Retiring To The Country After Twenty Years Of Service

17% of the U.S. Military retire after twenty years of service. After two decades of active service, it can be a big adjustment moving away from both a career and a community of people that have become intertwined with that career. Many veterans choose to seek peace, quiet and a simpler life after service. A move to the country is ideal for this, and the generous pension that is provided to military veterans with twenty years service can help to facilitate this move.

Getting a VA home loan

When you are moving to the country, the first step is to find a suitable property for you. It may be that you are able to finance your new home purchase outright. If you require a home loan, however, there are many schemes aimed specifically at veterans that give favorable rates. These VA home loans are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and issued by private lenders. They have a $0 down option for veterans and their spouses. There have been more than 25 million VA loans given to service members since the historic home loan scheme was opened in 1944. With this type of loan, you will not have to buy Private Mortgage Insurance.

Building a home

After twenty years of service, many veterans choose to spend more time with nature in the country. This is where ranch life can be ideal. In states that have large farming communities, ranches and land can be found in abundance. Texas land for sale is plentiful, and can give you the opportunity to become part of the community. The landscape is varied and beautiful, and you will always have an outstanding view. If you want to work the land, the National AgrAbility Project helps military veterans who are beginners to farming. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also runs programs helping veterans to purchase farm equipment, machinery and farm land.

Keeping in touch 

When you are in the military, it is not just a career: you are part of an enormous and dedicated community. The people that you work with are often the people that you live with and spend your leisure time with. When you retire from service and move to the country, it doesn’t mean that you have to give up that sense of community. The top three states in the U.S. for having large military communities, both active and retired, are Texas, California and Virginia. They are also the most affordable for veterans. Even though you might be living in the country, you can still get involved in the military community and make a difference in people’s lives, both with outward community work and with charity projects, such as the Wounded Warrior Project.

After dedicating twenty years of your life to a career in the U.S. military, the generous pension can allow you to make a move to the country. You can enjoy nature and the great outdoors, but still be part of a military community.