Top 10 Best places for Veterans to find a job.

MAJ Craig Clark — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 10:43:15 -0500

Good information for vets looking for employment out of USAA magazine. Top 10 Best places for Veterans to find a job.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2013 12:26 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 00:26:09 -0500

Interesting article!

As a matter of fact, I moved to Houston five years ago. It's a great place for those looking for a career in the oil and gas industry.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Dec 24 at 2013 11:51 AM

SGM Matthew Quick — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 11:51:01 -0500

Because I'm from NY, I'll give that perspective:

New York Financial Assistance Benefits

Property Tax Exemption
Partial exemption from real property taxes is based on condition of service, with additional benefits based upon degree of service-connected disability. Applications must be filed before Taxable Status Day. Qualifying widow(er)s may file for benefit based on their spouse's service. Exemption applies to local and county property taxes.

Supplemental Burial Allowance
A supplemental burial allowance of up to $6,000 is authorized for certain military personnel killed in combat or while on active duty in hostile or imminent danger locations on or after September 29, 2003.

New York State Blind Annuity
A New York State Blind Annuity (2008 rate is $1,128.72 annually) is available to visually impaired wartime veterans and certain unremarried spouses. For More Information, Call [login to see] or [login to see]

New York State Gold Star Annuity
Gold Star Parent Annuity authorizes an annuity payment of up to $500 per Gold Star parent of a deceased veteran.

For more benefits, see link below:
http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-state-benefits/new-york-state-veterans-benefits.html

New York State Veteran's Benefits | Military.com

The state of New York provides several veteran benefits. This section offers a brief description of each of the following benefits.

Housing Benefits
Financial Assistance Benefits
Empl...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2013 5:08 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Dec 2013 17:08:12 -0500

Illinois is another that provides 100% paid tuition on top of the GI bill and no state taxes.<br>

Response by SFC Gary Fox made Dec 25 at 2013 5:22 PM

SFC Gary Fox — Wed, 25 Dec 2013 17:22:13 -0500

I live in Georgia. Unfortunately they tax military and retired military pay.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2013 6:49 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Dec 2013 18:49:08 -0500

Oregon is a good state to be from but not to live in for military personnel. I pay no state income tax because all of my pay is earned outside the state. Also, Oregon has no sales tax, so in most states I don't pay any sales tax when purchasing a car since I register it in Oregon.

I'm not really sure how it is for veterans or retirees though. I don't really plan to retire there. I'm looking at retiring to Utah or Arizona...maybe Idaho or Wyoming, would love to hear how those states are for veterans/retirees.

Response by SGT Robert Riley made Dec 25 at 2013 7:13 PM

SGT Robert Riley — Wed, 25 Dec 2013 19:13:42 -0500

I am from NY and that's true. I currently reside in Georgia and one of their Congressmen, Chambliss voted to cut benefits to veterans.So that speaks volumes about how they feel about vets in Georgia.

Response by PO2 Pete Haga made Dec 25 at 2013 10:39 PM

PO2 Pete Haga — Wed, 25 Dec 2013 22:39:13 -0500

Florida has to be one of the top states for vets and retired vets. Has good locations for VA health Care access to commissary stores on all the bases. We have and a temped climate year round so maybe a little hot in the summer months. And lots of activities such as fishing, cycling motor and bi, theme parks, beaches, and many more things to numerous to mention.

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2013 3:03 AM

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Dec 2013 03:03:44 -0500

How about family benefits? I have not lived in the states in years having been stationed overseas for some time, however, my children will start graduating HS and heading to college.

I don’t really have state per se that I would call home (though I claim Florida residency for pay purposes). What state(s) have the best set-ups for dependant education programs? I’m no millionaire, and putting two kids through college will be rough even with the 9-11 GI Bill helping them out.

What state, in your opinion, is the place to claim residency and pay state taxes to for this reason?

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2013 3:49 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Dec 2013 03:49:25 -0500

I currently reside in Carthage, NY near Ft Drum. My wife and I looked at possibly retiring here because of what has been mentioned. There are a few additional positives but there are some significant down sides as well.

Positives: This is my 13th duty station in my career and neither my wife (Army veteran) nor I have ever been in a more military supportive or friendly location. Most stores offer military discounts and thank you for your service as you enter. Where we live in Carthage neighbors check on each other and offer support constantly. Example: I bought this house 5 years ago. When I left for the Academy I rented it out. Although I employed a property manager (worthless), my neighbors would call us and tell us of the issues of our tenants. During this deployment the town Judge has plowed my 60ft driveway several times to help my spouse, without being asked. She offered to pay him and his reply was "he felt obligated to assist since I was deployed, again". I have many more situations such as these I could mention. Add these to the already mentioned list and NY is a good state to retire in.

Negatives: First and most important is the taxes. Yes you get tax brakes but if you consider NY has one of the highest taxes in our country it mitigates the brakes comparatively. I pay proper taxes, school taxes (regardless of children or not), village taxes, local taxes, and state taxes. If you use tobacco or consume alcohol you have to pay what is called a "Sin tax". A pack of cigarettes cost between 9-13 dollars a pack, depending on the brand. Fuel cost is one of the highest in the country. The last few years it has held at $3.50-4.10 a gallon. If you own a fiesta you might be ok on gas but unable to drive during the extreme winters. I own a Dodge Ram and pay for it at the pump but I can drive without issue all year round. If you hunt, your fine as long as you do not possess handguns or assault rifles. You may get a handgun after you have acquired the correct permit. It does however take a long time to get, 12-18 months on average.

