Best Cities for Veterans in Massachusetts 2025: Cost of Living, Jobs & Benefits Comparison

Massachusetts' 380,000 veterans face a unique challenge: The Bay State offers excellent veteran benefits and job opportunities, but it's one of the most expensive states in the nation. Choosing the right city can mean the difference between thriving and struggling financially.

This guide analyzes the best Massachusetts cities for veterans based on five critical factors: housing affordability, job opportunities, VA healthcare access, veteran services, and overall quality of life.

Bottom Line Up Front

Best Overall for Affordability: Worcester - Strong veteran services, VA Vet Center, affordable housing ($375K median), decent job market

Best for Defense Jobs: Bedford/Hanscom area - Highest concentration of cleared jobs, but very expensive housing

Best Balance: Brockton or Quincy - VA medical center access, more affordable than Boston, decent employment

Best for Western Mass: Springfield - Most affordable major city, VA healthcare in Leeds, lower cost of living

Avoid Unless You Have High Income: Boston, Cambridge - Exceptional jobs and services but prohibitively expensive for most veterans on fixed incomes

What Veterans Need in a City

Before diving into specific cities, let's establish evaluation criteria:

Must-Haves:

VA medical center or CBOC within 30 minutes
Median home price under $500K (ideally under $400K)
Active veteran community and services
Employment opportunities matching military skills
Access to education benefits

Nice-to-Haves:

Vet Center for counseling
State veterans home nearby
Multiple GI Bill-approved schools
Low property tax rates
Veteran-friendly employers

The Affordability Gap in Massachusetts

Massachusetts reality check:

State median home price: $622,300 (January 2025)
National median home price: $417,700
Massachusetts advantage: Full exemption of military retirement pay saves $2,000-$3,000/year

Even with tax benefits, veterans on military retirement and VA disability need to choose cities carefully. A $45,000 military pension plus $45,000 VA disability ($90,000 total) goes much further in Worcester than in Cambridge.

Best Cities for Veterans in Massachusetts

1. Worcester - Best Overall Value

Population: 206,000 Veteran Population: Significant (Worcester County has strong veteran presence) Median Home Price: $375,000 Average Rent (2BR): $2,049/month

VA Healthcare Access

Worcester Vet Center Address: 255 Park Avenue, Suite 900, Worcester, MA 01609 Phone: (508) 753-7902 Services: PTSD counseling, readjustment counseling, MST treatment

Primary VA Care: VA Boston Healthcare System serves Worcester through telehealth and outpatient services. Closest full medical center: VA Boston Jamaica Plain (50 miles, ~1 hour drive)

Community Resources:

Veterans Inc. (69 Grove Street): Emergency and transitional housing, employment services
Quinsigamond Community College: 400+ student veterans, full GI Bill support
UMass Memorial Medical Center: Veteran hiring initiative

Job Market

Major Employers:

UMass Memorial Health Care (healthcare, IT, administration)
Saint-Gobain (manufacturing, engineering)
Hanover Insurance Group (insurance, IT)
Polar Beverages (manufacturing, operations)
Healthcare institutions (multiple hospitals)

Defense Contractors: Limited compared to Boston area, but growing tech sector

Unemployment Rate: ~3.5% (slightly higher than state average)

Average Salary: $65,000 (lower than Boston but much more affordable)

Education Benefits

Quinsigamond Community College

400+ student veterans
Full GI Bill acceptance
BAH rate: ~$2,000/month
Veteran services office on campus

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)

Strong engineering programs
Veteran-friendly
BAH rate: ~$2,000/month

Assumption University

Yellow Ribbon participation
Small veteran community

Property Taxes

Effective Rate: 1.75% (high for Massachusetts) Annual Tax on $375K Home: $6,563 With $1,000 Veteran Exemption: $5,563 With $2,000 (if city doubles): $4,563

Worcester's higher tax rate is offset by lower home prices compared to eastern Massachusetts.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Most affordable major city in Massachusetts
Growing job market and revitalized downtown
Vet Center on-site for counseling
Strong community college with veteran support
Central location (1 hour to Boston, Providence, Hartford)
Veterans Inc. provides housing and employment services
Less traffic and congestion than Boston
Decent school systems in surrounding suburbs

Cons:

No on-site VA medical center (must drive to Boston or use telehealth)
Higher property taxes than eastern Massachusetts
Job market smaller than Boston metro
Some neighborhoods have higher crime rates
Harsh winters with significant snow
Limited defense contractor presence

Best For: Veterans seeking affordability, families, those who can use telehealth for VA care

Bottom Line: Worcester delivers the best value in Massachusetts. You get a real city with services, employment, and veteran support at half the cost of Boston. The lack of an on-site VA medical center is the main drawback, but the Vet Center and telehealth options partially offset this.

2. Brockton - Best VA Access on a Budget

Population: 105,000 Veteran Population: Significant Median Home Price: $425,000 (estimate) Average Rent (2BR): $1,800-$2,200/month

VA Healthcare Access

Brockton VA Medical Center Address: 940 Belmont Street, Brockton, MA 02301 Phone: (508) 583-4500 Services: Primary care, mental health, specialty care, laboratory, radiology, pharmacy

This is a full VA medical center, not just a clinic. Brockton offers:

Inpatient and outpatient mental health care
Long-term nursing care
Palliative and hospice care
Spinal cord treatment
Women's health center (regional referral center)
Homeless veteran programs (regional referral)

Brockton Vet Center Address: 1041L Pearl Street, Brockton, MA 02301 Phone: (508) 580-2730

Having both a VA medical center AND Vet Center makes Brockton exceptional for healthcare access.

