Why Veterans Preferred to Call These 10 Cities Home
By USAA on April 6, 2015 10:14 PM
USAA and Hiring Our Heroes commissioned Sperling's BestPlaces to identify the best places in the nation for veterans to find employment whether they're starting out, mid-career or retiring from the military.
1. PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA
Pittsburgh has an active business community with a number of companies headquartered in the area. The Pittsburgh area offers a vibrant downtown, historic neighborhoods and plenty to do with ample downtown shopping and nightlife along the river.
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Pittsburgh Snapshot
• Population - 2,357,981
• Median Home Price - $113,500
• Median Rental Price 2BR - $799
• Unemployment - 6.8%
• Local Employers - Alcoa, FedEx Ground
• Nearby College - University of Pittsburgh
2. AUSTIN, TEXAS
Austin area residents enjoy a strong economy, education opportunities, attractive housing options, a relatively pleasant climate and abundant activities. Area highlights include the University of Texas, an important music scene and a large tech industry.
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Austin Snapshot
• Population - 1,731,777
• Median Home Price - $201,400
• Median Rental Price 2BR - $1,098
• Unemployment - 5.2%
• Local Employers - Union Pacific, City of Austin
• Nearby Colleges - University of Texas
3. OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA
Oklahoma City, the capital and largest metro in the state, is a major hub for the oil industry and related manufacturing. The modern downtown features attractive parks and the restored "Bricktown" residential and entertainment district with a canal and promenade.
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Oklahoma City Snapshot
• Population - 1,256,947
• Median Home Price - $126,000
• Median Rental Price 2BR - $751
• Unemployment - 5.1%
• Local Employers - 77 Energy, Chesapeake Energy
• Nearby Colleges - University of Oklahoma
4. SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
Known as "Military City U.S.A.," San Antonio is the second largest metro in Texas and the seventh largest in the United States. Nearby Air Force facilities create the strong military presence, and the area has a substantial business community but also a laid-back character.
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• Population - 2,149,153
• Median Home Price - $131,200
• Median Rental Price 2BR - $913
• Unemployment - 6.0%
• Local Employers - USAA, Clear Channel
• Nearby Colleges - University of Texas at San Antonio
5. ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
Known as the "Gateway City" because of access to transportation routes, St. Louis is an important center of commerce and culture. A recent downtown resurgence has brought new residential facilities and reclaimed warehouse lofts downtown anchored by new sports venues.
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• Population - 2,810,367
• Median Home Price - $126,900
• Median Rental Price 2BR - $833
• Unemployment - 7.2%
• Local Employers - Caterpillar, Anheuser-Busch
• Nearby Colleges - Saint Louis University
6. COLUMBUS, OHIO
Ohio's capital offers a well-blended mixture of government, industry and education. Ohio State University established a strong intellectual and cultural base, and many businesses are attracted to Columbus because of its central location and workforce.
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• Population - 1,840,267
• Median Home Price - $136,200
• Median Rental Price 2BR - $826
• Unemployment - 6.2%
• Local Employers - GE, Cardinal Health
• Nearby Colleges - Ohio State University
7. STATE COLLEGE, PENNSYLVANIA
Not surprisingly, State College is built around Pennsylvania State University, which offers cultural amenities, steady employment and entertainment. The greater area is known informally as "Happy Valley," indicating its notably low crime rates and low-stress attitude.
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• Population - 153,758
• Median Home Price -$194,500
• Median Rental Price 2BR - $849
• Unemployment - 5.6%
• Local Employers - Pennsylvania State University
• Nearby Colleges - Pennsylvania State University
8. CINCINNATI, OHIO
While Cincinnati sits at nearly the center of the U.S., the area's historic neighborhoods exude a distinct European architectural and cultural flair. Cincinnati has widely recognized cultural amenities, a low cost of living and a long major-league sports tradition.
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• Population - 2,129,745
• Median Home Price - $129,200
• Median Rental Price 2BR - $781
• Unemployment - 7.1%
• Local Employers - Toyota, Proctor & Gamble
• Nearby Colleges - University of Cincinnati
9. COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS
College Station is home to Texas A&M University, the fifth largest university in the country, and locals rally behind the college's prominent sports teams. The area has a low cost of living, affordable housing, a strong economy and a small-town feel.
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• Population - 227,843
• Median Home Price - $128,900
• Median Rental Price 2BR - $888
• Unemployment - 5.1%
• Local Employers - Atmos Energy, St. Joseph's Health System
• Nearby Colleges - Texas A&M University
10. MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA
The "Twin Cities" metro area including St. Paul serves as a regional hub for the upper Midwest and northern Great Plains. Minneapolis is larger and more energetic when compared to St. Paul, but both are modern with attractive buildings, entertainment, parks and other first-class cultural amenities.
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• Population - 3,290,811
• Median Home Price - $202,400
• Median Rental Price 2BR - $982
• Unemployment - 4.8%
• Local Employers - 3M, Target Corporation
• Nearby Colleges - University of Minnesota
Population data as of 2013, U.S. Census Bureau. Median home price data as of 2014, U.S. Census Bureau, county assessor records of home sales and state associations of realtors. Rental price data as of 2014, Fair Market Rents, Department of Housing and Urban Development. Annual average metro area unemployment rate, April 2013 through March 2014. Largest industries as of 2013, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages. Nearby colleges as of 2013, National Center for Education Statistics. Local employers were identified by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Hiring Our Heroes program in September 2014 based on hiring presence in the area and demonstrating a commitment to hiring veterans.
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