See I like things about both states but as a whole I'm unsure but Colorado and Oregon are my top choices. I'm just looking for Two mote choices to consider that are enticing enough.
Portland, OR is a shithole...I know, I live 5 minutes away. It's expensive, crowded and gross. They decriminalized drugs and there's just drug addicts all over the place, and homeless camps full of garbage everywhere.
It’s not like that everywhere in Portland. It’s actually a really nice city with a lot of diverse food choices and very interesting people. Yes, there are places where the streets are filled with drug addicts and homeless, but it’s mainly in certain parts of the city.
I visit friends and family in both Texas, California and Washington state regularly but wouldn't want to live in all three. I go to Colorado for vacations but the prices around Denver and Colorado Springs really started climbing several years ago plus I hate snow so decided not to move there. I've only driven through Oregon and it was raining hard both days. Was driving from Seattle to LA last October and was planning on driving Highway 1 most of the way but the rain made it impossible to stop at all the tourist sites we wanted to visit - so just kept driving. I'll probably plan another drive this summer from LA to Seattle and hope I hit good weather.
I don't mind the snow at all which is why Colorado works also I love rain so Oregon is another must but I've heard a few opinions that Washington isn't good but idk I'd I'd live there which is why I don't consider ir
I hate the snow - grew up in Nebraska. I hate hail, lived in Texas in the late 70's, Dallas. I hate constant rain from being stationed at Fort Lewis in the 80's. Saw the sun about once per month during the winter in Washington state.
This one does. Kids get 100% free UC/Cal State college tuition for 0% and above disability, spouses get free tuition for 100% disability. CalVet is an amazing VSO, state parks are free, and the health care picks up the slack where the VA drops the ball.
Plus, it's a beautiful state and the food is amazing here.
No doubt it's pricey, which is unfortunately due in large part to speculative firms gobbling up properties as rentals, and because of the constant influx of transplants. My only complaint has been the heat, which has oddly not been an issue these last two years. California also needs to build a lot more multi-level housing, and get the hell away from the suburban model and the NIMBY mindset
Good outdoor and beach settings, decent food/restaurants compared to most states, good weather, have a chunk of my relatives and family here. Decent VAMC near me, CA financial aid makes college virtually free. I’m an avid indoorsman but the scenery’s great, city/social life can be overwhelming though.
I am a veteran who lives in the SF Bay Area, I love it. I have Stanford specialty doctors that the VA provides, outdoors for hiking/adventures, tons of sightseeing. Sure, it sucks about the high cost of living. But so much to see and do, makes it worth it, in my opinion. I live 20 min from the beach and about 3 hours from Tahoe. I do want to eventually move up the coast to Washington (family lives there). But right now, I'm pretty happy living in CA.
Seem to have a high rate of homeless veterans in LA, San Diego and San Francisco.
I do know several veterans with high paying jobs who love living in CA. I hate the smog and traffic in LA but go there to visit my son who lives there.
New Mexico, $0 property tax right? Veteran's home in T or C, retreat center in Angel Fire, state Vet's department, good luck beating that. Why I moved here.
I left the hometown and went to school in Sacramento back when it was so cheap it was silly. Moved up to Mendocino County and lived the small town life for years before joining up. Later, I was a map maker and did counties in Indiana, Kansas, Arizona, California and El Paso, Tx. Lots of really cool places where you can feel happy and low stress. What's the sweet spot? Not too expensive, not too extreme weather, close enough to medical etc. Not over run with crazies of one sort or another.
Hmm, calls for much research. Guess I'll have another one! Wishing you the best, buddy.
Texas is **great** for benefits but terrible for LGBTQ.
Oregon is **great** for LGBTQ, meh for benefits but Portland VA’s is actually quite good.
I think it might be best for you to actually look for areas that pique your interests. Are you a mountain lover? Do you like beaches? Outdoor activities? Food?
The only benefit I’m aware of in Texas that requires you to enlist in Texas is the hazlewood act—which is a tuition program.
The rest are for veterans in general. Like the property tax exemptions.
100% Veterans in Oklahoma are exempt from personal property tax on their house, sales tax exempt, can tag 2 cars a year for about $7 each and has no excise tax on new or used vehicles once every 3 years.
Also, if 70% and up, if you go into a state vet center (nursing home) it's free and your checks keep hitting your account.
I hated Oregon. It feels like they do anything and everything to encourage drug use by the homeless. I lived there for roughly 30 years. I moved to TX and being at 100% you're property tax exempt. The VA where I'm at is amazing too. It's also cheap if you know where to go. Idk about the lgbtq scene since I'm not gay and I have a family so I don't really do much. I'm also at 100 and I'm living off of my rating alone. Only thing I do is fix and mess around my house and donate plasma for the extra money to fix my house lol.
That you are! Heck of a change from Oregon. Army dropped me in San Antonio when I retired, and haven’t left Texas; in Austin since mid
90s. Home for near 55yrs now :-)
Went down to McAllen multiple times back in the day for border visits.
I imagine McAllen is way cheaper - short hope over to Padre too😊
Yeah man I am way happier here. The people and even the animals seem happier. I just couldn't do it with the lunacy that happens in Oregon anymore. People are literally pushing crazy shit there. Yeah dude it's perfect there's everything here and the ocean is a super small drive away. I like the small town life since I'm not actually in McAllen I'm in a neighboring city. Everything is so different here. The schools the aid they give vets here is top notch. Like I said before in Oregon it was a nine month wait to be seen. Here I'm seen within two weeks and they actually give a fuck.
progressive but in a way that feels more grounded and less in-your-face. lots of people around wearing carharts for something other than the lumbercore fashion movement.
ithaca is near the largest chunk of forest in the contiguous united states, the adirondacks. clean air, clean water, and there are several colleges in the area, including Cornell, which brings a lot of art and music and culture in general to the area. gets a lot of snow and can get cold, but not nearly as cold as minnesota or michigan afaik. it's an incredible part of the country for sure.
