...
By Jordan King
Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Newsweek has mapped out the 100 best and worst cities for veterans to live in, with Austin, Texas, ranked first and Newark, New Jersey, ranked last, according to new analysis.
Finance website WalletHub compared the 100 largest cities in America, looking at 19 key indicators of livability, affordability and veteran-friendliness in a new report published on Monday.
These indicators include military skill-related jobs, veteran income growth and the availability of veteran health facilities.
Read More on News
Why It Matters
Roughly 200,000 military members transition to civilian life each year, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. For many, relocation is an essential part of reintegration. Cities offering accessible health care, job opportunities and social support can make a significant difference in their post-service lives.
What To Know
WalletHub found that the top 10 cities for veterans to live in are:
- Austin, Texas
- Tampa, Florida
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Orlando, Florida
- St. Petersburg, Florida
- Irvine, California
- Fort Worth, Texas
Austin has the best colleges for veterans in the country as well as the 10th-highest median annual income for veterans ($62,000), a good job growth rate and opportunities for veterans to "form a community of support with others who have gone through similar experiences."
Austin also has the 12th-highest number of restaurants and the 10th-most arts/entertainment establishments per capita that offer military discounts.
Tampa is ranked second for similar reasons, as well as its high number of veteran benefits and health facilities—its veteran medical facilities are rated as the second-best in the country.
WalletHub’s bottom 10 cities for veterans to live in are:
- Newark, New Jersey
- Detroit, Michigan
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Toledo, Ohio
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Stockton, California
- Fresno, California
- Chicago, Illinois
These cities ranked lowest on WalletHub’s analysis for employment, economy, quality of life and health.
Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards told Newsweek: "The City-Parish takes its veterans care seriously. First and foremost, let me thank our men and women who have served in uniform, and those who continue to serve. Your sacrifice and commitment deserve our utmost respect and support.
"At the same time, we view this ranking not as a verdict, but as a call to action that is already in structure. Baton Rouge currently has several veteran-focused programs and initiatives that were not reflected in the report, including veteran business tax incentives, veteran recognition programs, direct collaboration with the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, free bus passes for veterans, veteran preference points in City hiring, and recognition of military service toward retirement with City employment, among many other programs. We constantly strive to improve the lives of our veterans."
Newsweek has contacted city authorities for Newark and Detroit, via email, for comment.
What People Are Saying
Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards told Newsweek: "In addition, our administration is and has been committed to working with our state and federal partners, the business community, workforce development organizations, and veteran-service nonprofits to strengthen job training programs, expand veteran-friendly hiring, improve access to mental and physical health care, and continue to create a welcoming environment where veterans thrive.
"We believe Baton Rouge has tremendous potential, and we continue to grow our veteran services because we have a strong military heritage, an engaged veteran community, and a growing regional economy. Our veterans deserve these efforts, and we strive to always better our veterans' lives while we continue to fulfill our promise to them to Never Forget. Thank you for working alongside us to build a city worthy of that service."
WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said in the report: "When veterans return home from serving our nation, it’s important for them to live in a place that provides good education and employment opportunities, along with access to quality care for their physical and mental health. The best cities for veterans have all these characteristics, plus added bonuses like large veteran populations for community support, plus many restaurants and entertainment venues that offer veteran discounts."
Daryl Griffin, the student life manager of veteran services at LaGuardia Community College, said: "I think a big issue is connecting with a community; many veterans join the military and leave behind family, friends, a strong community of support. When service members separate from the military that same structure that they left behind may not be there or they relocate to a different area."
What Happens Next
Veterans Day is coming up on November 11. As more service members reenter civilian life, cities may look to emulate the models of top performers.
WalletHub’s full 2025 report, including a breakdown of all 100 cities and methodology, is available here.
Update 11/05/25 8:39 a.m. ET: This story has been updated to include comment from the Baton Rouge mayor.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines