Military Retirement Communities

Jump to Listings of retirement communities for military.

Military retirement communities are communities that are in areas where military hospitals, VA hospitals and military bases are or cater to military.

There are also benefits for the retired military for when they need nursing homes, home care or assisted living.  See our article for more about veterans assisted living information.

Retirement Benefits for Military

The majority of retired military are not aware these benefits for military are available and only a small percent are taking advantage of them. Some benefits are also for spouses.  

In addition here is a site with many resources for benefits for nursing homes, home care and assisted living: National Care Planning Council

Consultants page (we are not responsible for any referrals to other websites; our site is for information only--and please verify all information): Veterans Consultants

News

• Congratulations to Pulte Homes on their 10th anniversary of helping wounded veterans with Pulte's "Built to Honor" program.  Meet certain criteria to apply.

• The Department of Veterans Affairs has put out a press release with statistics about veterans homelessness.  Veterans homelessness has decreased 11% 2020-2022 and since 2010 55%.

• Assistance and Guide Dogs:  The VA guide and assistance dog care benefit will pay for some items of dog care for dogs from VA accredited guide and assistance dogs facilities but not cost of dog, food, etc. (Verify all information.)   

• Big News in Florida:  There will be a new VA nursing home located in the Traditions community in Port St. Lucie, Florida, servicing the entire region.

• Realtors now certified to be a "Military Relocation Professional" to help military active or retired in the home buying and selling process.  6800 already certified in the U.S.  Read the NAR military article here.

• Also, there is a newer VA Cemetery in California on the old Fort Ord base and called Central Coast Veterans Cemetery in Monterey County.   Accepting applications now.

• Congratulations to New York State on their Grand Opening of Help Buffalo II, a low income apartment building with 14 units for homeless vets. It is located at 366 Broadway, close to downtown Buffalo, NY. 

• Congratulations to Rhode Island on their new state of the art 204-unit Veterans Home in Bristol.  Features new community-living concept.  Many local trades contributed.   

• So proud of Meta Housing Corp., a large apartment development company of premier apartments, for focusing on the homeless problem in Los Angeles.  Homelessness has increased partly due to the higher rents in the area and many of the homeless are vets.  They are making available 40 new units in their new apartments in Palmdale. See story. 

• Note: Some military retirement communities are now expanding their qualified residents to include government civil service employees and other public service employees. Others are allowing the general public or a certain percentage of same.  Check the military community for more regarding eligibility requirements. Ask what percentage is military retirees.
  

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Best States for Military Retirement

We found this excellent set of data for military retirees for statistics and information and wanted to share it with you.  

Where do Veterans Live

Map from the VA Data

Veterans Statistics: The U.S. Census Bureau has come out with Infographics on veterans providing statistics. For instance, they note the top cities veterans live (not necessarily retired) are: Kileen, TX 28.9%; Clarksville, TN 24%; Jacksonville, NC 22.6%; Fayetteville, NC 22.1%; Hampton, VA 20.9%. There are also 2 million veterans in California and 1.6 million in Florida and Texas 1.6 million. 

VA home Loans:

Here is an article on VA home loans in retirement.

Homes for Heroes Program

Started in 2002, this program has expanded to 44 states offering military, active or retired, as well as fire, police, etc., a large savings back when buying, selling, renting or refinancing a home through their affiliates.  When you register for the program, you are referred to affiliates.  See complete details on their Homes for Heroes website.

 Communities for Residents with
Military History  

Texas | Washington State | Virginia | DC Area | Mississippi

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Texas - San Antonio  

Army Residence

San Antonio - Gated CCRC has entrance fee. Cottages and apartments, services and amenities including transportation. Open to all branches of career military as well as GS-12 and above. See website for more details. Wait list. Also assisted living available and care.

7400 Crestway - 800-725-0083 Army Residence (See eligibility requirements here)   
   _______Near Fort Sam Houston and Randolph Air Force Base_______

Military Retirement Communities in Washington State

Patriot's Landing

DuPont - Puget Sound area and adjacent to bases and Fort Lewis golfcourse - their website says this is the only retirement community dedicated to military in the Pacific Northwest. Apartments, cottages and assisted living and memory care apartments. Luxury amenities. No buy-in requirement.