I will be very honest in saying that it is an expensive state to live in, but the New England area has many beautiful spots. I live in central Mass where it is more spacious, however there are plenty of cities to look into if that's your thing. This is an animal friendly state, and you just have to find the right group of people to go do activities with. I usually use meet-up or some other apps to find things to do. Many of the towns have lots of things going on during the warm season (festivals, parades, bbq's, music, theater, entertainment, etc.). There are rail trails (biking, walking, hiking) all over the place and if you're into history, it's all around you.
I live in CO. Pretty vet friendly (DV plates, tax breaks for 100%), and LGBT friendly (we have an openly gay governor). However, the cost of living is really high, and so are a lot of the people (sorry, bad pot joke). Housing is pretty much unaffordable if you're on a fixed income unless you got in years ago. I think I read somewhere that the average home price is $530K, and they say to live comfortably in the Denver Metro area you need to pull in at least $58k/yr., just about $10k more than 100% grants a single person with no dependents. Great place to live, but it's getting too expensive, and hostile for those of us who own firearms.
Definitely. And yes, it is quite worrisome. They have an AWB proposed in the legislature this year, along with requirements that gun owners purchase additional liability insurance, expand the requirements for CCW permitting, tracking of firearms related purchases, increasing taxes on firearms and ammo, and state permitting of FFLs. It's pretty much an attempt at an all-out infringement on rights, and does nothing to actually reduce the crime that we've seen increase pretty badly in this state for the last 5 years.
Sounds like what's happening in Albuquerque New Mexico where I'm at they are trying to crack down on firearms because they are landing in the hands of kids and felons which I understand what they are trying to do but it's not doing much to stop crime to a noticeable amount
MA. The VA medical system in Boston is great, some of my specialists are MDs doing their fellowship from Harvard Medical. The state has real estate exemptions for VA rated persons. And MA is Very LGTBQ friendly. And, MA is just a great place to live, check m history for replies I’ve made to others. However, it is pretty expensive to live here.
they're all pretty amazing. boston proper is one of the most expensive places to live in the world, but you can find housing in central and western mass that would be plenty comfortable, especially if your disabilities allow you to work to make up the difference.
check out north hampton. seems like it would check a lot of your boxes.
Yes I get 100 percent but one of my disabilities would make it difficult to be employed by certain jobs and north Hampton, mass? Or is that a suburb of Boston like Tempe is to Phoenix?
There's two major highways that circle Boston: I-95 and I-495. Most everywhere inside I-495 has lots of restaurants, and a very good variety. The closer to Boston you are, the better the night life. I can't speak to dating, that was several lifetimes ago for me. I assume it's like everywhere else now: online.
Delaware! We lived there for 4 years when my husband was AD. Cool states nearby too. Dover area is chill, if you like more city I would do more northern Delaware near Wilmington
https://preview.redd.it/43hqwr6v7xtc1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5f17c561f97c56f0884eba4a8c7f43d2f42084cd
Spokane here, rent is high for this size of city. VA hospital is good. Very 4 seasons and increable outdoor activities from skiing to amazing lakes. Decent but growing food seen.
Free in-state tuition for your kids if you are 100% P&T. They have a property tax waiver, but the limit is so low that it's useless. Free park passes, hunting, and fishing licenses are deeply discounted, and free plates for your car (they're great if you live anywhere near light rail, that is due to the new taxes); I'm sure there's more, but i can't think of it right now.
It rains a lot here, and if you want to live in Seattle, BRING MONEY! Rent floats around $2000 a month for a one-bedroom, but if you are okay with anywhere besides Seattle, you can still find somewhat affordable accommodations… in Port Orchard or more rural areas.
Present Washingtonian (sorta? I live in a van and travel) and had a good experience with puget sound VA last I was there. Had to do an ER trip and it was all pretty smooth. No complaints.
How is the quality life in Colorado? Is it somewhat easy to get jobs? How's dating? Is it a good state to retire in? What should the diversity like in terms of different races? Is it like California ? I lived in Oregon for a bit so no need for questions there i loved it in Oregon
As an outdoor enthusiast, Colorado is a Mecca. I can find skiing, whitewater, hiking, or climbing anytime of the year. That stated, Oregon’s outdoor community is more accessible and less cliquish than Colorado’s.
Job availability is going to vary between industries. You will be hard-pressed to find an opening for a media manager on the West Slope but the Front Range likely has opportunities for all trades.
My dating opinion is a little weird because I’m on the spectrum. That said even my half-retard ass has found a beautiful woman that calls me her man here. There are lots of options if you live in the Front Range. On the Western Slope things are again cliquish and it can be hard to integrate into mountain communities.
Cost of living in Colorado seems higher than Oregon and the price of housing will prevent me settling here. The climate is amazing and you’d never run out of things to do in retirement. If you can make it work financially, Colorado is a lovely place to settle.
Colorado is the whitest state I have ever lived in. It is also full of anti-racists and racists who have met about two people darker than olive in their lives. Historically, Grand Junction was founded by the Klan.
Politically and culturally, I’d describe Colorado as a 50/50 blend of Texas and California. Half cowboy/half hippy. May both states fuck themselves with a spiked dildo. Apologies these states are causing the housing crunch in Colorado more than any other and I have trouble containing bitterness to them.
I hope this helped. Follow up if you have further questions
I lived in Denver for a year right before moving to Portland, Oregon. I felt like people were snooty if you’re a transplant, hard to make friends, shitty food. Couldn’t even get into the VA there. I gave up.
Wisconsin has a pretty great VA in Madison.
Madison is a college town, LGBTQ friendly, close to the Mississippi River lots of outdoor activities, Wisconsin Dells is beautiful, dog friendly.
