If you are part of a military family, you know that moving is going to be a part of your life. Habitual relocation is just the name of the game. On occasion, there are times when you might have your choice to move to one place over another and you might even be able to pick and choose between a number of different places. If you are lucky enough to actually be given a choice when it comes to where you want to set down roots next, you’ll want to do a little research so that when you do make that choice, it is an educated one.
The fact of the matter is, moving to the wrong city can have more negative repercussions than simply not liking the city in which you’re living. The whole truth is that once you and your family have decided on a new place you may not be able to leave that place for a while. Family members of active duty military, as well as veterans go through quite a bit. The least you can do is make sure that if your family is having to come with you all over the country, they are as happy in their new homes as possible.
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio has long been one of those cities that was considered a great fit for military families. Over the last few years, the home of the Alamo has rocketed up the list and is now widely considered the best city of them all.
Some of the reasons for military families wanting to live there is because of the relatively low unemployment rate (5.7 percent in 2012) as well as schools that are well equipped to handle “army brats”. The scenery is always nice and the city is equipped with great housing areas, such as the Palm Harbor Homes. There are quite a few bases located in and around San Antonio so over the course of your career you stand a decent chance of being offered a relocation to this area.
Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha probably isn’t the first place most military families would think of when they’re looking at possible destinations. Despite that, the town has been at the top of most military towns thanks to one of the lowest unemployment rates of any military town, as well as a very affordable cost of living and very high veteran owned businesses per capita.
Omaha might be in the middle of a state that isn’t particular populous, but the metro area has more than a million people and that means the city has provided plenty to see and do during off hours.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Another city on the list that isn’t likely on the tip of most people’s tongues. OKC still also boasts very low unemployment rates and sports a very nice cost of living index. Both of these being positive numbers means the city itself is very prosperous without being overly expensive. The city is also close enough to places outside the state like Austin, Texas that there’s plenty to do in and around the area.
Dallas, Texas
When talking about the best places to live for military families, there are a number of Texas towns making the list. Dallas gets the nod over places like Houston because the unemployment rate is a tad lower and there are more schools and businesses that are military family friendly.
Rochester, New York
Talk about places that don’t leap to mind when looking at cities to relocate. Rochester is in most people’s top 10 list, if not top five, thanks to a cost of living that is certainly competitive when looking at other areas of New York State. Unemployment is one of the lowest of any military city, and is in the ballpark of places like Omaha, and Charleston, South Carolina as far as employment rates go.
There’s plenty to do and see in the area and while NYC isn’t all that close, it’s a day trip that can certainly be managed. Canada is also just a short jaunt if you want to head further north for a vacation.