Published Jun 15, 2026, 5:00 AM EDT
A WalletHub study cited one state as a top retirement destination due to its veteran-friendly policies and programs.
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Published Jun 15, 2026, 5:00 AM EDT
Retired U.S. Army Capt. Robert Cornicelli said that since he and his wife moved to South Carolina in 2023, he feels like he's living and working in America's best-kept secret. The personal finance company WalletHub agrees, publishing a study across the 50 states and the District of Columbia that ranks the best states for military retirees. South Carolina came out on top, named the best state for military retirees in 2026. The state scored high in 28 key metrics, ranging from the number of veterans per capita, the number of Veteran's Administration health facilities, and the availability of job opportunities for veterans. "My wife and I chose South Carolina for many of the same reasons thousands of other veterans do—affordability, quality of life, strong communities and opportunity," Cornicelli told Military.com. "After living here and working with veterans throughout the state, I've only become more convinced that it deserves its reputation as one of the best places in the country for veterans and military retirees."
