A Veteran’s Paradise: Top 10 Military Retirement Locations
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If retirement from the military is in your near future, perhaps it’s time to give serious consideration to Pittsburgh.
Or Phoenix. Or possibly Dallas, Cleveland, Atlanta, or even Warren, Mich.
These cities were chosen as the top six best places for military retirees in a 2012 survey.
Rounding out the top 10 were Ann Arbor, Mich., Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio, and St. Louis.
The annual survey, compiled by Sperling’s BestPlaces, ranks 379 major U.S. metropolitan areas on their desirability as destinations for retiring service members. Among the variables considered: the availability of military skill-related jobs, unemployment rates, the volume of Department of Defense contracts in the area, economic stability, affordability, climate, the availability of health resources and recreation, crime levels, and the number of federal government jobs.
Each variable was weighted based on information provided by soon-to-be-retired service members and recently retired veterans, who were asked which factors were important to them in considering a city in which to retire.
Pittsburgh earned the top spot for 2012 by posting among the highest scores for government-related employment and job opportunities that align with military skill sets, according to the survey. The city posted 2.1% job growth for 2011, with an unemployment rate well below the national average.
Similarly, Phoenix – ranked No. 2 on the survey – scores high in government, defense contractors, managerial and other occupations related to military skill sets. The city, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country, is recovering from the recent U.S. housing downturn, which means that there are plenty of home-buying bargains available.
Some considerations when choosing a place to retire: whether the city or state offers a tax break on retirement pay, and the area’s proximity to a military base, where retired veterans will be eligible for discounts in the commissary and on entertainment and cultural activities.
Also, while most veterans’ health-care costs will be borne by Tricare after retirement, it’s advisable to research health-care facilities in the area you are considering to make sure specific, necessary services are available.
While the military will pay for a good share of your relocation expenses when you retire, additional or unexpected costs can always crop up. If you need assistance with moving expenses or other costs, a military loan from Just Military Loans can provide some additional financial support to military members and their families – even if you have poor credit or no credit.
You’ve worked hard throughout your military career, and you’ve earned your retirement. Make sure it’s as enjoyable and relaxing as possible by choosing a city that caters to your individual retirement plans and needs.
Where are you moving after you retire from the military? Which destinations do think should be on this list? Tell us your thoughts!
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