The cities were selected based on an analysis of over 500 metropolitan markets, considering factors such as cost-of-living, crime rates, housing affordability, and the strength of the local veteran community.
“Our in-depth analysis factors in feedback and priorities from hundreds of Veterans we surveyed, so we can really dig into what those who serve are looking for when it comes to planting roots and building communities,” Chris Birk, vice president of mortgage insight at Veterans United, said in the report.
On costs, Sioux Falls emerged as the most affordable city in the top 10, with a cost-of-living score of 90.17, closely followed by Wichita Falls at 90.13. Virginia Beach ranked as the most expensive at 85.56, slightly above the national average of 86.64.
Crime rates also factored heavily, with Rochester boasting the lowest rates among the top cities at 90.71 versus the national average score of 80.72 on the study’s crime index.
For housing affordability, five cities (Altoona, Wichita Falls, Fargo, Watertown and Sioux Falls) had median home prices below the national median of $383,538. Altoona claimed the lowest at $129,950, while Tampa topped the list at $415,500.
