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

Michigan ranks among the top states for military retirees thanks to generous tax exemptions on military retirement pay, full property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans, and a robust automotive/manufacturing job market.

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

This guide ranks Michigan'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: Ann Arbor (VA hospital, education, quality of life) Best for affordability: Saginaw, Bay City, Flint Best for healthcare access: Detroit (largest VA medical center) Best for jobs: Detroit Metro (automotive industry), Grand Rapids (manufacturing) Best college town: Ann Arbor (University of Michigan)

Median home price range: $85,000 (Flint) to $489,000 (Ann Arbor) State average: $238,000

Top 10 Best Cities for Veterans in Michigan

1. Ann Arbor - "Tree Town"

Overall Grade: A

Why it's #1: Ann Arbor offers the best combination of VA healthcare access, quality of life, education benefits, and strong veteran community despite high housing costs.

Veteran Population

• Washtenaw County veterans: 15,000+
• Concentration: Moderate (lower percentage due to large student population)
• University of Michigan: 1,200+ student veterans (excellent support system)

Housing Market

• Median home price: $489,000 (highest in Michigan)
• Year-over-year growth: Strong appreciation
• Property tax with 100% exemption: $0
• Property tax without exemption: ~$10,269/year (2.1% effective rate)

Cost of Living

• Overall index: 118.5 (18.5% above national average)
• Housing: Significantly above state average
• Utilities: Near state average
• Groceries: Slightly above national average
• Healthcare: Above average (but excellent quality)

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

• University of Michigan (largest employer, 48,000+ employees)
• Michigan Medicine (world-renowned healthcare)
• Toyota Technical Center
• Automotive suppliers (numerous)
• Technology startups
• Biotech companies

Average household income: $86,000+

Industries: Education, healthcare, automotive research, technology, biotechnology

VA Healthcare Access

• VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System: 2215 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
• Phone: (734) 769-7100
• Services: Full VA medical center with research focus, geriatric specialization, mental health services
• Distance: In-town (best healthcare access in Michigan for quality)

This is one of the premier VA research facilities in the country, particularly for geriatrics.

Quality of Life

• Climate: Four distinct seasons (cold winters, warm summers)
• Outdoor recreation: Huron River, parks, trails, lakes nearby
• Culture: World-class arts scene, museums, music venues, University events
• Education: Excellent public schools, University of Michigan (Yellow Ribbon school)
• Sports: Michigan Wolverines football and basketball
• Crime: Low (very safe community)
• Community: Highly educated, diverse, progressive

Veterans Day Recognition

Strong veteran support at University of Michigan with dedicated Office of Veterans Services.

Pros:

• VA medical center right in town
• Excellent education benefits (Yellow Ribbon, unlimited slots)
• Outstanding schools for families
• Low crime, very safe
• Cultural amenities rival major cities
• Strong job market in diverse industries
• Excellent healthcare beyond VA (Michigan Medicine)

Cons:

• Highest home prices in Michigan ($489K median)
• High cost of living overall
• Cold winters with significant snow
• Limited defense contractor presence
• Competitive housing market

Bottom line: If you can afford the housing, Ann Arbor offers unmatched quality of life for veterans, especially those using education benefits or needing excellent healthcare access. The property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans saves over $10,000 annually - substantial enough to offset higher costs.

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2. Grand Rapids - "Furniture City"

Overall Grade: A-

Why it ranks #2: Strong job market, affordable housing, excellent quality of life, and growing veteran community.

