Best Places for Military Retirement
#4 College Station-Bryan, TX
Population: 208,481
Military Installation: Fort Hood
Median Home Price: $111,400
The College Station-Bryan metro area has a low cost of living and has avoided the housing issues seen in much of the United States. In addition to no taxes on federal pensions, the local economy is stable, due in part to the presence of Texas A&M University, with 45,000 students. Sports are a huge part of Texas A&M's culture, and their teams are some of the best in the nation. And, as with any large university, there is a steady selection of lectures and concerts by world leaders, famous personalities and performers. There are no military bases in the College Station metro area, but excellent commissary and exchange amenities are available to the military retiree at Fort Hood, which is 90 miles away. The nearest VA medical center is in Temple, TX, which is a 70-mile drive. College Station is centrally located with easy access to major Texas cities like Austin (85 mi.), Houston (100 mi.) and Dallas (150 mi.) for big-city amenities like shopping, fine dining and museums.
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Military Retired Pay Overview
The military retirement system is arguably the best retirement deal around. Unlike most retirement plans, the Armed Forces offer a pension with benefits, that start the day you retire, no matter how old you are.
TRICARE for Retirees
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| Category | Metro Area Statistics |
|---|---|
| Population | 208,481 |
| Median Home Price | $111,400 |
| Unemployment Rate | 6.9% |
| Federal Pension Taxed | No |
| Military Installation | Name: Fort Hood Proximity: within 89 miles Amenities: 2 large commissaries, 2 large exchanges, 187-bed hospital, 7 clinics |
| VA Hospital Proximity | 66 miles |
| Education | Number of 4-year colleges: 2 Prominent Institution: Texas A&M University |
Ask June
Got money questions and looking for answers you can trust? Just Ask June! June Lantz Walbert is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner with USAA Financial Planning Services. She is also a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve with 19 years of service. Walbert's basic branch is Air Defense Artillery. She also is Airborne, Air Assault, and Canadian Air borne qualified.Money Matters
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