Which state is better for veterans — New Hampshire 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. New Hampshire 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, New Hampshire offers a partial property tax reduction, and Delaware 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. 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. New Hampshire hosts 2 significant installation(s) including Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (ME/NH border), NH ARNG installations.Delaware hosts 1 including Dover AFB.
Climate and lifestyle
New Hampshire: Cold New England climate with snowy winters and warm summers; outstanding outdoor recreation. Delaware: Mild mid-Atlantic climate with four moderate seasons.