1600 Marshall Circle, DuPont, Wa. - 253-964-4900 Patriot's Landing

To quote a sentence on the Patriot's Landing website: "Independence is not determined by home ownership or living alone; it is determined by your freedom to make choices each and every day."
    _Ft. Lewis, McChord AFB, Naval Base Kitsap, Madigan Army Medical_  

 Virginia for Military

The Fairfax

Fort Belvoir - By Sunrise Senior Living - resort-like independent and assisted living. Life care community 20 minutes to DC. Apartments and cottages. To qualify for life care at The Fairfax, see requirements.  Apartment homes and cottages.

9140 Belvoir Woods Pkwy - 703-348-1159  The Fairfax

Falcon's Landing

Potomac Falls - Northern Virginia - Also continuing care community for retired military officers. Luxury amenities - Gated apartments, single manor homes and duplex patio homes. Community Outreach Program. Expanding their facilities to include Wellness Center, bistro and business center.

Now open to senior level federal employees, spouses and surviving spouses at GS-14 and above.
20522 Falcons Landing Circle, Potomac Falls - Falcon's Landing

Vinson Hall

McLean - Northern Virginia - a premier Lifecare retirement Community for Commissioned Military Officers and their immediate family, as well as select GS-14 and above Federal employees offering independent living with major expansion in process. Also offering assisted living, nursing care, and memory care (open to the public). 6251 Old Dominion Dr., McLean, VA - 800-451-5121  Vinson Hall

Patriots Colony

Williamsburg - For former officers of military and retired civic government - Active adult living and Lifecare community - Villas, apartments, and homes. Assisted living is open to public. Enclosed walkway to Cannon Community Center. Distinguished Williamsburg ambience.

6000 Patriots Colony Dr., Williamsburg, VA - 757-220-9000 - Personal tours Mon-Sat  Patriots Colony

 Maryland/Washington, DC Military Communities

Knollwood

Located in Washington, DC, in 1962 became the first military retirement community in the U.S. It also lists assisted living and continuing care, memory programs and nursing among its services. "Residency..Is not limited by one’s financial resources." Restricted to military officers and their families.
6200 Oregon Ave., N.W. - 202-541-0149 Knollwood Military Retirement Community

Armed Forces Retirement Home--DC Campus

Historic military continuing care community overlooks the Capitol. No costly initiation fees and affordable monthly fee if eligible. Wait list recommended.Some unique amenities: 9-hole golf, 2 fishing ponds, 6-lane bowling

3700 No. Capitol St., N.W. - 800-422-9988 Armed Forces Retirement Home

Military Retirement Communities in Mississippi

Armed Forces Retirement Home-Gulfport Campus

Gulfport - 2nd campus (the other in Wash., DC). Independent and assisted living with no expensive entry fees and reasonable monthly fees.  There is a wait list so check your eligibility and sign up now.  Amenities include outdoor swim pool, fitness center, library and more. 47 acres on the Mississippi Sound.

1800 Beach Dr., Gulfport, Miss. - 228-897-4410

Communities open to public but near military bases:

Southern California
Northern California
New York
Virginia
Florida
Louisiana
North Carolina
Colorado
Texas
Washington State

Southern California - Riverside

• Westmont Village - (formerly Air Force Village West/Altavita) No longer requires a history of military service.  Month-to-month rentals for independent living in houses and duplexes (rent plus small community fee).  Additional lifestyles include assisted living, nursing  - Riverside - Adjacent March Field -  Retirement resort community with amenities.  

They have an on-site health center which includes skilled nursing and a special care unit.  Month-to-month rental apartments. 

Assisted living includes housekeeping, 3 meals, utilities, transportation, etc.  Small entry and monthly fee. Apartments, duplexes and single-family homes. (verify all information)

It looks so comfortable and offers many services and amenities including unique ones like RV storage, golf cart access and more. 221-acre campus. You can visit in their guest house. This area's climate can't be beat.   Verify all information.
17050 Arnold Dr., Riverside - 951-421-8548   
    _________________Near March Air Reserve Base_________________ 

Also see Military YMCA of San Diego  

Go here to read our Expert Interview with AFVW 
"Military Retirement Living"
... no matter which community you are interested in,
we hope this article will be helpful

Update:  The former Air Force Village West is now called Westmont Village (all rentals) and eligibility requirements have changed.

