Which state is better for veterans — North Dakota or Georgia?
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. North Dakota does not tax military retirement pay, while Georgia does not tax military retirement pay. On property, North Dakota offers a partial property tax reduction, and Georgia offers a partial property tax reduction.
If you have school-age children
North Dakota's headline program is the ND Dependents Educational Benefits & National Guard Tuition Assistance — Free tuition at ND state institutions for dependents of veterans who were KIA, MIA, POW, or 100% disabled; ND National Guard members qualify for state tuition assistance up to 100%. Georgia's is the Georgia HERO Scholarship & Public Safety Memorial Grant — The HERO Scholarship provides up to $2,000/year for service members and dependents of Georgia Guard/Reserve who served in combat zones. Children of disabled veterans qualify for additional state grants at Georgia public colleges.
If you're still on active duty
Proximity to a major installation matters for housing markets, healthcare options (Tricare), and post-service employment networks. North Dakota hosts 2 significant installation(s) including Minot AFB, Grand Forks AFB.Georgia hosts 7 including Fort Moore (Benning), Fort Stewart, Hunter Army Airfield.
Climate and lifestyle
North Dakota: Cold continental climate with long harsh winters and short warm summers. Georgia: Warm humid subtropical climate; mild winters and hot summers, with cooler conditions in the north Georgia mountains.