In time for Veterans Day, we dove into this article from Veterans United Home Loans to scope out what their 2020 study determined to be the top 10 veteran-friendly cities. What do we mean by “veteran friendly”? There are four considerations, or what the study referred to as key dimensions:

• Economic wellness
• Employment
• Availability of VA benefits
• Quality of life for veterans

So let’s cut straight to the chase and get to sharing some of the best places for our military community to plant their roots.

Top 10 Cities for Veterans

10. Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia Beach has a veteran population of 57,082 and 22 veteran health and benefit centers. Not to mention a 3-mile boardwalk and beautiful oceanfront!

9. Kansas City, MO

Kansas City is home to more than 25,000 veterans and 14 veteran health and benefit centers. This city, which borders Kansas, is a great spot for military members who enjoy good barbecue and live jazz.

Learn about the southeastern suburb of Kansas City in our free BeLocal Lee’s Summit community guide!

8. Boise, ID

With a veteran population of 15K and four veteran health and benefit centers, Boise may be an unexpectedly great opportunity for former service members. This capital city offers endless fun for outdoor enthusiasts.

Learn more about Boise in our free BeLocal West Ada community guide!

7. El Paso, TX

El Paso, Spanish for “the pass,” plays home to more than 44,000 veterans and 11 veteran health and benefit centers. If cost of living is your top concern, this just may be the veteran-friendly community for you!

Learn about the vibrant community of West El Paso through our free BeLocal community guide!

6. Durham, NC

Part of what’s known as the Research Triangle, Durham has a veteran population of just over 12,000 and 10 VA Health Centers. It’s also home to Duke University (any Blue Devil fans out there?!). Plus its downtown area has experienced an impressive revival as of late, now offering noteworthy restaurants and performing arts.

5. Lincoln, NE

The capital city of Nebraska, Lincoln has a veteran population of almost 14,000 and offers 11 VA health and benefit centers. It’s a college town (well, city) and boasts many fun attractions like the Lincoln Children’s Zoo and Sheldon Museum of Art.

Learn more about this city by viewing our free BeLocal Lincoln North and BeLocal Lincoln South guides!

4. Raleigh, NC

A neighbor to #6 on the list (Durham) and the capital city of North Carolina, Raleigh is home to more than 44,000 veterans and has a whopping 22 VA health and benefit centers. There’s lots on offer in the Raleigh area, such as sporting events (Hurricanes hockey, NC State athletics, etc.), nightlife (for those veterans young at heart), and performing arts.

3. Fort Wayne, IN

Fort Wayne, nicknamed Summit City, has a veteran population of 14,000 and boasts eight VA health and benefit centers. From a botanical conservatory to a museum of art, there’s much to do in this northeastern Indiana city. Plus, it has the lowest cost of living in the Top 10 list!

2. Colorado Springs, CO

This high-elevation city (sitting at 6,000+ feet) is home to nearly 52,000 veterans and boasts three VA health and benefit centers. What’s no to love about Colorado Springs? There’s so much to do for those who love an adventure, be it hiking, rock climbing, or fishing.

1. Chesapeake, VA

For the 27,000 veterans who reside in this top-ranked city, there is plenty of access to VA health and benefit centers: 22 total! From historic sites and parks to explore, to great restaurants and shopping to enjoy, Chesapeake really does tick all the boxes so many of us are looking for. A great choice for veterans and non-service members alike!

As a former member of our military, we cannot thank you enough for your service and sacrifice. You truly do deserve to find the best home for you and your family. And if you happen to relocate to an area in which we have a BeLocal magazine, we sincerely hope it helps you settle in quickly and easily. Again, thank you for your willingness to serve and protect. Because of you and all current and former military, the United States is a wonderful place for us to call home.