Military veterans seeking retirement may look for peace and quiet as well as places where they can get the best array of services.
Here are five of the best places for military retirees.
1. Fort Bragg, North Carolina — Few cities carry the military clout of Fort Bragg, which dates back to the
Revolutionary War, noted Livability. The city is also close to two other strong military communities, the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune as well as Pope Air Force Base, offering choices for services, including health care, to vets living in the region, the website noted. Fort Bragg celebrates its Vietnam veterans with a Heroes Homecoming event every year during November. Businesses in the community give discounts to military and former military. The website noted that 25 percent of the community is older than 55.
2. Colorado Springs, Colorado — No. 2 on Livability's list is Colorado Springs, with a large military community from Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base, and Schreiver Air Force Base. The website noted that the city offers plenty of recreational activities, a hefty support network, and a strong job market, including high-tech firms that employ many veterans. Livability also noted that the city is rated as the nation's 34th most-walkable city and also home to the U.S. Olympic Training Center.
3. Virginia Beach, Virginia — According to Military Times, Virginia Beach ranked No. 1 on its list of the best large cities for vets to live in retirement. With an active community filled by former military, there are plenty of opportunities there for engagement after service, the newspaper noted. The coastal city has a low crime rate.
4. San Antonio, Texas — San Antonio came in second in the Military Times Best for Vets survey for largest towns. If you retire there, you're in good company as a veteran — the retired population is more than 100,000 vets, Military Times noted. Like other top vet cities, San Antonio hosts a monthlong tribute event, Celebrate America's Military, each November. It's also affordable. A home can be purchased for one-quarter of what someone might pay for it elsewhere. "The cost of living here, especially for housing, is very inexpensive, compared to some of the [other] larger cities," Bob Murdock, director of the city's Office of Military Affairs, told the Military Times.
5. San Diego, California — It's the home to the real Top Guns with a famed naval air station and other nearby outposts — including a large Marine base in Oceanside to the north. It also boasts a vibrant climate with beaches, an expansive city, and a culture that respects its military, according to Military Times, which noted plenty of educational opportunities to boot. Wrote the paper: "The San Diego Padres wear camouflage uniforms at every Sunday home game as a tribute to the city's service members and veterans."