Veteran Population

• Kent County veterans: 40,000+
• Concentration: Strong (9-10% of adult population)
• Military presence: Michigan National Guard facilities nearby

Housing Market

• Median home price: $285,000
• Property tax with 100% exemption: $0
• Property tax without exemption: ~$5,415/year (1.9% effective rate)
• Rental costs: $1,100-$1,600/month for 2BR apartment

Cost of Living

• Overall index: 95.4 (4.6% below national average)
• Housing: Slightly below national average
• Groceries: Near national average
• Healthcare: Below national average
• Utilities: Near state average

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

• Spectrum Health (25,000+ employees - largest employer in west Michigan)
• Meijer (headquarters)
• Steelcase (office furniture)
• Amway (headquarters)
• Gordon Food Service
• Herman Miller
• SpartanNash
• Manufacturing companies (numerous)

Industries: Healthcare, manufacturing, food distribution, retail

Average salary: $58,000

VA Healthcare Access

• Grand Rapids CBOC: 3019 Fuller Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
• Phone: (616) 365-9575
• Services: Primary care, mental health, telehealth
• Vet Center: Grand Rapids Vet Center for counseling
• State Veterans Home: Grand Rapids Home for Veterans (242 beds)
• Closest VA Hospital: Ann Arbor (2 hours east) or Saginaw (2.5 hours northeast)

Healthcare note: Strong civilian healthcare through Spectrum Health compensates for lack of VA hospital.

Quality of Life

• Climate: Four seasons, cold winters, warm summers
• Outdoor recreation: Grand River, Lake Michigan (30 mins), skiing, hiking
• Culture: ArtPrize (international art competition), breweries, food scene, music
• Education: Good public schools, Grand Valley State University, Calvin University
• Crime: Moderate (varies by neighborhood)
• Community: Family-friendly, Midwestern values, growing diversity

Pros:

• Strong job market in healthcare and manufacturing
• Affordable housing compared to Ann Arbor
• State veterans home in town
• Excellent healthcare (Spectrum Health)
• Great quality of life and culture
• Growing city with opportunities

Cons:

• No VA hospital (must travel to Ann Arbor or Saginaw)
• Cold winters with lake-effect snow
• Limited defense contractor jobs
• Some higher-crime neighborhoods

Bottom line: Grand Rapids offers excellent value for veterans seeking strong employment, affordable housing, and quality of life. The lack of a VA hospital is the main drawback, but the VA clinic and state veterans home provide local support.

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3. Detroit - "Motor City"

Overall Grade: B+

Why it ranks #3: Best VA healthcare in Michigan, automotive industry jobs, improving urban core, but housing varies dramatically by neighborhood.

Veteran Population

• Wayne County veterans: 70,000+ (largest in Michigan)
• Concentration: Moderate in city, higher in suburbs
• Military history: Strong veteran culture

Housing Market

• Median home price (city): $215,000
• Median home price (suburbs): $150,000-$400,000 depending on location
• Property tax with 100% exemption: $0
• Property tax without exemption: ~$4,945/year in city (2.3% effective rate)
• Rental costs: $900-$1,500/month depending on area

Note: Detroit housing varies enormously by neighborhood. Downtown/Midtown are expensive and revitalized; outer neighborhoods are affordable but require research.

Cost of Living

• Overall index: 88.5 (11.5% below national average for city)
• Housing: Below national average (but varies widely)
• Utilities: Near national average
• Groceries: Slightly above
• Transportation: Below national average

Suburbs (Dearborn, Livonia, Sterling Heights, Troy) have higher costs but more stability.

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

• Ford Motor Company (Dearborn headquarters)
• General Motors (Detroit headquarters)
• Stellantis (Auburn Hills)
• General Dynamics Land Systems (Warren - major defense contractor)
• Henry Ford Health System
• Detroit Medical Center
• Quicken Loans/Rock Ventures
• DTE Energy
• Automotive suppliers (countless)

Industries: Automotive, manufacturing, healthcare, defense contracting

Average salary in automotive: $65,000-$120,000 depending on role

VA Healthcare Access

• John D. Dingell VA Medical Center: 4646 John R Street, Detroit, MI 48201
• Phone: (313) 576-1000
• Services: Full-service hospital, 24/7 emergency care, 238 beds, spinal cord injury unit, PTSD residential treatment
• Vet Centers: Detroit and Dearborn
• Additional clinic: Wyandotte CBOC

This is the largest and most comprehensive VA facility in Michigan.

