Indiana may not be the best place for veterans to retire. At least that's among the latest information from
WalletHub in its 2015 "Best & Worst States for Military Retirees" rankings. Here are four reasons why Indiana doesn't get high marks.
- The Economy, Quality of Life and Health Care - If you take into account economic environment, quality of life and health care, the Hoosier State falls short, WalletHub says. Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota ranked at the top of the list of best states for military retirees while Utah, the District of Columbia, Rhode Island, and Indiana ranked at the bottom.
- A Lack of Nearby Amenities - Indiana doesn't get high marks from Military.com's "Best Places for Military Retirement," either. That ranking gave kudos to states like Texas, where there are more cities with reasonably priced housing, low unemployment, a strong economic base, and proximity to major military installations. Other variables on the Military.com list include presence of colleges or universities, climate, good schools, opportunities for art and culture, and a major airport nearby. Indiana didn't make the list's top 10.
- Climate and Distance From Active Military Bases - Military retirees are more likely to retire near bases with active-duty residents, Trulia real estate research says. California, Texas, and Florida are the most popular states for veterans to retire. All of them also have a milder climate in their favor.
- Lack of Knowledge About Benefits - Thirty-four other states have more military veterans retiring there than Indiana. Many Hoosier vets may not even know what their retirement benefits are, those who mentor veterans say. Retired Brig. Gen. Jim Bauerele told National Public Radio that navigating benefits can be overwhelming for veterans, and they need more help. "I think Indiana has neglected veterans," Bauerele told National Public Radio in a January 2015 Morning Edition interview. "I think veterans are uneducated as to what their benefits are, and there has been little effort undertaken to communicate and get that to veterans."
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