Posted on Jan 26, 2020

What is everybody's opinion on retiring in San Antonio vs trying for Savannah, GA?

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I'm in between retiring closer to family on the south east coast or San Antonio, TX. We enjoyed our time in Texas at Hood, and hear nothing but great things about being assigned to Fort Sam and that retiring in Texas is just great. If any of you have been in the predicament between retiring closer to family vs somewhere that has more post military career opportunities, overall quality of life, good schools, affordable housing, etc; then please let me know what you think. Stressing out thinking about this.

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Posted 5 y ago

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Responses: 15

SGT Robert Pryor

Posted 5 y ago

One final consideration is state veterans' benefits. That's why I chose Texas over family. As a 100% service disabled veteran I pay no (zero) property tax. Texas waives all property taxes on a 100% disabled veteran's primary home -- regardless of the value of the home. Live in a ten million dollar home (which I certainly do not) and still pay zero property tax.

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SGT Robert Pryor

5 y

SFC Thomas Nichols - SFC (Join to see) The Hazelwood Act is an amazing benefit, but only applies to those whose home of record is Texas. It picks up your tuition and can be used by dependents. Try to make Texas your home of record if you can. For me it was too late. My home of record is California where they treat veterans only so-so. Military.com has a great tool for researching state benefits and that was how I wound up in Texas -- doing my homework. Texas treats veterans in my situation as well or better than any other state. But that's just for me. Other veterans' situations may be far different from mine.
https://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-state-benefits/state-veterans-benefits-directory.html

State Veterans Benefits

Every state and territory offers benefits for veterans and their families. What does your state offer? Read more.

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SGT Robert Pryor

5 y

I just noticed that there are a whole lot of other state benefits granted in Texas not listed on the Military,com website. Two that stand out are my free Disabled Vet license plates and my reduced fee plates for certain other medals. But the big money saver for me is free parking at many places like sports venues (Cowboys Stadium) airports (Dallas - Fort Worth) because of my plates. I just got back from South America, leaving my car at DFW for two weeks. The bill was well over $300.00. I just signed the back and "No Charge" because of my license plates. Twice I've had parking bills well in excess of $600 -- no charge for me. Thank you, Texas!

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SFC Thomas Nichols

5 y

SGT Robert Pryor - You are correct, I forgot to mention that you had to have enlisted in Texas to be eligible for Hazelwood. There are other programs that Texas extends to all veterans that reside in the state though. Thanks for setting me straight.

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Sgt Anthony Leverington

5 y

I've spent time in both locations and I would prefer San Antonio over Savannah any day. Summers in Savannah can be rather brutal and then there's the sand gnats to consider. Damn near impossible to see and they bite. Locals call them "no-see-ums".

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SPC Erich Guenther

Edited 5 y ago

Posted 5 y ago

I don't fit any of your prequalifiers in your text but I live in Texas (Dallas) and have been to both cities and suburbs of both cities. You will live a lot better in San Antonio on a military pension then Savannah, GA. The climate is also better in San Antonio, more temperate in winter and far less humidity. Also, you should get a lot more home for your money if your buying new. Only drawback I see is distance from the Ocean or Gulf of Mexico. Texas also does not have a state income tax but you pay a lot in property taxes (not as much as the Midwest) and in sales tax (more than the Midwest).

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SFC (Join to see)

5 y

Looking at homes in San Antonio, that is one thing that stood out to me was that even though there are no TX state taxes, they get their money out if the property tax. They're gonna get ya some how.

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SPC Erich Guenther

5 y

SFC (Join to see) - Yup, just be mindful the home value and property tax will increase each year. Both home value and property tax for me has doubled in 20 years because lots of people moving here to Texas.

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SPC Erich Guenther

5 y

SFC (Join to see) - Also Pulte Homes is a high quality builder in Texas, so is Centex Homes. Both are on website http://www.pultehomes.com. Typically a plan home that comes with all around sod, concrete driveway curbs on street and outside sprinkler system with privacy fence. I bought mine new from CENTEX and still feel it was a good deal, 20 years later.

www.pultehomes.com.