These cities rank as the best places for veterans in 2025, analysis shows

Millions of veterans are living in the U.S. and some of these individuals can face obstacles as they transition to civilian life after serving our country.

Whether it's quality housing choices or adequate health care, some cities are more effective at providing these types of resources for them, according to the latest WalletHub report. 

RELATED: Monthly payments to disabled Veterans and military retirees will increase in 2026

WalletHub assessed the best cities for veterans to call home by comparing the 100 largest cities using key categories, including livability, affordability, and veteran-friendliness. 

Best cities for veterans

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Rankings of the top cities for veterans involved four criteria: employment, economy, quality of life and health. Each tier was graded on a scale of 100, with a perfect score representing optimal conditions for veterans.

1. Austin, Texas
2. Tampa
3. Madison, Wisconsin
4. Raleigh, North Carolina
5. Colorado Springs, Colorado
6. Virginia Beach, Virginia
7. Orlando
8. St. Petersburg, Florida
9. Irvine, California
10. Fort Worth, Texas
11. Plano, Texas
12. Gilbert, Arizona
13. Miami
14. Chesapeake, Virginia
15. Pittsburgh
16. Scottsdale, Arizona
17. San Diego
18. Jacksonville
19. Chandler, Arizona
20. Boise, Idaho

To see the complete list of cities, click here. 

A breakdown of the top cities for veterans

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WalletHub ranked Austin, Texas, Tampa, and Madison, Wisconsin as the top three cities for veterans and researchers shared their analysis based on the data they compiled. 

Austin, TX

WalletHub ranked Austin, Texas, as the number one city for veterans, primarily because the area has the best colleges for veterans in the U.S., and the 10th-highest median annual income for veterans, at  $62,000. The city also has the seventh-best job growth rate in the nation.

Austin is a good place for veterans to establish a support network boasting the third-smallest projected decrease in veterans between 2024 and 2053. According to WalletHub, the city also has nice entertainment options for vets, with the 12th-highest number of restaurants and the 10th-most arts/entertainment establishments per capita that offer military discounts.

Tampa

Tampa is second on the list with a growing median annual income for veterans that’s increased on average by over 6% annually. WalletHub noted that the current median income is $53,000, ranking 38th out of 100 cities.

The city offers plenty of activities for veterans with the 29th-highest number of arts and entertainment establishments that offer military discounts per capita, and the eighth-highest number of restaurants offering discounts.

According to WalletHub, the city also has veterans’ services with the 6th-most VA benefits facilities per capita and the 3rd-most VA health facilities per capita. Veterans also have access to VA medical facilities that are rated as the 2nd-best in the U.S. along with the 11th-most available beds per capita.

Madison, WI

Madison, WI, is the third-best city for veterans, mainly due to the median annual income for veterans growing on average roughly 9% annually, the fourth-highest percentage in the U.S. WalletHub found that the city also offers outstanding education and job opportunities for veterans, with the 3rd-best colleges for veterans, and the 14th-highest median annual veteran income, at almost $60,000. 

Meanwhile, Madison has the eighth-lowest veteran unemployment rate among 100 of the largest U.S. cities, WalletHub noted.