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

Kentucky offers an appealing combination for military retirees: affordable cost of living (14% below national average), partial tax exemption on military retirement income, and strong veteran communities around Fort Campbell and Fort Knox. But the state's benefits are moderate, not exceptional.

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

This guide ranks Kentucky'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: Louisville (VA hospital, jobs, affordability) Best for military connection: Clarksville/Hopkinsville (Fort Campbell area) Best college town for veterans: Lexington (VA hospital, University of Kentucky) Best small-city value: Bowling Green, Elizabethtown, Richmond Best for Northern transplants: Covington/Northern Kentucky (Cincinnati proximity)

Median home price range: $214,000 (Covington) to $332,000 (Lexington metro) State average: ~$271,000

Honest assessment: Kentucky doesn't have the veteran tax benefits of Florida or Texas, but its low cost of living and bourbon country charm offer real value.

Top 10 Best Cities for Veterans in Kentucky

1. Louisville - "Derby City"

Overall Grade: A-

Why it's #1: Louisville offers the best combination of VA healthcare access, employment opportunities, affordability, and quality of life in Kentucky.

Veteran Population

• Jefferson County veterans: 50,000+ (largest concentration in state)
• Percentage: ~8% of adult population
• Military connection: Fort Knox 40 miles south

Housing Market

• Median home price: $275,000-$307,000 (varies by source and neighborhood)
• Property tax with 100% exemption: ~$2,693 (saves ~$589 with current exemption)
• Property tax without exemption: ~$3,300/year (1.2% effective rate)
• Rental costs: $900-$1,400/month for 2BR apartment

Cost of Living

• Overall index: 94.1 (5.9% below national average)
• Housing: Affordable for a metro of 1.3 million
• Utilities: 13% lower than national average
• Groceries: 2% below national average
• Healthcare: Below national average

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

• UPS Worldport (Louisville International Airport) - 20,000+ employees, largest employer, active veteran recruiting
• Humana - 13,000+ employees, healthcare giant with veteran hiring initiatives
• Ford Kentucky Truck Plant - 8,000+ employees, military skills translation programs
• Norton Healthcare - 17,000+ employees
• General Electric Aviation - Aircraft engines, defense contractor
• Louisville VA Medical Center - Major employer for veteran healthcare workers
• Brown-Forman - Bourbon industry (Jack Daniel's, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester)
• Yum! Brands - Corporate headquarters (KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut)

Average salary: $52,000 (metro area)

Veteran-friendly industries: Logistics, healthcare, manufacturing, bourbon

VA Healthcare Access

• Robley Rex VA Medical Center: 800 Zorn Avenue, Louisville, KY 40206
• Phone: (502) 287-4000
• Services: Full-service medical center with 24/7 emergency department, surgery, mental health, specialty care
• Louisville Vet Center: (502) 634-1916

This is one of Kentucky's two full VA hospitals - critical for veterans with complex healthcare needs.

Quality of Life

• Climate: Four distinct seasons - mild winters (avg 35°F), hot/humid summers (avg 88°F)
• Outdoor recreation: Louisville Mega Cavern, Cherokee Park, Ohio River Greenway
• Culture: Kentucky Derby, Muhammad Ali Center, Bourbon Trail starting point, thriving food scene
• Sports: Louisville Cardinals, Louisville Bats (minor league baseball), racing at Churchill Downs
• Education: University of Louisville (Yellow Ribbon participant), strong K-12 options in suburbs
• Crime: Moderate - varies significantly by neighborhood (research specific areas)

Bourbon culture: Louisville is the gateway to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, with distilleries offering veteran discounts

Neighborhoods for veterans:

• St. Matthews - Suburban, family-friendly, safe
• Jeffersontown - Affordable, good schools
• Prospect - Higher-end, excellent schools
• Shepherdsville - More rural, very affordable

Pros:

• Full VA medical center with emergency care
• Strong job market across multiple industries
• Affordable housing for a major metro
• Rich bourbon and horse culture
• International airport
• Tax-free military retirement up to $31,110

Cons:

• Partial military retirement exemption only (not full)
• Hot, humid summers
• Property tax exemption modest ($589/year vs. $3,500 in Alabama)
• Some neighborhoods have higher crime

Bottom line: Louisville is the most complete package in Kentucky - solid healthcare, diverse employment, affordable living, and enough culture to keep life interesting. If you want city amenities without city prices, Louisville delivers.