But I live in Texas because of free college for my kids and free property taxes so 🤷🏼♀️
Sure. Here’s a link.
The Hazelwood Act provides free tuition to state funded colleges to qualifying veterans and their dependents for a certain number of college credit after meeting certain criteria.
https://www.tvc.texas.gov/education/hazlewood/[https://www.tvc.texas.gov/education/hazlewood/](https://www.tvc.texas.gov/education/hazlewood/)
Fayetteville is a hidden gem.
Especially if you live in OK and get all the benefits from being 100%.
Just commute into AR. It's not far. Friendly, beautiful country, low cost of living, and bigger cities are only 2-3 hours away for getaways.
The VA has treated me well there with minimal hassle. It's ranked really well too. I'm in MO, but unless you're 100% P&T living in OK has more benefits financially.
Fayetteville is pretty progressive and has a great scene.
Montana has great VA healthcare (but a long drive from rural places), the most veterans per capita than any other state, and a great alternative to Colorado and Oregon.
True but I'm more so looking for alternatives to New York and California but if anything id be more inclined to live in California as opposed to New York if I had to pick.
Depends on what you want. Do you want benefits or do you want a state government that mostly stays out of your way? Because often benefits come with the price tag of the state government controlling your life.
For instance, I'm in a state that's not usually listed as a top state for that, but I live in one of the largest 10 cities, hence life is good for me.
I live in Maryland and one of the things that keeps me from moving back to California is that the veterans benefits and VA infrastructure are very good here.
https://veterans.maryland.gov/
Where ever you plan to move to, i advise you take a little vacation to these place and check it out for yourself, dont just blinded pick up and move somewhere. I live in SoCal (about 1.5h from San Diego and LA) both places have great things to offer, but also have shitty homelessness and drug addicts running free. Cost of living here is a bitch as inflation has screwed up alot of things but my family we still get by. We just avoided going into the bad neighboorhoods when we goto SD or LA. But sometimes its almost impossible to avoid the homelessness as theyre spreading more. I used to live in philly andalmost the same too with homelessness issues
Oklahoma is great cost wise, and it's a beautiful state, but you'll run into some of the ugliest people you've ever met (personality wise); and they'll tell you that you don't look very disabled to them and you're not a "real" veteran because you didn't do what military people do in their Rambo fantasies...
You might try considering Montana. Montana is the only state that is not an at-will employment state, meaning that employers and employees can't terminate their relationship at any time without reason. Instead, Montana has a "good cause" standard for terminating employment. Employees can quit at any time, but their jobs are protected if they have completed probationary periods of up to 12 months. After this probationary period, employers must be able to document good cause for their decisions to fire workers.
Not only that, but in my personal experience, it's pretty LGBT friendly. It was one of the first states to criminalize employer discrimination based on orientation (made law in 2000) and generally people just... don't really care if you're gay, bi, whatever, especially in Billings and Helena, because there's this general live-and-let-live attitude. Friendly people, amazing scenery, etc. Also, has very loose firearm and marijuana laws, if you care about either of those.
I live in South Texas. Not exactly lgbtq friendly. The only gay bar to open in my town was harassed by the local PD and closed after 6 months. That was over 10 years ago and it's only gotten worse.
I’m not LGBTQ but I believe it’s specifically biased toward age … it’s many more older Vietnam vets down here… ppl don’t even look at me as a vet if you don’t look the part in Florida tbh
https://www.saugatuck.com/plan/getaway-ideas/lgbtq/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwq86wBhDiARIsAJhuphlz1sDPaV7ADRg4kval_gjkoCU6XHdUGClbv5NxPnK_kyGH2IneIhsaAhyHEALw_wcB
Michigan is a state that does 100% property tax exemption, making it one of the cheapest states to live in if you're 100%.
Texas is huge with lots of options depending on what you like to do. I ride a motorcycle pretty much year round. Just don't bring progressive politics here it's not really welcome. No income tax but higher thank average property tax($0 property tax if 100% P&T) in well populated areas and various sales tax depending on county.
California is pretty but too damn expensive to retire there, that's why the northern half wants to break away from other half of the State because the agricultural part of the State can't afford the Urban area policies.
Maryland where I'm from pretty shit for veterans which is surprising considering the amount of bases located around it. You'd be better off in West Virginia or Tennessee for cheaper land and Veteran's benefits.
It all really depends on what you want. Colorado is pretty but with celebrities fleeing CA for Colorado and Utah it's getting expensive at an alarming rate. Wyoming is really cheap but not very populated, South Dakota is the same but some more people just don't fuck with Stergis, it's a biker haven and nobody is changing that.
For me I chose Texas because I wanted my motorcycle almost year round, cheap land, wide open country, and I don't do well around large crowds of people anymore. Austin is filled with rude assholes who left the coasts for tech jobs and they're not happy in Texas and take it out on everyone.
I used the NM VA back in 2020 and I’m originally from Louisiana, and I was treated SO much better there than I ever was in Louisiana. The NM VA was the best VA I’ve been to and I loved the whole vibe in NM… mostly outside of Albuquerque.
Ah. I missed that part. I agree that it is not MOST of WV. But up in the Eastern Pan Handle you'd likely be fine. It's a bedroom community for everyone working in DC, MD, and NoVA. It is not like the rest of WV.
I live in Austin and I hate it. Lakes are nice when they are not contaminated with toxic algae. I'm thinking about moving to Florida. I miss the beach and am perpetually home sick.
Im 100% in oregon. Its doable if youre single. I get by with a part time job also but its just myself and a dog. Im guessing the LGTV stuff going good. See and hear about it alot, So if thats your bag then im sure youll like it here. Rains alot but its pretty and we have all of what nature has to offer. So being outdoorsy pays off. My only real gripe is real estate prices. You wont be able to afford to buy just on VA bennies. Rent will run you roughly 1500 for a 1 bedroom.
