Missouri Military Retirement: Best Cities, Housing Costs & Quality of Life
Where to retire in Missouri as a veteran: best cities ranked by benefits, housing costs, veteran population, and quality of life for 2025.
Missouri Military Retirement: Best Cities, Housing Costs & Quality of Life
Missouri ranks among the top Midwest states for military retirees thanks to 100% state income tax exemption on military retirement, property tax credits up to $1,100 for disabled veterans, and a cost of living 12.6% below the national average.
But where should you actually live? Missouri's cities vary significantly in veteran population density, job opportunities, housing costs, and access to VA healthcare.
This guide ranks Missouri'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: St. Louis area (VA healthcare, jobs, affordability) Best for affordability: Cape Girardeau, Jefferson City, Joplin Best for healthcare access: St. Louis (Jefferson Barracks VA - largest in state) Best for military community: Fort Leonard Wood area (Waynesville, St. Robert) Best college town: Columbia (Mizzou, VA medical center)
Median home price range: $115,000 (Joplin) to $310,000 (St. Louis suburbs) State average: $245,000
Top 10 Best Cities for Veterans in Missouri
1. St. Louis Metro Area - "Gateway to the West"
Overall Grade: A
Why it's #1: St. Louis offers the best combination of VA healthcare access, veteran employment opportunities, affordability, and quality of life in Missouri.
Veteran Population
- St. Louis County veterans: 55,000+ (largest in Missouri)
- St. Charles County veterans: 20,000+
- Combined metro: 75,000+ veterans
- Concentration: Moderate to high
Housing Market
- Median home price (St. Louis County): $230,000
- Median home price (St. Charles County): $310,000
- Median home price (City of St. Louis): $180,000
- Property tax with $1,100 credit: Reduced by $1,100 annually
- Property tax rate: ~1.0-1.2% (varies by county)
Affordable suburbs:
- Arnold: $220,000 median
- Florissant: $165,000 median
- Affton: $195,000 median
- Belleville, IL (across river): $155,000 median
Premium suburbs:
- Clayton: $550,000+ median
- Ladue: $800,000+ median
- Chesterfield: $425,000 median
Cost of Living
- Overall index: 88.3 (11.7% below national average)
- Housing: 20% below national average
- Groceries: 3% below national average
- Healthcare: Below national average
- Transportation: 10% below national average
Employment Opportunities
Defense and aerospace:
- Boeing Defense (15,000+ employees in metro)
- Northrop Grumman
- General Dynamics
Technology:
- Express Scripts (Cigna) - pharmacy/healthcare IT
- World Wide Technology - IT services
- Mastercard - technology center
Manufacturing:
- General Motors - Wentzville Assembly (4,000+ employees)
- Emerson Electric (headquarters)
Healthcare:
- BJC HealthCare (largest employer in Missouri)
- SSM Health
- Mercy
Federal and defense contractors:
- Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)
- National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)
- Scott Air Force Base (across river in Illinois - 13,000+ personnel)
Average salary: $58,000 (higher for defense/aerospace roles at $80,000-$120,000)
VA Healthcare Access
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Jefferson Barracks VA Medical Center: 1 Jefferson Barracks Drive, St. Louis, MO 63125
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Phone: (314) 652-4100
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Beds: 356 (largest VA facility in Missouri)
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Services: Full-service hospital including emergency department, surgery, cardiology, spinal cord injury center (regional), polytrauma, mental health, PTSD treatment
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John Cochran VA Medical Center: 915 North Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63106
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Services: Primary care, mental health, specialty care
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St. Louis Vet Center: 2345 Pine Street
This is the best VA healthcare access in Missouri.
