Staying Fit
Many veterans, active duty and military support personnel live in and around Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
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Not all U.S. cities are created equal — or even close to it — when it comes to optimal living for veterans. As service members transition into civilian life, and others consider moving to more veteran-friendly cities, there are many factors to consider.
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High-quality health care, social networks tailored to veterans and proximity to a military installation all lead to a “more robust veteran community and resources,” according to Dr. Laura Purdy, an Army veteran and former battlefield surgeon who is now a psychologist and digital health physician.
There’s plenty of room for debate, but here are the top 7, based on canvassing of our AARP community representatives and advocates.
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Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina
Veterans looking for a strong employment market can look no further than this warm Southern town. WalletHub ranked it number 1 for employment, based on share of military-skill-related jobs, veteran unemployment rate, job growth and veteran-owned businesses per veteran population. Durham is also home to VA initiatives such as a research program aimed at optimizing wellness and independence.
The George Washington Monument is seen from the Capitol Building grounds in Raleigh, North Carolina.
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Veterans can earn a steady paycheck in this area and engage in activities at North Carolina military bases. Troy Broussard, senior advisor to AARP’s Veterans and Military Families initiative, added that being near a major airport is a big plus.
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Home to the 193rd Special Operations Wing of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, this city is a must-consider for veterans hoping to be in the heart of a supportive military community. It’s also at the intersection of Fort Indiantown Gap, Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg and the Army War College in Carlisle.
There is a heavy presence of veterans, active duty and military support personnel in the Harrisburg area and its immediate surroundings. It’s just close enough to the Washington, D.C., metro area to travel there if needed yet has a much lower cost of living. Harrisburg is also accessible to Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, New York and Baltimore.
An old railroad trestle has been made into a pedestrian walkway in Clarksville, Tennessee.
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Clarksville, Tennessee
Check out this military-supportive suburb outside of Nashville. Near Fort Campbell, residents have that patriotic vibe, even from the city and county mayors. Local businesses partner with Fort Campbell, home of 101st Airborne Division, 5th Special Forces Group and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, and organizations such as the F&M Bank have a department dedicated to taking care of veterans.
In addition, the Montgomery County Veterans Coalition supports active military, veteran-owned businesses and veterans, providing and connecting them to many programs and services.
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