Which state is better for veterans — Massachusetts or Delaware?
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. Massachusetts does not tax military retirement pay, while Delaware taxes military retirement pay (delaware allows military retirees to exclude up to $12,500 of pension income (age 60+) and offers additional exclusions for younger retirees as of recent legislation.). On property, Massachusetts offers a partial property tax reduction, and Delaware offers a partial property tax reduction.
If you have school-age children
Massachusetts's headline program is the Massachusetts National Guard Education Assistance & State Tuition Waiver — Massachusetts National Guard tuition and fee waivers at state schools; Public Service Scholarship for children of veterans who died in service. Delaware's is the Delaware National Guard State Tuition Assistance — Up to 100% tuition assistance at Delaware state institutions for Guard members; education benefits also available for children of deceased Delaware veterans through the state's Educational Benefits for Children of Deceased Veterans program.
If you're still on active duty
Proximity to a major installation matters for housing markets, healthcare options (Tricare), and post-service employment networks. Massachusetts hosts 3 significant installation(s) including Hanscom AFB, Joint Base Cape Cod, Natick Soldier Systems Center.Delaware hosts 1 including Dover AFB.
Climate and lifestyle
Massachusetts: Cold New England winters and warm summers; four distinct seasons. Delaware: Mild mid-Atlantic climate with four moderate seasons.