Quality of Life
- Climate: Four distinct seasons (avg: 30°F winter, 90°F summer), humid summers
- Outdoor recreation: Gateway Arch, Forest Park (1,300 acres), Missouri River, Mississippi River, Katy Trail, numerous parks
- Culture: World-class museums (free admission to many), symphony, theater, MLB Cardinals, NHL Blues, NFL Rams (relocated but MLS soccer coming)
- Food: Legendary BBQ, toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake, craft breweries
- Education: Washington University (top-tier), Saint Louis University, Mizzou-St. Louis, excellent suburban schools
Pros:
- Best VA medical access in Missouri (two facilities)
- Strong aerospace/defense job market
- Affordable housing in most areas
- Cultural amenities of major metro
- Free or low-cost attractions
- Scott Air Force Base nearby (military community)
Cons:
- Higher crime in certain city neighborhoods (research specific areas)
- Hot, humid summers
- Some areas have aging infrastructure
- Property taxes higher in some counties
Bottom line: St. Louis is the top choice for Missouri veterans seeking the complete package - healthcare, jobs, affordability, and culture. Jefferson Barracks VA alone makes it attractive for veterans with service-connected conditions.
2. Kansas City Metro Area - "City of Fountains"
Overall Grade: A-
Why it ranks #2: Second-best VA access, strong job market, affordable housing, vibrant culture.
Veteran Population
- Jackson County veterans: 45,000+
- Clay County veterans: 15,000+
- Combined metro: 65,000+ veterans
- Military connection: Close to former Richards-Gebaur AFB area
Housing Market
- Median home price (Kansas City, MO): $235,000
- Median home price (Independence): $185,000
- Median home price (Lee's Summit): $320,000
- Median home price (Belton): $240,000
- Property tax rate: ~1.2-1.5% (varies by county)
Cost of Living
- Overall index: 90.1 (9.9% below national average)
- Housing: 15% below national average
- Groceries: Near national average
- Healthcare: Below national average
Employment Opportunities
Major employers:
- Cerner/Oracle Health (16,000+ employees - healthcare IT)
- Ford - Kansas City Assembly Plant (7,000+ employees)
- Federal Reserve Bank
- Hallmark Cards (headquarters)
- Sprint/T-Mobile
- Burns & McDonnell (engineering)
- Black & Veatch (engineering)
Industries: Healthcare IT, manufacturing, finance, logistics, federal government
Average salary: $55,000
VA Healthcare Access
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Kansas City VA Medical Center: 4801 Linwood Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64128
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Phone: (816) 861-4700
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Beds: 157 (tertiary care)
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Services: Full-service hospital including emergency department, surgery, cardiology, spinal cord injury center, mental health
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Kansas City Vet Center: 4800 Main Street, Suite 107
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Belton State Veterans Home: 10600 Lewis Road, Belton (150 beds)
Quality of Life
- Climate: Four seasons, hot summers, cold winters
- Outdoor recreation: Parks, lakes, trails
- Culture: NFL Chiefs, MLB Royals, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, jazz heritage, Boulevard Brewing, exceptional BBQ
- Food: KC BBQ (world-famous), Joe's Kansas City, burnt ends
- Education: UMKC, Park University, Rockhurst University
Pros:
- VA medical center with full services
- Strong healthcare IT job market (Cerner/Oracle)
- Affordable housing
- Great food and culture
- Lower cost of living than St. Louis in some areas
Cons:
- Fewer defense contractor jobs than St. Louis
- Higher property tax rates in some areas
- Sprawling metro requires car
- Hot, humid summers
Bottom line: Kansas City is excellent for veterans in healthcare IT or manufacturing. The VA medical center and state veterans home in Belton make it attractive for healthcare access.
3. Columbia - "College Town"
Overall Grade: B+
Why it ranks #3: VA medical center, University of Missouri (GI Bill), great quality of life, affordable.
Veteran Population
- Boone County veterans: 10,000+
- Mizzou student veterans: 800+
- Strong veteran community due to university
Housing Market
- Median home price: $265,000
- Property tax rate: ~1.0%
- Rental market: Competitive due to students ($900-$1,400 for 2BR)
Cost of Living
- Overall index: 91.2 (8.8% below national average)
- Housing: 10% below national average
- Otherwise: Reasonable for college town
Employment Opportunities
Major employers:
- University of Missouri (largest employer)
- MU Health Care (hospital system)
- State Farm (regional office)
- Veterans United Home Loans
- State government
Limited defense contractor presence, but university and healthcare provide stable employment.
