Disabled veterans have unique home buying needs that are different for each individual. In addition, VA tax benefits can vary from state to state. Here are the five best cities for disabled vets offering varied advantages such as VA health facility access, quality of life, and state tax benefits.
Disabled veterans have unique home buying needs that are different for each individual. Plus there are the common real estate headaches such as negotiating realtor fees. For many disabled vets, access to VA health facilities is at the top of their list while for others tax benefits, cost of living, and geography might be more important.
Benefits can vary from one state to the next, and according to your percentage of disability. Here are the five best places for disabled veterans to live based upon access to VA health facilities, property tax benefits, affordability, and quality of life.
Virginia Beach, VA: Beach Resort with VA Support
Located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Beach is a resort city with miles of beaches and a vet population of 57,750. In the state of Virginia, veterans with 100% VA disability are exempt from state property tax on their home. Virginia Beach also offers easy access to 11 Veterans Affairs Department health and benefits facilities.
According to May Zillow data, the current median home value in Virginia Beach is $267,100 having risen 3.3% over the past year. Values may rise another 1.2% within the next year.
The median price of homes currently listed in Virginia Beach is $315,000 while the median price of homes that sold is $256,700. While housing prices are a bit high, high-income levels and access to facilities make Virginia Beach attractive for vets who want to live in a resort area with plenty of support.
Colorado Springs, CO: Rocky Mountains and Strong VA Presence
Nestled near the base of the eastern edge of the southern Rocky Mountains and just 61 miles from Denver, Colorado Springs has a relatively mild climate and beautiful scenery. With three VA health facilities within the area and close proximity to additional facilities in Denver, it’s a draw for many military families. Colorado offers a property tax exemption of 50% of the first $200,000 of a home’s value for veterans with 100% disability.
The median home value in Colorado Springs is $293,000. Colorado Springs home values have gone up 8.0% over the past year and will rise 4.3% within the next year. The median price of homes currently listed in Colorado Springs is $339,900 while the median price of homes that sold is $302,600. The attractiveness of Colorado Springs lies in its proximity to the beautiful rocky mountains, rising property values, and strong VA support.
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San Antonio, TX: "The Military City" Offers Many VA Perks
Situated at the headwaters of the San Antonio River and 80 miles southwest of Austin, they don’t call San Antonio "The Military City" for nothing. San Antonio has 11 VA health facilities within a 60-mile radius, and 28 higher education facilities approved for VA benefits.
Texas offers a full property tax exemption for vets with 100% disability but vets with 10%-90% disability can also get a reduction on their homes assessed value based on their disability percentage. In addition, Texas also offers the Veterans Land Board, which lets vets borrow up to $150,000 at a low-interest rate for property purchases.
The current median home value in San Antonio at $176,100. San Antonio home values have gone up 5.9% over the past year and will rise another 2.4% within the next year. The median price of homes currently listed in San Antonio is $245,000. State VA benefits and a strong military-friendly atmosphere makes San Antonio attractive for home buying vets who want to stay connected.
Glen Burnie, Maryland: Property Tax Benefits in the Suburbs
Glen Burnie is a coastal suburb located just 10 miles southeast of Baltimore in the county of Anne Arundel, with a population of less than 70,000. Glen Burnie is close to 26 VA health facilities and the state of Maryland gives vets who are 100% disabled a full property tax exemption. In addition, Anne Arundel County is disability friendly and provides curb-to-curb para-transit services for seniors and people with disabilities.
The median home value in Glen Burnie is $252,100. Glen Burnie home values have gone up 2.8% over the past year and they will rise another 0.4% within the next year. The median price of homes currently listed in Glen Burnie is $289,900 while the median price of homes that sold is $256,100.
For those who want the peace of the suburbs near a big city with good access to VA health facilities, Glen Burnie has a lot to offer.
Oklahoma City, OK: Great Tax Benefits and Low Cost of Living
With four VA health facilities within a 10-mile radius, Oklahoma City has some additional VA benefits. Not only are vets with 100% disability given a total property tax exemption, but a total sales tax exemption as well.
Oklahoma City is recently becoming more and more diverse. The Oklahoma River is a hotspot for outdoor recreation and is the official U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site for rowing and canoeing and kayaking. While Oklahoma City has four seasons, it enjoys sunshine and low humidity for the majority of the year.
The median home value in Oklahoma City is $130,200. Oklahoma City home values have gone up 3.1% over the past year and are predicted to rise 1.3% within the next year. The median price of homes currently listed in Oklahoma City is $189,900 while the median price of homes that sold is $148,900. Oklahoma City, with its tax breaks and low cost of living, is a good place to consider for vets who are seeking good quality of life for a lower price.
As a disabled vet looking to purchase a new home in a supportive state, there are a lot of factors to consider to meet your specific needs.
It’s best to consult with a top full-service agent who knows the ins and outs of local areas and can answer your questions with accurate information. Clever Partner Agents are the best performers in their local market and can get you the best price on a new home in a great vet-friendly.
