September 25, 2021
Here Are the Most Livable Cities for Vets with Families
Photo by George Pak under Pexels License
For service members who are transitioning back to civilian life, searching for an affordable, vet-friendly place to settle is a top priority.
While some cities offer a high quality of life, they’re usually not good options if you’re planning to use your VA home loan benefits. This is true especially if you’re a veteran who’s raising a family. You’ll need to consider several other factors.
Certain places offer more favorable conditions to vets than others in terms of affordability, education, employment opportunities, health care, and safety. These are the qualities you should look for. Plus, with the ongoing pandemic, you’d want to know the numbers before deciding to relocate.
The list below shows you the top cities for veterans and their families. We gathered the data from Veterans United, whose list is based on the cities’ cost of living, quality of education, and the number of reported COVID cases there. Let’s have a closer look at them below.
- Chesapeake, Virginia
- Veteran population: 27,191
- Cost of living compared to the national average: 106.4
- Median home price: $270,300
- Number of COVID-19 cases per 1,000 people: 22
Due to its above-average share of veteran residents taking part in the labor force, Chesapeake took the top spot on the list. Former military members residing in the city earn a median annual income of nearly $57,000. They can keep their housing costs to a quarter of their earnings. The city currently has 16 VA health centers and 6 VA benefit centers, giving you all the more reason to call it home.
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Veteran population: 51,895
- Cost of living compared to the national average: 104.5
- Median home price: $287,900
- Number of COVID-19 cases per 1,000 people: 18
Colorado Springs has a lot to brag about. To name a few, it bagged the title of being the most desirable place to live in the U.S. in 2018. It ranked second on U.S. News and World Report’s list of the 125 Best Places to Live in the USA. It is also the country’s fourth most business-friendly city. Life as a veteran in “Little London” is convenient as you can gain easy access to healthcare and on-base benefits, thanks to the military installations scattered across the city.
- Fort Wayne, Indiana
- Veteran population: 14,017
- Cost of living compared to the national average: 78.9
- Median home price: $135,100
- Number of COVID-19 cases per 1,000 people: 26
Not only is Fort Wayne the cultural and economic center of northeastern Indiana, but it is also one of the leading choices for family-oriented veterans. With a lower than average cost of living and median home price than other cities, it’s no wonder why over 14,000 vets have decided to make Summit City their forever home. Oh, and did we mention that it houses 8 VA centers?
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Veteran population: 44,325
- Cost of living compared to the national average: 102.3
- Median home price: $273,900
- Number of COVID-19 cases per 1,000 people: 43
Besides being famous for its countless oak trees, Raleigh should also be recognized as a vet’s dream city. Its veteran population of 44,325 should be enough to make that obvious. If you’ve always dreamt of living contentedly with your family in a city that has gorgeous neighborhoods, parks, and historic attractions, Raleigh is the place to be.
- Lincoln, Nebraska
- Veteran population: 13,863
- Cost of living compared to the national average: 89.8
- Median home price: $180,600
- Number of COVID-19 cases per 1,000 people: 19
The second most populous city in Nebraska boasts itself as having the second-lowest civilian unemployment rate out of 50 cities surveyed. Its top-rated VA health facilities and high-quality education are just some of the reasons why Lincoln might be your home sweet home.
- Durham, North Carolina
- Veteran population: 12,399
- Cost of living compared to the national average: 95.2
- Median home price: $231,400
- Number of COVID-19 cases per 1,000 people: 34
For those who are looking for the most affordable housing, quality education, and great veteran support, NC’s Durham City is the answer. Durham is home to several prominent institutions of higher education, namely Duke University and North Carolina University. The city is also a national leader in health-related activities. As for VA benefit centers, you can find 10 of them across the place.
- El Paso, Texas
- Veteran population: 43,536
- Cost of living compared to the national average: 81.4
- Median home price: $130,700
- Number of COVID-19 cases per 1,000 people: 42
El Paso has a reputation for its strong military presence, housing Biggs Army Airfield, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, and Fort Bliss, one of the largest military complexes of the U.S. Army. So, if you still have that desire to volunteer in the military after your service, this should be your home base. El Paso is also a great option when it comes to safety — it ranked in the top 3 safest large cities in the U.S. between 1997 and 2014, including holding the title of the country’s safest city between 2011 and 2014.
Help Struggling Veterans Overcome Their Burdens
Even before our country was hit by the pandemic, thousands of our vets were already living in shambles. Many of them have been jobless for quite a long time already, no longer able to support themselves and their families, while others continue to suffer from disabilities and mental illnesses. Some are forced to leave their homes and beg for alms on the streets due to extreme poverty.
You can do your part to help turn their lives around. By donating an old and unwanted vehicle here at Veteran Car Donations, you’ll make it possible for our heroes to live decent and fulfilling lives.
We’ll auction off your donated vehicle and distribute the proceeds to our nonprofit partners. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits will then use the proceeds to deliver their life-saving programs. Thanks to your generous donation, the needy vets in your community will receive quality health care, scholarships, job opportunities, financial aid, housing assistance, family support, psychotherapy services, and many other benefits.
As our donor, you’ll be entitled to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season. Also, you won’t be spending even a dime for towing nor will you be handling any paperwork. We’ll haul your vehicle away for free wherever it is in the country.
The best reward you’ll get, however, is the priceless feeling of joy and satisfaction, knowing that your donation will provide our heroes the dignified lives they deserve.
We’re not picky with the vehicles being offered to us. We accept almost all types, whether they’re in good shape or not.
If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to us at 877-594-5822 or send us a message here. For more information on our donation program, you may head over to our FAQs page.
It’s Your Turn to Rescue Our Heroes
Photo by Bryce Carithers under Pexels License
After grueling years of keeping us safe and protecting our nation, our veterans are in dire need of our support. Show yours now by donating a vehicle to Veteran Car Donations. Call us at 877-594-5822 or fill out our online donation form now!
Last Updated: August 23rd, 2023