Iowa Military Retirement: Best Cities, Housing Costs & Quality of Life

Iowa ranks among the best Midwest states for military retirees thanks to 100% exemption of military retirement income, full property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans, and a cost of living 10-20% below the national average.

But where should you actually live? Iowa's cities vary significantly in veteran population density, job opportunities, housing costs, and access to VA healthcare.

This guide ranks Iowa'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: Des Moines (jobs, healthcare access, amenities) Best for affordability: Waterloo, Fort Dodge, Mason City Best college town: Iowa City (healthcare, education, culture) Best for aerospace/defense: Cedar Rapids (Rockwell Collins) Best small-city feel: Ames, Dubuque

Median home price range: $157,859 (Waterloo) to $247,100 (state average) State average: $226,900

Top 10 Best Cities for Veterans in Iowa

1. Des Moines - "Hartford of the West"

Overall Grade: A

Why it's #1: Des Moines offers the best combination of VA healthcare access, employment opportunities, affordable housing, and quality of life in Iowa.

Veteran Population

• Polk County veterans: 15,000+ (approximately 5-6% of adult population)
• Strong veteran community: Multiple VFW and American Legion posts
• Military connection: Iowa National Guard headquarters at Camp Dodge (Johnston)

Housing Market

• Median home price: $216,801 (June 2025)
• Year-over-year: Up 2.8%
• Property tax with 100% exemption: $0
• Property tax without exemption: ~$6,500/year (approximately 3% effective rate)
• Average rent: $992/month (39% below national average)

Cost of Living

• Overall index: 85.3 (14.7% below national average)
• Housing: 33.9% below national average
• Groceries: 0.4% below national average
• Utilities: 19.2% below national average
• Transportation: 6.8% below national average

Recommended salary: $43,536/year for comfortable single adult living

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

• Principal Financial Group (insurance, 6,500+ employees)
• Nationwide Insurance (regional hub, 1,500+ employees)
• Wells Fargo (operations center, 3,500+ employees)
• UnityPoint Health (healthcare, multiple facilities)
• MercyOne (healthcare)
• Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield (2,500+ employees)
• Casey's General Stores (HQ - Ankeny suburb)
• Corteva Agriscience (agriculture science, Johnston)
• Microsoft Data Center (West Des Moines)
• Meta Data Center (Altoona)

Industries: Finance, insurance, healthcare, technology, agriculture, government

State government jobs: As the capital, Des Moines offers extensive state employment opportunities with veteran hiring preference (5-10 points)

Average salary: $52,000-58,000 (varies by industry)

VA Healthcare Access

• Des Moines VA Medical Center: 3600 30th Street, Des Moines, IA 50310
• Phone: (515) 699-5999
• Distance: In the city - excellent access
• Services: Full-service medical center with emergency department, surgery, mental health, specialty care
• Des Moines Vet Center: 2600 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway (readjustment counseling)

This is the best VA healthcare access in Iowa.

Quality of Life

• Climate: Four distinct seasons - cold winters (avg 20°F January), warm summers (avg 85°F July)
• Snowfall: ~30 inches annually
• Outdoor recreation: High Trestle Trail, Gray's Lake, Saylorville Lake, multiple parks
• Culture: Iowa State Fair, Downtown Farmers Market, vibrant East Village, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Science Center of Iowa
• Sports: Iowa Cubs (Triple-A baseball), Iowa Wild (AHL hockey), Iowa Wolves (NBA G-League)
• Education: Excellent schools in suburbs (Waukee, West Des Moines, Johnston, Ankeny)
• Crime: Moderate (lower in suburbs)

Veterans Day Recognition

Des Moines hosts significant Veterans Day ceremonies at the Iowa State Capitol and Camp Dodge.

Pros:

• Best job market in Iowa
• VA medical center on-site
• Affordable housing and cost of living
• Tax-free military retirement income
• Major metro amenities with Midwest affordability
• Strong finance, insurance, and tech sectors

Cons:

• Cold, snowy winters (prepare for -10°F to -20°F cold snaps)
• Property taxes relatively high without disability exemption
• Summer humidity can be uncomfortable
• Traffic increasing with metro growth

Bottom line: If you want the best overall combination of employment, healthcare, amenities, and affordability, Des Moines is the clear choice. The metro area offers big-city opportunities with Iowa's low cost of living.

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2. Iowa City - "The Athens of Iowa"

Overall Grade: A

Why it ranks #2: University town with excellent VA medical center, high quality of life, strong education opportunities, and cultural amenities.

