10 Best States for Veterans to Buy a House [2024]

In this article, VA disability expert Brian Reese reveals and explains the 10 Best States for Veterans to Buy a House in 2024!

We have ranked these states from 1 to 10, based on home values, cost of living, quality of life, economic opportunities, veteran population, and veteran benefits availability.

With the average home value in the U.S. currently at $354,179, it’s important to consider cost-effective options for veterans to buy homes without compromising quality of life.

Even though these 10 states present a variety of housing options catering to diverse lifestyles and preferences, we advise military veterans to engage in comprehensive online research and thoughtfully weigh their individual priorities, such as employment opportunities and family needs.

Okay, let’s explore the best states for veterans to buy homes right now.  

Key Findings of Our Research

• West Virginia is currently the cheapest state for veterans to buy a home in 2024. West Virginia has an average home value of $161,063, which is $193,116 less than the national average of $354,179. In addition, beginning January 1, 2024, West Virginia veterans are eligible to claim a Disabled Veteran Real Property Tax Credit. Veterans with a 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) VA rating are completely exempt from paying property taxes on their primary residence.

• Hawaii is the most expensive state to buy a house in 2024, with an average home value of $858,106. California is the second most expensive state to buy a home in 2024, with an average home value of $783,666. Hawaii and California offer generous property tax exemptions for disabled veterans and robust benefits programs.

• The average home value in the U.S. is currently $354,179. Eight of the states we recommend for veterans offer significantly cheaper housing options than the national average, including West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, Nebraska, and Mississippi.

What are the Best States for Veterans to Buy a Home?

• Pennsylvania

• North Carolina

• Utah

• Kentucky

• Iowa

• Indiana

• Ohio

• Nebraska

• Mississippi

#1. Pennsylvania – Average Home Value: $261,312

Pennsylvania is currently the #1 state for veterans to buy a house. Pennsylvania is very veteran friendly and ranks #4 in the country for veteran population by state with over 800,000 veteran residents. Pennsylvania offers a diverse range of cities and rural areas, making it suitable for various lifestyles. With a rich history, vibrant culture, and affordable home prices, it presents an attractive option for homebuyers. Additionally, the state provides excellent educational institutions and a strong job market. The state offers a variety of other great benefits to veterans and their families with property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, state income tax exemptions, tuition assistance for veterans and their families, recreational discounts, and emergency financial aid options for veterans in need. Pennsylvania veterans with a 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) rating are completely exempt from paying property taxes on their primary residence.

#2. North Carolina – Average Home Value: $329,225

North Carolina boasts a desirable combination of natural beauty, a mild climate, and a thriving economy that veterans will find appealing. North Carolina has the #3 largest veteran presence in the country, with over 720,000 veterans residing in the state. The state’s diverse geography includes stunning beaches and majestic mountains, offering endless opportunities for outdoor activities. With a low cost of living and a strong sense of community, North Carolina is an appealing place to call home. The state has some other solid benefits for veterans and their families with property tax exemptions, income tax exemptions for military retirees, employment assistance and apprenticeship programs, North Carolina Veteran Dependents educational benefits and tuition assistance, and vehicle tax exemptions.

#3. Utah – Average Home Value: $519,182

Utah is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, including national parks, mountains, and picturesque valleys. The only downside for veterans is the cost of home ownership, which tends to be on the high side relative to other states. The state offers a high quality of life, with excellent healthcare, a robust economy, and low crime rates. Homebuyers in Utah can enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle, a family-friendly environment, and a relatively low cost of living. Utah does offer veterans property tax exemptions, education and training programs, employment assistance, special driver’s licenses and vehicle plates, and discounted hunting and fishing licenses.

#4. Kentucky – Average Home Value: $201,332

Kentucky offers veterans a blend of Southern hospitality, beautiful countryside, and a rich cultural heritage. Known for its horse racing tradition and bourbon production, the state has a unique charm. With affordable housing options, a low cost of living, and a warm community spirit, Kentucky provides an inviting atmosphere for military and veteran homebuyers. Kentucky is known for its robust benefits programs for veterans and their families, including generous property tax exemptions, recreational licenses and discounts, vehicle registration discounts, and employment assistance.

#5. Nevada – Average Home Value: $432,764

Nevada’s appeal lies not only in its famous entertainment hub, Las Vegas, but also in its diverse landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. The state boasts a sunny climate, breathtaking desert scenery, and access to outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and boating. Nevada veteran benefits include: No state income tax, property tax exemptions, state employment preferences, tuition assistance, vehicle tax exemptions, and recreational privileges and discounts.

#6. Iowa – Average Home Value: $214,151

Ranked among the top 10 most affordable states in the U.S., Iowa is also recognized as one of the safest. With the cost of living around 90% of the national average and housing costs at just 75% of the average, Iowa offers financial benefits and a diverse population that embraces differences. Its scenic landscapes make it an ideal destination for outdoor activities. Iowa has some fantastic veteran benefits programs, including property tax exemptions, education and training programs, employment assistance, recreational licenses and discounts, veteran housing programs, and emergency financial assistance. Iowa veterans with a 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) VA rating are entirely exempt from paying property taxes on their primary residence. This benefit also applies to Iowa veterans who have been rated by the VA as Individually Unemployable (known as 100% TDIU).

#7. Indiana – Average Home Value: $236,990

Offering a mix of large cities and small towns, Indiana provides something for everyone. With a low cost of living, friendly residents, a relatively low crime rate, and four-season weather, the state encourages people to appreciate each season as it unfolds. Indiana veteran benefits include property tax exemptions, education and training programs, employment assistance, resources for women veterans, statewide healthcare facilities, vehicle and driver license recognition and discounts, discounts to state parks, sportsman’s discounts, and emergency financial aid.

#8. Ohio – Average Home Value: $223,135

Ohio consistently ranks highly on various “best of” lists, including having a significant number of top-ranked school districts. It offers abundant job opportunities and a range of entertainment options. Ohio is also among the top 10 cheapest states to live in right now. Ohio veteran benefits include property tax exemptions, education and training programs, bonuses, housing assistance, recreational licenses and discounts, and employment assistance.

#9. Nebraska – Average Home Value: $257,167

Known for its happy residents, Nebraska ranks among the top 10 happiest states. It combines affordability with a touch of humor, as reflected in its tourism tagline. The state offers a relatively low cost of living and is appreciated for its beauty and recreational activities, including golf. Nebraska has one of the highest per capita veteran populations and strong community support for those who served.  Nebraska veteran benefits include the following: Property and income tax exemptions, financial and housing assistance, tuition waivers for dependents, employment and vocational rehabilitation services, hiring preferences for state employment, special driver’s licenses and vehicle plates, and reduced fees for hunting, fishing, and state parks. Nebraska veterans with a 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) VA disability rating are completely exempt from paying property taxes on their primary residence.

#10. Mississippi – Average Home Value: $178,490

Even though it has a low-ranking public school system, Mississippi appeals in other areas. It boasts warm weather, friendly people, delicious food, and a low cost of living. Whether for work, retirement, or family, Mississippi allows individuals to save money each month. Mississippi veteran benefits include property tax exemptions, educational assistance, employment services and job skills training, recreational privileges and discounts, and specialized license plates honoring veterans’ military service. Mississippi veterans with a 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) rating is eligible for a complete exemption from Ad Valorem taxes on the assessed value of their homestead property.

About the Author

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Brian Reese

Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.

A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.