Job Market

Major Employers:

VA Boston Healthcare System (Brockton campus) - major employer
Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital
Good Samaritan Medical Center
Healthcare dominates employment
Proximity to Boston (30 miles) opens up commuting options

Defense Contractors: Limited in Brockton itself, but commutable to Boston/Cambridge defense companies

Unemployment Rate: ~4% (slightly elevated)

Education Benefits

Massasoit Community College

Strong veteran services
Full GI Bill support
BAH rate: ~$3,000/month (benefits from higher Boston-area rate)

Bridgewater State University (nearby)

15 minutes from Brockton
Veteran services office
Affordable state university option

Property Taxes

Effective Rate: ~1.3% (estimate) Annual Tax on $425K Home: ~$5,525 With Veteran Exemption: $4,525-$3,525

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Full VA medical center on-site (huge advantage)
Vet Center for counseling
More affordable than Boston while maintaining proximity
Benefits from Boston-area BAH rates (~$3,279/month)
Good highway access to Boston, Cape Cod, Providence
Growing Latino community and culture
Veterans can find employment at VA facility itself

Cons:

Higher crime rates than state average (though improving)
Schools rank below state average
Limited downtown amenities compared to Boston
Job market smaller than larger cities
Some neighborhoods need revitalization
Can feel isolated from major employment centers

Best For: Veterans prioritizing VA healthcare access, those working at VA facility, veterans who want affordability with proximity to Boston

Bottom Line: If VA healthcare access is your top priority and you want affordability, Brockton is unbeatable. The full medical center makes this city especially attractive for veterans with complex healthcare needs or families requiring consistent care.

3. Quincy - Best Boston Suburb Value

Population: 101,000 Veteran Population: Significant (Norfolk County) Median Home Price: $600,000 (estimate) Average Rent (2BR): $2,600-$3,000/month

VA Healthcare Access

Quincy VA Clinic Part of VA Boston Healthcare System Services: Primary care, mental health, specialty care

Boston VA Jamaica Plain: 20 minutes away

Boston Vet Center: 7 Drydock Avenue, Boston (accessible)

Job Market

Quincy is essentially part of Greater Boston, giving access to:

Boston financial services (State Street, Fidelity, Liberty Mutual)
Boston tech companies
Boston healthcare (Mass General Brigham, BMC)
Defense contractors in Burlington/Waltham area

Local Employers:

Stop & Shop headquarters
State Street Bank
Boston Scientific (nearby)
Healthcare systems

Unemployment Rate: ~3% (matches Boston area)

Average Salary: $75,000+ (benefits from Boston proximity)

Education Benefits

Quincy College

Community college with veteran services
Affordable option
BAH rate: $3,279/month (Boston rate)

Access to all Boston universities: Harvard, MIT, BU, Northeastern all within 30 minutes

Property Taxes

Effective Rate: ~1.1% Annual Tax on $600K Home: $6,600 With Veteran Exemption: $5,600-$4,600

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Full access to Boston job market without Boston prices
VA clinic in city, full medical center 20 minutes away
Excellent public transportation (MBTA Red Line to Boston)
Strong Asian community and cuisine
Closer to ocean and beaches
Good schools (better than Brockton)
Maximum BAH rate ($3,279/month)
Safe, family-friendly neighborhoods

Cons:

Still expensive ($600K median home price)
Property taxes add up on expensive homes
Traffic congestion during rush hour
Limited parking in some areas
Cost of living still well above national average
Competitive housing market

Best For: Veterans with jobs in Boston, those using GI Bill at Boston schools, families wanting good schools with Boston access

Bottom Line: Quincy offers the Boston experience at a 20-30% discount. You get access to the entire Boston job market, world-class education, and strong VA services while saving significantly compared to living in Boston proper or Cambridge.

4. Lowell - Best for Defense Contractors (Northern Tier)

Population: 115,000 Veteran Population: Significant (Middlesex County) Median Home Price: $475,000 (estimate) Average Rent (2BR): $2,200-$2,600/month

VA Healthcare Access

Lowell VA Clinic Address: 130 Marshall Road, Lowell, MA 01852 Phone: (978) 671-9000 Services: Primary care, mental health, telehealth

Lowell Vet Center Address: 10 George Street, Gateway Center, Lowell, MA 01852 Phone: (978) 453-1151

VA Bedford: 25 minutes away (full medical center with mental health specialization)

Job Market

Defense Contractors (Hanscom AFB area, 20-30 minutes):

Raytheon (Andover, Tewksbury)
MITRE Corporation (Bedford)
L3Harris
General Dynamics
BAE Systems

Local Employers:

Lowell General Hospital
UMass Lowell (education, research)
Manufacturing companies
Growing tech startup scene

Unemployment Rate: ~3.2%

Average Salary: $68,000

Education Benefits

UMass Lowell

400+ student veterans
Strong engineering programs
Yellow Ribbon participation
Veteran services office
BAH rate: $2,565/month

Middlesex Community College (Bedford campus)

