Which state is better for veterans — New Jersey 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 Jersey 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 Jersey offers a full homestead exemption to 100% P&T veterans, and Delaware offers a partial property tax reduction.
If you have school-age children
New Jersey's headline program is the NJ World Trade Center Scholarship & POW/MIA Tuition Benefit — New Jersey provides free undergraduate tuition at New Jersey public colleges for dependents of NJ residents killed in terrorist attacks or military service, and for POW/MIA dependents. 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 Jersey hosts 3 significant installation(s) including Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, Picatinny Arsenal, USCG Training Center Cape May.Delaware hosts 1 including Dover AFB.
Climate and lifestyle
New Jersey: Mid-Atlantic climate; four moderate seasons with humid summers and cold winters. Delaware: Mild mid-Atlantic climate with four moderate seasons.