We've been asked our idea of the best post or ship, etc. Which is the best state in the USA where you lived and worked, and what makes it so?

2017-03-29T11:45:12-04:00

My military career took me to five different states. Each had its pluses and minuses. Three of them I wouldn't return to live in if my life depended on it. The others, Washington and Virginia, two absolutely gorgeous states, are simply too expensive to retire there. But, I visit often because I love the scenery and the varied things to see and do. Overall, my pick for the best state is Washington.

Response by MSG David Rogers III made Mar 29 at 2017 11:47 AM

2017-03-29T11:47:15-04:00

New York! I am originally a Pennsylvanian, but stationed in NY for 10 years, then retired here with a new job. I love the rural area I am in now, but love being close to NYC, I can get there by train in an hour.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2017 11:48 AM

2017-03-29T11:48:37-04:00

Well I have been east, west, south and north, covering 35 different states and 6 countries. I always come back to the Bluegrass. 4 equal season, plenty to do if you like outdoor recreation, cost of living is reasonable and I am within a 3 hour or less drive to 4 fairly large cities.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2017 11:56 AM

2017-03-29T11:56:44-04:00

Texas is the best state I've lived. I've lived in seven; CA, OR, TX, AR, TN, IN, and NC and been to 49 of our 50 states.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2017 12:04 PM

2017-03-29T12:04:21-04:00

Loved Colorado, but the altitude caused some problems. Retired in Iowa where I worked the last 10 years of my career. Worst state? I have lived in 14, all were too good to call the worst.
I am reminded of the saying the 2 best bases are the one you juts left and the one you are going to. Basically YOU make the place good or bad by how you react to things.

Response by SGT Cort Landry made Mar 29 at 2017 12:07 PM

2017-03-29T12:07:26-04:00

I loved Augusta GA. It was a really good assignment but unfortunately after I got out, I had to go where the money was, and made it to Texas. I have been here in Houston Tx ever since.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2017 12:11 PM

2017-03-29T12:11:32-04:00

Wisconsin. Good people, good recreation, good climate.

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made Mar 29 at 2017 12:12 PM

2017-03-29T12:12:40-04:00

I was stationed in two states during my career, San Diego CA, Pensacola FL (schools) and Homestead FL.
It's a no-brainer...FL. Lower cost of living, good weather though pretty humid, some insane bass fishing, deep sea fishing, lots of recreation. Homestead was close to Miami, a couple hours to Key West. Enjoyed it a lot.
I despise CA. Unfortunately my wife has many relatives here. Happy wife, happy life..for the most part...haha.

Response by SFC Andrew Miller made Mar 29 at 2017 12:23 PM

2017-03-29T12:23:32-04:00

I will count any state the Army sent me to for at least 180 days. That would be Oklahoma, Colorado, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, New York, and Washington. I don't know if I could pick between New York and Washington as for top pick. It would be between them with Colorado as a reasonably close third.

Response by CPO Ronnie Townes made Mar 29 at 2017 12:52 PM

2017-03-29T12:52:18-04:00

US Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, FL

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Mar 29 at 2017 1:00 PM

2017-03-29T13:00:20-04:00

California, always something to do. Good Pay, nice people

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2017 1:04 PM

2017-03-29T13:04:06-04:00

I'm from Colorado but married a Texan, so.....Texas? Seriously though, we have been stationed all over Texas...Hood, Fort Sam, back in Bliss (for a third time) and I do enjoy Texas. Thanks to the Army we have also lived in North and South Carolina, Kansas and Hawaii, and Hawaii was far and away my favorite, just for the weather, recreation and overall vibe, although I know it is not for everyone and the politics are weird. Speaking of weird politics, California would be a great state if it was not for all the politicians and their stupid laws and ideas, but since I am sure it will never change then I will never live there. Really though, no matter where we have lived, either CONUS or OCONUS, we have loved every second and made the most of it.

Response by Sam Carter made Mar 29 at 2017 1:43 PM

2017-03-29T13:43:05-04:00

I love where I work and play, and that is in Cheyenne, Wyoming where also our business http://www.challengecoins4u.com is headquartered. Chose Cheyenne because it is a little big town. You are surrounded by nature and people are friendly there and also it is a good place to raise a family.

