The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Hiring our Heroes program recently released a list naming the top cities for veterans to settle down in during their life after service.
According to a press release, the factors used to determine the top cities were job growth, health resources, population growth, military skills jobs, unemployment rate, number of colleges and universities and their relationships with veterans, certification/license transfers and G.I. Bill enrollment.
Forbes magazine reported that the top spot went to Pittsburgh. The Pennsylvania city boasts a number of companies with special veteran hiring initiatives, including Heinz and FedEx. With a population of 2.4 million, a relatively low cost of living and a number of reputable colleges, it fits the criteria for a veteran-friendly city. No. 2 on the list was Austin, Texas, where the city government has a veteran hiring program and the unemployment rate falls well below the national average at 4.6 percent.
Other cities included in the roundup were Oklahoma City, whose low unemployment rates and inexpensive home prices make it a smart choice for money-conscious veterans. Minneapolis came in at No. 10, with a bustling metropolitan area of 3.3 million people and various schools and companies known for strong veteran relationships.