Photo by Craig Adderley from Pexels

When you think about where you’d like to land after this whirlwind of military life, do you hear the smooth drawl of a Texas native? Do you picture yourself sipping sweet tea from a mason jar at the dance hall in Gruene? Browse this post to see if we’ve found the reasons why military families linger awhile in the Lone Star state - 

Are you thinking about it? What will you do to keep yourself busy when you finally retire? While pondering your pleasant dreams of life after the military, take a looksee at these seven ideas - 

Photo by Skitterphoto from Pexels

Embrace Alaskan Adventure

Grab your binoculars for optimum bird watching at Creamer’s Field near Eielson Air Force Base, Fairbanks, Alaska 

https://www.travelalaska.com/Destinations/Parks-and-Public-Lands/Creamers-Field-Migratory-Waterfowl-Refuge.aspx

Photo by Julia Kuzenkov from Pexels

Become a Florida Beach Bum

About 30 miles outside MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida, you can spot a manatee along a viewing center boardwalk

https://www.tampaelectric.com/company/mvc/

Is Desert Dwelling for You?

Practice your swing on the back nine while the Air Force Thunderbirds fly out of Nellis Air Force Base in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada

http://www.angelpark.com/

Don’t Overlook this Scenic Overlook

Take a leisurely drive through Custer State Park when near Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, South Dakota

https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/custer-state-park/

Photo by Andy Feliciotti on Unsplash

Wander Washington State

While at Joint Base Lewis McChord, slip away from the Seattle scene with a ferry ride to Vashon Island, Washington

https://www.vashonchamber.com/about-vashon/

Photo by Rebecca Harris on Unsplash

Maybe You’ve Gone Country?

Saddle up for a good ole time at Wyoming’s F. E. Warren Air Force Base when Cheyenne Frontier Days fest rounds up summertime fun

https://www.cfdrodeo.com/

Photo by Matthew LeJune on Unsplash

Saving the Best for Last

If Joint Base San Antonio calls you to the Lone Star state, float all of your cares away with a relaxing stroll along the River Walk

https://www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/

What do these places have in common? 

Each attraction is in a place where there is no state income tax - which means, there is no levy on military retirement pay. Of course, other states around the country have provisions and exemptions when it comes to pensions. But these lucky seven allow residents to thrive without personal income tax. Although, keep in mind there are other bills, such as property taxes or sales taxes and those tallies may be steep.

Why choose Texas?

With seven tax-free states to choose from (and other states having retirement options) you can hang up your hat at any destination that tickles your fancy. You could be watching a bald eagle soar majestically from the deck of your Alaskan cabin? Or, maybe those soft waves whispering from a Florida beach would be lulling you to sleep? Perhaps it is the slow pace of a wooden rocking chair gliding on a Texas porch with a cold drink and a chill playlist that appeals to you? Why did you choose Texas as a place to retire?

• Could it be - 

for ample Job Opportunities?

9 out of 10 times, an Active Duty member in today’s military force is working side by side with a government civilian or defense contractor. This gives a service member the opportunity to see what life is like on the “outside”, painting a picture of a post-military career. When the timing is right to seek job opportunities, the city of San Antonio offers a wide array of organizations with military-to-civilian transition guidance. 

For instance, the Military and Veterans Service Center of Bexar County presents anything and everything, from mentoring for employment readiness to highlighting the extensive benefits for Veterans.

 https://www.bexar.org/512/Employment

• Could it be -

for top-notch Medical Care?

Posting a review of the San Antonio Military Health System, a military spouse states, “SAMHS is the pinnacle of health care.” When navigating medical care after leaving Active Duty service, it is comforting to know that the TriCare system is running on all cylinders at this multi-base location. 

As another reviewer describes, “The professionalism is the best of any military installation I’ve been located at. The Care Managers are meticulous and do their best to ensure your needs are met.” Words like that are exactly what a person wants to hear when thinking of settling down in an area with premium medical resources.

https://www.tricare.mil/FindDoctor/AllProviderDirectories/MSM/SAMHS

https://www.yelp.com/biz/san-antonio-military-medical-center-fort-sam-houston

• Could it be -

for mild Winter Weather?

Thankfully, Winter gear can linger in the dark corner of the garage. There will be no need for shoveling through drifting snow when living in the Alamo City! More likely, a person can plan to host a Thanksgiving gathering on the back porch as the Autumn sun welcomes mild weather. Of course, temperatures will vary, but November can bring 70° days and 50° nights.

Now when the Summer months arrive, things can get plenty hot and humid. Folks in San Antonio head to the pool or plan a get-away to play in the water.

https://travel.usnews.com/San_Antonio_TX/When_To_Visit/

https://www.sacurrent.com/sanantonio/the-20-best-water-parks-within-driving-distance-of-san-antonio/Slideshow/21561115

If the Lone Star state is calling you to buy or build your “forever” home, you’ll fit right in with the abundance of military-friendly communities. Reach out to a Litton Group real estate professional today to see what options await with your life after the military.