VA Healthcare Access
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital: 800 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO 65201
- Phone: (573) 814-6000
- Beds: 126 (tertiary care)
- Services: Full-service hospital including emergency department, surgery, mental health, PTSD residential treatment
Serves: 44 counties in central Missouri
Quality of Life
- Climate: Four seasons, humid summers
- Culture: College town atmosphere, SEC sports (Mizzou Tigers), live music, festivals
- Education: University of Missouri (Yellow Ribbon school), excellent K-12 schools
- Outdoor recreation: Katy Trail, Rock Bridge State Park, lakes
- Food: College town dining, breweries
Pros:
- VA medical center on-site
- Excellent for GI Bill (Mizzou Yellow Ribbon)
- College town amenities
- Safe community
- Great schools for families
- Central Missouri location
Cons:
- Limited veteran job market outside university/healthcare
- Higher housing costs due to student demand
- Town revolves around Mizzou (good or bad depending on perspective)
- Smaller metro area
Bottom line: Columbia is ideal for veterans using GI Bill at Mizzou, veterans prioritizing healthcare access, or families wanting college town culture with good schools.
4. Springfield - "Queen City of the Ozarks"
Overall Grade: B
Why it ranks #4: Affordable housing, Missouri State University, outdoor recreation, growing economy.
Veteran Population
- Greene County veterans: 18,000+
- Missouri State student veterans: 700+
Housing Market
- Median home price: $215,000
- Very affordable for metro area
- Property tax rate: ~0.9%
Cost of Living
- Overall index: 83.5 (16.5% below national average)
- Housing: 25% below national average
- One of most affordable metros in Missouri
Employment Opportunities
Major employers:
- CoxHealth (regional hospital system)
- Mercy Hospital Springfield
- Missouri State University
- Bass Pro Shops (headquarters)
- O'Reilly Auto Parts (headquarters)
Industries: Healthcare, retail, education, tourism
VA Healthcare Access
- Nearest VA medical center: Fayetteville, AR (approximately 150 miles)
- Limited VA access is the main weakness
Veterans must travel to Poplar Bluff VA (130 miles) or Fayetteville VA for full services.
Quality of Life
- Climate: Four seasons, mild winters, hot summers
- Outdoor recreation: Ozark Mountains, lakes, camping, fishing, hunting
- Culture: Branson nearby (live entertainment), Route 66, Bass Pro flagship store
- Cost of living: Very low
- Education: Missouri State University
Pros:
- Very affordable housing
- Low cost of living
- Outdoor recreation (Ozarks)
- Growing economy
- Missouri State (GI Bill)
Cons:
- Limited VA healthcare access (must travel 130-150 miles)
- Smaller job market for veterans
- Fewer defense contractors
Bottom line: Springfield works for veterans prioritizing affordability and outdoor lifestyle who don't need regular VA medical care or have other healthcare coverage.
5. Fort Leonard Wood Area (Waynesville, St. Robert)
Overall Grade: B
Why it ranks #5: Active military installation, strong veteran community, employment opportunities, affordable.
Veteran Population
- Pulaski County: High concentration due to Fort Leonard Wood
- Strongest military community in Missouri
Housing Market
- Median home price (Waynesville): $185,000
- Very affordable
- Property tax rate: ~0.8%
Employment Opportunities
Fort Leonard Wood - major Army installation:
- U.S. Army Engineer School
- U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear School
- U.S. Army Military Police School
Civilian jobs at Fort Leonard Wood:
- Engineering
- IT/cybersecurity
- Administrative support
- Training support
- Healthcare
Defense contractors:
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- Leidos
- SAIC
- General Dynamics IT
- Parsons Corporation
How to apply: usajobs.gov - Fort Leonard Wood
VA Healthcare Access
- Warrensburg CBOC: 1101 West Liberty Street, Warrensburg, MO 64093 (35 miles)
- Phone: (660) 543-3703
- Services: Primary care, mental health
For complex care: Must travel to Columbia VA (90 miles) or Poplar Bluff VA (100 miles)
Quality of Life
- Climate: Four seasons
- Military community: Strong support network
- Outdoor recreation: Ozark hills, Big Piney River, Mark Twain National Forest
- Education: University of Central Missouri (Warrensburg - 35 miles, 600+ student veterans)
Pros:
- Active military installation (stay connected)
- Strong veteran community
- Federal/contractor employment
- Very affordable housing
- Familiar military culture
Cons:
- Limited VA medical center access
- Small-town living
- Limited entertainment/culture
- Must drive for shopping/services
Bottom line: Fort Leonard Wood area is perfect for veterans wanting to continue working in defense/military environment or those who value strong military community and affordability over urban amenities.
