Best Places for Military Retirement
#5 Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA
Population: 533,812
Military Installation: Carlisle Barracks
Median Home Price: $144,200
The Harrisburg-Carlisle metro area is about 100 miles west of Philadelphia, which offers a wide variety of resources to military retirees with its big-city amenities and cultural opportunities. Carlisle is home to a small military installation – the Carlisle Barracks. While it offers a medium-size commissary and modest exchange, the installation is conveniently located. The Harrisburg metro area also boasts a low crime rate, quality health resources and affordable home prices. In addition, Pennsylvania doesn't tax federal pensions and the nearest VA medical center is about 30 miles away in Lebanon. One downside is the lack of a major university, though the area has a number of smaller colleges and a system of two-year community colleges.
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| Category | Metro Area Statistics |
|---|---|
| Population | 533,812 |
| Median Home Price | $144,200 |
| Unemployment Rate | 8.4% |
| Federal Pension Taxed | No |
| Military Installation | Name: Carlisle Barracks Proximity: Local Amenities: Medium commissary, small exchange, clinics |
| VA Hospital Proximity | 29 miles |
| Education | Number of 4-year colleges: 6 Prominent Institution: Shippensburg 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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