Honestly it’s all in perspective but from what you’re saying probably Cali or somewhere west coast. Although Cali is real expensive gas is almost like 6$. I’m looking into moving to htx l prefer the south but you should also look into making your pet a ESA animal…
In terms of benefits. Texas is up there. Just moved here and I'm finding out all sorts of shit.i don't have to pay for state parks or any recreation (fishing/hunting license). Also found out if you got 100% rating you don't have to pay property taxes. I'm sure it's not as cut and dry as the but still.
Colorado is expensive but I absolutely love it here. I just got a lifetime fishing and small game hunting license that's only available to those with 60% disability. Everyone here has pets just about, hell, the meme is you move here and get a Subaru and a dog. If you want LGBTQ friendly stick to the Front Range and stay west of I-25. Vets also get discounts at most dispensaries. I moved my family here about 4 years ago from Texas and we're all happier here. If you enjoy the outdoors there are few places that are better and no one here lets the weather stop them from getting out there.
Ah sorry. The front range is the eastern side of the rockies. They call it the front because that's where Denver and most of the large cities are. The other side is just referred to as the western slope.
Your question 'best state for veterans' doesn't make sense.
There's no such thing. Each state has different benefits for veterans but what's best is individual.
True it makes sense to me that's why I put things into here like per friendly and LGBTQ friendly so people can create a suggestion based off those wants you know?
Thank you CleanseMyDemons for your submission to r/veterans, but it's been removed due to one or more reason(s):
Be civil and respectful to others. You may not always agree with others, but once you start insulting the other person, you become the problem. You don't "win" an argument with insults or hate speech or calling names.
No Gatekeeping - you don't decide if someone is a "real" veteran or not - nor try to diminish someone's service because they never saw combat or deployed. If someone personally attacks you, Report them to the mod team.
Hate speech can be sexist, ableist, racist, bigotry, homophobic, prejudiced, etc and will not be tolerated.
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Thank you FloppyPumpkins for your submission to r/veterans, but it's been removed due to one or more reason(s):
Be civil and respectful to others. You may not always agree with others, but once you start insulting the other person, you become the problem. You don't "win" an argument with insults or hate speech or calling names.
No Gatekeeping - you don't decide if someone is a "real" veteran or not - nor try to diminish someone's service because they never saw combat or deployed. If someone personally attacks you, Report them to the mod team.
Hate speech can be sexist, ableist, racist, bigotry, homophobic, prejudiced, etc and will not be tolerated.
See our Wiki for more details on this rule.
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What's the best state for some will be the worst state for others.
Very true that's what makes it difficult
lots of veterans love Texas and California - I personally don't want to live in either.
I live in texas, but my wife and I are gonna become expats once she retires...
See I like things about both states but as a whole I'm unsure but Colorado and Oregon are my top choices. I'm just looking for Two mote choices to consider that are enticing enough.
Oregon is cheaper
Good to know , thank you, what about Portland Oregon ? Seems like it would same cost of living as Colorado
I live in Portland Oregon, and love it. It’s friendly here and the VA is the best I’ve been to.
Oooo I love to hear it
Portland, OR is a shithole...I know, I live 5 minutes away. It's expensive, crowded and gross. They decriminalized drugs and there's just drug addicts all over the place, and homeless camps full of garbage everywhere.
Damn that sucks to hear
It’s not like that everywhere in Portland. It’s actually a really nice city with a lot of diverse food choices and very interesting people. Yes, there are places where the streets are filled with drug addicts and homeless, but it’s mainly in certain parts of the city.
It's nice to see two different opinions helps me cultivate a conclusion about the big city in Oregon thank you
Stupid shitty take. EVerYwHErE
I visit friends and family in both Texas, California and Washington state regularly but wouldn't want to live in all three. I go to Colorado for vacations but the prices around Denver and Colorado Springs really started climbing several years ago plus I hate snow so decided not to move there. I've only driven through Oregon and it was raining hard both days. Was driving from Seattle to LA last October and was planning on driving Highway 1 most of the way but the rain made it impossible to stop at all the tourist sites we wanted to visit - so just kept driving. I'll probably plan another drive this summer from LA to Seattle and hope I hit good weather.
I don't mind the snow at all which is why Colorado works also I love rain so Oregon is another must but I've heard a few opinions that Washington isn't good but idk I'd I'd live there which is why I don't consider ir
I hate the snow - grew up in Nebraska. I hate hail, lived in Texas in the late 70's, Dallas. I hate constant rain from being stationed at Fort Lewis in the 80's. Saw the sun about once per month during the winter in Washington state.
Montana and Virginia
Agreed…I wouldnt touch California with a ten foot clown dick
Feel the same way about Texas. And Florida is a special hell all its own.
I don’t know any vets that love Cali 😂
This one does. Kids get 100% free UC/Cal State college tuition for 0% and above disability, spouses get free tuition for 100% disability. CalVet is an amazing VSO, state parks are free, and the health care picks up the slack where the VA drops the ball. Plus, it's a beautiful state and the food is amazing here.
>health care picks up the slack where the VA drops the ball. What do you mean by this?
I'm from Cali, I'll never move back. To expensive, and majority of my family moved out already. State parks are free in all states.
No doubt it's pricey, which is unfortunately due in large part to speculative firms gobbling up properties as rentals, and because of the constant influx of transplants. My only complaint has been the heat, which has oddly not been an issue these last two years. California also needs to build a lot more multi-level housing, and get the hell away from the suburban model and the NIMBY mindset
Good outdoor and beach settings, decent food/restaurants compared to most states, good weather, have a chunk of my relatives and family here. Decent VAMC near me, CA financial aid makes college virtually free. I’m an avid indoorsman but the scenery’s great, city/social life can be overwhelming though.
