#United States #Columbia #affordable housing #Veterans United #Veteran community

Veterans United Highlights 2025 Best Cities for Veterans

Veterans United Home Loans has unveiled its latest rankings for the best cities for veterans to live in 2025, showcasing where veterans and their families can find support, community, and affordability. While traditionally beloved Midwest metropolitan areas maintain their charm, this year's list highlights a burgeoning interest in coastal locations, indicating a shift in preference for veterans seeking new beginnings.

The Top Ten Cities for Veterans

The distinguished list includes:
1. Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC
2. Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ
3. Lawrence, KS
4. Sioux Falls, SD
5. Battle Creek, MI
6. Decatur, IL
7. Cleveland, OH
8. Altoona, PA
9. Rapid City, SD
10. Lawton, OK

Chris Birk, the Vice President of Mortgage Insight at Veterans United, emphasizes the importance of understanding veterans' needs when evaluating living conditions. He mentions, "Our analysis is rooted in feedback from veterans about priorities such as affordability, healthcare, and community ties, which are crucial for their quality of life."

Criteria for Rankings

To generate these rankings, Veterans United surveyed veterans to discern their needs and desires for choosing a place to reside. Over 500 metropolitan areas were assessed based on 23 different factors, including cost of living, housing affordability, and the strength of local veteran communities.

Cost of Living Insights

Affordability remains a prominent concern among veterans. Veterans United calculated cost of living scores, with Decatur, IL boasting the best affordability score of 192.0. This was closely followed by Lawton, OK at 180.59, and Lawrence, KS at 174.71. On the other end of the spectrum, Altoona, PA ranked as the most expensive among the top ten cities at 158.13.

Home Prices

Navigating the housing market is paramount for veterans transitioning to civilian life. The data reveals that Decatur, IL also has the lowest median home price at $142,500, making it a prime choice for veterans looking to purchase a home. In contrast, Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ had the highest median home price, standing at $550,000.

Quality of Life Factors

Veterans United's research considered various quality of life components ranging from local air quality to proximity to essential services like grocery stores, recreational areas, and culinary establishments. Here, Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ excelled with a quality of life score of 310.81, showcasing how historical allure meets contemporary community support and amenities that foster a welcoming atmosphere for veterans.

The Significance of Community

A supportive community can substantially impact the experiences of veterans. Veterans United scrutinized local veteran populations and services, finding Battle Creek, MI leading in this category with a veteran community score of 165.00. Thanks to its vibrant veteran population, major VA facilities, and a robust network of support programs, Battle Creek serves as a recognizable hub for military families.

Conclusion

The 2025 Best Cities for Veterans list reflects the ongoing evolution of veterans' living preferences. Myrtle Beach and Atlantic City shine brightly as desirable coastal spots, lending opportunities for new beginnings while maintaining stability and community connection, essential for veterans and their families focused on building their future. For a complete overview and methodology, visit Veterans United's official site.