The Best States for Veterans to Live In — Ranked + What to Look For
You served. You sacrificed. Now you’re shifting into civilian life—and you deserve a state that has your back. I’m talking taxes, education, housing, lifestyle—all of it. In this post we’re going to dig into the Best states for veterans, what makes them great, and the criteria you should use to shop for your next home base.
Note: I’m pulling from a recent video break‑down of all 50 states, so think of this as your high‑impact cheat sheet. States change benefits, so always verify for your specific situation.
Why this matters
When you transition out of the military, your location matters—big time. A state that treats its veterans like they earned something (because you did) gives you the space to build a civilian life without constant tax‑stress, tuition worries, or hidden traps.
Here’s what you should zero in on:
- State income tax: If it’s zero, that’s money in your pocket.
- Property tax exemptions (especially for disabled veterans): That’s long‑term wealth impact.
- Education benefits (for you and dependents): Because you fought for freedom—your family should get a shot.
- Housing/long‑term care benefits: Many vets forget about this until they need it.
- Lifestyle + culture fit: Freedom, veteran‑friendly culture, supportive community.
Top 10 Veteran‑Friendly States & What They Offer
Here are the states that rise to the top—and what they bring to the table.
1. Texas
Texas remains the king of veteran‑benefit states, no questions asked. First off: no state income tax. Big.
They’ve got the Hazlewood Act—which gives you up to 150 hours of tuition exemption at public Texas colleges/universities if you qualify. (Texas Veterans Commission)
On top of that: property tax exemptions for veterans with certain disability levels. (Military.com)
In short: short‑cut your civilian life growth with major perks.
2. Florida
Again: no state income tax, and they cover all state tuition for veterans and dependents. Plus: free hunting & fishing licenses, discounted passes—these matter if you’re outdoors‑oriented.
A veteran‑friendly culture with built‑in perks.
3. Alaska
No state income tax. Huge for your wallet. Big perks around housing (pioneer homes, veteran homes) and free hunting/fishing—and a residual cash flow from being a resident in Alaska.
If your lifestyle wants “off the grid”, Alaska may call.
4. Nevada
No state income tax again—note the pattern. Property‑tax exemptions (depending on disability). Free state park access for vets.
The desert‑meets‑mountain lifestyle, plus veteran‑friendly fiscal setup.
5. South Dakota
No state income tax. Tuition waived for veterans at state universities. Property tax relief for disabled vets.
If you don’t mind the colder climate, the benefits are strong.
6. Wyoming
Similar to South Dakota: no income tax, education benefits, property tax exemptions based on disability.
Wide open spaces, lower population—if you want big skies and fewer people.
7. Washington
No income tax. Property tax exemptions for disabled veterans. Unique offering: state‑run long‑term care facilities for vets.
If you’re thinking long‑term and want veteran‑specific infrastructure, this one stands out.
8. Virginia
Free tuition for dependents of disabled veterans. Property tax relief for 100% disabled veterans.
East coast history + veteran benefits = win.
9. Arizona
Educational benefits for veterans + dependents. Property tax waived if you’re 100% disabled.
Mild climate, veteran perks—good combo.
10. New Hampshire
Scholarships for dependents & veterans. Property tax exemptions if you’re 100% disabled.
Smaller state, more niche—but plenty on the table if you connect the dots.
What about the other 40 states?
The video made clear—every state has something. Here are some fast‑hits: education benefits, property tax or homestead exemptions, state veteran homes, etc.
- Colorado: property tax exemptions + free veteran homes.
- Maryland: retirement‑pay exemptions, scholarships for dependents.
- Illinois: covers state tuition for many veterans.
- Missouri: returning heroes tuition discount + property tax relief (and rumor it’s heading toward 100% exemption).
And many more. But the difference is: the top states stack all the major levers (tax, education, property, culture).
How you should evaluate a state: Your checklist
Here’s how I’d rank states if I were you—moving from military‑to‑millionaire style:
- Taxes first: Income tax, property tax. Keep what you earned.
- Education second: For you, your spouse, your children. Free or low‑cost tuition = huge.
- Housing & long‑term benefits: Veteran homes, state nursing care, specialized property tax relief.
- Healthcare & lifestyle: Access to good care, veteran‑friendly docs, quality of life.
- Culture fit & freedom: Are you comfortable there? Do you belong? The perks don’t matter if you hate where you live.
Why Texas & Florida stay at the top of the list of best states for veterans
Let’s map this out:
- No state income tax → more dollars left for your life.
- Big property tax relief for veterans/disability levels → allowing long‑term wealth building.
- Serious education benefits (veterans + dependents) → less debt, more opportunity.
- Veteran‑friendly culture (Second Amendment, military presence, pro‑service ethos) → less friction.
That alignment is rare—and that’s why they dominate the list.
Don’t just pick by rank—pick by fit
Here’s the kicker: just because your state is ranked #1 doesn’t mean it’s the right one for you. Maybe you want cooler weather, or you want the big‑sky feel, or you want to be close to family. Use your priorities.
Ask yourself:
- If I moved there, would I REALLY want to live there?
- Do I understand the eligibility for my rank/disability status?
- Are there hidden costs (higher housing, higher living expenses) that offset the benefits?
- How mobile am I—do I want deployment to transition into one location, or will I move again?
Big idea: leverage your veteran benefits for wealth
You didn’t serve just to get by—you served so you could thrive. The benefits piece isn’t a consolation prize—it’s a launch pad. Use the tax relief, education breaks, housing benefits to accelerate your civilian financial game:
- Eliminate or slash student debt for you/your dependents.
- Build property wealth (low or zero property tax = more cashflow).
- Choose a tax‑friendly environment so you keep more of your income.
- Leverage real estate, business, investments in a state that empowers you.
This is your “military to millionaire” moment. Use the system they built for you.
Final Word on Best States for Veterans
If you’re planning to relocate and veteran benefits factor heavily—you must look deeper than “I like the weather” or “my buddy lives there”. Start with tax + education + housing. Then layer in culture and quality of life.
Texas and Florida still lead. But depending on your disability rating, family situation, lifestyle goals—states like Alaska, Nevada, Washington, Virginia might be a better fit.
Most importantly: check eligibility for your details (disability %, dependents, veteran status). State benefits change—so stay sharp.
If you’ve got a state in mind (or live somewhere now) and you’re wondering “do I missed benefit XYZ?”, drop the state name and your veteran status & I’ll help you dig into the benefits.
If you’d like help filing your VA Claim, or additional resources on the best states for veterans to live in, I highly recommend my friend Vic, who is (in my opinion) the absolute best in the world: https://www.frommilitarytomillionaire.com/claim
Also, if you’re looking for a community of service members and veterans who are committed to achieving financial freedom, check us out: https://thewarroommastermind.com/
PS: If you live in a state and know a killer veteran benefit I didn’t mention—tell me. I’ll update the list and you’ll help your brothers/sisters in arms.