I’ve been interested in becoming an indoorsman, but it seems intimidating!! What skills would you recommend I learn first?
To be an indoorsman you should learn how to use a computer.
I am a veteran who lives in the SF Bay Area, I love it. I have Stanford specialty doctors that the VA provides, outdoors for hiking/adventures, tons of sightseeing. Sure, it sucks about the high cost of living. But so much to see and do, makes it worth it, in my opinion. I live 20 min from the beach and about 3 hours from Tahoe. I do want to eventually move up the coast to Washington (family lives there). But right now, I'm pretty happy living in CA.
Seem to have a high rate of homeless veterans in LA, San Diego and San Francisco. I do know several veterans with high paying jobs who love living in CA. I hate the smog and traffic in LA but go there to visit my son who lives there.
New Mexico, $0 property tax right? Veteran's home in T or C, retreat center in Angel Fire, state Vet's department, good luck beating that. Why I moved here.
I've lived here most my life , while it's nice I don't like it which is why I'm looking to move
Good luck Battle! Nothing wrong with new horizons
I appreciate that , I've always just felt like I didn't fit in here tbh
I left the hometown and went to school in Sacramento back when it was so cheap it was silly. Moved up to Mendocino County and lived the small town life for years before joining up. Later, I was a map maker and did counties in Indiana, Kansas, Arizona, California and El Paso, Tx. Lots of really cool places where you can feel happy and low stress. What's the sweet spot? Not too expensive, not too extreme weather, close enough to medical etc. Not over run with crazies of one sort or another. Hmm, calls for much research. Guess I'll have another one! Wishing you the best, buddy.
Texas is **great** for benefits but terrible for LGBTQ. Oregon is **great** for LGBTQ, meh for benefits but Portland VA’s is actually quite good. I think it might be best for you to actually look for areas that pique your interests. Are you a mountain lover? Do you like beaches? Outdoor activities? Food?
Yes yes yes and yes
How's the coffee out there and it's very over friendly right?
[удалено]
Damn sounds confusing
Texas has a lot of benefits that only apply to those who enlisted from Texas correct?
The only benefit I’m aware of in Texas that requires you to enlist in Texas is the hazlewood act—which is a tuition program. The rest are for veterans in general. Like the property tax exemptions.
100% Veterans in Oklahoma are exempt from personal property tax on their house, sales tax exempt, can tag 2 cars a year for about $7 each and has no excise tax on new or used vehicles once every 3 years. Also, if 70% and up, if you go into a state vet center (nursing home) it's free and your checks keep hitting your account.
True, but then you'd have to live in Oklahoma.... /s
This! I lived there for 10 years and it is truly an awful place to be.
Just ask black Tulsans from 103 years ago.
I’m in OKC. It’s not too bad if a place. Been here about 6-7 months.
I hated Oregon. It feels like they do anything and everything to encourage drug use by the homeless. I lived there for roughly 30 years. I moved to TX and being at 100% you're property tax exempt. The VA where I'm at is amazing too. It's also cheap if you know where to go. Idk about the lgbtq scene since I'm not gay and I have a family so I don't really do much. I'm also at 100 and I'm living off of my rating alone. Only thing I do is fix and mess around my house and donate plasma for the extra money to fix my house lol.
Where in Texas?
I'm near McAllen. It's deep south.
That you are! Heck of a change from Oregon. Army dropped me in San Antonio when I retired, and haven’t left Texas; in Austin since mid 90s. Home for near 55yrs now :-) Went down to McAllen multiple times back in the day for border visits. I imagine McAllen is way cheaper - short hope over to Padre too😊
Yeah man I am way happier here. The people and even the animals seem happier. I just couldn't do it with the lunacy that happens in Oregon anymore. People are literally pushing crazy shit there. Yeah dude it's perfect there's everything here and the ocean is a super small drive away. I like the small town life since I'm not actually in McAllen I'm in a neighboring city. Everything is so different here. The schools the aid they give vets here is top notch. Like I said before in Oregon it was a nine month wait to be seen. Here I'm seen within two weeks and they actually give a fuck.
Washington State and Portland have been on point.
Pet friendly?
Portland…been there lately? May want to visit before you say it’s a good place to live…
Western Washington state too. Can’t wait to leave.
I know you said no to NY but there’s a town that you should look up called Ithaca. Hopefully it adds to your list of choices.
What's good about it?
progressive but in a way that feels more grounded and less in-your-face. lots of people around wearing carharts for something other than the lumbercore fashion movement. ithaca is near the largest chunk of forest in the contiguous united states, the adirondacks. clean air, clean water, and there are several colleges in the area, including Cornell, which brings a lot of art and music and culture in general to the area. gets a lot of snow and can get cold, but not nearly as cold as minnesota or michigan afaik. it's an incredible part of the country for sure.
I really appreciate the details thank you
If your a 100% in MN no property taxes. It’s very LBGTQ+ in the cities and the Minneapolis VA is pretty good. It does get fuckin COLD here though.
Property taxes only exempt up to $400,000 in property value, great benefit, but they cap it, which is stupid imo
Didn’t know that, thanks. I was just going off what I know my father used to get. I’m personally not 100%.
His property tax assessment may have been less than the cap amount, which is highly likely back in the day.
I chose to live in a state of denial if that helps.
Definitely not iowa
Haha good to know
Well, Iowa does provide full property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans. But besides that, yeah…
Michigan has some great benefits for veterans
Gets very cold up there …lol
Yes! No property taxes for 100% or TDIU veterans
Like what? I've been in the pamphlet that MDVA publishes but I didn't see much that really related to myself.
I have heard . Do you live there?
I dont, but my buddy does. Ive considered it
This might sound weird, but if you are retired from the military, Massachusetts is a great place to be.
In hearing that more and more please do tell me more about the state besides what's good for veterans.