---

2. Lexington - "Horse Capital of the World"

Overall Grade: A-

Why it ranks #2: College town quality of life, VA medical center, and strong economy centered on horses and higher education.

Veteran Population

• Fayette County veterans: 20,000+
• Student veterans: 1,000+ at University of Kentucky
• Concentration: Moderate but growing

Housing Market

• Median home price: $274,000-$352,000 (varies by source and timing)
• Property tax with exemption: ~$3,124 (saves ~$540 with current exemption)
• Property tax without exemption: ~$3,664/year (1.1% effective rate)
• Rental costs: $1,000-$1,500/month for 2BR apartment
• Market speed: Homes sell in 16 days median (competitive)

Cost of Living

• Overall index: 91.9 (8.1% below national average)
• Housing: Above Kentucky average but reasonable
• Otherwise: Typical for mid-size college town

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

• University of Kentucky - 17,000+ employees (largest employer)
• UK Healthcare - 14,000+ employees, top regional medical system
• Toyota Motor Manufacturing - Georgetown (15 miles north), 9,000+ employees, active veteran recruiting
• Blue Grass Army Depot - Richmond (30 miles south), high percentage of disabled veteran employees
• Lexington VA Medical Center - Major employer
• Amazon - Fulfillment center
• Horse industry - Unique to Lexington, includes farms, breeding operations, Keeneland

Average salary: Higher than Louisville due to UK Healthcare and Toyota

Industries: Higher education, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, horse industry

VA Healthcare Access

• Lexington VA Medical Center:
  • Troy Bowling Campus: 1101 Veterans Drive, Lexington, KY 40502
  • Franklin R. Sousley Campus: 2250 Leestown Road, Lexington, KY 40511
• Phone: (859) 281-4900
• Services: Full medical center serving 43 counties
• Lexington Vet Center: (859) 253-0717

Two-campus system provides comprehensive care

Quality of Life

• Climate: Similar to Louisville - four seasons, mild winters, hot summers
• Outdoor recreation: Red River Gorge (1 hour), horse farms, Kentucky Horse Park
• Culture: Keeneland Race Course, Rupp Arena (UK basketball), thriving restaurant scene, bourbon distilleries nearby
• Education: University of Kentucky (excellent for GI Bill students), strong public schools
• Crime: Low to moderate - very safe in most areas
• College town atmosphere: Vibrant, energetic, sports-focused

Horse culture: Lexington IS horses - spring and fall racing at Keeneland, tours of horse farms, Kentucky Derby tradition

Neighborhoods for veterans:

• Hamburg - Family-friendly, good schools
• Beaumont - Mid-range, convenient
• Andover - Affordable, newer development
• Masterson Station - Suburban feel, good value

Pros:

• Full VA medical center (two campuses)
• Excellent education benefits at UK (Yellow Ribbon + KY tuition waiver)
• Strong, diversified economy
• Beautiful horse country setting
• Safe, clean city
• Growing veteran community

Cons:

• Higher housing costs than most Kentucky cities
• Limited defense contractor jobs compared to Louisville
• Competitive housing market
• College town can feel insular if you're not into UK basketball

Bottom line: Lexington is ideal for veterans using the GI Bill or those who want a college town vibe with access to excellent healthcare. The horse culture is unique - you'll either love it or find it quirky.

---

3. Fort Campbell Area (Hopkinsville, Clarksville TN)

Overall Grade: B+

Why it ranks #3: Strongest military community, best employment for transitioning military, but limited beyond the military economy.

Veteran Population

• Christian County (Hopkinsville) veterans: Very high concentration due to Fort Campbell
• Military connection: Fort Campbell straddles Kentucky/Tennessee border
• Active duty: 30,000+ at Fort Campbell

Note: Clarksville, TN (just across the border) is the larger city serving Fort Campbell, but we're focusing on the Kentucky side (Hopkinsville).