I could continue on both the positives and negatives but I am sure every state has issues in some area or another. My wife and I changed our retirement location criteria. We are now looking for our comfort and not financial benefits. All and all this is a good question to start your thought process for retirement. Good luck on your choice.

Response by SrA Jim DeBoyace made Jan 3 at 2014 6:36 PM

SrA Jim DeBoyace — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 18:36:48 -0500

All I know is living in North Caroina; It IS the WORST HERE!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2014 7:15 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 19:15:18 -0500

I was thinking MSG Quick, that the DMV area would be great considering all the federal opportunities to transition to, but once I pulled the Forbes listing, VA only hit the list once. TX and FL actually produced better results.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2013/11/01/the-best-places-for-veterans-2013/

The Best Places For Veterans 2013

see photosClick for full photo gallery: The Best Places For Veterans 2013 While the rest of the country continues to be saddled with an unemployment rate of 7.2%, Houston, TX’s jobless rate is just 6....

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Jan 3 at 2014 7:26 PM

SSG V. Michelle Woods — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 19:26:46 -0500

Texas of course.

Response by CSM Michael Poll made Mar 26 at 2014 5:47 PM

CSM Michael Poll — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 17:47:05 -0400

I know in Indiana, if you are VA rated at 0% your children can go to a State University free of charge.

Response by CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2014 7:46 AM

CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 07:46:38 -0400

According to the latest issue of USAA, three cities in Texas were in the top 10 areas to hire veterans. Houston being the number one.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2014 9:18 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 09:18:53 -0400

West Virginia is another state that Pays 100% tuition for in-state schools, and select online degree programs IE AMU on top of GI Bill benefits. To be able to go to school at WVU for free and essentially get paid to go there....AWESOME, that's if you enjoy beer and football of course LOL.

Response by SGT James Elphick made Mar 28 at 2014 11:34 AM

SGT James Elphick — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 11:34:16 -0400

Texas is only good to it's OWN Veterans. Texas has the Hazelwood Act which pays for 150 hours of college AFTER the GI Bill runs out. However, it only applies if you entered the military from Texas. Texas has other benefits like no state income tax. Also, the economy in Texas is one of the best in the country so that is another benefit of living there. The biggest problem Vets would find in Texas is access to the VA. The state is so large that VA facilities are dispersed throughout the state and it can be difficult to get the treatment one needs.

Response by Cpl Jimmy Taylor made Apr 17 at 2014 9:21 AM

Cpl Jimmy Taylor — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 09:21:01 -0400

Always Texas, but each state should reach for the opportunity to exceed the expectation of the Veterans. Remember They have served us now We should serve them.

Semper Fi

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2014 6:40 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 18:40:27 -0400

Belize... thats where I think I'm headed as the nation dries benefits up for those retiring. The states always seem to follow suit in situations like that. I think if I was going to stay around here that I would pick a state that I could get college for the kids/wife and not have my retirement pay taxed... not really sure who does that.

Response by SFC Robert Allen made May 14 at 2014 7:02 PM

SFC Robert Allen — Wed, 14 May 2014 19:02:38 -0400

Alaska. No state income tax, Permanent fund distribution (the state pays you to live here, not you pay the state to live here.) Free hunting and fishing license to qualified disabled vets. Free passes including a free 3 night camping stay per year at any state or national park. Free vehicle registration (permanent, does not expire) for disabled vets. Hiring preference for state, borough, and city jobs. $150,000 off value of property for property tax purposes, plus an additional $20,000 off if you reside in the home.

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made May 15 at 2014 8:49 PM

SSgt Gregory Guina — Thu, 15 May 2014 20:49:46 -0400

California actually isn't bad for veterans. Children of veterans can go to either Cal State or Univ of California schools tuition free.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 13 at 2014 5:02 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 05:02:46 -0400

Thanks!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2014 9:40 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 09:40:58 -0400

Two Words: San Antonio

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2014 9:45 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 09:45:59 -0400

I love Texas

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Sep 5 at 2014 10:29 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 22:29:00 -0400

Great post, thanks

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2014 11:54 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 23:54:39 -0400

I am really considering moving to Texas. They have Airborne Infantry in their guard and the jobs are plentiful there. I am going wary of NC.

Response by PO2 Corrin Keeler made Sep 6 at 2014 9:34 PM

PO2 Corrin Keeler — Sat, 06 Sep 2014 21:34:53 -0400

I was shocked to see Tampa on the list. I live in Tampa and currently work for the Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative. One of our programs assists local homeless veterans find housing. The vast majority became homeless due to lack of employment.

Ironically enough, the grant ends on September 30, at which point I will also be unemployed if I don't find a job soon.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Sep 6 at 2014 11:42 PM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Sat, 06 Sep 2014 23:42:10 -0400

Wow, we have this exact magazine and I read this article earlier this year. Houston was the #1 choice.