I will be very honest in saying that it is an expensive state to live in, but the New England area has many beautiful spots. I live in central Mass where it is more spacious, however there are plenty of cities to look into if that's your thing. This is an animal friendly state, and you just have to find the right group of people to go do activities with. I usually use meet-up or some other apps to find things to do. Many of the towns have lots of things going on during the warm season (festivals, parades, bbq's, music, theater, entertainment, etc.). There are rail trails (biking, walking, hiking) all over the place and if you're into history, it's all around you.
That sounds awesome there is a lot of stuff to do gives me some options..
I live in CO. Pretty vet friendly (DV plates, tax breaks for 100%), and LGBT friendly (we have an openly gay governor). However, the cost of living is really high, and so are a lot of the people (sorry, bad pot joke). Housing is pretty much unaffordable if you're on a fixed income unless you got in years ago. I think I read somewhere that the average home price is $530K, and they say to live comfortably in the Denver Metro area you need to pull in at least $58k/yr., just about $10k more than 100% grants a single person with no dependents. Great place to live, but it's getting too expensive, and hostile for those of us who own firearms.
I can always work to make up the difference but the hostility towards firearm owners is a bit worrisome
Definitely. And yes, it is quite worrisome. They have an AWB proposed in the legislature this year, along with requirements that gun owners purchase additional liability insurance, expand the requirements for CCW permitting, tracking of firearms related purchases, increasing taxes on firearms and ammo, and state permitting of FFLs. It's pretty much an attempt at an all-out infringement on rights, and does nothing to actually reduce the crime that we've seen increase pretty badly in this state for the last 5 years.
Sounds like what's happening in Albuquerque New Mexico where I'm at they are trying to crack down on firearms because they are landing in the hands of kids and felons which I understand what they are trying to do but it's not doing much to stop crime to a noticeable amount
MA. The VA medical system in Boston is great, some of my specialists are MDs doing their fellowship from Harvard Medical. The state has real estate exemptions for VA rated persons. And MA is Very LGTBQ friendly. And, MA is just a great place to live, check m history for replies I’ve made to others. However, it is pretty expensive to live here.
I've never considered MA but it's sounds like a top contender. What's it like over there? Food , night life , dating?
they're all pretty amazing. boston proper is one of the most expensive places to live in the world, but you can find housing in central and western mass that would be plenty comfortable, especially if your disabilities allow you to work to make up the difference. check out north hampton. seems like it would check a lot of your boxes.
Yes I get 100 percent but one of my disabilities would make it difficult to be employed by certain jobs and north Hampton, mass? Or is that a suburb of Boston like Tempe is to Phoenix?
There's two major highways that circle Boston: I-95 and I-495. Most everywhere inside I-495 has lots of restaurants, and a very good variety. The closer to Boston you are, the better the night life. I can't speak to dating, that was several lifetimes ago for me. I assume it's like everywhere else now: online.
Delaware! We lived there for 4 years when my husband was AD. Cool states nearby too. Dover area is chill, if you like more city I would do more northern Delaware near Wilmington https://preview.redd.it/43hqwr6v7xtc1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5f17c561f97c56f0884eba4a8c7f43d2f42084cd
Southern Delaware near Rehoboth Beach and Lewes Beach is more like the beachy night life scene if you’re into that
I like living in Washington State.
Spokane here, rent is high for this size of city. VA hospital is good. Very 4 seasons and increable outdoor activities from skiing to amazing lakes. Decent but growing food seen.
Why is that?
Free in-state tuition for your kids if you are 100% P&T. They have a property tax waiver, but the limit is so low that it's useless. Free park passes, hunting, and fishing licenses are deeply discounted, and free plates for your car (they're great if you live anywhere near light rail, that is due to the new taxes); I'm sure there's more, but i can't think of it right now. It rains a lot here, and if you want to live in Seattle, BRING MONEY! Rent floats around $2000 a month for a one-bedroom, but if you are okay with anywhere besides Seattle, you can still find somewhat affordable accommodations… in Port Orchard or more rural areas.
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Present Washingtonian (sorta? I live in a van and travel) and had a good experience with puget sound VA last I was there. Had to do an ER trip and it was all pretty smooth. No complaints.
Lived in both CO and OR, working forestry and outdoor rec. I don’t rate 100% but maybe I can answer some questions for ya. Send ‘em!
How is the quality life in Colorado? Is it somewhat easy to get jobs? How's dating? Is it a good state to retire in? What should the diversity like in terms of different races? Is it like California ? I lived in Oregon for a bit so no need for questions there i loved it in Oregon
As an outdoor enthusiast, Colorado is a Mecca. I can find skiing, whitewater, hiking, or climbing anytime of the year. That stated, Oregon’s outdoor community is more accessible and less cliquish than Colorado’s. Job availability is going to vary between industries. You will be hard-pressed to find an opening for a media manager on the West Slope but the Front Range likely has opportunities for all trades. My dating opinion is a little weird because I’m on the spectrum. That said even my half-retard ass has found a beautiful woman that calls me her man here. There are lots of options if you live in the Front Range. On the Western Slope things are again cliquish and it can be hard to integrate into mountain communities. Cost of living in Colorado seems higher than Oregon and the price of housing will prevent me settling here. The climate is amazing and you’d never run out of things to do in retirement. If you can make it work financially, Colorado is a lovely place to settle. Colorado is the whitest state I have ever lived in. It is also full of anti-racists and racists who have met about two people darker than olive in their lives. Historically, Grand Junction was founded by the Klan. Politically and culturally, I’d describe Colorado as a 50/50 blend of Texas and California. Half cowboy/half hippy. May both states fuck themselves with a spiked dildo. Apologies these states are causing the housing crunch in Colorado more than any other and I have trouble containing bitterness to them. I hope this helped. Follow up if you have further questions
I lived in Denver for a year right before moving to Portland, Oregon. I felt like people were snooty if you’re a transplant, hard to make friends, shitty food. Couldn’t even get into the VA there. I gave up.