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Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Mar 29 at 2017 1:50 PM

2017-03-29T13:50:16-04:00

In my life, I have called 3 states home. Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and North Carolina.

Of the 3, I would rank:

North Carolina 1
New Hampshire 2
Massachusetts 3

Massachusetts is at my lowest because of the ridiculousness of taxes. Everything is taxed. It doesn't help when the cost of living is ridiculously expensive. A decade or so ago when I was trying to make it on my own, the cost to rent a tiny studio apartment was upwards of a grand. This wasn't even in the major cities either. This was in rural suburbia.

New Hampshire is ranked higher because there is no income tax. There is no sales tax. The only downside is they have a high property tax. So it actually benefits you to rent which suited me. I was actually able to get a 1 bedroom apartment for under a grand. It wasn't until my rent tipped the grand mark after a couple years where I moved down south.

North Carolina is where I currently call home and it's my favorite of the 3. Biggest reason is the cost of living is so affordable down here. I was able to rent a 3 bedroom house with a fenced yard for less than what I was paying to rent up north. It was so beneficial, that I was able to put money aside and purchase my own home and still pay even less money than I was before.

Another thing I appreciate is the southern hospitality. Coming from up north, it's a culture shock when you see people just being decent to each other. I might miss the snow up north, but my bank account enjoys not being depleted every month.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Mar 29 at 2017 2:20 PM

2017-03-29T14:20:26-04:00

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member I was raised in Kentucky and have planted my family in Ohio.
I enjoy living in the Midwest/Great Lakes area. I have been to most states and enjoy something about each one. I like to avoid Humidity, so even though I like many states in the South, I don't want to live there. I love the West and could live there. I love the diversity of the North East but don't value the high taxes demanded in these states.
Ohio is home, so I am a Buckeye and proud of it!

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Mar 29 at 2017 2:28 PM

2017-03-29T14:28:00-04:00

Without a doubt...Texas. I mean West Texas...San Angelo. Old Western town, cost of living was real low...people loved the military and really catered to them...smallest big town I have ever lived in. Had everything you need. We probably would have retired there had it not been for family back here. That tops all the others...CA/ND/HI/OH/AL/GA/PA. Second place would be Georgia.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Mar 29 at 2017 3:03 PM

2017-03-29T15:03:49-04:00

While I was younger, NYC because well, you're near everything. For now, Delaware. I live in a tax free state however still close to the finance industry where I can progress. Also close enough to NYC and Philadelphia where I can still enjoy city life.

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Mar 29 at 2017 3:41 PM

2017-03-29T15:41:24-04:00

WSMR is good because there aren't many higher ups. Typically the more senior the person checking up on you the more of a dog and pony show you must put on. I also hear Alaska has some good posts. I also liked north fort Lewis.

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 29 at 2017 3:55 PM

2017-03-29T15:55:49-04:00

I like four season that's why we live in Michigan. Our seasons are pre-Winter, Winter, post-winter, and those couple of warm dry days.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2017 5:49 PM

2017-03-29T17:49:58-04:00

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member I have lived in Washington for a year and a half. Prior to that I lived in Pasadena and Pearland, Texas for over 40 years. I lived in Texas because that is where my career was. I went through hurricanes, tropical storms, and suffered through a hot humid climate. Once I retired, I moved to a cooler climate.

Response by SFC Dave Beran made Mar 29 at 2017 6:13 PM

2017-03-29T18:13:05-04:00

Have been to 47 of 50. Served in Served in 8. Still came back home to Nebraska. Great outdoors opportunities. Hunting and fishing. Lots of lakes and rivers to canoe, kayak or tank on. Denver is 4 hours west. Omaha 4 east. Great zoos in both. Cost of living outside of Omaha and Lincoln is reasonable. Taxes a little high. Great schools for most of the state. Low unemployment.

Response by SFC Dave Beran made Mar 29 at 2017 6:15 PM

2017-03-29T18:15:29-04:00

Forgot to add the best VA system in the country, including hospitals and clinics. Usually get in for disability evals in ,45 or less and response in 30 days or less.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 29 at 2017 7:04 PM

2017-03-29T19:04:33-04:00

Alaska. Great scenery. The state pays you to live there. No income tax. Winter sports. Fishing. Hunting. Good schools.

