What are the best cities for Veterans to live in?

2014-11-17T12:15:35-05:00

I saw this post thanks to SPC David Wolcott. We were both wondering if it is accurate. Please chime in especially if you live in said city.
http://livability.com/best-places/top-10/best-veterans-cities/top-10-cities-for-veterans/2010

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2014 12:58 PM

2014-11-17T12:58:11-05:00

I need to look for the article that I read a few days ago, but San Antonio, TX is actually one of the top cities for Veterans to live in. I would have to agree. I have lived there my whole life, minus the places the military has told me to go.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2014 1:51 PM

2014-11-17T13:51:06-05:00

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member , I could not agree with you more, I wonder what criteria they used to rank the cities. Madison, Wisconsin is downright hostile to any individuals with other than extreme left political opinion. Perhaps the only criteria was unemployment rate and local military installations.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2014 4:20 PM

2014-11-18T16:20:26-05:00

I don't agree with this list. What is the criteria.

Response by SPC Jack Hunt, JR made Nov 19 at 2014 1:52 PM

2014-11-19T13:52:32-05:00

I can't believe San Angelo Texas is even on this list. I lived there briefly a few years ago. They don't have a VA hospital there only a small clinic. It's was worse than going to the TMC and being seen by a medic.
The nearest VA hospital is Big Springs Texas about 2 hours away. Meh......

Response by CW4 Aaron Rasmussen made Nov 19 at 2014 3:14 PM

2014-11-19T15:14:19-05:00

Here are a couple of links that I found today. The Forbes story references the USAA links. The USAA site has three different lists based on where a veteran is in his/her life. It also has a place for you to create your own. Interesting stuff. I wouldn't live in any of the places listed. They're all too far east.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2014/10/28/the-best-places-for-veterans-2014/

https://www.usaa.com/inet/pages/enterprise_bestplaces2014_landing_mkt?akredirect=true

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Response by LTC Stephen C. made Dec 19 at 2014 8:40 PM

2014-12-19T20:40:10-05:00

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member, that list is a shocker to me. Unless things have changed, I would have to say that Fayetteville, NC is one of the worst places to live. Granted I was only there from APR-SEP70, but that's a tough place to live. Also, Kenner, LA is a surprise. I lived in New Orleans for 2.5 years (Kenner is a suburb) and it was a mess then, and that was before Katrina. I hope that area has improved, but we won't be moving back there.
Middle TN, particularly the Nashville area is a great place to live with good schools, moderate cost of living, temperate climate and beautiful topography.

Response by SSG Peter Muse made Dec 25 at 2014 9:44 AM

2014-12-25T09:44:49-05:00

I think you have to look at the factors they used. Living in San Diego is great and it's one of the largest Veteran community in the country and probably has the most opportunities for vet jobs at all levels.. SD has tremendous support the troops attitude and there are many VA facilities as well as Military Hospitals...but it is the #2 high cost of living city in the country so it consequently has a very high veteran homeless level.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2014 9:55 AM

2014-12-25T09:55:20-05:00

Great State of Texas

Response by SPC Stephanie Oanes made Dec 25 at 2014 10:00 AM

2014-12-25T10:00:15-05:00

I almost died laughing when I fayetteville on the list. That's where I'm living now after I got out. The va is a joke here, you have to wait months to get an appointment and wait even longer for a follow up. The crime rate here is sky high. Unemployment for vets is high too. I lucked out with my job because I know people who know people. I wouldn't recommend this town to anyone.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2014 7:18 PM

2014-12-27T19:18:38-05:00

I think this list is what it should be based on.
1. Place I have a job.
2. Place I can afford to live with said job.
3. Place my family is safe.
4. Everything else is icing on the cake :)

Response by SPC Jose "Joe" Rodriguez made Jan 7 at 2015 12:10 PM

2015-01-07T12:10:51-05:00

Depending on your career goals (but really anyone can do well here) the IT and Medical fields out here in San Antonio, TX are growing and paying well! Also, like San Angelo, the oil fields are just a bit down south. I have a lot of friends and family in that career also. As others have stated, SATX is a "Military City USA".

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2015 12:27 PM

2015-01-07T12:27:47-05:00

Tampastan! This is the second time that I have lived/stationed here and I love it. The demographic of the city varies for sure (see any episode of "COPS" involving Hillsborough County Police). Like any city, it ranges from incredibly affluent to the converse, but as far as being military and Veteran friendly, it is aces in my book.

Every single Friday afternoon whether rain or shine, "Patriot supporters" gather with American flags and wave their support for the troops leaving base on Bayshore Blvd next to our WTC memorial statue. It never gets old and makes me swell with pride when I see it.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2015 1:08 PM

2015-01-07T13:08:59-05:00

I can't say I agree with this list at all. I was born raised and moved back to Syracuse, NY (#7 on the list) after leaving active duty. Syracuse is a good place to retire, with an extensive VA hospital and the University having a good education/transition program. I do not recommend, Syracuse for someone who still needs a career or decent job. The economy cannot sustain it's own people let alone welcome veterans to the job force. I have found a lot of companies that state they are "veteran friendly" will hire veterans yes, but you're looking at starting at entry level not a step or two down, which for anyone with a family this will hit hard. I've been to Fayetteville NC many times and feel sorry for the folks stationed there and could not even imagine a veteran voluntarily living there whether retired or just leaving active duty.