With May marking Military Appreciation Month and Memorial Day approaching, the personal-finance company WalletHub has released its report on the 2026’s Best & Worst States for Military Retirees, along with some Memorial Day Facts and expert insights.
To assist service members in planning for life after the military, WalletHub evaluated all 50 states and the District of Columbia across 28 key indicators of veteran retirement-friendliness. The data set ranges from job opportunities for veterans to housing affordability to the quality of VA hospitals.
South Carolina was ranked number one, followed by North Dakota at number two and Wyoming at number three. California came in with a number 35 ranking. The bottom three were the District of Columbia at number 49, Vermont at number 50 and Oregon was ranked last, at number 51.
Military Retirement in California (1=Best; 25=Avg.):
Overall Rank: 35th
49th – Veterans per Capita
2nd – Number of VA Health Facilities per Number of Veterans
49th – % of Homeless Veterans
44th – Veteran Job Opportunities
51st – Housing Affordability
48th – % of Veteran-Owned Businesses
1st – Number of VA Benefits-Administration Facilities per Number of Veterans
40th – Quality of VA Hospitals
Memorial Day Facts
100 – Members of the 119th Congress have served in the U.S. military, only the fifth time in the last 50 years with an increase at all in the total veterans elected.
100M+ – Households worldwide will watch the National Memorial Day parade broadcast on TV.
3.7M – People are expected to travel by plane over Memorial Day weekend (up 0.3% over 2025).
818 – Number of hot dogs consumed every second from Memorial Day to Labor Day (seven billion total).
15 to 90 Percent Off – Discount shoppers can expect during Memorial Day weekend sales.
“Transitioning from military to civilian life isn’t easy, but the best states for military retirees make that adjustment as smooth as possible. In addition to providing the conditions necessary for our veterans to thrive financially, they also have ample resources for taking care of military retirees’ physical and mental health,” WalletHub Analyst Chip Lupo said. “South Carolina is the best state for military retirees, in part because it has many policies in place to help veterans. The state allows businesses to give preferential hiring to veterans, offers academic credit for military service, and has veteran treatment courts, which give services like treatment and mentoring to veterans in the criminal justice system. South Carolina doesn’t tax military pensions, either. In addition, the Palmetto State has the third-best VA hospitals in the country, and the most veteran-owned businesses per capita.”
For the full report, visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/best-states-for-military-retirees/3915
Expert Commentary
What is the best way to honor the memory of our fallen countrymen this Memorial Day?
“Many communities have ceremonies for those members of the military who gave their lives in service. If you live near a college or university with an ROTC unit, cadets often participate in a multi hour silent vigil honoring those soldiers who have passed away and members of the community are welcome to join them in observance. One can also find religious services or ceremonies in cemeteries to attend.”
Scott Thorne, Ph.D. – Instructor, Southeast Missouri State University
“The heart of Memorial Day remains the tribute to service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. In this 250th year of the United States, the most profound way to pay tribute is through the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time on Monday, May 25. For 2026, the Semiquincentennial Commission has encouraged a Grand Pause, where airports, train stations, and public squares across the country fall silent for one minute to create a unified national tribute that connects our modern heroes to the revolutionary spirit of 1776. If you are religious, say a prayer of thanksgiving for them and a prayer that they are now in God’s hands. If you are not religious, spend five minutes in quiet reflection on the freedoms you enjoy because of their service. With veteran representation in the 119th Congress reaching 100 members, a rare increase over the last 50 years, many are also choosing to honor the fallen by participating in civic service projects. These Visions of Freedom projects focus on strengthening the community and country that these men and women died to protect.”
Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, Lynn University
Do you believe Memorial Day has become too commercialized?
“Anything that draws attention to those that made the ultimate sacrifice for the country is worthwhile. However, a large segment of the population looks at it as the start of summer rather than as a commemoration of those who died for the country.”
Scott Thorne, Ph.D. – Instructor, Southeast Missouri State University
“According to this year’s consumer surveys, 51% of Americans feel the holiday has become too commercialized, specifically citing the saturation of anniversary-themed marketing. However, a counter-commercialism trend is emerging; 66% of Americans say that if a brand celebrates the 250th anniversary, its impact should be positive and socially responsible. This shift suggests that while shoppers are looking for value, they are increasingly demanding that the commercial side of the holiday remain respectful of its origins, with over half of consumers preferring that retailers donate a portion of holiday sales to veteran causes.”
Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, Lynn University
What money-saving tips do you have for people planning to travel on Memorial Day?
“Given the projected price of gas this summer, downloading an app such as Gas Buddy to search for the cheapest prices for gas along your route. If flying, being flexible in your departure time can help save money as can traveling during ‘shoulder season,’ the times just before or after peak travel times, can save money since prices trend upward during popular travel times.”
Scott Thorne, Ph.D. – Instructor, Southeast Missouri State University
“Time your trip appropriately by avoiding the Friday afternoon rush; departing before 11 a.m. on Friday or waiting until Saturday morning can save you hours of idling and wasted fuel. Avoid the Baggage Tax by packing a carry-on only, as many airlines have increased checked bag fees this spring to manage the record-breaking 3.6 million people flying this year. Look into local Second City destinations, like Lancaster, PA, or Alexandria, VA, which offer rich 250th anniversary history and mobile museums at a fraction of the hotel costs found in D.C. or Philadelphia. Utilize fuel tracking apps to find prices that may still be under the $4.30 national average, as local competition in high traffic corridors often leads to significant price dips. Leverage AI-driven itinerary tools to find hidden gem restaurants and free community events, helping you avoid the 8% price hike seen in domestic hotel and dining costs in major tourist hubs.”
Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, Lynn University