Veteran Population

• Johnson County veterans: 5,000+
• University of Iowa: 800+ student veterans
• Military connection: Strong ROTC programs (Army, Air Force)

Housing Market

• Median home price: $240,000
• Property tax with 100% exemption: $0
• Property tax without exemption: ~$7,680/year (3.2% effective rate)
• Rental costs: $900-$1,400/month for 2BR
• Higher than state average due to university demand

Cost of Living

• Overall index: 94.8 (5.2% below national average)
• Housing: Above Iowa average, but still below national
• University town pricing: Higher than most Iowa cities

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

• University of Iowa (25,000+ employees - largest employer)
• University of Iowa Health Care (nationally ranked academic medical center)
• ACT (standardized testing company)
• Procter & Gamble (manufacturing)
• NCS Pearson (education assessment)

Industries: Education, healthcare, research, technology

Veteran-friendly: University actively recruits veterans for staff positions

VA Healthcare Access

• Iowa City VA Medical Center: 601 Highway 6 West, Iowa City, IA 52246
• Phone: (319) 338-0581
• Services: Full-service medical center with advanced specialty care, spinal cord injury center, emergency department
• Cedar Rapids Vet Center: 30 minutes away

Best specialty VA care in Iowa - tertiary care facility with advanced services.

Quality of Life

• Climate: Cold winters, warm summers (similar to Des Moines)
• Culture: Writers' Workshop, museums, theaters, Iowa Memorial Union
• Outdoor recreation: Coralville Lake & Reservoir, biking trails, parks
• Education: University of Iowa (Yellow Ribbon school), excellent K-12
• Sports: Iowa Hawkeyes (Big Ten athletics)
• Community: Vibrant college town atmosphere, progressive culture
• Crime: Low (college town safety)

Pros:

• Excellent VA medical center with specialty care
• Outstanding education benefits (Yellow Ribbon at University of Iowa)
• High quality of life and cultural amenities
• Safe, educated community
• Great schools for families
• Tax-free military retirement

Cons:

• Higher housing costs due to university
• Limited veteran-specific job market outside university/healthcare
• Population revolves around university calendar
• Cold winters
• Smaller job market than Des Moines

Bottom line: Iowa City is ideal for veterans pursuing higher education, those needing advanced VA healthcare, or families prioritizing excellent schools and cultural amenities. If you value education and intellectual atmosphere over job market size, Iowa City is excellent.

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3. Cedar Rapids - "City of Five Seasons"

Overall Grade: A-

Why it ranks #3: Strong veteran employment (Rockwell Collins), affordable housing, VA clinic access, and Midwestern charm.

Veteran Population

• Linn County veterans: 10,000+
• Concentration: Significant veteran population due to manufacturing and aerospace

Housing Market

• Median home price: $199,973 (May 2025) or $190,000 (January 2025)
• Year-over-year: Up 5-10.5% depending on source
• Property tax with 100% exemption: $0
• Property tax without exemption: ~$5,600/year (2.8% effective rate)
• Very affordable for city size

Cost of Living

• Overall index: 87.4 (12.6% below national average)
• Housing: Very affordable
• Below state average in most categories

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

• Collins Aerospace (Rockwell Collins) - 8,000+ employees
• General Mills (cereal manufacturing)
• Quaker Oats (PepsiCo)
• Transamerica
• UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's
• Mercy Medical Center
• Kirkwood Community College

Industries: Aerospace/defense, manufacturing, healthcare, insurance

Best for veterans: Collins Aerospace actively recruits veterans and values military experience - excellent opportunities in avionics, engineering, software development, and manufacturing.

VA Healthcare Access

• Cedar Rapids VA Clinic: 3500 Dalton Way, West Town Center, Suite 300, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
• Phone: (319) 393-0835
• Services: Primary care, mental health, specialty services
• Cedar Rapids Vet Center: 4250 River Center Court NE (counseling)
• For hospital care: Iowa City VA (25 miles)

Quality of Life

• Climate: Cold winters, warm summers (typical Iowa)
• Outdoor recreation: Palisades-Kepler State Park, Cedar River Trail, Seminole Valley Park
• Culture: National Czech & Slovak Museum, African American Museum, Theater Cedar Rapids, NewBo City Market
• Sports: Cedar Rapids Kernels (Minor League Baseball)
• Education: Kirkwood Community College, Mount Mercy University, Coe College
• Crime: Moderate (research specific neighborhoods)

