Veterans United Ranks Virginia Beach, San Antonio, Jacksonville as Top 2026 Metros for Veterans
Event summary
- Veterans United Home Loans released its 2026 Best Places for Veterans to Live list, ranking 50 metro areas across 23 factors.
- Virginia Beach, San Antonio, and Jacksonville topped the list due to affordability, Veteran support networks, and access to VA care.
- Seven of the Top 10 cities are new to the list in 2026, with Florida and Texas claiming five of the Top 10 spots.
- St. Louis offered the lowest median listing price at $237,500, while Salt Lake City had the highest at $565,500.
- Veterans United closed over $26 billion in loans in fiscal 2025, ranking as the nation's No. 1 VA purchase lender.
The big picture
Veterans United's 2026 rankings highlight the growing importance of affordability, Veteran support networks, and quality of life in post-service relocation decisions. The dominance of Sun Belt metros reflects broader trends of migration to regions with lower costs of living, strong job markets, and proximity to military installations. The report underscores the strategic role of VA loans in facilitating homeownership for Veterans, particularly in markets with favorable tax policies and established Veteran communities.
What we're watching
- Affordability Trends
- Whether the ranked metros can sustain their affordability amid rising housing costs and economic fluctuations.
- Veteran Migration Patterns
- How the 2026 rankings will influence Veteran relocation decisions and demand for VA loans in these areas.
- Regional Economic Shifts
- The pace at which Sun Belt metros continue to attract Veterans and military families, potentially reshaping local economies.
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