URGENT UPDATE: Tampa, Florida, has been ranked the second-best city for veterans to live in, according to a newly released survey from WalletHub. This just announced ranking highlights Tampa’s exceptional livability, affordability, and veteran-friendly services, making it a prime location for those who have served.
The WalletHub survey analyzed the 100 largest U.S. cities based on 19 key factors, showcasing Austin, Texas, as the top-ranked city for veterans. Tampa’s second-place position is largely attributed to its rising income expectations for veterans, extensive military discounts, and robust veterans’ services.
Chip Lupo, a WalletHub Analyst, emphasized the significance of these findings:
“When veterans return home from serving our nation, it’s important 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.”
Lupo added that the best cities for veterans also offer strong community support and numerous entertainment venues with veteran discounts.
The survey identified the top five cities for veterans as:
1. Austin, TX
2. Tampa, FL
3. Madison, WI
4. Raleigh, NC
5. Colorado Springs, CO
Notably, Orlando also made the list, ranking seventh. The survey highlights that Tampa boasts the 29th-highest number of arts and entertainment establishments offering military discounts and ranks eighth for restaurants providing similar benefits. Furthermore, the city features the sixth-most VA benefits facilities and the third-most VA health facilities per capita nationwide.
This recognition comes at a crucial time for the nearly 17.6 million veterans living in the U.S., many of whom face challenges reintegrating into civilian life. While the unemployment rate for veterans stands at a low 3.1%, compared to 4.3% for the general population, veteran homelessness remains a pressing issue, with around 33,000 homeless veterans reported.
For more information on the survey and to see the full list of rankings, visit WalletHub’s website. As the conversation around veteran support continues, Tampa’s recognition as a top city for veterans could inspire other cities to enhance their services and support systems for those who have served.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, as communities and organizations work to improve conditions for veterans across the nation.
