Which state is better for veterans — Oregon or Arizona?
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. Oregon taxes military retirement pay (oregon partially exempts military retirement income (service before october 1991 fully exempt; later service partially based on ratio).), while Arizona does not tax military retirement pay. On property, Oregon offers a partial property tax reduction, and Arizona offers a partial property tax reduction.
If you have school-age children
Oregon's headline program is the Oregon Veterans Educational Aid — Oregon provides up to $200/month (full-time) for veterans pursuing education without using federal GI Bill, plus tuition waivers for children of disabled/deceased veterans at Oregon public colleges. Arizona's is the Arizona National Guard Tuition Reimbursement Program — Reimburses tuition for Arizona National Guard members at state schools. Veterans can use the Post-9/11 GI Bill at Arizona public colleges with in-state tuition under the Yellow Ribbon and federal Choice Act.
If you're still on active duty
Proximity to a major installation matters for housing markets, healthcare options (Tricare), and post-service employment networks. Oregon hosts 2 significant installation(s) including Camp Rilea (ARNG), Kingsley Field ANGB.Arizona hosts 4 including Luke AFB, Davis-Monthan AFB, Fort Huachuca.
Climate and lifestyle
Oregon: Mild marine climate west of the Cascades (rainy winters, dry summers); high desert east. Arizona: Hot desert summers and mild winters; minimal humidity. Higher elevations (Flagstaff, Prescott) offer four seasons.