6. Cape Girardeau
Overall Grade: B
Why it ranks #6: VA CBOC, state veterans home (200 beds), affordable, healthcare jobs.
Housing Market
- Median home price: $175,000
- Very affordable
Employment
- SoutheastHEALTH (regional hospital)
- Saint Francis Healthcare
- Southeast Missouri State University
- Missouri Veterans Home (200 beds)
VA Healthcare
- Cape Girardeau CBOC: 2420 Veterans Memorial Drive
- Phone: (573) 339-0909
- Missouri Veterans Home: 2400 Veterans Memorial Drive (200-bed state facility)
For complex care: Poplar Bluff VA (60 miles)
Pros:
- VA clinic and state veterans home
- Affordable housing
- Healthcare jobs
- Mississippi River location
Cons:
- Smaller job market
- Must travel for VA medical center
Bottom line: Great for veterans in healthcare field or those needing long-term care planning (state veterans home on-site).
7. Jefferson City - "State Capital"
Overall Grade: B
Why it ranks #7: State government jobs (veteran preference), affordable, central location.
Housing Market
- Median home price: $185,000
- Affordable
Employment
- Missouri state government (largest employer - veteran hiring preference)
- Scholastic
- Capital Region Medical Center
VA Healthcare
- Closest VA: Columbia VA (30 miles)
Pros:
- State government jobs with veteran preference
- Affordable housing
- Close to Columbia VA
- Central Missouri location
Cons:
- Smaller city
- Limited private-sector veteran jobs
Bottom line: Best for veterans seeking state government employment.
8. Joplin
Overall Grade: B-
Why it ranks #8: Most affordable city, growing economy, outdoor recreation.
Housing Market
- Median home price: $115,000
- Cheapest metro in Missouri
Cost of Living
- Overall: Lowest in Missouri
- Housing: 45% below national average
Employment
- Freeman Health System
- Mercy Hospital Joplin
- Manufacturing
VA Healthcare
- Mt. Vernon CBOC: 600 North Main Avenue, Mt. Vernon, MO (25 miles)
- Missouri Veterans Home - Mt. Vernon: Co-located with CBOC
Pros:
- Most affordable housing in Missouri
- Low cost of living
- VA CBOC and state veterans home nearby
Cons:
- Limited job market
- Smaller city
- Tornado risk (city rebuilt after 2011 tornado)
Bottom line: Best for veterans on fixed income prioritizing low cost of living.
9. St. Joseph
Overall Grade: B-
Why it ranks #9: Affordable, VA CBOC, historic charm.
Housing Market
- Median home price: $145,000
- Very affordable
Employment
- Mosaic Life Care
- Triumph Foods
- Boehringer Ingelheim (pharmaceutical)
VA Healthcare
- St. Joseph CBOC: 3916 South Belt Highway
- Phone: (816) 233-0226
Pros:
- Affordable housing
- VA clinic access
- Historic downtown
Cons:
- Economic challenges
- Limited veteran job market
Bottom line: Affordable option for veterans needing VA clinic access in northwest Missouri.
10. Rolla - Missouri S&T
Overall Grade: B-
Why it ranks #10: Missouri S&T (excellent GI Bill school), affordable, outdoor recreation.
Housing Market
- Median home price: $175,000
Employment
- Missouri University of Science & Technology
- Fort Leonard Wood area (45 miles)
- Phelps Health
Education
- Missouri S&T: Top engineering school, Yellow Ribbon program, 300+ student veterans
VA Healthcare
- Nearest VA: Columbia (90 miles)
Pros:
- Excellent for engineering students (GI Bill)
- Affordable
- Ozark outdoor recreation
- Safe community
Cons:
- Small town
- Limited VA access
- Limited non-university employment
Bottom line: Best for veterans pursuing engineering degrees at Missouri S&T.