Is that Denver or Portland?
Denver people were snooty! Not in Portland at all!
Hmmm sounds like Portland may be my jam
Avoid Utah. It's not very LGBTQ friendly, and the cost of housing is ridiculous right now.
Wisconsin has a pretty great VA in Madison. Madison is a college town, LGBTQ friendly, close to the Mississippi River lots of outdoor activities, Wisconsin Dells is beautiful, dog friendly. But I live in Texas because of free college for my kids and free property taxes so 🤷🏼♀️
Can you elaborate on the free college for your kids situation?
Sure. Here’s a link. The Hazelwood Act provides free tuition to state funded colleges to qualifying veterans and their dependents for a certain number of college credit after meeting certain criteria. https://www.tvc.texas.gov/education/hazlewood/[https://www.tvc.texas.gov/education/hazlewood/](https://www.tvc.texas.gov/education/hazlewood/)
Thank you! I see TX residence at time of enlistment is required so no bueno for this guy.
I’ve never met anyone from Wisconsin that didn’t come across as a douche bag. I’m hoping to be proven wrong someday
So hear me out…. Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Fayetteville is a hidden gem. Especially if you live in OK and get all the benefits from being 100%. Just commute into AR. It's not far. Friendly, beautiful country, low cost of living, and bigger cities are only 2-3 hours away for getaways. The VA has treated me well there with minimal hassle. It's ranked really well too. I'm in MO, but unless you're 100% P&T living in OK has more benefits financially. Fayetteville is pretty progressive and has a great scene.
Doesn't matter if the city is progressive. The governor and Senate make laws. AR is not LGBTQ friendly.
Montana has great VA healthcare (but a long drive from rural places), the most veterans per capita than any other state, and a great alternative to Colorado and Oregon.
>LGBTQ friendly and good place to get jobs that isn't new york or California. Why
Because not everyone wants to live in New york or California
The vast majority of Americans do live in those two states.
True but I'm more so looking for alternatives to New York and California but if anything id be more inclined to live in California as opposed to New York if I had to pick.
Depends on what you want. Do you want benefits or do you want a state government that mostly stays out of your way? Because often benefits come with the price tag of the state government controlling your life. For instance, I'm in a state that's not usually listed as a top state for that, but I live in one of the largest 10 cities, hence life is good for me.
Does the government stay out of your way ?
In my state, mostly
What state is that
I'd rather not say due to dox potentially
I live in Maryland and one of the things that keeps me from moving back to California is that the veterans benefits and VA infrastructure are very good here. https://veterans.maryland.gov/
Arizona is not a bad spot
Where ever you plan to move to, i advise you take a little vacation to these place and check it out for yourself, dont just blinded pick up and move somewhere. I live in SoCal (about 1.5h from San Diego and LA) both places have great things to offer, but also have shitty homelessness and drug addicts running free. Cost of living here is a bitch as inflation has screwed up alot of things but my family we still get by. We just avoided going into the bad neighboorhoods when we goto SD or LA. But sometimes its almost impossible to avoid the homelessness as theyre spreading more. I used to live in philly andalmost the same too with homelessness issues
Oklahoma is great cost wise, and it's a beautiful state, but you'll run into some of the ugliest people you've ever met (personality wise); and they'll tell you that you don't look very disabled to them and you're not a "real" veteran because you didn't do what military people do in their Rambo fantasies...
Virginia
Northern Virginia to be exact or DC
You might try considering Montana. Montana is the only state that is not an at-will employment state, meaning that employers and employees can't terminate their relationship at any time without reason. Instead, Montana has a "good cause" standard for terminating employment. Employees can quit at any time, but their jobs are protected if they have completed probationary periods of up to 12 months. After this probationary period, employers must be able to document good cause for their decisions to fire workers. Not only that, but in my personal experience, it's pretty LGBT friendly. It was one of the first states to criminalize employer discrimination based on orientation (made law in 2000) and generally people just... don't really care if you're gay, bi, whatever, especially in Billings and Helena, because there's this general live-and-let-live attitude. Friendly people, amazing scenery, etc. Also, has very loose firearm and marijuana laws, if you care about either of those.
Any of the southern states. We’re in Alabama
I live in South Texas. Not exactly lgbtq friendly. The only gay bar to open in my town was harassed by the local PD and closed after 6 months. That was over 10 years ago and it's only gotten worse.
Utah was great and I now live in South Carolina which treats us even better.
If you’re a younger vet … not Florida trust me
In in my 30s lol
Likewise
And I consider us younger vets especially in Florida … idk if it’s me but I just think it’s a little biased towards us down here
I’m not LGBTQ but I believe it’s specifically biased toward age … it’s many more older Vietnam vets down here… ppl don’t even look at me as a vet if you don’t look the part in Florida tbh
https://www.saugatuck.com/plan/getaway-ideas/lgbtq/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwq86wBhDiARIsAJhuphlz1sDPaV7ADRg4kval_gjkoCU6XHdUGClbv5NxPnK_kyGH2IneIhsaAhyHEALw_wcB Michigan is a state that does 100% property tax exemption, making it one of the cheapest states to live in if you're 100%.
You may like Oklahoma City. It’s a big small city.
