Austin Named America’s No. 1 City for Veterans!
Hey there, Austin! Exciting news is coming your way just in time for Veterans Day on November 11. A recent study by WalletHub has officially named Austin, Texas as the best city in America for veterans! That’s right, the capital of the Lone Star State is leading the charge in providing resources and opportunities for those who have bravely served our country.
How Did They Decide This?
Now, you’re probably wondering how they made this decision. WalletHub took a deep dive into the top 100 largest cities in the U.S., analyzing a whopping 19 different metrics to determine which city truly rolls out the red carpet for veterans. They took into account factors like employment rates, quality of life, and even how many discounts are available at restaurants and entertainment venues for our heroes in uniform. Pretty comprehensive, right?
Why Austin Stands Out
Austin shines in several key areas. For starters, it boasts the best colleges for veterans in the country, making it a fantastic spot for veterans looking to further their education. The city’s economy is booming, with the ninth-highest median annual income for veterans at over $59,000. This financial stability is crucial, especially when you consider that across the nation, there are over 17.9 million veterans, with more than 35,000 of them experiencing homelessness.
Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst, shared the findings in a news release, saying, “Austin, TX, is the best city for veterans, in large part because it has the best colleges for veterans in the country… It’s also good for veterans to live in a place where they can form a community of support.” And guess what? Austin also has the second-largest projected increase in veterans moving to the area between 2023 and 2050. It sounds like Austin is gearing up to be a fantastic veteran-friendly hub!
Breaking Down the Rankings
So, how did Austin perform in specific categories? Here’s a quick breakdown:
- 10th place for veteran employment
- 13th place for economic rank
- 4th place for quality of life
- 32nd place for veteran health
Pretty commendable, don’t you think? For context, Austin is followed closely by Orlando, Florida, and Raleigh, North Carolina, showing that southern hospitality is alive and well for veterans everywhere. Even though there are more than 10 other Texas cities on the list, Austin firmly holds the top spot. The nearest Texas city on the list is Laredo, which comes in at number 12.
What This Means for Veterans
For veterans looking to settle down, attend school, or simply enjoy life post-service, Austin provides a welcoming environment filled with opportunities. With its vibrant music scene, endless outdoor activities, and a strong sense of community, this city is stepping up to meet the needs of our heroes.
So, this Veterans Day, let’s celebrate the incredible service members who have fought for our freedoms. And to all our veterans out there – if you’re considering a move, Austin, Texas, just might be the perfect place to call home!
