The United States has military bases all over the world, however most of America’s veterans come home to settle back into American life. Where do they chose to live upon their return? Using research gathered from The US Department of Veteran Affairs, ApartmentGuide.com has compiled the top 10 states with the most veterans. Thinking you’d like to move closer to a military base? We’ve also suggested the best places to consider moving to for staying close to your fellow service members.
State | Population of Veterans | Cities Nearest to Military Bases |
---|---|---|
California | 1,851,470 | Los Angeles, CA (LA Air Force Base, Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Base) San Diego, CA (CampPendleton, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Naval Base Coronado) |
Texas | 1,680,418 | Killeen, TX (Fort Hood) El Paso, TX (Fort Bliss) San Antonio, TX (Fort Sam Houston, Lackland AFB) |
Florida | 1,583,697 | Jacksonville, FL (Blount Island Command, NAS Jacksonville) Mayport, FL (Naval Station Mayport) |
Pennsylvania | 939,069 | Horsham Township, PA (JRB Willow Grove) Mechanicsburg, PA (NSA Mechanicsburg) Carlisle, PA (Carlisle Barracks) |
New York | 892,221 | Brooklyn, NY (Fort Hamilton) West Point, NY (US Military Academy) Saratoga Springs, NY (Saratoga Springs NSU) |
Ohio | 866,481 | Dayton, OH (Wright-Patterson Air Force Base) Cleveland, OH (ISC Cleveland) |
Virginia | 781,388 | Bowling Green VA (Fort AP Hill) Arlington, VA (Fort Myer, National Maritime Center, Henderson Hall) |
North Carolina | 775,020 | Fayetteville, NC (Fort Bragg) Elizabeth City, NC (Air Station Elizabeth City, National Strike Force) |
Georgia | 752,882 | Atlanta, GA (Fort McPherson) Savannah, GA (Hunter Army Airfield) Marietta, GA (Naval Air Station Atlanta) |
Illinois | 721,575 | Chicago, IL - (Great Lakes Naval Training Center) Mascoutah, IL (Scott Air Force Base) Rock Island, IL (Rock Island Arsenal) |
While California, Texas and Florida all have veteran populations reaching far into the millions, Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York are quickly gaining ground. It comes as little surprise for Virginia to have a large population of veterans with its proximity to Washington, DC, Fort Myer and the National Maritime Center, or Illinois being the home for the Great Lakes Naval Training Center.
Did we miss your favorite city near a military base? If you’re a veteran or in military retirement, what state would you move to? Tell us below!