Quality of Life

• Climate: Cold winters, warm summers, Great Lakes influence
• Outdoor recreation: Detroit RiverWalk, Belle Isle Park, lakes nearby
• Culture: World-class museums (DIA, Motown Museum), music scene, sports
• Sports: Lions, Tigers, Pistons, Red Wings
• Education: Wayne State University (Yellow Ribbon), Detroit public schools improving
• Crime: High in some areas, low in others (research carefully)
• Revitalization: Downtown and Midtown significantly improved

Pros:

• Best VA medical center in Michigan
• Strong automotive job market with veteran hiring
• Major defense contractor (General Dynamics Land Systems)
• Affordable housing in many areas
• Tax-free military retirement income
• Rich culture and sports
• Property tax exemption saves $4,945/year for 100% disabled

Cons:

• High crime in certain neighborhoods
• Harsh winters
• City finances remain challenging
• Need to research neighborhoods carefully
• Suburban commutes can be long

Bottom line: Detroit is ideal for veterans seeking automotive industry employment or requiring frequent VA hospital access. Focus on safer neighborhoods (Midtown, Corktown, Dearborn, suburbs like Livonia) and take advantage of the region's veteran hiring initiatives. General Dynamics Land Systems in Warren actively recruits veterans.

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4. Lansing - "Michigan's Capital"

Overall Grade: B+

Why it ranks #4: State government jobs with veteran preference, affordable housing, central location in Michigan.

Veteran Population

• Ingham County: Moderate veteran population
• State government: Many veteran employees

Housing Market

• Median home price: $195,000
• Property tax with 100% exemption: $0
• Property tax without exemption: ~$4,290/year (2.2% rate)

Cost of Living

• Overall index: 88.7 (11.3% below national average)
• Housing: Very affordable
• Overall: Among the most affordable capitals in the U.S.

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

• State of Michigan government (largest employer)
• Michigan State University (East Lansing)
• Lansing School District
• McLaren Greater Lansing
• Sparrow Health System
• General Motors (Lansing plants)

State government hiring preference is valuable here - veterans get preference for state jobs.

Industries: Government, education, healthcare, automotive manufacturing

VA Healthcare Access

• Lansing CBOC: 2025 South Washington Avenue, Lansing, MI 48910
• Phone: (517) 267-3925
• Services: Primary care, mental health, laboratory
• Closest VA Hospital: Ann Arbor (1 hour) or Saginaw (1.5 hours)

Quality of Life

• Climate: Cold winters, warm summers
• Culture: State Capitol, museums, MSU athletics and events
• Education: Michigan State University nearby
• Crime: Moderate (varies by neighborhood)
• Community: Government/college town feel

Pros:

• State hiring preference for veterans
• Affordable housing
• Central Michigan location
• Michigan State University nearby (1,800+ student veterans)
• Good healthcare (McLaren, Sparrow)

Cons:

• Limited private-sector veteran employment
• No VA hospital (must travel)
• Cold winters
• Smaller job market than Detroit or Grand Rapids

Bottom line: Lansing is excellent for veterans seeking state government employment with hiring preference. Affordable and centrally located.

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5. Traverse City - "Cherry Capital"

Overall Grade: B

Why it ranks #5: Exceptional quality of life, natural beauty, growing economy, but higher costs and limited veteran-specific jobs.

Veteran Population

• Grand Traverse County: Moderate veteran population
• Growing retirement destination for veterans

Housing Market

• Median home price: $380,000 (high for Michigan)
• Property tax with 100% exemption: $0
• Property tax without exemption: ~$7,600/year

Cost of Living

• Overall index: 104.3 (4.3% above national average)
• Housing: Above state and national average
• Tourism-driven economy affects prices

Employment Opportunities

Major employers:

• Munson Healthcare
• Grand Traverse Resort
• Tourism and hospitality
• Agriculture (cherries, wine)
• Small manufacturing

Limited veteran-specific employment but beautiful quality of life.

