Best Cities for Veterans to live in Virginia

Dec 10, 2025

Explore the best cities for Veterans in Virginia. Virginia provides a number of veteran-focused benefits that make homeownership more affordable.

Best Cities for Veterans to live in Virginia

Summary

Virginia is one of the most veteran-friendly states in America, with strong benefits, VA resources, and communities that support military families. Top city picks include Virginia Beach, Norfolk/Chesapeake, Arlington, and smaller towns like Abingdon, Bedford, Bridgewater, and Woodstock for those seeking affordability or quieter living.

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If you're a veteran thinking about putting down roots, Virginia is hard to beat. The Commonwealth is home to multiple military installations, accessible VA facilities, tax benefits for disabled veterans, and communities that genuinely value service members. Whether you're transitioning out of active duty, relocating for work, or planning for retirement, Virginia offers stability, opportunity, and support that makes it a great place to live.

At Commander Mortgage, we’re here to make the VA loan process smooth and stress-free, from qualification to closing, and every question in between. That’s why we put together this guide to help you explore homeownership in Virginia.

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What veteran benefits does Virginia offer?

Virginia provides a number of veteran-focused benefits that make homeownership and quality of life more affordable and accessible. Examples include:

Property tax exemptions for eligible disabled veterans (and certain surviving spouses),
Education and employment supports
Special license plates,
State-level programs aimed to ease the transition to civilian life.

When combined with a VA home loan’s low or no down payment and competitive rates, these benefits often make Virginia a fantastic option for veterans and their families!

Learn more about Virginia’s benefits and rights for veterans in this Virginia military friendly guide!

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Which Virginia cities give veterans the best access to VA healthcare, jobs, and military bases?

If proximity to VA medical centers, military installations, and federal job centers is a priority, look at these locations:

Arlington / Northern Virginia — Best for veterans seeking federal or defense-sector jobs and immediate access to D.C.-area services and hospitals.
Norfolk / Chesapeake / Virginia Beach (Hampton Roads) — Excellent for naval veterans and active-duty families because of large installations (Naval Station Norfolk, Oceana, and others), extensive VA services, and strong veteran communities.
Suffolk / surrounding Hampton Roads suburbs — Lower cost of living in some neighborhoods while still within reach of bases and regional services.

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Which smaller towns in Virginia are best for retired veterans or those seeking affordability and quiet?

If you want lower housing costs, slower pace, and beautiful, scenic landscapes, we recommend these towns:

Abingdon — Appalachian foothills town with community amenities and lower cost of living.
Bedford — Quiet, historic town with proximity to VA services in Roanoke and Lynchburg areas.
Bridgewater and Woodstock — Good small-town feel, family-friendly neighborhoods, and lower housing prices compared with major metro areas.

Small towns can be especially great choices if you’re a retiree looking for affordability and community. But make sure to check travel time to the nearest VA medical facility if you need ongoing care.

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How should a veteran choose between a metro area and small town in Virginia?

Struggling to decide between big city life and small-town solitude? Consider your priorities!

Choose metro areas (Arlington, Norfolk, Virginia Beach) if you want job opportunities, robust VA facilities, and more services/amenities.
Choose small towns (Abingdon, Bedford, Bridgewater, Woodstock) for affordability, quieter life, and scenic living.

Don’t forget to consider commute times, access to specialized healthcare, and whether local governments offer veteran tax relief programs that affect long-term cost of living.

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FAQ

Question	Answer
Am I eligible for Virginia property tax exemptions as a disabled veteran?	Virginia offers property tax exemptions for certain disabled veterans (often at 100% service-connected disability) and sometimes for surviving spouses. Rules and application processes vary by locality — always confirm with the county treasurer or assessor’s office.
Are VA home loans a good option in Virginia’s housing market?	Yes. VA loans can be especially powerful in competitive or high-cost markets (like Northern Virginia) because they reduce upfront cash needs and often lower monthly payments. In lower-cost towns, VA loans still provide strong purchasing power and flexibility.
Where are the closest VA medical centers in Virginia?	Major VA medical centers are located in Hampton Roads, Richmond, Roanoke, and Salem, with many communities also supported by outpatient clinics. Use the VA’s online location finder when comparing areas.
Are there veteran employment programs in Virginia?	Yes. Virginia offers multiple veteran employment initiatives and job resources that connect veterans to state and federal opportunities, apprenticeships, and vocational programs.
What non-financial factors should veterans consider?	Community presence (veteran groups, VFW/American Legion posts), quality of life (schools, parks, access to nature), and available support services (mental health, caregiver resources). Veterans with frequent medical needs should prioritize shorter travel times to VA clinics or hospitals.

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How Commander Mortgage can help

No matter where you want to live, navigating a home loan shouldn’t feel overwhelming—especially for those who’ve served. At Commander Mortgage, we’re committed to walking veterans through every step of the VA loan process with clarity, patience, and genuine care. You’ve looked out for our country; now let us look out for you.

Connect with Commander Mortgage today and get the guidance you deserve on your path to homeownership.

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