Pros:

• Excellent veteran employment at Collins Aerospace
• Very affordable housing
• VA clinic on-site (hospital care 25 min away)
• Strong manufacturing economy
• Tax-free military retirement
• Genuine Midwest hospitality

Cons:

• Not a VA medical center (need to travel to Iowa City for complex care)
• Smaller than Des Moines (fewer amenities)
• Still recovering from 2008 flood (some areas)
• Cold winters
• Limited nightlife/entertainment compared to Des Moines

Bottom line: Cedar Rapids is ideal for veterans with aerospace/defense backgrounds or those seeking manufacturing careers. Collins Aerospace alone makes Cedar Rapids worth considering. Affordable, veteran-friendly, with solid quality of life.

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4. Ames - "College Town Excellence"

Overall Grade: B+

Why it ranks #4: Iowa State University benefits, high quality of life, safe community, excellent schools.

Veteran Population

• Story County veterans: 3,000+
• Iowa State University: 1,000+ student veterans (strong veteran support)

Housing Market

• Median home price: ~$245,000
• Elevated due to university demand
• Property tax: ~$7,350/year without exemption
• Rental market: Competitive due to students

Cost of Living

• Overall index: 93.0 (7% below national average)
• Housing: Above state average but reasonable
• Otherwise: Typical Iowa affordability

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

• Iowa State University (largest employer)
• POET Biorefining (ethanol, biofuels)
• 3M (manufacturing)
• Barilla (pasta manufacturing)
• Mary Greeley Medical Center
• Iowa Department of Transportation (testing facility)

Limited defense/veteran-specific employers, but university offers many opportunities.

VA Healthcare Access

• No VA facility in Ames
• Closest: Des Moines VA (35 miles)
• Travel required for VA care

Quality of Life

• Climate: Cold winters, warm summers
• Culture: College town amenities, Reiman Gardens, Iowa State Center, Stephens Auditorium
• Outdoor recreation: Ada Hayden Heritage Park, biking trails
• Education: Iowa State University (Yellow Ribbon school - unlimited slots, $2,500/year), excellent K-12
• Sports: Iowa State Cyclones (Big Ten athletics)
• Crime: Very low (safe college town)

Pros:

• Excellent education benefits (Iowa State - Yellow Ribbon)
• Very safe community
• Outstanding schools for families
• College town culture and amenities
• Low crime
• Tax-free military retirement

Cons:

• No local VA healthcare (35-mile drive)
• Higher housing costs due to university
• Limited veteran-specific employment
• Population revolves around Iowa State
• Cold winters

Bottom line: Ames is perfect for veterans using GI Bill at Iowa State or families prioritizing education and safety. Not ideal if healthcare access or veteran employment are top priorities.

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5. Davenport/Quad Cities - "River City"

Overall Grade: B+

Why it ranks #5: Mississippi River location, affordable housing, VA clinic access, Illinois border proximity.

Veteran Population

• Scott County veterans: 8,000+
• Quad Cities metro: 25,000+ veterans (includes Illinois side)

Housing Market

• Median home price: $188,481 (April 2025)
• Very affordable
• Property tax: ~$5,452/year without exemption (2.9% rate)

Cost of Living

• Overall index: 86.7 (13.3% below national average)
• Housing: Very affordable
• One of Iowa's best values

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

• Rock Island Arsenal (across river in Illinois - major Army installation)
• John Deere (Davenport Works)
• Genesis Health System
• Alcoa Davenport Works
• Lee Enterprises (newspapers)
• Von Maur (retail HQ)

Border advantage: Access to Illinois job market including Rock Island Arsenal (9,000+ employees)

VA Healthcare Access

• Davenport VA Clinic: 415 North Perry Street, Davenport, IA 52801
• Phone: (563) 326-8144
• For hospital care: Iowa City VA (60 miles)

Quality of Life

• Climate: Cold winters, warm summers, Mississippi River humidity
• Outdoor recreation: Mississippi River, biking trails, parks
• Culture: Figge Art Museum, Adler Theatre, River Music Experience, riverfront festivals
• Sports: Quad Cities River Bandits (Minor League Baseball)
• Education: St. Ambrose University, Palmer College of Chiropractic
• Crime: Moderate to high in some neighborhoods (research carefully)

Pros:

• Very affordable housing
• Access to Rock Island Arsenal jobs
• Mississippi River location
• VA clinic on-site
• Border access to Illinois
• Tax-free military retirement

Cons:

• No VA medical center (60-mile drive to Iowa City)
• Higher crime in some areas
• Manufacturing economy challenges
• Cold, humid winters
• Smaller job market than Des Moines

Bottom line: Davenport/Quad Cities offers excellent affordability and access to Rock Island Arsenal. Ideal for veterans seeking manufacturing jobs or those who value river recreation and low housing costs.

