URGENT UPDATE: Tampa, Florida, has just been ranked the second-best city for veterans to live in the United States, according to a new WalletHub survey released today. This ranking comes as cities across the nation strive to improve livability for those who have served.
The survey evaluated 100 of the largest U.S. cities based on 19 key factors, including affordability, veteran-friendly services, and overall livability. Austin, Texas, claimed the top spot, while Tampa received high marks for its rising income expectations for veterans and the availability of military discounts.
According to Chip Lupo, a WalletHub Analyst, “When veterans return home from serving our nation, it’s crucial 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.” He emphasized that the best cities for veterans offer both community support and numerous dining and entertainment venues that cater to their needs.
The top five cities for veterans, as identified in the WalletHub survey, are:
1. Austin, TX
2. Tampa, FL
3. Madison, WI
4. Raleigh, NC
5. Colorado Springs, CO
In a significant note, Orlando, Florida, also made the list, ranking seventh overall. Tampa scored particularly well, ranking 29th in the number of arts and entertainment venues that provide military discounts and eighth in restaurants offering similar benefits.
Tampa also boasts the sixth-most VA benefits facilities per capita and the third-most VA health facilities among the surveyed cities. This is critical, as there are nearly 17.6 million veterans currently living in the U.S., many of whom face challenges transitioning back to civilian life.
While the veterans’ unemployment rate remains relatively low at 3.1%, compared to 4.3% for the general population, issues such as homelessness continue to plague the community, with approximately 33,000 homeless veterans reported nationwide.
For veterans and their families, these rankings are more than numbers—they signify a community’s commitment to support those who have served. As cities like Tampa continue to enhance their services and opportunities for veterans, the hope is to create environments where they can thrive.
For more information and the full list of rankings, visit WalletHub’s website.
