If you're a veteran, active-duty service member, or eligible military family member considering buying a home, you may want to take a closer look at North Carolina.
According to a November 4, 2026 article from Realtor.com, North Carolina ranks No. 2 among the five best states to consider when buying a home using a VA loan. That's right—our state is near the very top of the list, coming in just behind Virginia and ahead of Florida, Texas, and Tennessee.
And there are some pretty good reasons why North Carolina is getting that recognition.
From established military communities and career opportunities to outdoor recreation, major transportation connections, and a variety of housing options, North Carolina offers a lot for veterans and military families looking to put down roots.
Let's take a closer look at why North Carolina made the list and what makes it such an appealing place to call home.
Why North Carolina Ranked No. 2 for VA Homebuyers
Realtor.com's article highlights several reasons North Carolina stands out for veterans and military families.
1. An established military community
North Carolina has a strong military presence, with major installations such as Fort Liberty and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. These installations help support a large military-connected population and create opportunities for veterans and active-duty families.
For those transitioning out of the military, having an established veteran community can make it easier to build connections, find resources, and navigate the transition into civilian life.
2. Career opportunities beyond military service
North Carolina offers opportunities for veterans at different stages of their careers. Whether you're transitioning into civilian employment, continuing in a government or defense-related field, or looking for something entirely new, there are opportunities throughout the state.
The Charlotte region, in particular, offers access to a diverse employment market, including finance, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and other major industries.
3. Military retirement tax benefits
Another important advantage is North Carolina's tax treatment of qualifying military retirement pay.
Eligible military retirees can deduct qualifying military retirement benefits from North Carolina state taxable income. This can be a meaningful consideration when comparing the overall cost of living and retirement options across different states.
As always, individual eligibility and tax circumstances matter, so it's worth discussing the details with a qualified tax professional.
4. More choices in where to live
One of the biggest advantages of North Carolina is the variety of lifestyles available.
You can choose a home in a growing metropolitan area, a quieter suburban neighborhood, a small town with more land, or somewhere closer to the mountains or coast.
As Realtor.com's article points out, North Carolina can offer buyers relocating from higher-cost areas more space and different housing options for their budget.
That flexibility is especially appealing for military families who may be relocating from another state and looking for a place to establish long-term roots.
Don't Overlook the VA Loan Benefits
Of course, North Carolina's ranking isn't just about location. The VA loan program itself is one of the biggest advantages available to eligible veterans and service members.
VA loans are backed in part by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and are designed to help eligible borrowers purchase a primary residence.
Some of the key benefits include:
No required down payment: Eligible buyers may be able to purchase a home without putting money down, provided the purchase price and loan requirements are met.
No monthly mortgage insurance: Unlike some other loan programs, VA loans do not require monthly private mortgage insurance.
Competitive interest rates: VA-backed loans may offer favorable interest rates compared with other financing options.
Flexible use of the benefit: Eligible borrowers may be able to use their VA loan benefit more than once, depending on their available entitlement.
Seller-paid closing costs: Certain buyer closing costs may be negotiated as part of the transaction.
One thing buyers should know is that a VA loan may include a one-time funding fee unless the borrower qualifies for an exemption. This fee can often be financed into the loan, but it should still be factored into the overall cost.
VA loans also have eligibility, occupancy, appraisal, and lender requirements. Speaking with a VA-approved lender is the best way to understand what you qualify for and what your purchasing power looks like.
Why Military Families Should Consider the Charlotte and Concord Area
While North Carolina as a whole has plenty to offer, I especially want to highlight the Charlotte region.
For veterans and military families considering a move to the area, the greater Charlotte market offers a combination of employment opportunities, established communities, recreation, and convenient travel connections.
Here are a few areas worth exploring:
Concord
Concord offers a blend of established neighborhoods, newer construction, shopping, restaurants, and access to major employment centers. It's a great area to explore if you're looking for a suburban feel with convenient access to Charlotte.
Harrisburg
Located between Concord and Charlotte, Harrisburg offers a quieter residential atmosphere while keeping many of the area's major amenities within reach.
Kannapolis
Kannapolis offers a mix of established neighborhoods, revitalized downtown areas, and housing options at a range of price points. It's another area worth considering for buyers looking throughout Cabarrus County.
Huntersville
For buyers who want to be closer to Lake Norman and the northern Charlotte suburbs, Huntersville offers a variety of established neighborhoods, newer communities, and access to shopping, dining, and recreation.
Charlotte
Charlotte provides a larger-city environment with a diverse job market, professional sports, entertainment, and access to Charlotte Douglas International Airport. For military families who travel frequently or are transitioning into civilian careers, those connections can be especially valuable.
The best location ultimately depends on your commute, budget, lifestyle, and long-term plans. There isn't one perfect community for every buyer, but there are plenty of options to explore.
What Should VA Buyers Know Before Starting Their Home Search?
If you're considering using your VA loan benefit in North Carolina, a little preparation can make the process much smoother.
Here are a few steps to consider:
1. Confirm your VA loan eligibility.
Your lender can help you obtain your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and determine how much entitlement you have available.
2. Connect with a VA-experienced lender.
Not every loan scenario is the same. Working with a lender who regularly handles VA financing can help you understand the process, funding fee, interest rates, and estimated monthly payment.
3. Get pre-approved before touring homes.
Knowing your budget upfront helps narrow down your search and puts you in a stronger position when you're ready to make an offer.
4. Explore different communities.
Don't limit yourself to just one city. Depending on your commute and lifestyle, you may find that a neighboring community offers a better fit.
5. Work with an agent who understands VA transactions.
From understanding the VA appraisal process to negotiating seller-paid costs and navigating inspections, having someone familiar with VA transactions can help you feel more confident throughout the process.
North Carolina Is Worth a Closer Look
Ranking No. 2 among the best states for VA homebuyers in 2026 is something worth celebrating here in North Carolina.
Our state offers a strong combination of military communities, career opportunities, retirement tax considerations, transportation access, and housing choices. For veterans and military families looking for their next home, those factors make North Carolina a state worth putting on the shortlist.
And if you're considering the Concord, Harrisburg, Kannapolis, or greater Charlotte area, I'd love to help you explore what our local market has to offer.
Whether you're relocating to North Carolina, transitioning out of military service, or simply ready for your next chapter, you deserve to understand all the options available to you.
Thank you to our veterans and military families for your service and sacrifice.
Sources and fact-checking
Realtor.com's November 4, 2026 article identifies North Carolina as No. 2 in its five-state list, based on Military.com's recommendations.
Realtor
The VA confirms the no-down-payment and no-monthly-PMI benefits, along with eligibility and funding-fee details.
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