Housing Market

Hopkinsville, KY:

• Median home price: ~$185,000-$210,000 (very affordable)
• Property tax: Kentucky side offers better property tax treatment for disabled veterans
• Rental market: Dominated by military renters, competitive

Cost of Living

• Overall: 15-20% below national average
• Housing: Very affordable
• Military-friendly: Many businesses offer military discounts

Employment Opportunities

Fort Campbell:

• 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) - Army's only air assault division
• 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
• 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Night Stalkers)
• Civilian positions: Thousands of federal civilian jobs with veteran preference
• Contractors: Defense contractors supporting post operations

Hopkinsville area:

• Limited civilian economy beyond Fort Campbell
• Some manufacturing: Akebono Brake, Ties USA
• Retail/service: Mostly serving military community

Best for: Recently separated soldiers from Fort Campbell who want to stay in the area, civilian jobs on post, contractor positions

VA Healthcare Access

• Bowling Green VA Clinic - 40 miles east (limited services)
• Tennessee Valley VA - Nashville area (100+ miles)
• Closest full VA hospital: Nashville or Louisville (170 miles)

Major healthcare gap - this is the biggest downside for retirees with complex medical needs.

Quality of Life

• Climate: Mild winters, hot/humid summers
• Military community: Strong, everyone understands military life
• Culture: Small-town Kentucky, Trail of Tears Commemorative Park, Fort Campbell museums
• Outdoor recreation: Land Between the Lakes (45 minutes), fishing, hunting
• Education: Austin Peay State University (Clarksville side)
• Crime: Low to moderate

Pros:

• Strongest military community in Kentucky
• Best civilian employment on military installation
• Very affordable housing
• Everyone understands military culture
• Easy transition from active duty
• Access to Fort Campbell MWR, commissary, PX

Cons:

• Limited economy outside Fort Campbell
• No nearby VA hospital (major issue)
• Small-town environment may feel limiting
• Economic vulnerability to base realignment
• Hot, humid climate

Bottom line: Fort Campbell area is perfect if you're separating from the 101st and want to work as a civilian on post or for contractors. Less ideal for retirees seeking diverse employment or those with significant healthcare needs.

---

4. Elizabethtown/Radcliff - "Fort Knox Gateway"

Overall Grade: B

Why it ranks #4: Fort Knox proximity, affordable, and central Kentucky location.

Veteran Population

• Hardin County veterans: High concentration due to Fort Knox
• Military connection: Fort Knox (major Army installation)

Housing Market

• Median home price: ~$220,000-$240,000
• Very affordable for proximity to Louisville (40 miles north)
• Property tax: Standard Kentucky rates

Employment Opportunities

Fort Knox:

• U.S. Army Human Resources Command
• U.S. Army Cadet Command
• U.S. Army Recruiting Command
• Civilian positions: Thousands of federal jobs with veteran preference

Elizabethtown area:

• Akebono Brake - Manufacturing
• Krueger - HVAC manufacturing
• Altec Industries - Equipment manufacturing
• Healthcare: Hardin Memorial Hospital

Proximity to Louisville: 40 miles to Louisville's job market

VA Healthcare Access

• Carl M. Brashear Radcliff Veterans Center: State nursing home
• Closest VA hospital: Louisville VA Medical Center (40 miles)
• Fort Knox Medical Services: Available for retirees

Quality of Life

• Location: I-65 corridor between Louisville and Nashville
• Climate: Four seasons, mild
• Recreation: Fort Knox MWR, outdoor recreation
• Culture: Small-city feel
• Education: Elizabethtown Community & Technical College

Pros:

• Very affordable
• Fort Knox access (commissary, MWR)
• Central location (Louisville 40 miles, Nashville 90 miles)
• Growing economy
• Low crime

Cons:

• Limited culture/entertainment
• No VA hospital (must drive to Louisville)
• Small-city employment options outside Fort Knox

Bottom line: E-town/Radcliff works well for Fort Knox retirees wanting small-town affordability with access to Louisville's amenities. Think of it as Louisville's affordable suburb with military flavor.

---

5. Bowling Green - "Home of the Corvette"

Overall Grade: B

Why it ranks #5: Affordable college town with growing economy and expanding veteran services.

Veteran Population

• Warren County veterans: 8,000+
• Student veterans: 500+ at Western Kentucky University
• Growing community

Housing Market

• Median home price: $258,000-$265,000
• Cost of living: 13% below national average
• Housing: 28% cheaper than national average

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

• Western Kentucky University - 2,000+ employees
• GM Corvette Assembly Plant - All Corvettes built here, veteran hiring
• Medical Center at Bowling Green
• Manufacturing: Multiple facilities

Job market: Projected 33% growth over next decade (one of Kentucky's fastest growing)

VA Healthcare Access

• Bowling Green VA Clinic - Primary care, mental health
• Robert E. Spiller Bowling Green Veterans Center - Opening 2025, will significantly expand services
• Closest full VA hospital: Nashville or Louisville

