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North Carolina City Tops The List Of Best Places For Veterans

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…

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 27: Korean War Veterans from the Republic of Korea salute during the National Anthem at a ceremony commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement at the Korean War Veterans Memorial at the National Mall on July 27, 2023 in Washington, DC. The ceremony was hosted by the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation who invited Korean War veterans and their family members from countries around the world who aided in the defense of South Korea.
(Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

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

Kyle Little/Getty Images Royalty Free

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

Florida, Tampa, city, City vibe, City and water, downtown Tampa, bridges, Clean city, buildings, Skyscraper, shore, Tampa bay,Kasra Keighobady/Getty Images Royalty Free

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

Orlando, Florida, USA Downtown Drone Skyline Aerial.Kruck20/Getty Images Royalty Free

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

Downtown Austin Texas with capital and riverfrontJonathan Ross/Getty Images Royalty Free

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

Raleigh, North Carolina, USA downtown skyline.SeanPavonePhoto/Getty Images Royalty Free

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

The North Carolina state flag waving along with the national flag of the United States of America. In the background there is a clear sky. North Carolina is a state in the Southeastern region of the United Statesrarrarorro/Getty Images Royalty Free

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

Charlotte, North Carolina, USA uptown skyline and park.Sean Pavone/Getty Images Royalty Free

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

Durham, North Carolina, USA downtown skyline.SeanPavonePhoto/Getty Images Royalty Free

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

Greensboro, North Carolina, USA downtown skyline.SeanPavonePhoto/Getty Images Royalty Free

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

Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA Downtown Skyline.Kruck20/Getty Images Royalty Free

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.

Melanie Day is a graduate of North Carolina State University. She has worked for Beasley since 2012 in a variety of behind-the-scenes roles in both digital and promotions. Melanie writes about a diverse range of topics some of her favorites include travel, restaurants, Taylor Swift, and college athletics. When not at work you'll find her at a country concert or NC State sporting event.