Near VA Bedford
Full veteran services

Property Taxes

Effective Rate: ~1.4% Annual Tax on $475K Home: $6,650 With Veteran Exemption: $5,650-$4,650

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Access to Hanscom AFB defense contractor jobs
VA clinic and Vet Center in city
UMass Lowell strong for engineering/tech veterans
Revitalized downtown with culture and dining
Lower cost than Boston/Cambridge
Good highway access (Route 3, I-495)
Close to VA Bedford (excellent mental health services)
Growing tech and startup ecosystem
Rich history and cultural diversity

Cons:

Still relatively expensive
Traffic can be challenging
Some neighborhoods still recovering economically
Not as many employment options as Boston
Harsh winters
Property taxes high on expensive homes

Best For: Veterans with technical backgrounds seeking defense contractor jobs, engineering students using GI Bill at UMass Lowell, those who want suburban living with city amenities

Bottom Line: Lowell offers the best of both worlds for technical veterans - access to high-paying defense jobs at Hanscom AFB area while maintaining relative affordability. The combination of UMass Lowell, VA services, and defense contractor proximity makes this an excellent choice for veterans in aerospace, defense, engineering, or IT fields.

5. Springfield - Best for Western Massachusetts

Population: 155,000 Veteran Population: Significant (Hampden County) Median Home Price: $220,000 Average Rent (2BR): $1,400-$1,800/month

VA Healthcare Access

VA Central & Western Massachusetts Healthcare System Address: 421 North Main Street, Leeds, MA 01053 (15 minutes from Springfield) Phone: (413) 584-4040 Services: Primary care, mental health, women's health, specialty clinics, pharmacy

Springfield Vet Center Address: 95A Ashley Avenue, Suite A, West Springfield, MA 01089 Phone: (413) 737-5167

Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke: 110 Cherry Street, Holyoke (20 minutes) - state veterans home with skilled nursing

Job Market

Major Employers:

Baystate Health (largest employer in western Mass)
MassMutual Financial Group (insurance, finance)
Big Y Foods (regional grocery chain)
Smith & Wesson (firearms manufacturing)
Healthcare and insurance dominate

Defense Contractors: Limited compared to eastern Mass

Unemployment Rate: ~4.5% (higher than state average)

Average Salary: $55,000 (lower than Boston but cost of living much lower)

Education Benefits

Springfield Technical Community College

300+ student veterans
Full GI Bill support
Affordable
BAH rate: ~$1,800/month

Western New England University

Veteran services
Engineering and business programs
Yellow Ribbon participation

American International College

Veteran-friendly
Smaller institution

Property Taxes

Effective Rate: 2.08% (high rate but low home values) Annual Tax on $220K Home: $4,576 With Veteran Exemption: $3,576-$2,576

Despite the high rate, total taxes are lower than expensive eastern cities.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Most affordable major city ($220K median home price)
VA medical center nearby in Leeds
Vet Center in West Springfield
State veterans home in Holyoke
Low cost of living (73% below Boston)
Decent job market in healthcare/insurance
Less traffic and congestion
Access to outdoor recreation (Berkshires nearby)
Four distinct seasons with beautiful fall foliage
Historic architecture and culture

Cons:

Lower wages than eastern Massachusetts
Higher unemployment than state average
Limited career advancement in some fields
Some neighborhoods have higher crime
Schools rank below state average in some districts
Fewer entertainment and dining options
More economically depressed than Boston area
Harsh winters with significant snow

Best For: Veterans on fixed incomes (retirement + disability), those prioritizing affordability, veterans seeking slower pace of life, families okay with smaller job market

Bottom Line: Springfield offers the best affordability in Massachusetts while maintaining access to VA healthcare, veteran services, and a state veterans home. If you're living primarily on military retirement and VA disability and don't need high-wage employment, Springfield lets you own a home outright or have minimal housing costs while banking your benefits.

6. Bedford/Hanscom AFB Area - Best for Defense Jobs (If You Can Afford It)

Population: 14,000 (Bedford town) Veteran Population: High concentration due to Hanscom AFB Median Home Price: $750,000+ Average Rent (2BR): $2,500-$3,200/month

VA Healthcare Access

VA Bedford Address: 200 Springs Road, Bedford, MA 01730 Phone: (781) 687-2000 Services: Full VA medical center specializing in mental health, long-term care, domiciliary care, PTSD residential program

This is one of the premier mental health VA facilities in New England

No Vet Center directly in Bedford, but Boston and Lowell Vet Centers within 30 minutes

Job Market

Hanscom Air Force Base and Defense Contractors:

MITRE Corporation (headquartered in Bedford)
Raytheon Technologies (Waltham, Andover)
L3Harris Technologies
iRobot (robotics)
Bose Corporation (Framingham)
General Dynamics
Hundreds of defense contractors

Average Salary for Defense Jobs: $90,000-$130,000+

Security Clearances: High demand for cleared personnel

Unemployment Rate: <3% (very low)

Education Benefits

Middlesex Community College (Bedford campus)

Adjacent to VA Bedford
Strong veteran services
BAH rate: $3,279/month

Access to Boston universities: 30 minutes to Boston

Property Taxes

Effective Rate: ~1.2% Annual Tax on $750K Home: $9,000 With Veteran Exemption: $8,000-$7,000

