News Summary
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has been named the top city for veterans in 2025, according to a report by Veterans United Home Loans. The city offers a favorable cost of living, excellent community support, and numerous amenities tailored to veterans, making it an appealing place to settle down. Home to over 28,000 veterans, Myrtle Beach ranks high for quality of life and access to essential services, including local VA clinics and medical centers. The area boasts beautiful beaches and a variety of recreational activities, ideal for veterans seeking a supportive environment.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Emerges as the Best City for Veterans in 2025
Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has been named the top city for veterans to live in 2025, according to the annual report by Veterans United Home Loans. The list, which ranks the best cities based on input from over 599 veterans, considers crucial financial factors such as cost of living and home affordability.
The Myrtle Beach area is home to more than 28,000 veterans, making up nearly 8% of its population. With its favorable coastal lifestyle, strong community support, and numerous amenities tailored to veterans, Myrtle Beach secured its position as the leading location for veterans nationwide.
Key Features of Myrtle Beach for Veterans
The Myrtle Beach area ranks seventh for community support and fourth overall for quality-of-life infrastructure. Veterans in South Carolina benefit from significant tax incentives, including a full property tax exemption for disabilities and no tax on military retirement pay. The region also provides access to essential services, including the Myrtle Beach VA Clinic and the nearby Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center.
On the recreational front, Myrtle Beach boasts over 60 miles of beautiful beaches and more than 100 golf courses. The city also hosts a variety of military appreciation events throughout the year, further solidifying its supportive environment for veterans. The median home price in Myrtle Beach stands at $300,000, making it an appealing choice for veterans looking to settle down.
Atlantic City, New Jersey—A Close Second
Ranking second on the list is Atlantic City-Hammonton, New Jersey. Known for its vibrant beach culture and strong community support for veterans, Atlantic City offers opportunities for veterans to take advantage of New Jersey’s property tax exemptions for disabilities as well as no tax on military retirement income. However, the living costs in Atlantic City are higher, and healthcare accessibility is ranked lower compared to other cities in the top five.
Proximity to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst allows veterans to explore post-service career options. The city features local attractions, including the Steel Pier, the Atlantic City Aquarium, and nearby farms and wineries in Hammonton. The median home price is reported at $244,900.
Lawrence, Kansas—Third on the List
Taking the third spot is Lawrence, Kansas, recognized for its small-town charm and excellent healthcare services. Lawrence ranks number one for VA healthcare access, with available resources such as the Lawrence VA Clinic and support through the University of Kansas’ Military-Affiliated Student Center. Especially noteworthy are the partial tax exemptions for disabled veterans on military retirement pay and property taxes.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate Clinton State Park, while a lively downtown area filled with locally owned shops and eateries adds to the community’s appeal. In Lawrence, the median home price is approximately $370,000.
Other Top Cities for Veterans
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, ranks fourth, recognized for its exceptional healthcare access and a high ratio of doctors per capita. Veterans here benefit from partial property tax exemptions and military retirement income exemptions for the disabled. Recreational offerings include Falls Park, alongside a vibrant downtown featuring local events. The median home price is $375,000.
Fifth place is earned by Battle Creek, Michigan, which highlights community support and access to VA facilities, including the Battle Creek VA Medical Center and proximity to Fort Custer Training Center. Veterans enjoy full exemptions on military retirement pay and property taxes related to disability. The city organizes several community events such as the National Cereal Festival. The median home price in Battle Creek is $210,500.
Conclusion
Additional noteworthy cities that made the top ten include Decatur, Illinois; Cleveland, Ohio; Altoona, Pennsylvania; Rapid City, South Dakota; and Lawton, Oklahoma. Each city presents unique advantages for veterans, from financial exemptions and healthcare access to vibrant community support. The full list of the best cities for veterans can be found on the Veterans United website.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Myrtle Beach Celebrates Ryan Fox’s Thrilling Playoff Win
Parker’s Kitchen Expands in Myrtle Beach with New Stores
Military Appreciation Days Parade Registration Now Open
Myrtle Beach Golf Courses Undergo Major Renovations
Myrtle Beach Classic to Feature Celebrity Golfers
New Indoor Golf Facility Opens in Local Community
Myrtle Beach Proposes Community Land Trust for Affordable Housing
Myrtle Beach to Welcome New Brewery and Distillery
Golf Stars Compete in High-Stakes Tournament
Branson, Missouri Becomes a Premier Golf Destination
Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Myrtle Beach’s Military Appreciation Days Parade Picnic
- New York Post: Top 10 Best Places for Veterans to Live in 2025
- Travel + Leisure: Best Place for Veterans to Live – Myrtle Beach
- My Horry News: Guide to Myrtle Beach Bikefest and Memorial Day Celebrations
- Wikipedia: Veterans in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
