Best Places for Military Retirement
#7 Madison, WI
Population: 558,913
Military Installation: Fort McCoy
Median Home Price: $216,500
Madison has a lot in its favor with low unemployment, a healthy lifestyle, recreation and cultural opportunities and all the benefits from being home to the University of Wisconsin. Home prices are the most expensive of the places in our top ten, but are still generally affordable and have held their value well during the recent downturn. There is a local VA medical center, but military retirees will need to travel a few hours (90 miles) to Fort McCoy in Sparta to shop at their commissary and exchange. Federal pensions are not taxed in Wisconsin.
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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
So you are set to retire, but do you know what is going to happen with your health care? Can you really stand to lose your military health care benefits now that you're leaving and probably have a family to take care of?
Online Retirement Center
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Who is USAA?
USAA was formed over 88 years ago by members of the U.S. military to meet the financial needs of servicemembers and their families.
At USAA, we believe that honesty, integrity, loyalty and service aren't just things you talk about — they're the way you live. That's why we work together to create complete retirement plans that include investments, life insurance, estate planning and health care solutions, to give you the freedom to do what's important to you.
We know what it means to serve. Let us serve you.
| Category | Metro Area Statistics |
|---|---|
| Population | 558,913 |
| Median Home Price | $216,500 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.9% |
| Federal Pension Taxed | No |
| Military Installation | Name: Fort McCoy Proximity: within 91 miles Amenities: Medium commissary, large exchange, clinic |
| VA Hospital Proximity | Local |
| Education | Number of 4-year colleges: 2 Prominent Institution: University of Wisconsin |
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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