VA Healthcare Access

• Traverse City CBOC: 3271 Racquet Club Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684
• Phone: (231) 932-9720
• Services: Primary care, mental health, telehealth
• Closest VA Hospital: Saginaw (2+ hours)

Quality of Life

• Climate: Four seasons, lake-effect snow, beautiful summers
• Outdoor recreation: Lake Michigan beaches, skiing, hiking, water sports
• Culture: Wineries, Film Festival, arts, food scene
• Education: Good public schools
• Crime: Very low
• Community: Upscale, outdoor-focused

Pros:

• Exceptional natural beauty and outdoor recreation
• Very safe
• Growing economy
• Excellent healthcare (Munson)
• Strong community

Cons:

• High housing costs ($380K median)
• Limited veteran-specific job market
• Far from VA hospital
• Tourist-heavy in summer
• Cold winters

Bottom line: Traverse City is ideal for retired veterans with stable income who prioritize quality of life and outdoor recreation over employment opportunities.

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6. Kalamazoo - "K-Town"

Overall Grade: B

Why it ranks #6: Affordable, good healthcare and education, central location, solid quality of life.

Housing Market

• Median home price: $235,000
• Property tax with 100% exemption: $0
• Property tax without exemption: ~$4,700/year (2.0% rate)

Employment Opportunities

• Stryker Corporation (medical devices)
• Western Michigan University (800+ student veterans)
• Bronson Healthcare
• Pfizer
• Kalamazoo Public Schools

VA Healthcare Access

• Battle Creek CBOC (20 miles east)
• Closest VA Hospital: Ann Arbor (1 hour)

Quality of Life

• College town atmosphere
• Good schools
• Cultural amenities
• Affordable cost of living

Best for: Veterans seeking affordable Midwestern living with college town culture.

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7. Marquette - "Queen City of the North"

Overall Grade: B

Why it ranks #7: Upper Peninsula lifestyle, outdoor paradise, but remote and limited jobs.

Housing Market

• Median home price: $258,000
• Property tax with 100% exemption: $0

Employment Opportunities

• Northern Michigan University
• UP Health System
• Tourism
• Mining (limited)

VA Healthcare Access

• Marquette CBOC: 205 Carp River Road, Marquette, MI 49855
• State Veterans Home: D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans (188 beds)
• Closest VA Hospital: Saginaw (4+ hours)

Quality of Life

• Outdoor recreation: Lake Superior, skiing, hiking, hunting, fishing
• Climate: Very cold, long winters, heavy snow
• Crime: Very low
• Community: Tight-knit, outdoorsy

Best for: Veterans who love the outdoors, cold weather, and remote living.

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8. Saginaw - "Most Affordable"

Overall Grade: B-

Why it ranks #8: Most affordable with VA hospital, but economic challenges.

Housing Market

• Median home price: $110,000 (very affordable)
• Property tax with 100% exemption: $0
• Property tax without exemption: ~$2,420/year

VA Healthcare Access

• Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center: 1500 Weiss Street, Saginaw, MI 48602
• Phone: (989) 497-2500
• Services: Full VA hospital

Employment

• Healthcare
• Limited manufacturing
• Economic decline in recent decades

Best for: Veterans on fixed income prioritizing VA access and low costs.

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9. Flint

Overall Grade: C+

Why it ranks #9: Most affordable housing but significant challenges.

Housing Market

• Median home price: $85,000 (lowest in Michigan)
• Property tax with 100% exemption: $0

Challenges

• Water crisis (ongoing recovery)
• Higher crime
• Economic decline
• Limited job market

VA Healthcare Access

• Flint CBOC: G-3267 Beecher Road, Flint, MI 48532
• Closest VA Hospital: Ann Arbor (1 hour) or Saginaw (45 minutes)

Best for: Veterans prioritizing rock-bottom housing costs, but research carefully.

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10. Dearborn (Detroit Suburb)

Overall Grade: B

Why it ranks #10: Ford headquarters, strong Arab-American community, safe, but expensive for suburbs.

Housing Market

• Median home price: $245,000

Employment

• Ford Motor Company (headquarters)
• Automotive suppliers

VA Healthcare Access

• Dearborn Vet Center
• Close to Detroit VA Medical Center (20 minutes)

Best for: Veterans seeking Ford employment with easy VA access.