Housing Market Analysis
Median Home Prices by City (2025)
| City | Median Price | Property Tax (before credit) | Net with $1,100 Credit (100% disabled) |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Charles County | $310,000 | $3,100 | $2,000 |
| Lee's Summit | $320,000 | $3,840 | $2,740 |
| Columbia | $265,000 | $2,650 | $1,550 |
| Kansas City | $235,000 | $2,820 | $1,720 |
| St. Louis County | $230,000 | $2,300 | $1,200 |
| Springfield | $215,000 | $1,935 | $835 |
| Jefferson City | $185,000 | $1,665 | $565 |
| Independence | $185,000 | $2,220 | $1,120 |
| Waynesville | $185,000 | $1,480 | $380 |
| City of St. Louis | $180,000 | $1,800 | $700 |
| Cape Girardeau | $175,000 | $1,575 | $475 |
| Rolla | $175,000 | $1,575 | $475 |
| St. Joseph | $145,000 | $1,305 | $205 |
| Joplin | $115,000 | $1,035 | $0 (credit exceeds tax) |
State median: $245,000
Rental Market
2-bedroom apartment average rents:
- St. Louis: $900-$1,400
- Kansas City: $950-$1,500
- Columbia: $900-$1,400
- Springfield: $700-$1,100
- Jefferson City: $750-$1,100
- Cape Girardeau: $650-$1,000
- Joplin: $600-$900
Affordability Analysis
Most affordable (low home prices, low cost of living):
- Joplin
- St. Joseph
- Cape Girardeau
Best value (price vs. job market/quality of life):
- St. Louis area
- Springfield
- Cape Girardeau
Highest earning potential (worth higher costs):
- St. Louis (aerospace/defense)
- Kansas City (healthcare IT)
- Columbia (university/healthcare)
Cost of Living Breakdown by City
St. Louis
- Housing: 80 (20% below national)
- Groceries: 97
- Healthcare: 95
- Utilities: 100
- Transportation: 90
- Overall: 88.3
Kansas City
- Housing: 85 (15% below national)
- Groceries: 100
- Healthcare: 90
- Utilities: 95
- Transportation: 92
- Overall: 90.1
Columbia
- Housing: 90 (10% below national)
- Groceries: 95
- Healthcare: 88
- Utilities: 92
- Transportation: 94
- Overall: 91.2
Springfield
- Housing: 75 (25% below national)
- Groceries: 88
- Healthcare: 85
- Utilities: 90
- Transportation: 82
- Overall: 83.5
Joplin
- Housing: 55 (45% below national)
- Groceries: 85
- Healthcare: 82
- Utilities: 88
- Transportation: 78
- Overall: 76.2
Missouri state average: 87.4 (12.6% below US average)
Climate and Weather Considerations
Overall Missouri Climate
- Winters: Cold (20-40°F average), snow common in north
- Summers: Hot and humid (85-95°F, high humidity)
- Spring/Fall: Beautiful but tornado risk in spring
By Region
Northern Missouri (St. Joseph, Kansas City north)
- Colder winters, more snow (10-20 inches annually)
- Tornado risk in spring
Central Missouri (Columbia, Jefferson City)
- Four distinct seasons
- Moderate snow (5-15 inches)
- Tornado alley
Southern Missouri (Springfield, Joplin, Cape Girardeau)
- Milder winters
- Very hot, humid summers
- Tornado risk (Joplin 2011)
St. Louis area
- Humid continental climate
- Hot summers, cold winters
- Tornado risk
Veteran Health Considerations
Heat and humidity: Missouri summers can be challenging for respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
Tornado risk: Missouri is in "Tornado Alley." Ensure home has basement or safe room.
Cold winters: Northern Missouri gets significant snow. Consider mobility and cold-weather health impacts.
Allergy season: Missouri has high pollen counts in spring.
