For the more than 19 million veterans currently living in the United States, where you live can be essential to your access to healthcare, good employment, and a strong quality of life.
WalletHub recently conducted a report of the best US cities for veterans, analyzing 20 key indicators of livability, affordability, and veteran-friendliness. The study then provided rankings — out of 100 — for each category.
Employment rankings took into account the number of veteran-owned businesses per veteran population and opportunities for job growth, as well as the availability of jobs that utilize military-learned skills. Economy rankings considered factors such as the median veteran income and veteran homelessness rates, while quality of life was determined by analyzing veteran population, restaurants with military discounts, and more.
(Photo by Carlos Delgado)
The study found that Tampa, Florida, triumphed as the best major US city for veterans, earning a total score of 72.44 out of a possible 100. Boston, Massachusetts, despite ranking at No. 68 overall, earned the highest ranking for veteran employment.
Keep reading to find out the top 25 best US cities for veterans.
25. Lincoln, Nebraska
Total score: 60.69
Employment (ranked out of 100): 49th
Economy (ranked out of 100): 8th
Quality of life (ranked out of 100): 29th
Health (ranked out of 100): 94th
24. Durham, North Carolina
Total score: 60.72
Employment: 15
Economy: 55
Quality of life: 28
Health: 42
23. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Total score: 60.85
Employment: 14
Economy: 10
Quality of life: 18
Health: 84
(Photo by Gerson Repreza)
22. Chesapeake, Virginia
Total score: 61.25
Employment: 57
Economy: 13
Quality of life: 26
Health: 61
21. San Antonio, Texas
Total score: 61.34
Employment: 29
Economy: 27
Quality of life: 19
Health: 47
20. Denver, Colorado
Total score: 61.79
Employment: 6
Economy: 50
Quality of life: 12
Health: 79
(Photo by Owen CL)
19. Laredo, Texas
Total score: 61.80
Employment: 33
Economy: 1
Quality of life: 78
Health: 20
18. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Total score: 61.96
Employment: 20
Economy: 72
Quality of life: 25
Health: 30
(Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen)
17. Columbus, Ohio
Total score: 62.16
Employment: 24
Economy: 14
Quality of life: 37
Health: 54
16. Boise, Idaho
Total score: 62.71
Employment: 21
Economy: 36
Quality of life: 4
Health: 89
15. San Diego, California
Total score: 62.75
Employment: 47
Economy: 78
Quality of life: 2
Health: 35
(Photo by Lucas Davies)
14. Plano, Texas
Total score: 63.23
Employment: 82
Economy: 44
Quality of life: 10
Health: 20
13. Fort Worth, Texas
Total score: 63.35
Employment: 70
Economy: 5
Quality of life: 32
Health: 20
12. Irvine, California
Total score: 63.66
Employment: 50
Economy: 40
Quality of life: 41
Health: 1
(Photo by Catatonique)
11. Madison, Wisconsin
Total score: 64.50
Employment: 27
Economy: 6
Quality of life: 21
Health: 40
10. Jacksonville, Florida
Total score: 65.50
Employment: 23
Economy: 20
Quality of life: 36
Health: 13
(Photo by Lance Asper)
9. St. Petersburg, Florida
Total score: 65.67
Employment: 51
Economy: 18
Quality of life: 23
Health: 13
8. Gilbert, Arizona
Total score: 67.73
Employment: 40
Economy: 3
Quality of life: 15
Health: 64
7. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Total score: 68.13
Employment: 62
Economy: 2
Quality of life: 11
Health: 61
(Photo by Jason Pratt)
6. Colorado Springs, Colorado
Total score: 70.06
Employment: 17
Economy: 24
Quality of life: 5
Health: 49
5. Scottsdale, Arizona
Total score: 71.45
Employment: 12
Economy: 9
Quality of life: 3
Health: 64
4. Raleigh, North Carolina
Total score: 71.78
Employment: 5
Economy: 4
Quality of life: 14
Health: 70
3. Orlando, Florida
Total score: 71.94
Employment: 3
Economy: 16
Quality of life: 9
Health: 32
(Photo by Drew Coffman)
2. Austin, Texas
Total score: 72.22
Employment: 11
Economy: 17
Quality of life: 7
Health: 20
1. Tampa, Florida
Total score: 72.44
Employment: 8
Economy: 12
Quality of life: 6
Health: 16
This article originally appeared on Business Insider. Follow @BusinessInsider on Twitter.
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