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6. Waterloo/Cedar Falls - "Twin Cities"

Overall Grade: B

Why it ranks #6: Most affordable housing, John Deere employment, University of Northern Iowa, VA clinic access.

Veteran Population

• Black Hawk County veterans: 6,000+
• University of Northern Iowa: 300+ student veterans

Housing Market

• Median home price: $157,859 (Waterloo - lowest in Iowa)
• Extremely affordable
• Property tax: ~$4,735/year without exemption
• Average rent: $698/month (extraordinarily low)

Cost of Living

• Overall index: 79.5 (20.5% below national average)
• Housing: 40%+ below national average
• Most affordable metro in Iowa

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

• John Deere (Waterloo Tractor Works - 3,500+ employees)
• University of Northern Iowa (Cedar Falls)
• UnityPoint Health - Allen Hospital
• Tyson Foods
• Target Distribution Center
• Deere Credit (financial services)

Industries: Manufacturing (John Deere), education, healthcare, logistics

VA Healthcare Access

• Waterloo VA Clinic: 1015 South Hackett Road, Waterloo, IA 50701
• Phone: (319) 272-2226
• For hospital care: Iowa City VA (100 miles) or Des Moines VA (120 miles)

Quality of Life

• Climate: Cold winters (among coldest in Iowa), warm summers
• Outdoor recreation: George Wyth State Park, Cedar Valley Nature Trail
• Culture: Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum, Grout Museum District, UNI campus events
• Education: University of Northern Iowa (Cedar Falls)
• Crime: Moderate to higher in parts of Waterloo

Pros:

• Most affordable housing in Iowa
• John Deere veteran employment opportunities
• VA clinic on-site
• University amenities in Cedar Falls
• Tax-free military retirement
• Low overall cost of living

Cons:

• Long drive to VA hospital (100+ miles)
• Economic challenges in Waterloo
• Higher crime in some areas
• Very cold winters
• Smaller job market

Bottom line: Waterloo/Cedar Falls is ideal for veterans on fixed income prioritizing affordability or those seeking John Deere manufacturing employment. The housing affordability is unmatched in Iowa.

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7. Sioux City - "Gateway to the West"

Overall Grade: B

Why it ranks #7: Affordable, VA services, tri-state location (Iowa/Nebraska/South Dakota).

Veteran Population

• Woodbury County veterans: 5,000+
• Tri-state veteran community

Housing Market

• Median home price: $208,000
• Very affordable
• Cost of living: 20% below national average

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

• Tyson Foods (major meatpacking)
• MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center
• UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's
• Sioux City Public Schools
• Wells Fargo
• CF Industries (fertilizer)

Industries: Meatpacking, healthcare, agriculture, finance

VA Healthcare Access

• Sioux City Vet Center: 1551 Indian Hills Drive, Suite 214
• Phone: (712) 255-3808
• VA clinics: Sioux Falls, SD or Omaha, NE (50-90 miles)

Quality of Life

• Climate: Cold winters, warm summers, windy
• Outdoor recreation: Stone State Park, Missouri River, Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
• Culture: Sioux City Art Center, Orpheum Theatre
• Education: Morningside University, Briar Cliff University

Pros:

• Very affordable
• Tri-state access
• Vet Center on-site
• Tax-free military retirement

Cons:

• No VA medical facility (long drive)
• Limited job market
• Cold winters
• Meatpacking economy challenges

Bottom line: Sioux City works for veterans prioritizing affordability in a tri-state location. Limited VA access is the biggest drawback.

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8. Dubuque - "Masterpiece on the Mississippi"

Overall Grade: B

Why it ranks #8: Historic river city, affordable, growing economy, scenic bluffs.