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Highest concentration of defense contractor jobs
VA Bedford on-site (excellent mental health services)
High salaries in defense sector
Safe, family-friendly communities
Excellent schools (Bedford, Lexington, Concord)
Historic Revolutionary War sites
Low unemployment
Strong veteran community
Close to Boston (30 minutes)
MITRE and other contractors actively recruit veterans

Cons:

Extremely expensive ($750K+ median home price)
High property taxes on expensive homes
Limited rental options
Competitive housing market
Cost of living among highest in nation
Traffic congestion
Need high income to afford comfortably
Property tax exemptions barely dent high tax bills

Best For: Veterans with high-paying defense contractor jobs, those with security clearances, retired officers with substantial retirement pay, dual-income military families

Bottom Line: Bedford and the Hanscom AFB area offer unparalleled defense contractor opportunities and access to VA Bedford's excellent mental health services, but you need a six-figure income to live comfortably. If you land a $120K+ defense contractor job, the investment pays off. Otherwise, consider Lowell or Burlington for defense jobs at lower housing costs.

7. Cities to Generally Avoid (Unless High Income)

Boston

Median Home Price: $800K-$1,000K+ Average Rent (2BR): $3,500-$4,500/month

Pros: Best job market, world-class education, excellent VA access, maximum BAH Cons: Prohibitively expensive for most veterans, property taxes on $800K home exceed $8,000/year even with exemptions

Who it works for: High-earning veterans in finance/tech, students using GI Bill with maximum BAH, dual-income families

Cambridge

Median Home Price: $1,000K-$2,000K+ Average Rent (2BR): $3,000-$4,000/month

Pros: Tech jobs (Google, Amazon, biotech), world-class universities (Harvard, MIT), excellent safety Cons: Cost of living 80% above national average, housing extremely competitive

Who it works for: Tech veterans with $150K+ salaries, graduate students with stipends plus GI Bill, researchers

Comparison Table: Best Cities for Veterans

City	Median Home Price	VA Access	Job Market	Best For	Affordability Score
Worcester	$375K	Vet Center, telehealth	Good	Families, affordability	9/10
Brockton	$425K	Full Medical Center	Fair	Healthcare access	8/10
Quincy	$600K	Clinic + Boston nearby	Excellent	Boston commuters	6/10
Lowell	$475K	Clinic + Vet Center	Good (defense)	Technical careers	7/10
Springfield	$220K	Medical Center (Leeds)	Fair	Fixed income	10/10
Bedford/Hanscom	$750K+	Full Medical Center	Excellent (defense)	High earners	4/10
Boston	$800K+	Full System	Excellent	High earners only	2/10
Cambridge	$1M+	Boston system	Excellent	Tech/academics	1/10

Making Your Decision: Key Questions

1. What's your total household income?

Under $75K: Worcester, Springfield, Brockton
$75K-$100K: Lowell, Quincy, Brockton
Over $100K: Quincy, Bedford, Boston suburbs
Over $150K: Boston, Cambridge, Bedford

2. How important is VA healthcare access?

Critical (complex conditions): Brockton, Bedford, Quincy
Important (regular care): Worcester, Lowell, Springfield
Less important (healthy, young): Any city works

3. What's your career field?

Defense/aerospace: Bedford, Lowell, Quincy (commute to Cambridge)
Healthcare: Brockton, Worcester, Springfield
Tech: Boston, Cambridge, Quincy
Finance: Boston, Quincy
Trades/general: Any city

4. Do you have school-age children?

Best schools: Bedford, Quincy, Lowell
Decent schools: Worcester (suburbs), Brockton (some districts)
Avoid: Springfield (some districts), Boston (expensive)

5. Are you using GI Bill for education?

Maximum BAH: Boston, Quincy, Cambridge
Good BAH with affordability: Lowell, Brockton
Lower BAH but cheap housing: Worcester, Springfield

Hidden Gems: Smaller Towns to Consider

Framingham: Between Worcester and Boston, Bose jobs, VA clinic, good balance

Fitchburg: Very affordable ($275K median), access to Worcester and Boston, quieter

Pittsfield (Berkshires): Beautiful, affordable, General Dynamics presence, but remote

Plymouth: Coastal living, VA clinic, moderate prices ($525K), tourist economy

Haverhill: Northern tier, affordable ($425K), commutable to Hanscom, growing

Final Recommendations by Situation

Best for Retired Veterans on Fixed Income:

Springfield ($220K homes, full VA access)
Worcester ($375K homes, Vet Center, growing city)
Fitchburg or smaller western Mass towns

Best for Veterans Starting Careers:

Lowell (defense jobs + affordability balance)
Worcester (diverse job market + affordability)
Quincy (Boston access + relative affordability)

Best for Veterans with Families:

Quincy (schools + VA + jobs)
Lowell (UMass Lowell + defense jobs + decent schools)
Worcester suburbs (Auburn, Shrewsbury - better schools)

Best for Technical/Cleared Veterans:

Bedford/Hanscom area (if you can afford it)
Lowell (commute to Hanscom, half the housing cost)
Burlington (between Bedford and Lowell)

Best for Healthcare-Dependent Veterans:

Brockton (full VA medical center on-site)
Bedford (premier mental health VA facility)
Quincy (close to Boston VA)

