Which state is better for veterans — New Hampshire or Connecticut?
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. New Hampshire does not tax military retirement pay, while Connecticut does not tax military retirement pay. On property, New Hampshire offers a partial property tax reduction, and Connecticut offers a partial property tax reduction.
If you have school-age children
New Hampshire's headline program is the New Hampshire Tuition Waiver for Children of Veterans — Free tuition at NH state colleges/universities for children of NH veterans who died from service-connected causes, MIA, POW, or are 100% disabled. Connecticut's 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.
If you're still on active duty
Proximity to a major installation matters for housing markets, healthcare options (Tricare), and post-service employment networks. New Hampshire hosts 2 significant installation(s) including Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (ME/NH border), NH ARNG installations.Connecticut hosts 1 including Naval Submarine Base New London (Groton).
Climate and lifestyle
New Hampshire: Cold New England climate with snowy winters and warm summers; outstanding outdoor recreation. Connecticut: Four-season New England climate with cold winters and warm summers; convenient to Boston and NYC.