AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today November 7, 2026
Austin Tops List of Best U.S. Cities for Veterans
Austin has been named the best city in the United States for veterans, according to a new report by personal finance website WalletHub. This distinction comes as a surprise, as San Antonio—long known as "Military City USA"—did not place in the report’s top 10 and was ranked 25th overall among the 100 largest U.S. cities.
Criteria for Ranking Veteran-Friendly Cities
WalletHub's report evaluated cities based on 19 measures designed to assess "the most favorable conditions for veterans." These factors included livability, affordability, and veteran-friendliness. The study also took into account the availability of jobs that match military skills, veteran income growth, and access to VA health facilities.
Why Austin Stood Out for Veterans
According to the report, Austin earned its top spot largely due to its high-quality educational opportunities for veterans. The city also boasts the ninth-highest median annual income for veterans in the U.S., exceeding $66,000. Furthermore, Austin’s job market for veterans is strong, highlighted by the seventh-best job growth rate nationwide. The capital city ranked 44th in employment and 11th in overall economy among large cities.
Community and Quality of Life in Austin
The report indicated that building a supportive community is important for veterans. Austin is projected to have the fourth-smallest decrease in its veteran population between 2024 and 2053, suggesting strong continued opportunities for veterans to forge friendships and networks. Additionally, Austin offers a high quality of life, with the 12th-highest number of restaurants and the 11th-most arts and entertainment establishments per capita offering military discounts, according to the report.
Other Texas Cities in the Rankings
Austin was one of only three major Texas cities to make WalletHub’s top 10 veteran-friendly cities. Plano ranked fourth, Fort Worth fifth, and Garland came in at number 24. San Antonio, despite its military heritage, ranked 25th overall.
Key Takeaways for Veterans Seeking a New Home
The WalletHub study highlights Austin’s strengths in veteran education opportunities, veteran income growth, and veteran community support. The city's access to VA health facilities and growing job market for military skill jobs further cement its position as an ideal destination for those leaving military service and building a new life as civilians.
Source: mysanantonio.com.