Key Takeaways

Location matters enormously in Massachusetts - Housing costs can vary by 400% between Springfield and Cambridge
Worcester offers the best overall value - Real city, veteran services, affordability, central location
Don't sacrifice VA healthcare access for affordability - The Brockton model (affordable + full medical center) is ideal
Boston-area BAH rates help - If using GI Bill, Quincy or Brockton give you $3,279/month BAH while being more affordable
Defense jobs pay well but require expensive areas - Bedford/Hanscom pays $120K+ but costs $750K to live there; Lowell pays $90K but costs $475K
Property tax exemptions help but aren't game-changers - Saving $1,000-$2,000/year matters more when housing is $220K (Springfield) than $800K (Boston)
Western Massachusetts is underrated - Springfield and surrounding areas offer full VA services at a fraction of eastern Mass costs
Commuting expands options - Living in Lowell while working in Bedford, or Quincy while working in Boston, offers major savings

Resources for City Research

VA Facility Locator: va.gov/find-locations
Massachusetts DVS Office Locations: mass.gov/veterans-services
BAH Rate Calculator: defensetravel.dod.mil/bah
Massachusetts Housing Market Data: mass.gov/housing
Local Property Tax Info: Contact city/town assessor offices

Information current as of January 2025. Housing prices and employment markets fluctuate - verify current data before relocating. Contact local Veterans Service Officers for city-specific guidance.

Best Cities for Veterans in Massachusetts 2025: Cost of Living, Jobs & Benefits Comparison

Bottom Line Up Front

Best Overall for Affordability: Worcester - Strong veteran services, VA Vet Center, affordable housing ($375K median), decent job market

Best for Defense Jobs: Bedford/Hanscom area - Highest concentration of cleared jobs, but very expensive housing

Best Balance: Brockton or Quincy - VA medical center access, more affordable than Boston, decent employment

Best for Western Mass: Springfield - Most affordable major city, VA healthcare in Leeds, lower cost of living

Avoid Unless You Have High Income: Boston, Cambridge - Exceptional jobs and services but prohibitively expensive for most veterans on fixed incomes

What Veterans Need in a City

Before diving into specific cities, let's establish evaluation criteria:

Must-Haves:

VA medical center or CBOC within 30 minutes
Median home price under $500K (ideally under $400K)
Active veteran community and services
Employment opportunities matching military skills
Access to education benefits

Nice-to-Haves:

Vet Center for counseling
State veterans home nearby
Multiple GI Bill-approved schools
Low property tax rates
Veteran-friendly employers

The Affordability Gap in Massachusetts

Massachusetts reality check:

State median home price: $622,300 (January 2025)
National median home price: $417,700
Massachusetts advantage: Full exemption of military retirement pay saves $2,000-$3,000/year

Best Cities for Veterans in Massachusetts

1. Worcester - Best Overall Value

Population: 206,000 Veteran Population: Significant (Worcester County has strong veteran presence) Median Home Price: $375,000 Average Rent (2BR): $2,049/month

VA Healthcare Access

Worcester Vet Center Address: 255 Park Avenue, Suite 900, Worcester, MA 01609 Phone: (508) 753-7902 Services: PTSD counseling, readjustment counseling, MST treatment

Primary VA Care: VA Boston Healthcare System serves Worcester through telehealth and outpatient services. Closest full medical center: VA Boston Jamaica Plain (50 miles, ~1 hour drive)

Community Resources:

Veterans Inc. (69 Grove Street): Emergency and transitional housing, employment services
Quinsigamond Community College: 400+ student veterans, full GI Bill support
UMass Memorial Medical Center: Veteran hiring initiative

Job Market

Major Employers:

UMass Memorial Health Care (healthcare, IT, administration)
Saint-Gobain (manufacturing, engineering)
Hanover Insurance Group (insurance, IT)
Polar Beverages (manufacturing, operations)
Healthcare institutions (multiple hospitals)

Defense Contractors: Limited compared to Boston area, but growing tech sector

Unemployment Rate: ~3.5% (slightly higher than state average)

Average Salary: $65,000 (lower than Boston but much more affordable)

Education Benefits

Quinsigamond Community College

400+ student veterans
Full GI Bill acceptance
BAH rate: ~$2,000/month
Veteran services office on campus

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)

Strong engineering programs
Veteran-friendly
BAH rate: ~$2,000/month

Assumption University

Yellow Ribbon participation
Small veteran community

Property Taxes

Effective Rate: 1.75% (high for Massachusetts) Annual Tax on $375K Home: $6,563 With $1,000 Veteran Exemption: $5,563 With $2,000 (if city doubles): $4,563

Worcester's higher tax rate is offset by lower home prices compared to eastern Massachusetts.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Most affordable major city in Massachusetts
Growing job market and revitalized downtown
Vet Center on-site for counseling
Strong community college with veteran support
Central location (1 hour to Boston, Providence, Hartford)
Veterans Inc. provides housing and employment services
Less traffic and congestion than Boston
Decent school systems in surrounding suburbs

Cons:

No on-site VA medical center (must drive to Boston or use telehealth)
Higher property taxes than eastern Massachusetts
Job market smaller than Boston metro
Some neighborhoods have higher crime rates
Harsh winters with significant snow
Limited defense contractor presence

Best For: Veterans seeking affordability, families, those who can use telehealth for VA care