Northern California

Paradise Valley Estates - Fairfield - No longer require a military background -  Minutes to Travis AFB.  CCRC - Great Northern California location - 40 minutes to San Francisco or Sacramento. Houses or apartments.     
2600 Estates Dr. - 877-817-3280  Paradise Valley

   ___________________Near Travis Air Force Base__________________ 

New York-Long Island

The Regency at Glen Cove - Glen Cove - Independent and Assisted Living - "Special benefits for veterans and spouses" The Regency at Glen Cove

Long Island, NY, also has a Vet Hospital, Veterans Cemetery, and a Veterans Retirement home.

Virginia

Communities in Virginia open to public but popular with military:

Virginia Beach

Atlantic Shores - Virginia Beach - Convenient to commissaries and Space-A travel for retired military - home ownership of villa and apartment homes - dine on the boardwalk at Virginia Beach. Atlantic Shores

Dunbarton By Providence of Brookfield Homes 55+ community

Sinclair Commons Apartments Langley - Great amenities and spacious floor plans. 24-hour emergency call system.  Sinclair Commons Apartments

Florida

Communities in Florida open to public but popular with military:

Azalea Trace - Pensacola - Near naval air station by ACTS Retirement - CCRC with entrance fee and monthly fee - apartments - 10100 Hillview Dr., Pensacola - 

Fleet Landing Atlantic Beach - Just blocks from the Atlantic Ocean - Resort style amenities. Also assisted living and nursing available. Near naval station and Mayo Clinic. Off-base commissary and exchange nearby.  Continuing Care community.  Fleet Landing

Lake Ashton Lake Wales, FL - Large community of Single-family homes  on Lake Ashton. Lots of exercise opportunities.  4140 Ashton Club Dr., Lake Wales - 866-525-3274

Freedom Plaza Sun City Center - Active adult and Continuing care luxury community near AFB and VA hospitals. 62+ Freedom Plaza

Grand Horizon Homes Zephyr Hills - 20 minutes northeast of Tampa - New VA Center within 5 blocks from this gated premier manufactured home community - own land - 320 homes - Jacobsen Homes - Zephyr Hills is known for "pure water."  4021 Morris Bridge Rd. - Grand Horizon Homes - Jacobsen Homes

Fishhawk Ranch - Near Tampa at Lithia - reaching out to military families and seniors - 30 miles to MacDill AFB with a commuter transportation service to the base. Master community by Newland.
15921 Courtside View Dr., Lithia - 813-696-9317 (military consultant)

Article regarding retiring in Northeast Florida from Jacksonville Daily Record.

Louisiana - former military base

England Oaks - Central Lousiana at Alexandria - One of two communities by Front Porch that once were military bases. (The other in Florida.)  Conveniently located near Oak Wing Golf Club.  2 and 3-bedroom small square footage single-story duplex homes.  2-bedrooms start at $1175/mo (verify as rents can change).  Mature trees.  On-call lifeline units.  Low maintenance with month-to-month rents.
6956 England Dr., Alexandria - 800-786-6257

Texas

Communities in San Antonio open to public but popular with military:

One-third of residents of San Antonio are military (please verify all information.) Also Military and VA hospitals/clinics nearby. The Texas Hill Country is also very popular with the military.  

Blue Skies of Texas East and West (Formerly Air Force Villages I and II) Life Care community.

Two locations: one overlooks San Antonio and the other in the Texas Hill Country. Both communities offer a wide selection of home types from high-rise to garden to ranches. See website for details. All the services and amenities you could want in gated communities. I like that they are creating a town square feeling. Visit program includes a try-out program.

Contact them for new qualifications which includes non-military.  Near Lackland Air Force Base.

East: 4917 Ravenswood Dr., San Antonio - 210-673-2761 
West: 5100 John D Ryan Blvd. - 210-677-8666 Blue Skies of Texas

      _____Near Lackland Air Force Base._____ 

• Towers on Park Lane - San Antonio - Co-op apartments in high-rise Tower.  Great amenities. 1 Towers Park Lane - 800-531-8496  Towers on Park Lane
  
    _Near Fort Sam Houston and Brooke Army Medical Center_ 

North Carolina

Communities in North Carolina open to public but popular with military:

Meadow Walk in Fayetteville - near Fort Bragg, Pope Air Force Base. Near Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. Many floor plans and custom options. Beautiful single homes feature nighttime security and maintenance staff. See local Realtors.

Carolina Highlands in Fayetteville - Condominium living - Many social activities, trips and some care options. Purchase or lease. 

Anderson Creek Club - Spring Lake - near Fort Bragg - This is an upscale resort community with many options for retirement living: an Inn, long-term residence, purchase homes, a 55 plus community and resort stays.  18 holes of championship golf.  Military discounts.  125 Whispering Pines Dr., Spring Lake

Washington State

Communities in Washington State open to public but near bases:  There are 7 bases in Washington State.

