Veteran Resources
Why Veterans Choose to Call New Hampshire Home
Veterans may find New Hampshire an especially appealing state to live in because of its strong veteran support services, tax advantages, quality of life, and community respect for military service. Here's a breakdown of the top reasons why veterans might consider moving to New Hampshire:
- New Hampshire consistently ranks among the more veteran-supportive states:
- NH Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services (DMAVS) actively coordinates healthcare, education, housing, and employment services for veterans.
- 7 Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) located throughout the state help with VA claims, appeals, and benefits.
- Veterans Crisis Line, PTSD programs, and peer support groups are widely accessible.
- No state income tax on military retirement pay.
- No sales tax—saving money on purchases, including vehicles and housing-related items.
- No estate tax or inheritance tax, which is appealing for long-term planning.
- The New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery (in Boscawen) offers burial benefits and is a source of pride in the veteran community.
- Homeless veteran assistance programs, transitional housing, and VA-assisted living partnerships are available statewide.
- Home loan assistance through the VA and local lenders familiar with veterans' needs.
- In-state tuition at public colleges for veterans and their dependents—even before establishing long-term residency.
- Schools like UNH, Plymouth State, and NHTI are known for veteran resource centers and credit transfers for military service.
- The NH National Guard Education Assistance Act offers tuition waivers for service members.
- New Hampshire has a low unemployment rate and a high demand for skilled workers in:
- Advanced manufacturing
- Cybersecurity
- Healthcare
- Logistics and transportation
- The New Hampshire Department of Employment Security’s Veterans Services Program helps vets transition into civilian careers with resume assistance, job fairs, and priority hiring.
- Employers like BAE Systems, Sig Sauer, Albany International, and Dartmouth Health are veteran-friendly and actively recruit.
- Ranked among the safest states in the U.S.
- Access to the White Mountains, Lake Winnipesaukee, and the Seacoast for hiking, fishing, skiing, and boating.
- Strong sense of patriotism and community, with active VFW, American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) chapters.
- Access to VA Medical Centers in Manchester and White River Junction (VT, near Upper Valley).
- Several Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) in Conway, Littleton, Somersworth, and Keene.
- Telehealth services and mental health support are widely available and expanding.
- New Hampshire residents and leadership deeply value military service.
- Annual state events for Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and POW/MIA Remembrance are widely attended.
- Veteran license plates, public discounts, and recognition programs are common.