Veteran Community Strength
Counties with Highest Veteran Concentration
- Pulaski County (Fort Leonard Wood): 18.5% of adults are veterans
- Texas County: 14.2%
- Camden County: 13.8% (Lake of the Ozarks area)
- St. Charles County: 12.1%
- Phelps County (Rolla/Fort Leonard Wood area): 11.8%
VFW and American Legion Posts
Most posts: St. Louis area, Kansas City area
Veterans Day events: Major parades in St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia
Veteran Organizations
- American Legion: 250+ posts statewide
- VFW: 200+ posts
- DAV: Chapters in all major cities
- Vietnam Veterans of America: Multiple chapters
Quality of Life Factors
Recreation
Best outdoor recreation:
- Ozark Mountains: Hiking, camping, caves, lakes
- Lake of the Ozarks: Boating, fishing (central Missouri)
- Katy Trail: 240-mile rail trail (longest in US)
- Mississippi River: Fishing, paddling (east)
- Missouri River: Fishing, boating (across state)
Best for hunting/fishing: Southern Missouri (Ozarks), rural areas statewide
Best for golf: St. Louis, Kansas City
Culture and Entertainment
Best food scenes: St. Louis, Kansas City (BBQ capitals) Best music: Kansas City (jazz), St. Louis (blues) Best museums: St. Louis (free museums), Kansas City (Negro Leagues) Best sports: St. Louis (Cardinals, Blues), Kansas City (Chiefs, Royals)
Education (for families)
Best school districts:
- Ladue (St. Louis County)
- Clayton (St. Louis County)
- Blue Springs (Kansas City area)
- Columbia Public Schools
- Lee's Summit (Kansas City area)
Best universities: Mizzou, Missouri S&T, Washington University, Saint Louis University, UMKC
Healthcare Access
Best overall healthcare: St. Louis (BJC HealthCare, Barnes-Jewish Hospital nationally ranked) Best VA access: St. Louis (Jefferson Barracks - largest in state) Second-best VA: Kansas City, Columbia
Decision Matrix: Which City is Right for You?
Choose St. Louis if:
- VA healthcare access is critical
- You want defense/aerospace career opportunities
- You want big-city amenities with affordable housing
- You value cultural activities
- You need major airport access
Choose Kansas City if:
- You work in healthcare IT (Cerner/Oracle)
- You want VA medical center access
- You love BBQ and sports
- You prefer Kansas City's layout/vibe over St. Louis
Choose Columbia if:
- You're using GI Bill at Mizzou
- VA medical center access is important
- You want college town culture
- You prioritize good schools for kids
Choose Springfield if:
- Affordability is your #1 priority
- You love outdoor recreation (Ozarks)
- You have other healthcare coverage (limited VA)
- You prefer smaller metro area
Choose Fort Leonard Wood area if:
- You want to work federal/defense contractor jobs
- You value strong military community
- You prefer small-town rural living
- Affordability is key
Choose Cape Girardeau/Jefferson City/Joplin if:
- Affordability is paramount
- You're on fixed income
- You want VA clinic access
- You prefer smaller cities
Key Takeaways
- St. Louis leads for healthcare - Jefferson Barracks is Missouri's best VA facility
- St. Louis leads for employment - Boeing and defense contractors actively recruit veterans
- Joplin leads for affordability - Lowest housing costs in state
- All cities benefit from zero state tax on military retirement
- 100% disabled veterans save $1,100 annually on property taxes statewide
Missouri offers genuine value for military retirees. Unlike Florida or Texas where housing costs have increased dramatically, Missouri remains affordable while delivering solid veteran benefits.
The best city for you depends on your priorities: healthcare (St. Louis/Columbia/Kansas City), jobs (St. Louis/Kansas City), affordability (Joplin/Springfield/Cape Girardeau), or military community (Fort Leonard Wood area).
Additional Resources
- Missouri Veterans Commission: (573) 751-3779 | mvc.dps.mo.gov
- Housing market data: Zillow.com/MO, Redfin.com/state/Missouri
- Cost of living calculators: BestPlaces.net
- Job search: jobs.mo.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.