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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.
Posted in these groups: Retirement Pursuits
Retirement
35F-Enlisted: Intelligence Analyst
LeadershipFort Sam Houston ISD
Retirement 35F-Enlisted: Intelligence Analyst LeadershipFort Sam Houston ISD
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 14
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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
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
https://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-state-benefits/state-veterans-benefits-directory.html
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
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
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
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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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)
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
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
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.
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I have been to both cities. I used to live in the Houston area, and found that San Antonio was a great place to visit.
https://www.businessinsider.com/best-cities-in-america-for-veterans-ranked#21-san-antonio-texas-5
https://www.businessinsider.com/best-cities-in-america-for-veterans-ranked#21-san-antonio-texas-5
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I’ll say some good things about the SanAntonio area. No income tax. Warm dry climate. Large retired military community. Large military medical facilities. Should have quite a few jobs as an Army or Air Force civilian employee. Ditto for government contractors. Hill country just north of SA is some of the most beautiful in the Southwest.
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Savannah has lots of perks. You can shop for any thing there Ft Stewart isnt far.
Coast line for boats and fishing.
Schools aren't bad.
Plenty of nice nearby neighborhoods
That's my vote.
Coast line for boats and fishing.
Schools aren't bad.
Plenty of nice nearby neighborhoods
That's my vote.
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SFC (Join to see)
Yep, we were stationed at Hunter Army Airfield from 09- 12. Was great. That's what it is a difficult decision.
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I’m not sure if this will help you or not sergeant but if you go to Fort Gordon there will be opportunity’s to become a contractor if you want to continue working in the intelligence community. Half of the scif I work in is contractors
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SFC (Join to see)
I've thought about Augusta, GA. Just not super impressed with it. Spent six months at Gordon.
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SFC (Join to see)
SPC (Join to see) best thing to do when I was there was either Broad St bars or Hooters during The Masters.
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I retired in SA 10 years ago, because it's my hometown. Having said that, SA is growing by leaps and bounds. Toyota plant and suppliers expanding, new manufacturing coming to town, and lots of medical and tech growing here. Great support with 4 bases here, so access to PX, commissary, and BAMC. Lots of great amenities here as well (Sea World, Six Flags, Riverwalk, museums, missions, and on and on). There is a huge segment of the population in SA that is retired/former military and the city is very supportive of veterans. The Texas economy is booming as well. So, that's my pitch. Savannah is a beautiful town, but I'm in love with San Antonio.
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SFC (Join to see)
Pretty much my take as well. Would just be nice to have me and my brothers kids grow up together. That is my main concern I suppose.
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MSG Danny Mathers
Savannah is in Georgia. I hate Georgia. If you had chose Charleston, SC. It is a close second to SA TX.
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MSG Danny Mathers
There is the Port, It is close to Sumter, Cherry Point & Paris Island. Lots of job opportunities in the Charleston Port & North Charleston. Google it.
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Here's a start go to areavibes and compare the two. I think SA, imo, is a better choice due to population size...more people simply means more opportunities. We made the move to Cinco Ranch, TX from the PNW after I retired ten months ago, and we totally love it. If you're 50% or more in VA rating, you can apply for a Disabled Vet license plate. With DV plate, you're exempt from all government parking meters and drive for free on most tollways (thank you Texas lawmakers). And also, see below if you want a state job. Yes, I'm currently a state employee.
Sec. 657.0047. INTERVIEWS AT STATE AGENCIES. (a) For each announced open position at a state agency, the state agency shall interview:
(1) if the total number of individuals interviewed for the position is six or fewer, at least one individual qualified for a veteran's employment preference under Section 657.003; or
(2) if the total number of individuals interviewed for the position is more than six, a number of individuals qualified for a veteran's employment preference under Section 657.003 equal to at least 20 percent of the total number interviewed.
(b) A state agency that does not receive any applications from individuals who qualify for a veteran's employment preference under Section 657.003 is not required to comply with Subsection (a).
Sec. 657.0047. INTERVIEWS AT STATE AGENCIES. (a) For each announced open position at a state agency, the state agency shall interview:
(1) if the total number of individuals interviewed for the position is six or fewer, at least one individual qualified for a veteran's employment preference under Section 657.003; or
(2) if the total number of individuals interviewed for the position is more than six, a number of individuals qualified for a veteran's employment preference under Section 657.003 equal to at least 20 percent of the total number interviewed.
(b) A state agency that does not receive any applications from individuals who qualify for a veteran's employment preference under Section 657.003 is not required to comply with Subsection (a).
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SFC (Join to see)
Thank you, Sir. This is some very good information and I'm definitely going to look into all of it. Very cool.
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The only thing negative about San Antonio is that you can’t get Chick fil-A at the airport.
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