Improving with new veterans center

Quality of Life

• Climate: Mild four seasons
• Culture: Corvette Museum, WKU sports, caves (Mammoth Cave 30 miles)
• Education: WKU (good for GI Bill students)
• Size: Small city feel (70,000 population)
• Crime: Below national average

Pros:

• Very affordable
• Growing job market
• College town amenities
• New veterans center opening
• Corvette culture (if you're into cars)
• Safe community

Cons:

• Limited VA services currently (improving)
• Small city may feel limiting
• Fewer veteran-specific employment opportunities

Bottom line: Bowling Green offers excellent value - affordable housing, growing economy, and improving veteran services. Good choice for budget-conscious veterans who like smaller cities.

---

6. Northern Kentucky (Covington, Florence, Newport)

Overall Grade: B

Why it ranks #6: Cincinnati metro access, affordable Kentucky living, growing economy.

Veteran Population

• Boone County: 5,000+
• Kenton County: 6,000+
• Cincinnati metro connection

Housing Market

• Covington median: $214,000 (most affordable in Northern KY)
• Florence median: $251,000
• Rental: Competitive with Cincinnati

Cost of Living

• Overall: 10-15% below Cincinnati
• Kentucky taxes: Better than Ohio for military retirees

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

• CVG Airport - Major hub, cargo operations
• Amazon - Massive fulfillment center (Hebron)
• St. Elizabeth Healthcare - Regional medical system
• Cincinnati metro access: 20-minute commute to Cincinnati jobs

Advantage: Live in Kentucky (better tax treatment), work in Cincinnati/Ohio

VA Healthcare Access

• Florence VA Clinic - Primary care, mental health
• Bellevue VA Clinic - Primary care
• Cincinnati VA Medical Center - 20 miles (full service hospital)

Good access via Cincinnati VA system

Quality of Life

• Urban access: Cincinnati arts, sports, culture
• Kentucky living: Lower taxes, affordable housing
• River towns: Newport on the Levee, Covington's MainStrasse Village
• Climate: Four seasons, similar to rest of Kentucky

Pros:

• Best of both worlds (Kentucky taxes, Cincinnati metro)
• Good VA access via Cincinnati
• Strong job market
• Urban amenities
• Affordable

Cons:

• Traffic to/from Cincinnati can be heavy
• Not traditional Kentucky culture (more Ohio-influenced)
• Less veteran community feel

Bottom line: Northern Kentucky is ideal for veterans who want urban access without urban costs. Live in Kentucky, work in Cincinnati, enjoy both.

---

7. Richmond

Overall Grade: B-

Why it ranks #7: Small college town, Blue Grass Army Depot proximity, very affordable.

Housing Market

• Median home price: ~$210,000-$230,000
• Very affordable

Employment

• Eastern Kentucky University - Major employer
• Blue Grass Army Depot - 30% disabled veteran workforce
• Madison County

VA Healthcare

• Closest: Lexington VA (30 miles west)

Best for: Veterans working at Blue Grass Army Depot, EKU students using GI Bill

---

8. Owensboro

Overall Grade: C+

Why it ranks #8: Affordable western Kentucky city, but limited veteran services.

Housing Market

• Median home price: ~$184,000 (very affordable)
• Cost of living: 15% below national average

Employment

• Manufacturing: Multiple plants
• Healthcare: Owensboro Health
• Limited veteran-specific opportunities

VA Healthcare

• No VA clinic - must travel to Louisville or Evansville, IN

Best for: Veterans on fixed income prioritizing affordability over services

---

9-10. Smaller Cities (Florence Suburbs, Paducah, Henderson)

Various affordable options throughout Kentucky, but with limited veteran services and smaller job markets.

Best for: Veterans wanting small-town living, low costs, and already established in community/family connections

---

Housing Market Analysis

Median Home Prices by City (2025)

City	Median Price	Property Tax (no exemption)	Savings with Current Exemption
Lexington	$274,000-$352,000	$3,664	$540/year
Louisville	$275,000-$307,000	$3,300	$589/year
Bowling Green	$258,000-$265,000	$2,580	$491/year
Florence	$251,000	$3,263	$638/year
Elizabethtown	$220,000-$240,000	$2,640	$540/year
Richmond	$210,000-$230,000	$2,530	$540/year
Covington	$214,000	$2,782	$638/year
Hopkinsville	$185,000-$210,000	$2,310	$540/year
Owensboro	$184,000	$2,024	$540/year

State median: ~$271,000

Important: If pending House Bill 639 passes (expanding exemption to $240,000-$400,000), savings would increase dramatically to $2,500-$4,400 annually.