Communities Near Lacey:

Shea Homes at Jubilee - Lacey - Puget Sound living - Villas, cottages and estates.  Resort amenities include championship golf. Sold out.   8536 Vashon Dr. NE, Lacey  - See Realtors for resales.

Laurel Oaks - Lacey area -  manufactured homes by Lakeshore Communities - Gated and near golf.  RV storage.  1800 Marvin Rd., Lacey - 360-923-4225 

Golden Rose - mobile home park in Puyallap area.

Colorado - near bases

Communities in Colorado open to public but popular with military:  There are 6 bases in Colorado.

Liberty Heights - Colorado Springs - Overlooks Air Force Academy - 50% of residents are military.  CCRC - apartment-styled homes.  Liberty Heights

Fairway Villas Denver - New 55+ ranch homes by Oakwood Homes at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club.  Near Denver Airport.  From low $300's.
Ph: 303-486-8915 - New home information

Cumberland Green - Fountain -  Near Fort Carson and Peterson Air Force bases minutes away - this is not for over 55 - from high $200's by Oakwood Homes.

Heritage Todd Creek  Thornton - New ranch and villa homes by Lennar for active adults from $300's. - amenities include golf, clubhouse, salt water pools.  Golf cart community.
720-685-0873 - 8585 152nd Lane

Heather Gardens - Aurora - Resale ranch homes - Amenities include 9-hole golf and many social clubs.  Active adult community.
Ph: 303-755-0652 - 2888 Heather Gardens Way

Financial Information for Military:

Taxes

Most states have some state tax exemptions for the military. Some are better than others. Here is a list of states that have no state tax on retirement pay for military.  (Verify information)

Alabama; Alaska; Florida; Hawaii; Illinois; Kansas; Kentucky; Louisiana; Massachusetts; Michigan; Mississippi (see conditions); Nevada; New Jersey; New York; North Carolina (see conditions); Oregon (see rules); Pennsylvania; South Dakota; Tennessee has no earned income tax; Texas; Washington; Wyoming.

Kiplinger Financial Guide:  Financial Guide by Kiplinger for Military 

State Veterans Homes:

The veterans home on Long Island, NY is associated with Stony Brook University.

The National Association of State Veterans Homes has a directory for locating these facilities.  Each facility differs in their rules, regulations and requirements.

VETERANS HOMES NEWS: 

• Florida Dept of Veterans Affairs has a free mobile app for veterans.  Apply through Iphone and Android markets.

VA Nursing Homes and Living Centers:

The VA offers veterans who qualify nursing homes and living centers:

• Community Living Centers
• Community Nursing Homes
• State Veterans Homes (owned and managed by the state)

Services may include hospice and palliative care.

A Personal Story

My husband spent time in a VA Nursing home.  Everyone from the heads of departments to the lowest cleaner treated him with the utmost respect and cared for him with unconditional love. I'm talking about the people who cared for him. They were organized, efficient and most of all caring. There was a different attitude than at other nursing homes he had been in.  It was as if he was one of their own family members.

It is hard to explain but I can see this is why we should support military facilities and communities.  I can't vouch for all facilities of course, but it is worth checking out.

Family Caregivers VA Website:

New Government Site: Where Caregivers can Find Service

Transitional Housing for Military vets

• Valley Brook Village by Community Hope in Lyons, New Jersey, Somerset County, for homeless Vets:  For homeless or struggling vets for temporary and permanent housing.  Always check with your local county Housing Authority for similar programs for vets.  They hope this will be a model program for all states.  973-463-9600

• Also, check out Cal Vet transitional housing in California.  

The VA has stated they have a goal to end Vet homelessness.  Hotline: 877-424-3838

Attention Landlords and Others Controlling Housing--dont forget our vets in a time of higher home prices and housing shortages:

The VA has guidance and assistance for those who want to aid a vet in obtaining housing.  If you control any type of housing and want to help, reach out to the VA for their direction and toolkits.

Builders Offers for Military at time of Purchase:

Many retirement community builders have offers for our military.  Please check at individual communities that may or may not have the information on their website.  Please verify all information as it can change and check the websites for further information especially as regards qualification and communities.

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Name	Location	Link
1. Patriots Landing	Washington State	More
2. The Fairfax	Virginia	More

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