Housing Market

• Median home price: $175,000-190,000
• Affordable

Employment Opportunities

• Major employers: John Deere Dubuque Works, IBM, MercyOne, Clarke University, University of Dubuque

VA Healthcare Access

• Dubuque VA Clinic: 2600 Dodge Street, Suite A1
• Phone: (563) 583-2000
• For hospital: Iowa City VA (75 miles)

Quality of Life

• Scenic: Mississippi River bluffs, historic downtown
• Culture: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
• Outdoor recreation: Mines of Spain State Recreation Area

Pros: Affordable, scenic, historic character, VA clinic Cons: No VA hospital, limited job market, cold winters, hilly terrain (challenging in winter)

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9. Iowa Falls / Mason City / Fort Dodge - "Small City Iowa"

Overall Grade: B-

Why they rank #9: Small city affordability, VA clinic access (Mason City), rural Iowa living.

Housing

• Extremely affordable: $120,000-$160,000 median home prices
• Low cost of living

Employment

• Limited to local manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, education

VA Access

• Mason City VA Clinic: 626 South 4th Street, Mason City, IA 50401

Best for: Veterans on fixed income prioritizing maximum affordability, rural lifestyle, small-town Iowa values.

Cons: Very limited job market, harsh winters, distance from major amenities, small veteran communities.

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10. Council Bluffs - "Nebraska Border Town"

Overall Grade: B-

Why it ranks #10: Omaha metro access, affordable, growing.

Housing

• Median home price: ~$165,000
• Very affordable

Employment

• Access to Omaha, NE job market (across river)
• Google Data Center in Council Bluffs
• Iowa Western Community College

VA Access

• Omaha VA Medical Center: 20 minutes across river in Nebraska

Best for: Veterans wanting Omaha access with Iowa benefits and lower housing costs.

Cons: Small Iowa city, economy tied to Omaha, Nebraska state taxes if working in NE.

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Housing Market Analysis

Median Home Prices by City (2025)

City	Median Price	Property Tax (no exemption)	Savings with 100% Exemption
Des Moines	$216,801	$6,504	$6,504/year
Iowa City	$240,000	$7,680	$7,680/year
Cedar Rapids	$199,973	$5,599	$5,599/year
Ames	$245,000	$7,350	$7,350/year
Davenport	$188,481	$5,466	$5,466/year
Waterloo	$157,859	$4,735	$4,735/year
Sioux City	$208,000	$6,032	$6,032/year
Dubuque	$185,000	$5,180	$5,180/year

State median: $226,900

Iowa property taxes average 1.56% of assessed value - among highest in the nation, making the 100% disabled veteran exemption extremely valuable.

Rental Market

Average 2-bedroom apartment rents:

• Des Moines: $992
• Iowa City: $1,100-$1,400
• Cedar Rapids: $850-$1,100
• Ames: $1,000-$1,400 (student demand)
• Davenport: $750-$1,050
• Waterloo: $698 (lowest in state)
• Sioux City: $800-$1,100

Affordability Rankings

Most affordable (low home prices, low cost of living):

1. Waterloo/Cedar Falls
2. Fort Dodge / Mason City
3. Dubuque

Best value (price vs. job market/quality of life):

1. Des Moines
2. Cedar Rapids
3. Davenport

Highest cost (but best amenities):

1. Ames
2. Iowa City
3. Des Moines

Cost of Living Breakdown by City

Des Moines

• Housing: 66.1 (33.9% below national)
• Groceries: 99.6
• Healthcare: 80.8
• Utilities: 80.8
• Transportation: 93.2
• Overall: 85.3

Iowa City

• Housing: 85 (15% below national)
• Groceries: 98
• Healthcare: 92
• Utilities: 95
• Transportation: 95
• Overall: 94.8

Cedar Rapids

• Housing: 70 (30% below national)
• Groceries: 96
• Healthcare: 88
• Utilities: 92
• Transportation: 90
• Overall: 87.4

Waterloo

• Housing: 55 (45% below national)
• Groceries: 94
• Healthcare: 85
• Utilities: 90
• Transportation: 85
• Overall: 79.5

Iowa state average: 84.1 (15.9% below US average)

Climate and Weather Considerations

Overall Iowa Climate

• Winters: Very cold (10-25°F average January)
• Summers: Warm and humid (75-85°F average July)
• Snowfall: 30 inches annually (varies north to south)
• Precipitation: 35 inches annually

Winter Realities

Iowa winters are cold - this is not Alabama or Texas. Expect:

• January highs: 25-30°F
• January lows: 10-15°F
• Cold snaps: -10°F to -20°F several times per winter
• Wind chill: Can reach -30°F to -40°F
• Snow: 25-35 inches per season
• Ice storms: 2-4 per winter

Coldest Iowa cities: Waterloo, Mason City, Sioux City (northern tier) Mildest Iowa winters: Southeast Iowa (Burlington, Keokuk)

Veteran Health Considerations

Cold and snow: Can aggravate arthritis, cardiovascular issues, respiratory conditions. If you have cold-weather injuries or chronic pain, Iowa winters may be challenging.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Gray, cold winters from November-March can impact mental health. VA offers treatment.