Rental Market

2-bedroom apartment average rents:

• Louisville: $900-$1,400
• Lexington: $1,000-$1,500
• Bowling Green: $800-$1,200
• Northern Kentucky: $900-$1,300
• Fort Campbell area: $850-$1,300
• Elizabethtown: $750-$1,100
• Smaller cities: $650-$1,000

Affordability Analysis

Most affordable (home prices + cost of living):

1. Owensboro
2. Hopkinsville
3. Elizabethtown
4. Richmond
5. Bowling Green

Best value (affordability + jobs + healthcare):

1. Louisville
2. Lexington
3. Bowling Green
4. Elizabethtown

Least affordable (but still reasonable by national standards):

1. Lexington metro
2. Louisville suburbs
3. Northern Kentucky (higher end)

Cost of Living Breakdown by City

Louisville

• Housing: 94 (6% below national avg)
• Groceries: 98
• Healthcare: 92
• Utilities: 87 (13% below)
• Transportation: 94
• Overall: 94.1

Lexington

• Housing: 97
• Groceries: 96
• Healthcare: 90
• Utilities: 95
• Transportation: 92
• Overall: 91.9

Bowling Green

• Housing: 72 (28% below national)
• Groceries: 94
• Healthcare: 88
• Utilities: 93
• Transportation: 85
• Overall: 87.0

Kentucky state average: 86 (14% below US average)

Climate and Weather Considerations

Overall Kentucky Climate

• Winters: Mild (30-45°F average), occasional snow (10-15 inches annually)
• Summers: Hot and humid (85-90°F, high humidity)
• Spring/Fall: Beautiful, mild (50-70°F)
• Rainfall: 45-50 inches annually

By Region

Northern Kentucky (Covington, Florence)

• Slightly cooler than rest of state
• More snow (15-20 inches)
• Four distinct seasons

Central Kentucky (Louisville, Lexington, Frankfort)

• Moderate four seasons
• Occasional ice storms in winter
• Humid summers

Western/Southern Kentucky (Bowling Green, Paducah, Hopkinsville)

• Milder winters
• Hotter, more humid summers
• Tornado risk (Kentucky is in "Dixie Alley")

Veteran Health Considerations

Heat and humidity: Can aggravate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Kentucky summers are challenging (85-95°F with high humidity).

Mild winters: Excellent for veterans with cold-weather injuries or arthritis - rarely drops below 20°F.

Tornado preparedness: Spring and fall tornado seasons. Ensure home has basement or safe room.

Veteran Community Strength

Counties with Highest Veteran Concentration

1. Christian County (Hopkinsville/Fort Campbell): Very high percentage
2. Hardin County (Elizabethtown/Fort Knox): High percentage
3. Trigg County (Fort Campbell area): High percentage
4. Jefferson County (Louisville): 50,000+ total (largest raw numbers)
5. Fayette County (Lexington): 20,000+

VFW and American Legion Posts

Most posts: Jefferson County, Fayette County, Christian County, Hardin County

Veterans Day events: Major parades in Louisville, Lexington, Fort Campbell

Veteran Organizations

• American Legion: 200+ posts statewide
• VFW: 150+ posts
• DAV: Chapters in all major cities
• Vietnam Veterans of America: Multiple chapters

Quality of Life Factors

Recreation

Best outdoor recreation:

• Red River Gorge (Lexington area) - Rock climbing, hiking
• Land Between the Lakes (Western KY) - Boating, fishing, camping
• Mammoth Cave National Park (Bowling Green area) - World's longest cave system
• Kentucky Lake/Lake Cumberland - Boating, fishing

Best for hunting/fishing: Western Kentucky, Land Between the Lakes

Bourbon Trail: Distilleries throughout central Kentucky (Frankfort, Bardstown, Louisville, Lexington area)

Culture and Entertainment

Best food scenes: Louisville (bourbon, farm-to-table), Lexington (college town dining) Best bourbon culture: Everywhere - this is THE bourbon state Best horse culture: Lexington (Keeneland, horse farms) Best music: Louisville (bourbon and bluegrass), Owensboro (bluegrass) Best museums: Louisville (Muhammad Ali Center, Frazier History Museum, Churchill Downs), Lexington (Kentucky Horse Park)

