristol - "Manufacturing Heritage"
Overall Grade: B-
Median home price: $245,000 Mill rate: ~32.0 Employment: ESPN (headquarters), manufacturing VA access: Newington VA Campus (20 minutes)
Best for: Veterans seeking affordable housing in central Connecticut with access to manufacturing jobs.
8. New Britain - "Hardware City"
Overall Grade: B-
Median home price: $190,000-$220,000 Mill rate: ~40.0 Employment: Stanley Black & Decker, Central Connecticut State University VA access: Newington VA Campus (15 minutes)
Best for: Very affordable housing, veteran students at CCSU, manufacturing employment.
9. Danbury - "Hat City"
Overall Grade: B-
Median home price: $350,000-$400,000 Mill rate: ~27.0 Employment: Danbury Hospital, Western Connecticut State University VA access: Danbury VA Clinic on-site
Best for: Western Connecticut veterans wanting suburban lifestyle with VA clinic access.
10. Greenwich - "Hedge Fund Capital"
Overall Grade: C+ (for most veterans)
Median home price: $1,850,000+ (NOT A TYPO) Mill rate: 12.041 (lowest in Connecticut, but irrelevant at these prices) Employment: Finance, hedge funds ($150K+ typical) VA access: Stamford VA Clinic (15 minutes)
Best for: Extremely high-earning veterans in finance. Not realistic for 95% of military retirees.
Why it's ranked: Included for completeness, but Greenwich is prohibitively expensive for most veterans despite low mill rate.
Comparison Table: Top 5 Cities
| City | Median Home Price | Mill Rate | Veteran Community | Employment | VA Access | Overall Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norwich/Groton | $250K-$300K | 27.0 | Excellent (submarine) | Electric Boat | Good (clinic) | A |
| Stamford | $615K-$725K | 20.0 | Moderate | Excellent (finance) | Good (clinic) | B+ |
| West Haven/New Haven | $250K-$350K | 35.0-40.0 | Good | Good (healthcare) | Excellent (VAMC) | B+ |
| Hartford | $270K | 68.95 | Good | Good (state/insurance) | Good (Newington) | B |
| Waterbury | $220K | 35.0 | Moderate | Moderate | Good (clinic) | B |
Cost of Living Deep Dive
Property Taxes: The Connecticut Reality
Connecticut has the 3rd highest property taxes in America. Here's what that means:
Without exemptions:
- Hartford: $13,028/year on $270K home
- Stamford: $8,610/year on $615K home
- Norwich: $4,725/year on $250K home
With 100% P&T exemption: $0 across the board
The lesson: The new 100% P&T property tax exemption (effective 2024) is TRANSFORMATIVE in Connecticut. It makes expensive towns with high mill rates suddenly affordable for disabled veterans.
Housing Affordability Index
Most affordable (home price to income ratio):
- Waterbury ($220K homes, $55K income)
- New Britain ($200K homes, $50K income)
- Norwich ($275K homes, $62K income with Electric Boat)
Least affordable:
- Greenwich ($1.85M homes, need $300K+ income)
- Stamford ($665K homes, need $110K+ income)
- Darien/New Canaan ($900K+ homes, need $150K+ income)
Where Veterans Can Actually Afford to Live
On military retirement alone (E-7 with 20 years = ~$45K/year):
- Waterbury: Manageable with 100% P&T exemption
- New Britain: Tight but possible
- Norwich: Requires second income or VA disability
- Hartford: Requires 100% P&T exemption + careful budgeting
With Electric Boat job ($70K-$95K):
- Norwich: Comfortable
- Hartford: Manageable
- Stamford: Still expensive
With finance/insurance job ($90K-$140K):
- Stamford: Manageable
- Hartford: Comfortable
- Norwich: Very comfortable
Special Considerations for Different Veteran Profiles
Submarine Veterans
Best city: Norwich/Groton (no question) Why: Electric Boat hiring 3,000+, submarine base, instant community, submarine-specific culture
100% P&T Disabled Veterans
Best cities: Hartford (highest tax savings), Stamford (high taxes but excellent amenities) Why: Full property tax exemption most valuable in high-mill-rate towns
Veterans Using GI Bill
Best city: Storrs/Mansfield (UConn) Why: State tuition waiver + GI Bill = full coverage + housing allowance, strong veteran student support
Veterans Seeking State Government Jobs
Best city: Hartford Why: State capital, veteran hiring preference, stable employment with pensions
Veterans Needing Regular VA Care
Best city: West Haven/New Haven Why: Live adjacent to state's only VA medical center
Veterans Prioritizing Affordability
Best city: Waterbury or New Britain Why: Lowest housing costs while maintaining VA clinic access
Key Takeaways
-
Norwich/Groton wins for most veterans - Submarine community, Electric Boat jobs, affordable housing make it the clear choice
-
100% P&T exemption is game-changing - Turns Hartford's $13,000/year tax bill into $0, makes expensive towns suddenly viable
-
Connecticut requires high income - Unless you're 100% P&T disabled with full exemptions, you need $70K+ household income to live comfortably
-
Small state advantage - Nowhere in Connecticut is more than 90 minutes from VA medical center, excellent healthcare access statewide
-
Job matters more than location - Electric Boat job in Norwich ($75K) beats retail job in Stamford ($45K) even though Stamford is "nicer"
-
Veteran community varies dramatically - Norwich has strong submarine community, Stamford/Greenwich feel like regular affluent suburbs
-
Apply for property tax exemption immediately - If you're 100% P&T, file with your town assessor as soon as you establish residency—savings are enormous
Resources
- Connecticut DVA: (860) 616-3600 | portal.ct.gov/dva
- Town Assessor Offices: Search "[town name] CT assessor" for contact info
- Electric Boat Careers: ebcareers.com
- VA Connecticut Healthcare: (203) 932-5711 | va.gov/connecticut-health-care
- Connecticut Real Estate: cthomesllc.com or major realty sites
- Cost of Living Calculators: Compare specific towns at bestplaces.net
Information current as of January 2025. Home prices and mill rates change. Verify specific details with local assessors and real estate professionals before making decisions.