2. Brockton - Best VA Access on a Budget

Population: 105,000 Veteran Population: Significant Median Home Price: $425,000 (estimate) Average Rent (2BR): $1,800-$2,200/month

VA Healthcare Access

Brockton VA Medical Center Address: 940 Belmont Street, Brockton, MA 02301 Phone: (508) 583-4500 Services: Primary care, mental health, specialty care, laboratory, radiology, pharmacy

This is a full VA medical center, not just a clinic. Brockton offers:

Inpatient and outpatient mental health care
Long-term nursing care
Palliative and hospice care
Spinal cord treatment
Women's health center (regional referral center)
Homeless veteran programs (regional referral)

Brockton Vet Center Address: 1041L Pearl Street, Brockton, MA 02301 Phone: (508) 580-2730

Having both a VA medical center AND Vet Center makes Brockton exceptional for healthcare access.

Job Market

Major Employers:

VA Boston Healthcare System (Brockton campus) - major employer
Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital
Good Samaritan Medical Center
Healthcare dominates employment
Proximity to Boston (30 miles) opens up commuting options

Defense Contractors: Limited in Brockton itself, but commutable to Boston/Cambridge defense companies

Unemployment Rate: ~4% (slightly elevated)

Education Benefits

Massasoit Community College

Strong veteran services
Full GI Bill support
BAH rate: ~$3,000/month (benefits from higher Boston-area rate)

Bridgewater State University (nearby)

15 minutes from Brockton
Veteran services office
Affordable state university option

Property Taxes

Effective Rate: ~1.3% (estimate) Annual Tax on $425K Home: ~$5,525 With Veteran Exemption: $4,525-$3,525

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Full VA medical center on-site (huge advantage)
Vet Center for counseling
More affordable than Boston while maintaining proximity
Benefits from Boston-area BAH rates (~$3,279/month)
Good highway access to Boston, Cape Cod, Providence
Growing Latino community and culture
Veterans can find employment at VA facility itself

Cons:

Higher crime rates than state average (though improving)
Schools rank below state average
Limited downtown amenities compared to Boston
Job market smaller than larger cities
Some neighborhoods need revitalization
Can feel isolated from major employment centers

Best For: Veterans prioritizing VA healthcare access, those working at VA facility, veterans who want affordability with proximity to Boston

3. Quincy - Best Boston Suburb Value

Population: 101,000 Veteran Population: Significant (Norfolk County) Median Home Price: $600,000 (estimate) Average Rent (2BR): $2,600-$3,000/month

VA Healthcare Access

Quincy VA Clinic Part of VA Boston Healthcare System Services: Primary care, mental health, specialty care

Boston VA Jamaica Plain: 20 minutes away

Boston Vet Center: 7 Drydock Avenue, Boston (accessible)

Job Market

Quincy is essentially part of Greater Boston, giving access to:

Boston financial services (State Street, Fidelity, Liberty Mutual)
Boston tech companies
Boston healthcare (Mass General Brigham, BMC)
Defense contractors in Burlington/Waltham area

Local Employers:

Stop & Shop headquarters
State Street Bank
Boston Scientific (nearby)
Healthcare systems

Unemployment Rate: ~3% (matches Boston area)

Average Salary: $75,000+ (benefits from Boston proximity)

Education Benefits

Quincy College

Community college with veteran services
Affordable option
BAH rate: $3,279/month (Boston rate)

Access to all Boston universities: Harvard, MIT, BU, Northeastern all within 30 minutes

Property Taxes

Effective Rate: ~1.1% Annual Tax on $600K Home: $6,600 With Veteran Exemption: $5,600-$4,600

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Full access to Boston job market without Boston prices
VA clinic in city, full medical center 20 minutes away
Excellent public transportation (MBTA Red Line to Boston)
Strong Asian community and cuisine
Closer to ocean and beaches
Good schools (better than Brockton)
Maximum BAH rate ($3,279/month)
Safe, family-friendly neighborhoods

Cons:

Still expensive ($600K median home price)
Property taxes add up on expensive homes
Traffic congestion during rush hour
Limited parking in some areas
Cost of living still well above national average
Competitive housing market

Best For: Veterans with jobs in Boston, those using GI Bill at Boston schools, families wanting good schools with Boston access

4. Lowell - Best for Defense Contractors (Northern Tier)

Population: 115,000 Veteran Population: Significant (Middlesex County) Median Home Price: $475,000 (estimate) Average Rent (2BR): $2,200-$2,600/month

VA Healthcare Access

Lowell VA Clinic Address: 130 Marshall Road, Lowell, MA 01852 Phone: (978) 671-9000 Services: Primary care, mental health, telehealth

Lowell Vet Center Address: 10 George Street, Gateway Center, Lowell, MA 01852 Phone: (978) 453-1151

VA Bedford: 25 minutes away (full medical center with mental health specialization)

Job Market

Defense Contractors (Hanscom AFB area, 20-30 minutes):

Raytheon (Andover, Tewksbury)
MITRE Corporation (Bedford)
L3Harris
General Dynamics
BAE Systems

Local Employers:

Lowell General Hospital
UMass Lowell (education, research)
Manufacturing companies
Growing tech startup scene