Education (for families)

Best school districts:

• Oldham County (Louisville suburbs)
• Scott County (Georgetown/Lexington area)
• Fayette County schools (Lexington)
• Warren County (Bowling Green)

Best universities for veterans:

• University of Kentucky (Yellow Ribbon, large veteran population)
• University of Louisville (Yellow Ribbon, strong veteran support)
• Western Kentucky University (veteran-friendly)

Healthcare Access

Best overall healthcare: Louisville (Norton, Baptist, VA), Lexington (UK Healthcare, VA) Best VA access: Louisville, Lexington (full medical centers)

Transportation

Airports:

• Louisville International (SDF) - Best service in state
• Blue Grass Airport (LEX) - Moderate service
• CVG (Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati) - Major hub

Public transit: Limited in all Kentucky cities (car required)

Decision Matrix: Which City is Right for You?

Choose Louisville if:

• You need full VA hospital access
• You want diverse employment options
• You value big-city amenities at affordable prices
• Healthcare or logistics careers interest you
• You want to be on the Bourbon Trail

Choose Lexington if:

• You're using the GI Bill at UK
• You love horse culture
• You want college town energy
• Healthcare or education jobs appeal
• You prefer slightly smaller city feel

Choose Fort Campbell area if:

• You're separating from Fort Campbell
• You want to work as civilian on post
• Strong military community is essential
• Small-town living appeals
• You don't have complex healthcare needs

Choose Elizabethtown/Radcliff if:

• You're Fort Knox affiliated
• You want Louisville access without Louisville prices
• Small city appeals
• You value central Kentucky location

Choose Bowling Green if:

• Affordability is priority #1
• You're attending WKU on GI Bill
• Small-city college town appeals
• You love Corvettes
• Growing job market matters

Choose Northern Kentucky if:

• You want Cincinnati metro access
• Kentucky tax treatment appeals
• Urban amenities matter
• You prefer river town culture

Honest Pros and Cons of Kentucky for Veterans

Pros

1. Affordability - 14% below national average cost of living
2. Housing - $184,000-$352,000 range covers most cities
3. Bourbon and horse culture - Unique experiences
4. Strong military communities - Fort Campbell, Fort Knox areas
5. Tuition waiver - Excellent benefit for veteran dependents
6. Four seasons - Mild winters, beautiful spring/fall
7. Central location - Within driving distance of many major cities

Cons

1. Moderate tax benefits - Only $31,110 military retirement exemption (not full)
2. Limited property tax exemption - Current $49,100 deduction modest (pending legislation could change this)
3. Hot, humid summers - 85-95°F with high humidity
4. Limited VA hospitals - Only Louisville and Lexington have full medical centers
5. Rural areas underserved - Limited veteran services outside major cities
6. Tornado risk - Spring and fall tornado seasons
7. Not a major job hub - Outside Louisville/Lexington, employment can be limited

Key Takeaways

1. Louisville leads for well-rounded living - Best combination of healthcare, jobs, and affordability
2. Lexington wins for college town veterans - GI Bill students thrive here
3. Fort Campbell area best for military community - But limited economy and healthcare
4. Northern Kentucky offers urban access - Live in Kentucky, work in Cincinnati
5. All cities benefit from low cost of living - 14% below national average statewide

The honest bottom line: Kentucky is a solid middle-tier state for veterans. You won't get the tax breaks of Florida or Texas, but you'll spend less on housing and enjoy bourbon country charm. Best for veterans who:

• Have kids attending Kentucky colleges (tuition waiver)
• Value affordability over maximum tax savings
• Appreciate bourbon, horses, and four seasons
• Want proximity to Fort Campbell or Fort Knox

Not ideal for:

• Veterans maximizing retirement dollar (look to Tennessee, Texas, Florida)
• Those needing extensive VA medical care outside Louisville/Lexington
• Veterans seeking major defense contractor careers (limited opportunities)

If the pending property tax legislation passes (expanding exemption to $240,000-$400,000), Kentucky would significantly improve its rankings.

Additional Resources

• Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs: (502) 595-4447 | veterans.ky.gov
• Housing market data: Zillow.com/KY, Redfin.com/state/Kentucky
• Cost of living calculators: BestPlaces.net
• Job search: KCC.ky.gov
• VA facility locator: VA.gov/find-locations

---

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