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Housing Market Analysis

Median Home Prices by City (2025)

City	Median Price	Property Tax (no exemption)	Savings with 100% Exemption
Ann Arbor	$489,000	$10,269	$10,269/year
Traverse City	$380,000	$7,600	$7,600/year
Grand Rapids	$285,000	$5,415	$5,415/year
Marquette	$258,000	$5,160	$5,160/year
Dearborn	$245,000	$5,635	$5,635/year
Kalamazoo	$235,000	$4,700	$4,700/year
Detroit	$215,000	$4,945	$4,945/year
Lansing	$195,000	$4,290	$4,290/year
Saginaw	$110,000	$2,420	$2,420/year
Flint	$85,000	$1,955	$1,955/year

State median: $238,000

Rental Market

2-bedroom apartment average rents:

• Ann Arbor: $1,500-$2,200
• Grand Rapids: $1,100-$1,600
• Detroit: $900-$1,500
• Traverse City: $1,300-$1,800
• Lansing: $900-$1,300
• Kalamazoo: $900-$1,300
• Saginaw: $700-$1,000
• Flint: $600-$900

Affordability Analysis

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

1. Flint
2. Saginaw
3. Bay City

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

1. Grand Rapids
2. Lansing
3. Kalamazoo

Least affordable (but highest quality of life):

1. Ann Arbor
2. Traverse City

Cost of Living Breakdown by City

Ann Arbor

• Housing: 150 (50% above national avg)
• Groceries: 103
• Healthcare: 107
• Utilities: 98
• Transportation: 102
• Overall: 118.5

Grand Rapids

• Housing: 95
• Groceries: 99
• Healthcare: 92
• Utilities: 99
• Transportation: 97
• Overall: 95.4

Detroit

• Housing: 72 (varies dramatically)
• Groceries: 101
• Healthcare: 95
• Utilities: 98
• Transportation: 85
• Overall: 88.5

Lansing

• Housing: 71
• Groceries: 97
• Healthcare: 90
• Utilities: 98
• Transportation: 95
• Overall: 88.7

Michigan state average: 90.3 (9.7% below US average)

Climate and Weather Considerations

Overall Michigan Climate

• Winters: Cold to very cold (15-30°F average)
• Summers: Warm to hot (70-85°F)
• Snowfall: 30-200+ inches annually (varies by region)
• Lake effect: Significant near Great Lakes

By Region

Southeast Michigan (Detroit, Ann Arbor)

• Moderate winters for Michigan (20-30°F)
• 40-60 inches of snow annually
• Four distinct seasons
• Proximity to Great Lakes moderates extremes

West Michigan (Grand Rapids)

• Lake-effect snow (60-80 inches)
• Cloudy winters
• Beautiful summers

Northern Lower Peninsula (Traverse City)

• Colder winters (10-25°F)
• Heavy snow (80-120 inches)
• Stunning fall colors
• Lake Michigan recreation

Upper Peninsula (Marquette)

• Very cold winters (0-20°F)
• Extreme snowfall (120-200+ inches)
• Short summers
• Outdoor paradise

Veteran Health Considerations

Cold weather: Michigan winters can be challenging for veterans with cold-weather injuries, arthritis, or respiratory conditions. Southern Michigan is milder than northern regions.

Snow: Heavy snow requires physical exertion (shoveling) unless you hire services. Consider this with mobility issues.

Lake effect: West and northern Michigan receive significantly more snow than southeast Michigan.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Cloudy winters can affect mental health. VA mental health services can help.

Veteran Community Strength

Counties with Highest Veteran Concentration

1. Wayne County: 70,000+ veterans (Detroit metro)
2. Oakland County: 60,000+ veterans (Troy, Pontiac area)
3. Macomb County: 55,000+ veterans (Warren, Sterling Heights)
4. Kent County: 40,000+ veterans (Grand Rapids)
5. Washtenaw County: 15,000+ veterans (Ann Arbor)

VFW and American Legion Posts

Most posts: Wayne, Oakland, Macomb counties (Detroit metro)

Veterans Day events: Major celebrations in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Lansing

