If there is something you’d like to see your state the best at this is certainly one of those things. And that’s just what has happened. A North Carolina city ranks number one on the list of best places for veterans to live. This is according to a new study from our friends at WalletHub. Ahead of Veteran’s Day the publication conducted research on the best places for veterans to call home. They report that there are more than 18.2 million veterans living in the United States currently. It’s well documented the obstacles these brave men and women face when assimilating themselves back into civilian culture.
They are rightfully entitled to benefits after their service. But even still some unfortunately struggle. Homelessness is a huge issue in this population of Americans. And some states and cities are just better to call home as a veteran than others. To determine the best places for veterans to live WalletHub compared data on the 100 largest cities in the United States. They looked at metrics such as livability, affordability, and veteran friendliness. As well as the availability of post-military careers, and quality/availability of VA healthcare.
Not only did one North Carolina city rank at the top of the best places for veterans to live list but of the five North Carolina cities that fit the criteria, all ranked in the top 51. This is great news for veterans in North Carolina and certainly something to be proud of. Keep reading to see the top 5 cities for veterans, as well as where each of the North Carolina cities ranked. Want more info you can find that here. And to all the veterans reading this thank you for your service to this country.
5. Virginia Beach, VA
Total Score: 66.66
Employment: 38
Economy: 2
Quality of Life: 9
Health: 69
Coming in at number 5 is Virginia Beach, VA. The Naval Air Station Oceana sits within the city limits of Virginia Beach so it makes sense that many veterans choose to remain in the city. It’s also tied for first for the lowest veteran unemployment rate.
4. Tampa, FL
Total Score: 67.11
Employment: 44
Economy: 45
Quality of Life: 6
Health: 14
4th place on this list goes to Tampa, FL. The first but not last Florida city in the top 5. Tampa ranked highest in the quality of life category.
3. Orlando, FL
Total Score: 67.25
Employment: 35
Economy: 32
Quality of Life: 4
Health: 38
Just edging out Tampa is the nearby city of Orlando. Both cities brought a high quality of life seemingly attributed to Florida itself.
2. Austin, TX
Total Score: 68.58
Employment: 17
Economy: 22
Quality of Life: 7
Health: 29
2nd place behind another high quality of life score is Austin, TX.
1. Raleigh, NC
Total Score: 68.91
Employment: 12
Economy: 5
Quality of Life: 13
Health: 49
And the top spot on this list goes to our state’s capitol city Raleigh! High scores in economy and quality of life helped Raleigh take this title. They also have the fewest homeless veterans proportionate to the total number of veterans. Go Raleigh!
How Other North Carolina Cities Scored
Of the 100 cities included on this list, 5 are in North Carolina. The lowest ranking of any NC city? 51st. Not bad NC not bad at all!
26. Charlotte
Total Score: 59.29
Employment: 30
Economy: 40
Quality of Life: 38
Health: 49
Charlotte was the next highest-ranked North Carolina city. No specific category set Charlotte apart.
35. Durham
Total Score: 57.99
Employment: 7
Economy: 75
Quality of Life: 43
Health: 43
A 7th best employment score helped Durham secure the third best spot in NC and 35th overall.
48. Greensboro
Total Score: 53.88
Employment: 5
Economy: 49
Quality of Life: 87
Health: 49
Greensboro ranked 5th when it comes to the percentage of military skill-related jobs.
51. Winston-Salem
Total Score: 53.72
Employment: 14
Economy: 52
Quality of Life: 81
Health: 49
And at 51st is Winston-Salem. Like other NC cities they scored well in employment.