Unemployment Rate: ~3.2%

Average Salary: $68,000

Education Benefits

UMass Lowell

400+ student veterans
Strong engineering programs
Yellow Ribbon participation
Veteran services office
BAH rate: $2,565/month

Middlesex Community College (Bedford campus)

Near VA Bedford
Full veteran services

Property Taxes

Effective Rate: ~1.4% Annual Tax on $475K Home: $6,650 With Veteran Exemption: $5,650-$4,650

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Access to Hanscom AFB defense contractor jobs
VA clinic and Vet Center in city
UMass Lowell strong for engineering/tech veterans
Revitalized downtown with culture and dining
Lower cost than Boston/Cambridge
Good highway access (Route 3, I-495)
Close to VA Bedford (excellent mental health services)
Growing tech and startup ecosystem
Rich history and cultural diversity

Cons:

Still relatively expensive
Traffic can be challenging
Some neighborhoods still recovering economically
Not as many employment options as Boston
Harsh winters
Property taxes high on expensive homes

Best For: Veterans with technical backgrounds seeking defense contractor jobs, engineering students using GI Bill at UMass Lowell, those who want suburban living with city amenities

5. Springfield - Best for Western Massachusetts

Population: 155,000 Veteran Population: Significant (Hampden County) Median Home Price: $220,000 Average Rent (2BR): $1,400-$1,800/month

VA Healthcare Access

Springfield Vet Center Address: 95A Ashley Avenue, Suite A, West Springfield, MA 01089 Phone: (413) 737-5167

Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke: 110 Cherry Street, Holyoke (20 minutes) - state veterans home with skilled nursing

Job Market

Major Employers:

Baystate Health (largest employer in western Mass)
MassMutual Financial Group (insurance, finance)
Big Y Foods (regional grocery chain)
Smith & Wesson (firearms manufacturing)
Healthcare and insurance dominate

Defense Contractors: Limited compared to eastern Mass

Unemployment Rate: ~4.5% (higher than state average)

Average Salary: $55,000 (lower than Boston but cost of living much lower)

Education Benefits

Springfield Technical Community College

300+ student veterans
Full GI Bill support
Affordable
BAH rate: ~$1,800/month

Western New England University

Veteran services
Engineering and business programs
Yellow Ribbon participation

American International College

Veteran-friendly
Smaller institution

Property Taxes

Effective Rate: 2.08% (high rate but low home values) Annual Tax on $220K Home: $4,576 With Veteran Exemption: $3,576-$2,576

Despite the high rate, total taxes are lower than expensive eastern cities.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Most affordable major city ($220K median home price)
VA medical center nearby in Leeds
Vet Center in West Springfield
State veterans home in Holyoke
Low cost of living (73% below Boston)
Decent job market in healthcare/insurance
Less traffic and congestion
Access to outdoor recreation (Berkshires nearby)
Four distinct seasons with beautiful fall foliage
Historic architecture and culture

Cons:

Lower wages than eastern Massachusetts
Higher unemployment than state average
Limited career advancement in some fields
Some neighborhoods have higher crime
Schools rank below state average in some districts
Fewer entertainment and dining options
More economically depressed than Boston area
Harsh winters with significant snow

Best For: Veterans on fixed incomes (retirement + disability), those prioritizing affordability, veterans seeking slower pace of life, families okay with smaller job market

6. Bedford/Hanscom AFB Area - Best for Defense Jobs (If You Can Afford It)

Population: 14,000 (Bedford town) Veteran Population: High concentration due to Hanscom AFB Median Home Price: $750,000+ Average Rent (2BR): $2,500-$3,200/month

VA Healthcare Access

This is one of the premier mental health VA facilities in New England

No Vet Center directly in Bedford, but Boston and Lowell Vet Centers within 30 minutes

Job Market

Hanscom Air Force Base and Defense Contractors:

MITRE Corporation (headquartered in Bedford)
Raytheon Technologies (Waltham, Andover)
L3Harris Technologies
iRobot (robotics)
Bose Corporation (Framingham)
General Dynamics
Hundreds of defense contractors

Average Salary for Defense Jobs: $90,000-$130,000+

Security Clearances: High demand for cleared personnel

Unemployment Rate: <3% (very low)

Education Benefits

Middlesex Community College (Bedford campus)

Adjacent to VA Bedford
Strong veteran services
BAH rate: $3,279/month

Access to Boston universities: 30 minutes to Boston

Property Taxes

Effective Rate: ~1.2% Annual Tax on $750K Home: $9,000 With Veteran Exemption: $8,000-$7,000

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Highest concentration of defense contractor jobs
VA Bedford on-site (excellent mental health services)
High salaries in defense sector
Safe, family-friendly communities
Excellent schools (Bedford, Lexington, Concord)
Historic Revolutionary War sites
Low unemployment
Strong veteran community
Close to Boston (30 minutes)
MITRE and other contractors actively recruit veterans

Cons:

Extremely expensive ($750K+ median home price)
High property taxes on expensive homes
Limited rental options
Competitive housing market
Cost of living among highest in nation
Traffic congestion
Need high income to afford comfortably
Property tax exemptions barely dent high tax bills

Best For: Veterans with high-paying defense contractor jobs, those with security clearances, retired officers with substantial retirement pay, dual-income military families

