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Reserve & National Guard

Career concerns a key factor in post-military relocation

Kate Horrell
by Kate Horrell
July 22, 2022
relocation

Michael and Holly Coleman relocated to western Washington state after Michael’s military career ended. Jobs and careers were among the main reasons for choosing to live there. Courtesy photo

Jobs and careers are among the main concerns for service members looking to relocate as they leave the military, according to Jessica Brutzman, a realtor and certified military relocation professional in Traverse City, Michigan.

And when Holly Coleman’s husband, Michael, retired in May 2021, that proved to be the case when they moved from Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho to western Washington state.

“My husband is in tech; I’m in health care,” she said. “We knew this area would be the best place financially for us. And it is. We’re making way more now than we ever did while he was active duty.”

While everyone’s priorities differ, items to consider include:

  • Proximity to, or distance from, family;
  • Jobs for one or both spouses;
  • Schools, for children or adults;
  • Access to beaches, mountains, rivers or lakes;
  • Cultural opportunities;
  • Distance from airport;
  • Weather;
  • Cost of living;
  • Big city vs. suburbs vs. rural;
  • Taxes;
  • Political climate;
  • Access to VA facilities;
  • For retirees, access to military facilities.

For those with children, schools are a big consideration, ranging from special needs resources to athletics or a particular high school experience.

RELATED: 3 things to consider ahead of your military transition

“My son goes to a mini college for high school,” Coleman said. “He wants to go into tech and being in western Washington, one of the tech meccas of our country, this is his best chance.”

Being able to enjoy a particular lifestyle is also easier to accomplish when picking your own location. Personal budgets are a driving factor as well.

“Be sure to understand your budget so you can maximize your options in whichever state you choose,” Brutzman said.

Those who plan to work should also ensure that local salaries make sense for the cost of living. If retiring, confirm that you can maintain the standard of living you want on the income you’ll have.

Picking the right location can make all those parts come together. Keep in mind that your new “permanent” home may not be quite so permanent.

Thinking of your first post-military location as just another duty station can take some of the pressure out of the decision. There’s no rule that you have to stay there.

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Tags: careerMilitaryrelocationTransition
Kate Horrell

Kate Horrell

Kate Horrell is an Accredited Financial Counselor® and personal financial educator who helps the military community make the most of their pay and benefits. She shares the most up-to-date information in understandable terms, and highlights how rules, programs, and laws will directly impact your personal finances. With over 10 years working with thousands of military families, she understands the concerns of currently serving, retired, and veteran families. You can find her at KateHorrell.com.

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