Tornado risk: Iowa experiences tornadoes primarily April-June. All homes should have basement or safe room.

Positive aspects:

• No hurricanes
• No earthquakes
• No wildfires
• Four distinct seasons for those who enjoy seasonal variety
• Beautiful springs and falls

Veteran Community Strength

Iowa Counties with Highest Veteran Concentration

1. Polk County (Des Moines): 15,000+ veterans
2. Linn County (Cedar Rapids): 10,000+ veterans
3. Scott County (Davenport): 8,000+ veterans
4. Black Hawk County (Waterloo): 6,000+ veterans
5. Johnson County (Iowa City): 5,000+ veterans
6. Woodbury County (Sioux City): 5,000+ veterans

VFW and American Legion Posts

• Most posts: Polk County, Linn County, Scott County
• Veterans Day events: Major ceremonies in Des Moines (State Capitol), Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Davenport

Veteran Organizations

• American Legion: 400+ posts statewide
• VFW: 200+ posts
• DAV: Chapters in all major cities
• Vietnam Veterans of America: Multiple chapters
• Student Veterans of America: Active at Iowa State, University of Iowa, UNI

Decision Matrix: Which City is Right for You?

Choose Des Moines if:

• You want the best job market
• VA medical center access is important
• You value big-city amenities with Midwest affordability
• You're pursuing finance, insurance, or tech careers
• You want the most complete veteran services

Choose Iowa City if:

• You're using GI Bill (University of Iowa - Yellow Ribbon)
• Advanced VA specialty care is critical
• You value college town culture
• You prioritize education for children
• You want intellectual/progressive community

Choose Cedar Rapids if:

• You have aerospace/defense background (Collins Aerospace)
• You want manufacturing employment
• You value affordability with city amenities
• You're comfortable with 25-minute drive to VA hospital
• You want "right-sized" city (not too big, not too small)

Choose Ames if:

• You're using GI Bill at Iowa State
• You want excellent schools for kids
• You prioritize safety and low crime
• Job market isn't primary concern
• You love college athletics (Cyclones)

Choose Waterloo if:

• Affordability is your #1 priority
• You're on fixed income
• You want John Deere employment
• You can manage 100+ mile drive to VA hospital
• You don't mind very cold winters

Choose Davenport if:

• You want Mississippi River living
• Rock Island Arsenal employment interests you
• Maximum affordability is important
• You like access to both Iowa and Illinois
• You're comfortable with longer VA hospital drive

Key Takeaways

1. Des Moines leads overall - Best balance of jobs, healthcare, amenities, affordability
2. Iowa City leads for education - Best for GI Bill and families prioritizing schools
3. Waterloo leads for affordability - Lowest housing costs in Iowa
4. All cities benefit from zero state tax on military retirement
5. 100% disabled veterans save $4,500-7,500 annually on property taxes depending on location

Iowa offers genuine value for military retirees. Unlike Colorado or Tennessee where housing costs have skyrocketed, Iowa remains affordable while delivering solid veteran benefits.

Cold winters are real - Iowa is not for those seeking year-round warm weather. However, if you can handle four seasons, Iowa provides:

• Zero tax on military retirement
• Full property tax exemption for 100% disabled
• Housing costs 30-40% below national average
• Strong job markets in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids
• Excellent healthcare (VA and private)
• Genuine Midwest values and hospitality

The best city for you depends on priorities: jobs and amenities (Des Moines), education (Iowa City), aerospace (Cedar Rapids), or maximum affordability (Waterloo).

Additional Resources

• Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs: (515) 252-4698 | dva.iowa.gov
• Home Base Iowa (relocation assistance): homebaseiowa.gov
• Housing market data: Zillow.com/IA, Redfin.com/state/Iowa
• Cost of living calculators: BestPlaces.net
• Job search: IowaWORKS.gov, HomeBaseIowa.gov
• VA facility locator: VA.gov/find-locations

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Information current as of January 2025. Housing prices and market conditions change frequently - verify current prices before making decisions.