Best And Worst States For Military Retirees

When you're retiring out of the military there's a lot of work to be done in connection with your personal life. Deciding on marriage, your girlfriend should know what becoming a military wife truly entails. You should also feel comfortable in rejoining the human race. What to do now? How do I move forward? And, most importantly of all, where do I go?

When answering this last particular questions, military retirees should take into account three important pieces of information concerning their new living arrangement: the quality of life present in the new state, the state's healthcare network, and if the state taxes military pension.

The following best and worst states for military retirees will actually follow the order of worst to greatest, and adheres to the above categorical systems. When stripped down to its core, understanding where to live as a retired military officer isn't as hard as it may at first appear.

Illinois

Illinois isn't all that bad, but for veterans it may not be the best choice to live in retirement. After all, it is, by far, one of the worst states for military retirees. Coupled with a low quality of life and 12 total veteran healthcare facilities, Illinois has the worst employment rate for retired military officers.

So, if you are choosing to retire from the military and want to keep on working in a different environment, Illinois might not be your best choice.

Utah

Coming in as number one for the least number of veterans per capita, Utah is one of the worst states for military retirees simply because so few of them really live there.

When one is retiring, in any type of field, there needs to be a healthy balance of likeminded individuals in your area, so as to keep your mind motivated, healthy, and open. Especially for military officers, these like- minded individuals are key to get back into a normal lifestyle.

Connecticut

Connecticut has some of the lowest in number of veteran healthcare facilities per veteran, making it one of the worst states for military retirees. Healthcare and specific VA facilities, which lend medical hands to veterans, are the literal lifeline for those leaving the military.

These sites offer tremendous support, in both financial, medical, and empathetic areas. If you're worried about your health and are retiring from the military, please keep in mind the number of healthcare facilities and benefits proved by the particular state before moving.

Nebraska

Seeing Nebraska on this list did not surprise me — no offense to Nebraskans — but, what is there to do in Nebraska in the first place?

For starters, Nebraska has a very low economic environment for the very reason mentioned above, second there are very few healthcare facilities, and finally, quality of life is hence lowered substantially for these very reasons.

Washington, D.C.

The District of Columbia itself is, surprisingly, on the list of worst states for military retirees. It actually makes every categorical list: having very few veterans per capita, least affordable housing, fewest veteran job opportunities, a high number of homeless veterans, and few healthcare facilities.

One of the D.C. worst proponents in connection with retired veterans is the lowest percentage of veteran-owned businesses. So, if you're especially business savvy and expect to be an entrepreneur after retiring from the military, Washington D.C. shouldn't be one of your choices.

New Jersey

When there's around 428,000 vets living living in Jersey, when there's only two main VA medical centers and 16 outpatient clinics, it becomes heavily clear that the veteran society isn't all-too welcome.

New Jersey is one of the worst states for military retirees, because it has very little in the way of lifestyle opportunities, such as veterans per capita, and veteran-owned businesses. New York, though still one of the worst states to live in if you're a retiring veteran, still has more positive options of living than New Jersey.

Florida

Topping the list at one as the best state for military retirees, Florida makes use of its all-year-round warm weather, high capacity of generally senior living, and terrific state taxing system.

Florida is, by far, one of the best places to move, period. Don't believe me? Florida has some of the best jobs for veterans, or you can even start you own, since tax rates are lower there.

Wyoming

Though it may not seem like one of the best states for military retirees, Wyoming has some of the best healthcare benefits by offering a multitude of facilities per number of veterans.

There's also a huge amount in quality of life for Wyoming, simply because there is a huge veteran population and a lot of options for newly retired officers.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire provides some of the most and best job opportunities for veterans, making it one of the best states for military retirees.

It also has a huge percentage of veteran-owned businesses, proving a safety net for those retired military men who are wanting their own professional name, and what to live outside the private sector.

Montana

Montana is ranked as second, overall, in the best states for military retirees. Like Wyoming, Montana has a massive veteran population per capita, giving potential military retirees a sanctuary from non-military folk.

Retired veterans will also have chance to rekindle their new lives in Montana, especially if you like the mountains. It's the perfect state for a long and quiet retreat.

Alaska

Topping out at having the most veterans per capita, Alaska fits the bill as a purely military-minded state. Though both Montana and Wyoming may have their fair share of forest hills and luxurious quiet, Alaska gives this serenity a whole new meaning.

If you're a retiring military officer in need of a perfect balance of military lifestyle and silent revelry, Alaska is your immediate go to, plus there's a ton of stuff to do, like ice fishing and dog sledding.

South Carolina

With the number one highest percentage of veteran-owned businesses, South Carolina gives military retirees a perfect place to start up shop and to show the world their entrepreneurial skills.

In addition, South Carolina also has very lenient tax conditions, both for veterans and business owners. So, if you're wondering about retirement, or just figuring out where to move next, South Carolina should be an instant must-see before making your full decision.