For years, veterans proudly served their country and when it’s time to retire, choosing the right location is a completely different battle. Military retirees are often faced with different challenges than other Baby Boomers heading for retirement.
Military retirees are usually younger in age when retiring from service, which is between the ages of 43 and 47, while other active adults are typically heading for retirement between the ages 55 and 65.
Not only are some of these veterans retiring early, they also have to get used to being a part of a civilian lifestyle and environment again. It may be difficult for some vets to get reacquainted with their new lifestyle due to post-traumatic stress disorders, injuries, and other side effects of war.
That’s why it’s important for veterans to retire in states where they will have the best opportunities for a comfortable retirement. Retired vets should look into states that have a strong and supportive veteran community, accessible VA health facilities, a healthy economic environment, affordable housing, and great tax exemptions. With all of this to consider, here is the list of the top ten states for military retirement.
1. Florida
Retirees often flock to this popular retirement destination because of its tropical climate and tranquil environment, but Florida also provides great tax breaks for veterans. Florida has no estate or inheritance taxes, military retired pay and survivor benefits are tax exempt, and the state offers treatment and services to help veterans with their mental health or substance abuse problems. Florida also has many private companies giving job preferences to veterans.
2. Maine
Maine is one of the few states that have the most veterans per capita. It’s also a great place for retired military personnel to live because of its high quality-of-life ranking as well as having no inheritance tax and partial tax exemption for survivor benefits and military retirement income.
3. New Hampshire
Another New England area state making it on the list is New Hampshire. It has the highest percentage of veteran-owned businesses, making it a great place to live and work. New Hampshire may also be an ideal retirement destination thanks to its military retired pay and survivor benefits tax exemptions, no inheritance or estate taxes, and treatment programs and job preferences.
4. South Carolina
Coming in at the number ten spot is the southeastern state of South Carolina. The Palmetto State has the highest percentage of veteran-owned businesses and doesn’t collect taxes on estate or inheritance. It also offers partial tax exemptions on military retired pay and survivor benefits, as well as providing plenty of treatment programs and job preferences for veterans.