admin Arizona has a large, proud veteran community, and the state backs it up with real benefits. If you’ve served, here’s what moving here can look like.
Updated October 2026. Rules and fees change; confirm with the official source linked in each section.
Why veterans choose Arizona
- Military retirement pay is exempt from Arizona state income tax.
- Major installations: Luke AFB (West Valley), Davis-Monthan AFB (Tucson), Fort Huachuca (Sierra Vista) and MCAS Yuma, plus Guard and reserve units.
- VA healthcare: the Phoenix VA (Carl T. Hayden), Southern Arizona VA in Tucson, Northern Arizona VA in Prescott, and community clinics statewide.
- Weather and outdoor life that’s easy on the body.
Using your VA loan in Arizona
- $0 down for eligible borrowers with full entitlement
- No private mortgage insurance
- A one-time VA funding fee, waived for veterans receiving VA disability compensation
- The VA appraisal includes minimum property requirements; your agent should know how to make VA offers compete with conventional ones
- You can use the benefit more than once
Sellers sometimes worry VA loans are slow. With the right lender, they aren’t. Ask your agent to include a lender letter that addresses timeline and appraisal.
Arizona benefits to check
- Property tax exemption for qualifying disabled veterans (apply with your county assessor)
- Vehicle License Tax exemption for qualifying disabled veterans
- Veteran designation on your Arizona driver license
- Veteran license plates
- Hunting and fishing license benefits for qualifying veterans
- Benefits counseling from the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services
Where veterans live
- Near Luke AFB: Glendale, Surprise, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Peoria
- Near Davis-Monthan: Tucson, Vail, Sahuarita
- Near the Phoenix VA: Central and North Phoenix
- Retirees: Mesa, Prescott, Sun City
Related: How to Buy a Home in Arizona · Arizona Taxes.
🇺🇸 For Veterans & Military
Use Your VA Home Loan Benefit in Arizona
Arizona is one of the most veteran-friendly states in the country. Get a free VA buying plan: zero-down options, VA-savvy lenders, and the Arizona benefits most new veteran residents miss.
- $0-down VA loan walk-through
- Lenders who close VA loans on time
- Arizona veteran tax exemptions to check
- Homes near Luke AFB, Davis-Monthan & the VA
Craig Citizen, REALTOR® · West USA Realty · Free, no obligation