Retirement Decision Point: Where to Make Your Final PCS Move

This content is provided courtesy of USAA

When you retire from the military choosing where to live is a big decision. Retirement is your permanent PCS: the place where you'll spend time with family, find community, and enjoy the next phase in life.

J.J. Montanaro, a Certified Financial Planner practitioner with USAA, says start thinking about where you might want to live: city or country, small town or downtown.

Retiring service members should consider whether to live in a state where there's no tax on military pensions. How about being close to the amenities a military installation offers? Having a VA hospital nearby can help make the most of military benefits. The "Best Places for Military Retirement" list commissioned by USAA and Military.com is a good resource for finding locations that offer these benefits and a high quality of life.

Once you've found the right spot, know how much house you can afford. Calculate income, debts, expenses, and how much you'll have for a down payment. If you need a mortgage to pay for your dream home, you'll likely qualify for a VA loan which may not require a down payment or mortgage insurance. It's a good idea to talk to an experienced lender who understands VA Loans and other standard mortgages to help you find the best option for your needs.

Check out the Top 10 Places for Military Retirement, and for more on making PCS moves, visit the PCS, PITY and Moving section.