For this Veterans Day, the $95 billion Navy Federal Credit Union in partnership with Sperling's Best Places released a "Best Cities after Service List," ranking the Top 10 U.S. cities that may be best suited for service members to consider living when they leave the military.
The Vienna, Va.-based noted that data from the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff found that about 250,000 military members return to civilian life after serving their nation.
The Navy FCU ranking was based on 11 metrics that included veterans' success and wellness, such as veterans' income, unemployment rates, proximity to VA hospitals and military bases. Other quality of life metrics included affordability, the local economy, access to health resources, colleges, the arts, and family-friendly recreational activities. Based in Portland, Ore., Sperling's Best Place is a firm that leverages its research methodologies to determine best places to live, work and retire.
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The Top 10 cities are:
Oklahoma City, Okla.
OKC earned its No. 1 ranking with some of the strongest scores for both veteran specific metrics and for overall quality of life measures. The city scored particularly well in the categories of high incomes and income growth for vets, low unemployment among vets and the number of veteran owned businesses, according to Navy FCU. As the largest city in the state with more than 1.3 million people, Oklahoma City is attracting younger Americans because it boasts low housing prices, a strong local economy and a community known for its welcoming spirit, Navy FCU found.
Omaha, Neb.
Five Fortune 500 corporations are headquartered in Omaha, the largest city in Nebraska that is home to more than 400,000 residents. In addition to its robust economy and low unemployment, Omaha has become renowned for its culture and livability, Navy FCU said. The Military Times has consistently recognized the University of Nebraska as one of the best universities for veterans, active duty members and their families. Omaha garnered some of the best scores for low unemployment and poverty rates and high incomes among vets, according to Navy FCU's metrics.
Colorado Springs, Colo.
Although Colorado Springs received one of Navy FCU's highest scores as a veteran-friendly city, it is less affordable than other cities that made the list. Nevertheless, Colorado Springs makes the beauty and serenity of mountain living more accessible to Americans. The city is home to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Olympic Training Center and the national landmark, Garden of the Gods.
Washington, D.C.
Washington D.C.'s greater metropolitan area is a natural destination for many transitioning military members with ample jobs in the Department of Defense and at other federal agencies. Moreover, the DMV —- D.C., Maryland and Virginia — is home to a number of smaller, more affordable communities and boasts many family-friendly activities and destinations. Navy FCU found that the D.C. metro area landed very high scores among vets with college degrees and received top rankings for veteran income.
Grand Forks, N.D.
In Grand Forks, Navy FCU found very low unemployment and strong income levels among vets. One of the natural prime features of the city is the Grand Forks Greenway, more than 2,200 acres of open space in the heart of the state's third largest city with miles of hiking and biking trails that stretch to East Grand Folks, Minn. In addition, the citizens of Grand Forks takes a lot of pride in their public school system, which has been consistently named one of the best in the state based on data from the U.S. Department of Education.
Austin, Texas
Trademarked as the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin is known for its eclectic live music scene for country, blues and rock and roll. In addition, the state's capital features numerous parks and lakes popular for hiking, biking, swimming and boating. According to Navy FCU, Austin scored near the top for access to VA hospitals as well as nearby military bases. What's more, the percentage of vets with four- year college degrees is very high and the rates of poverty and unemployment among veterans are low. However, Navy FCU also found that the housing costs in Austin are high.
San Antonio, Texas
Celebrating its tercentennial this year, San Antonio is also called Military City, USA because it has one of the largest active and retired military populations in the nation, according to Navy FCU. As the state's second largest city, it is home to the Department of Defense's largest medical center at Joint Base San Antonio Fort Sam Houston. Veterans' income is high and compared to Austin, housing costs in San Antonio is much more affordable, according to Navy FCU.
Charlottesville, Va.
As the gateway to Shenandoah National Park, Charlottesville, Va., is home to more than 30 local orchards, vineyards and breweries. Thomas Jefferson's home, Monticello, and the University of Virginia, are located in this city of nearly 50,000 residents. According to Navy FCU, its military population is increasing because the National Ground Intelligence Center, which is part of the U.S. Army's intelligence and security command, is headquartered in Charlottesville.
Rapid City, S.D.
Home of the Ellsworth Air Force Base, Rapid City is also known as the "City of Presidents" and is the gateway to Mount Rushmore. Navy FCU found that Rapid City took the top score for the percentage of businesses that are owned by veterans, income growth and population growth. The credit union also found that the city's five-year housing appreciation values are strong.
Manhattan, Kan.
Coined as the "little apple," Manhattan is tucked in the heart of the Flint Hills of Kansas. It is home to Kansas State University and Fort Riley, where the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division — also known as "The Big Red One," which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year. According to Navy FCU, the percentage of vets with four-year college degrees is very high, and Manhattan took a top ranking in veterans' income.
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Peter Strozniak
Credit Union Times reporter covering credit union operations, fraud, M&As, leagues, business continuity, and breaking news.