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 30 at 2017 8:57 AM

2017-03-30T08:57:16-04:00

Nicest Climate, best recreation - hands down Nairobi Kenya. Although I believe it is less safe than when I was stationed there in the late 80's.

Response by LTC Sonya Friday made Mar 30 at 2017 11:18 AM

2017-03-30T11:18:40-04:00

In the United States I would say Norfolk VA, my daughter and I loved the Hampton Roads area. Not far to get to DC area and the Carolina's. Military friendly, good weather and decent cost of living.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Mar 30 at 2017 11:32 AM

2017-03-30T11:32:04-04:00

Lot of it depends on the "when" factor. Cali was great but stopped being great in the late '70s. WA was great west of Seattle until it got Californicated in the mid '90s on. AK is great if you like the lifestyle. Adak is a good place to be from. I'm retired in ID right now. Long way away from the Navy (good) but their HS Band plays Anchors Aweigh (bad) all the time. It's a matter of what winds your clock and we all have different mechanisms. For me it's acreage, scenery, quiet, and cognac/cigars on the porch. Just have to make a list for the Costco run 1 1/2 hours away.

Response by SSG William Jones made Mar 30 at 2017 12:34 PM

2017-03-30T12:34:31-04:00

Give me the "Dark and Bloody Ground" AKA "The Bluegrass State" of Dan'l Boone, Henry Clay and many others... good ol "Kaintuck".

Response by SGT David T. made Mar 30 at 2017 12:53 PM

2017-03-30T12:53:58-04:00

Lets see I've lived in CT, GA, KY, TN, WA, MI, VA, NC, and AL. Out of them all I would say right where I am at in Northern Alabama. Cheap cost of living, firearms friendly, and a ton of federal jobs (being a federal employee, this helps).

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Mar 30 at 2017 7:35 PM

2017-03-30T19:35:21-04:00

New Hampshire was the best state we lived in. Great people, schools and tax structure. Can pretty much name your poison as far as recreation. Unfortunately when I retired the job market wasn't the greatest, but think that's rebounded.

Response by CPO Bill Penrod made Mar 31 at 2017 1:52 PM

2017-03-31T13:52:12-04:00

Love Naval Facility Cape Hatteras and OSO Charlotte, NC both closed. Loved Duluth, Minnesota but Reserve Center moved from Park Point to the Air National Guard Base. Loved Okinawa great base to raise a family. Almost every command I was stationed at has been closed/decommissioned.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2017 7:29 PM

2017-04-25T19:29:40-04:00

I have lived in 14 states, visited all, and retired in Iowa.

My view is that everyplace is good if you take advantage of what it offers.

Most are not so good if you don't or just sit back and complain.

Response by PO1 Don Mac Intyre made Jan 27 at 2018 10:58 AM

2018-01-27T10:58:54-05:00

I was stationed in 6 different US States, and two different units in one of those states. It really boils down to people you serve with, superiors and command. I absolutely loved Alaska. Stationed in Alabama for five years and hated it for 1/2 and liked it the second 1/2.

Response by PO1 Don Mac Intyre made Jan 28 at 2018 8:31 AM

2018-01-28T08:31:31-05:00

Washington State is beautiful. We lived on the Olympic Peninsula, right at the base of Hurricane Ridge.

Response by SrA John Monette made Nov 29 at 2018 2:44 PM

2018-11-29T14:44:24-05:00

my only stateside base was North Dakota. Loved it. I did spend time in Texas, New Jersey, and Arkansas for training. I have lived in PA, MD, NC, and CT. out of those, I would prefer either PA or CT simply because of the location in the states. In PA, I lived in the southwestern hills. very rural area with a lot of Amish around. In CT, I'm kind of the middle west of the state. easy access to cities, mountains and beaches. plus, the education for my entire family is outstanding.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Nov 29 at 2018 2:51 PM

2018-11-29T14:51:20-05:00

Before my kids I would have said Alaska! Now Ohio because my kids are all here!