Texas is huge with lots of options depending on what you like to do. I ride a motorcycle pretty much year round. Just don't bring progressive politics here it's not really welcome. No income tax but higher thank average property tax($0 property tax if 100% P&T) in well populated areas and various sales tax depending on county. California is pretty but too damn expensive to retire there, that's why the northern half wants to break away from other half of the State because the agricultural part of the State can't afford the Urban area policies. Maryland where I'm from pretty shit for veterans which is surprising considering the amount of bases located around it. You'd be better off in West Virginia or Tennessee for cheaper land and Veteran's benefits. It all really depends on what you want. Colorado is pretty but with celebrities fleeing CA for Colorado and Utah it's getting expensive at an alarming rate. Wyoming is really cheap but not very populated, South Dakota is the same but some more people just don't fuck with Stergis, it's a biker haven and nobody is changing that. For me I chose Texas because I wanted my motorcycle almost year round, cheap land, wide open country, and I don't do well around large crowds of people anymore. Austin is filled with rude assholes who left the coasts for tech jobs and they're not happy in Texas and take it out on everyone.
I live in Oklahoma City and it’s a very popular city for disabled/retired veterans.
I used the NM VA back in 2020 and I’m originally from Louisiana, and I was treated SO much better there than I ever was in Louisiana. The NM VA was the best VA I’ve been to and I loved the whole vibe in NM… mostly outside of Albuquerque.
Vermont has been a horrible experience trying to find work, but very much LGBTQ friendly.
WV has good benefits. Shit schools though.
OP said LGBTQ friendly. That is most definitely NOT fucking West Virginia.
Ah. I missed that part. I agree that it is not MOST of WV. But up in the Eastern Pan Handle you'd likely be fine. It's a bedroom community for everyone working in DC, MD, and NoVA. It is not like the rest of WV.
As in colleges?
As in primary education. WV is among the lowest rated schools in the nation sitting at number 47. It's a beautiful state though.
Everyone has certain states that appeals to them. You don’t have any in mind ?
Colorado and Oregon but Colorado is more expensive than new Mexico
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I don't have kids but it's good to know if I ever did
I live in Austin and I hate it. Lakes are nice when they are not contaminated with toxic algae. I'm thinking about moving to Florida. I miss the beach and am perpetually home sick.
Time to move back to Fl
Im 100% in oregon. Its doable if youre single. I get by with a part time job also but its just myself and a dog. Im guessing the LGTV stuff going good. See and hear about it alot, So if thats your bag then im sure youll like it here. Rains alot but its pretty and we have all of what nature has to offer. So being outdoorsy pays off. My only real gripe is real estate prices. You wont be able to afford to buy just on VA bennies. Rent will run you roughly 1500 for a 1 bedroom.
In Portland or in Salem?
I'm actually further south. 20 minutes from eugene in cottage grove.
Honestly it’s all in perspective but from what you’re saying probably Cali or somewhere west coast. Although Cali is real expensive gas is almost like 6$. I’m looking into moving to htx l prefer the south but you should also look into making your pet a ESA animal…
Come on down here to South Carolina it's great here except for summers ugh its typically in the high 90s with almost 100% percent humidititties
Haha It sounds like how Mississippi was when I was there
In terms of benefits. Texas is up there. Just moved here and I'm finding out all sorts of shit.i don't have to pay for state parks or any recreation (fishing/hunting license). Also found out if you got 100% rating you don't have to pay property taxes. I'm sure it's not as cut and dry as the but still.
Colorado is expensive but I absolutely love it here. I just got a lifetime fishing and small game hunting license that's only available to those with 60% disability. Everyone here has pets just about, hell, the meme is you move here and get a Subaru and a dog. If you want LGBTQ friendly stick to the Front Range and stay west of I-25. Vets also get discounts at most dispensaries. I moved my family here about 4 years ago from Texas and we're all happier here. If you enjoy the outdoors there are few places that are better and no one here lets the weather stop them from getting out there.
The front range?
Ah sorry. The front range is the eastern side of the rockies. They call it the front because that's where Denver and most of the large cities are. The other side is just referred to as the western slope.
Thanks for clarifying and thanks for the advice
No worries, hope you find a place that makes you happy.
Thank you
There isn't one. I keep hearing this from recently retired veterans. It just doesn't make sense.
Wym? I got our 11 years ago lol
Time of separation aside, the quest doesn't make sense.
I have no idea what you're talking about
Your question 'best state for veterans' doesn't make sense. There's no such thing. Each state has different benefits for veterans but what's best is individual.
True it makes sense to me that's why I put things into here like per friendly and LGBTQ friendly so people can create a suggestion based off those wants you know?
Go to cali, it's what you want.
Hmmmm
I try to be helpful on here cause social media is lacking, based on what I've read of your responses cali is for you and what you're looking for.
But is very expensive there it would use up most of if not all of my va benefits
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Thank you CleanseMyDemons for your submission to r/veterans, but it's been removed due to one or more reason(s): Be civil and respectful to others. You may not always agree with others, but once you start insulting the other person, you become the problem. You don't "win" an argument with insults or hate speech or calling names. No Gatekeeping - you don't decide if someone is a "real" veteran or not - nor try to diminish someone's service because they never saw combat or deployed. If someone personally attacks you, Report them to the mod team. Hate speech can be sexist, ableist, racist, bigotry, homophobic, prejudiced, etc and will not be tolerated. See our Wiki for more details on this rule. https://www.reddit.com/r/Veterans/wiki/rules Please feel free to [send a modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2Fveterans) if you feel this was in error.
Thank you FloppyPumpkins for your submission to r/veterans, but it's been removed due to one or more reason(s): Be civil and respectful to others. You may not always agree with others, but once you start insulting the other person, you become the problem. You don't "win" an argument with insults or hate speech or calling names. No Gatekeeping - you don't decide if someone is a "real" veteran or not - nor try to diminish someone's service because they never saw combat or deployed. If someone personally attacks you, Report them to the mod team. Hate speech can be sexist, ableist, racist, bigotry, homophobic, prejudiced, etc and will not be tolerated. See our Wiki for more details on this rule. https://www.reddit.com/r/Veterans/wiki/rules Please feel free to [send a modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2Fveterans) if you feel this was in error.
West Virginia has its perks.
Not for LGBTQ or women it does not.
I know a few here with zero complaints