Top 10 Best places for Veterans to find a job.

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. 

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