Which state is better for veterans — Connecticut or California?
There's no universal answer; the better state depends on your priorities. Below are the factors that most often decide the question.
If you're a military retiree
Both retirement income tax and property tax matter most in retirement. Connecticut does not tax military retirement pay, while California taxes military retirement pay (california taxes military retirement pay as ordinary income — one of the few states that still does.). On property, Connecticut offers a partial property tax reduction, and California offers a partial property tax reduction.
If you have school-age children
Connecticut's headline program is the Connecticut State Universities & Community Colleges Tuition Waiver — Connecticut waives tuition (not fees) at state universities and community colleges for honorably discharged wartime veterans residing in CT, and for dependents of MIA/POW service members. California's is the CalVet College Fee Waiver — Waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at any California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus for qualifying dependents of disabled or deceased veterans. Multiple plans (A, B, C, D) cover different family situations.
If you're still on active duty
Proximity to a major installation matters for housing markets, healthcare options (Tricare), and post-service employment networks. Connecticut hosts 1 significant installation(s) including Naval Submarine Base New London (Groton).California hosts 8 including Camp Pendleton, MCAGCC Twentynine Palms, Naval Base San Diego.
Climate and lifestyle
Connecticut: Four-season New England climate with cold winters and warm summers; convenient to Boston and NYC. California: Climate varies dramatically — Mediterranean coast, hot Central Valley, alpine Sierra Nevada, desert south.