Veteran Organizations

• American Legion: 350+ posts statewide
• VFW: 300+ posts
• DAV: Chapters in all major cities
• Vietnam Veterans of America: Multiple chapters
• AMVETS: Posts throughout Michigan

Quality of Life Factors

Recreation

Best outdoor recreation:

• Upper Peninsula: Hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, Lake Superior
• Traverse City: Lake Michigan beaches, skiing, water sports
• Southeast Michigan: Metro parks, lakes, Detroit River

Best for fishing: Great Lakes, inland lakes (everywhere)

Best for hunting: Northern Michigan and UP

Best for winter sports: UP, Traverse City, northern lower peninsula

Culture and Entertainment

Best food scenes: Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Traverse City Best music: Detroit (Motown legacy), Grand Rapids Best museums: Detroit (DIA, Motown Museum), Ann Arbor

Education (for families)

Best school districts:

• Ann Arbor Public Schools
• Birmingham Public Schools (Detroit suburb)
• East Grand Rapids
• Forest Hills (Grand Rapids area)
• Northville (Detroit suburb)

Best universities: University of Michigan (Ann Arbor), Michigan State (Lansing area), Wayne State (Detroit)

Healthcare Access

Best overall healthcare:

• Ann Arbor (Michigan Medicine - nationally ranked)
• Detroit (Henry Ford, DMC)
• Grand Rapids (Spectrum Health)

Best VA access:

• Detroit (John D. Dingell VA Medical Center)
• Ann Arbor (VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System)
• Saginaw (Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center)

Transportation

Airports:

• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) - major hub
• Gerald R. Ford International Airport (Grand Rapids) - moderate service
• Cherry Capital Airport (Traverse City) - limited service
• Smaller regional airports throughout state

Public transit: Limited in all Michigan cities except Detroit (car required)

Decision Matrix: Which City is Right for You?

Choose Ann Arbor if:

• You need excellent VA healthcare access
• Education benefits are priority (Yellow Ribbon, University of Michigan)
• You value quality of life and culture over affordability
• You have strong income or savings
• Low crime and excellent schools are critical

Choose Grand Rapids if:

• You want balanced affordability and quality of life
• Healthcare or manufacturing employment is your goal
• You prefer Midwestern values with growing culture
• You can manage without VA hospital in town

Choose Detroit if:

• Automotive industry employment is your target
• You need the best VA hospital access
• Defense contracting interests you (General Dynamics)
• You're comfortable researching neighborhoods carefully
• You want major city amenities with affordability

Choose Lansing if:

• State government employment appeals to you
• You want to leverage veteran hiring preference
• Central Michigan location is valuable
• Affordability is important

Choose Traverse City/Marquette if:

• Quality of life and outdoor recreation are #1 priorities
• You're retired with stable income
• You love cold weather and snow
• Employment isn't a primary concern

Choose Saginaw/Flint if:

• Affordability is your absolute top priority
• You're on fixed income
• You can overlook economic challenges
• VA access is important (Saginaw)

Key Takeaways

1. Ann Arbor leads for healthcare and education - VA hospital plus University of Michigan make it ideal despite high costs
2. Grand Rapids leads for balance - Affordable housing, strong jobs, good quality of life
3. Detroit leads for automotive employment - Ford, GM, Stellantis, and General Dynamics actively hire veterans
4. Saginaw/Flint lead for affordability - Rock-bottom housing prices for tight budgets
5. Property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans saves $2,000-$10,000+ annually depending on location

Michigan offers genuine value for military retirees, especially in the automotive and manufacturing sectors. Unlike Sun Belt states where housing has skyrocketed, Michigan remains affordable in most markets while delivering solid veteran benefits.

The best city for you depends on your priorities: healthcare/education (Ann Arbor), balanced value (Grand Rapids), automotive jobs (Detroit), or affordability (Saginaw/Flint).

Additional Resources

• Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency: (517) 481-8000 | michigan.gov/mvaa
• Housing market data: Zillow.com/MI, Realtor.com/Michigan
• Cost of living calculators: BestPlaces.net
• Job search: MichiganWorks.org
• 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.