7. Cities to Generally Avoid (Unless High Income)

Boston

Median Home Price: $800K-$1,000K+ Average Rent (2BR): $3,500-$4,500/month

Who it works for: High-earning veterans in finance/tech, students using GI Bill with maximum BAH, dual-income families

Cambridge

Median Home Price: $1,000K-$2,000K+ Average Rent (2BR): $3,000-$4,000/month

Pros: Tech jobs (Google, Amazon, biotech), world-class universities (Harvard, MIT), excellent safety Cons: Cost of living 80% above national average, housing extremely competitive

Who it works for: Tech veterans with $150K+ salaries, graduate students with stipends plus GI Bill, researchers

Comparison Table: Best Cities for Veterans

City	Median Home Price	VA Access	Job Market	Best For	Affordability Score
Worcester	$375K	Vet Center, telehealth	Good	Families, affordability	9/10
Brockton	$425K	Full Medical Center	Fair	Healthcare access	8/10
Quincy	$600K	Clinic + Boston nearby	Excellent	Boston commuters	6/10
Lowell	$475K	Clinic + Vet Center	Good (defense)	Technical careers	7/10
Springfield	$220K	Medical Center (Leeds)	Fair	Fixed income	10/10
Bedford/Hanscom	$750K+	Full Medical Center	Excellent (defense)	High earners	4/10
Boston	$800K+	Full System	Excellent	High earners only	2/10
Cambridge	$1M+	Boston system	Excellent	Tech/academics	1/10

Making Your Decision: Key Questions

1. What's your total household income?

Under $75K: Worcester, Springfield, Brockton
$75K-$100K: Lowell, Quincy, Brockton
Over $100K: Quincy, Bedford, Boston suburbs
Over $150K: Boston, Cambridge, Bedford

2. How important is VA healthcare access?

Critical (complex conditions): Brockton, Bedford, Quincy
Important (regular care): Worcester, Lowell, Springfield
Less important (healthy, young): Any city works

3. What's your career field?

Defense/aerospace: Bedford, Lowell, Quincy (commute to Cambridge)
Healthcare: Brockton, Worcester, Springfield
Tech: Boston, Cambridge, Quincy
Finance: Boston, Quincy
Trades/general: Any city

4. Do you have school-age children?

Best schools: Bedford, Quincy, Lowell
Decent schools: Worcester (suburbs), Brockton (some districts)
Avoid: Springfield (some districts), Boston (expensive)

5. Are you using GI Bill for education?

Maximum BAH: Boston, Quincy, Cambridge
Good BAH with affordability: Lowell, Brockton
Lower BAH but cheap housing: Worcester, Springfield

Hidden Gems: Smaller Towns to Consider

Framingham: Between Worcester and Boston, Bose jobs, VA clinic, good balance

Fitchburg: Very affordable ($275K median), access to Worcester and Boston, quieter

Pittsfield (Berkshires): Beautiful, affordable, General Dynamics presence, but remote

Plymouth: Coastal living, VA clinic, moderate prices ($525K), tourist economy

Haverhill: Northern tier, affordable ($425K), commutable to Hanscom, growing

Final Recommendations by Situation

Best for Retired Veterans on Fixed Income:

Springfield ($220K homes, full VA access)
Worcester ($375K homes, Vet Center, growing city)
Fitchburg or smaller western Mass towns

Best for Veterans Starting Careers:

Lowell (defense jobs + affordability balance)
Worcester (diverse job market + affordability)
Quincy (Boston access + relative affordability)

Best for Veterans with Families:

Quincy (schools + VA + jobs)
Lowell (UMass Lowell + defense jobs + decent schools)
Worcester suburbs (Auburn, Shrewsbury - better schools)

Best for Technical/Cleared Veterans:

Bedford/Hanscom area (if you can afford it)
Lowell (commute to Hanscom, half the housing cost)
Burlington (between Bedford and Lowell)

Best for Healthcare-Dependent Veterans:

Brockton (full VA medical center on-site)
Bedford (premier mental health VA facility)
Quincy (close to Boston VA)

Key Takeaways

Location matters enormously in Massachusetts - Housing costs can vary by 400% between Springfield and Cambridge
Worcester offers the best overall value - Real city, veteran services, affordability, central location
Don't sacrifice VA healthcare access for affordability - The Brockton model (affordable + full medical center) is ideal
Boston-area BAH rates help - If using GI Bill, Quincy or Brockton give you $3,279/month BAH while being more affordable
Defense jobs pay well but require expensive areas - Bedford/Hanscom pays $120K+ but costs $750K to live there; Lowell pays $90K but costs $475K
Property tax exemptions help but aren't game-changers - Saving $1,000-$2,000/year matters more when housing is $220K (Springfield) than $800K (Boston)
Western Massachusetts is underrated - Springfield and surrounding areas offer full VA services at a fraction of eastern Mass costs
Commuting expands options - Living in Lowell while working in Bedford, or Quincy while working in Boston, offers major savings

Resources for City Research

VA Facility Locator: va.gov/find-locations
Massachusetts DVS Office Locations: mass.gov/veterans-services
BAH Rate Calculator: defensetravel.dod.mil/bah
Massachusetts Housing Market Data: mass.gov/housing
Local Property Tax Info: Contact city/town assessor offices

Information current as of January 2025. Housing prices and employment markets fluctuate - verify current data before relocating. Contact local Veterans Service Officers for city-specific guidance.