VA hospitals provide specialized care, treatment, and services to the nation’s veterans and their families. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs organized its health care system into 18 regions (Veterans Integrated Service Networks) that span the nation. Active adult veterans often seek a home near a top Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital. Along with budget, climate, and home styles, easy access to health care often takes priority for 55+ homebuyers.
Luckily, active adults and retired veterans can have the best of both worlds in a 55+ community. These neighborhoods offer many benefits, including an age-restricted lifestyle, like-minded neighbors, and low-maintenance floor plans. Veterans considering a move to a 55+ community might ask themselves, “Is there a VA hospital near me?”
This list features the top VA hospitals in the country and some of the best 55+ communities nearby. Active adult veterans can find an age-restricted community for their needs, preferences, and lifestyle without sacrificing health care. Let’s dive in!
VA Boston Health Care System – Boston, MA
World-renowned for its urban East Coast lifestyle, the Boston area offers retirees entertainment, dining, and 55+ communities. In addition to other public hospitals and medical centers, veterans can find three main locations for VA hospitals in the area (as well as numerous health clinics and veteran centers).
The award-winning VA Boston Health Care System works with more than 100 academic partners, a list that includes well-known institutions such as Harvard Medical School, Northeastern University’s Bouvé College of Health Sciences, and Boston College Connell School of Nursing. This system harbors one of the largest research programs across all VA hospitals in important fields like addiction, sleep disorders, and neuroscience.
The VA Boston system remains on the cutting edge of medical technology and patient care, earning accolades such as the highest level Certification for Committed to Care Excellence in the Age-Friendly Health System by the Institute for Health Care Improvement. The institution also opened a new 20,000-square-foot neuroscience building in 2022 with both research and patient care facilities.
Nearby 55+ Communities
West Roxbury VA Medical Center
A number of well-established 55+ communities can be found near VA hospitals in the Boston area. One community near the West Roxbury VA Medical Center is Westbrook Crossing in Dedham, Massachusetts. This neighborhood has 60 condominium homes and a maintenance-free lifestyle. Also, just 20 minutes away in Milton, interested homebuyers can find a variety of floor plans at Wolcott Woods. This neighborhood consists of 54 single-family, attached, and condominium homes.
Brockton VA Medical Center
The Brockton VA Medical Center is located 20 minutes east of The Village at Auburnville, a 55+ community of 92 attached homes. Residents enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle alongside a 5,000-square-foot clubhouse with a fitness center and a media room.
Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center – Houston, TX
Veterans who want to retire in Texas can access some of the area’s finest VA health care at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston. The medical center, which has earned high rankings for its cardiology and surgery departments, offers a wide array of medical services. Affiliated with the Baylor College of Medicine, the state-of-the-art facility is one of the nation’s largest VA hospitals.
The hospital’s relationship with the nearby Baylor College of Medicine strengthens its cutting-edge procedures and research-based practices. The hospital attracts veterans from across the nation seeking “diagnostic care, radiation therapy, surgery, and medical treatment including cardiovascular surgery, ophthalmology, nuclear medicine, and treatment of spinal cord injury and diseases,” according to the college.
Nearby 55+ Communities
Numerous 55+ communities in the area offer residents proximity to health care options, restaurants, entertainment, and cultural attractions. CountryPlace in Pearland is an age-restricted community with 841 single-family and attached homes just 10 miles from the VA Medical Center. The resort-style amenities include a clubhouse with a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and a golf course. The full social calendar includes activities, clubs, and classes such as bingo, poker, and singles club.
Gatherings at Westview is a 55+ condominium community. It’s within 12 miles of the medical center and 5 miles of Downtown Houston, providing easy access to attractions like White Oak Music Hall, Downtown Aquarium, and Memorial Park. The exclusive community offers a maintenance-free lifestyle. There’s also Bellavita at Green Tee in Pearland, about 20 miles from the VA Medical Center, known for its 14,000-square-foot clubhouse.
Minneapolis VA Health Care System – Minneapolis, MN
The Minneapolis VA Health Care System in Minneapolis offers award-winning patient care. The system spans 15 facilities across Minnesota and western Wisconsin, ensuring easy access to a nearby VA medical center for veterans living in the area.
The main campus in Downtown Minneapolis is home to an abundance of general and specialty departments, including oncology, neurology, psychiatry, dentistry, and surgery. Among other accreditations and awards, this location was recognized as one of the top 25 hospitals in the country for environmental excellence, according to Practice Greenhealth.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center counts itself as one of only five facilities in the country that provides “acute, inpatient rehabilitative care to Veterans and active-duty service members who have experienced severe injuries.” Veteran active adults in need of this type of care will find Minneapolis an ideal choice for retirement.
Nearby 55+ Communities
Retirees considering moving to a 55+ community will find several within reach of the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. Residents of Avidor Edina, located 15 minutes west of the medical center, live a maintenance-free lifestyle in their one- or two-bedroom apartment homes. The amenities at Avidor Edina include a lounge, a fitness center, a resort-style pool, and a movie theater. Another similar option is Avidor Minnetonka, located 30 minutes east of the medical center, which has 168 apartment homes.
For active adults searching for condominium homes for sale near Minneapolis, Creekside in Edina includes 126 homes and a maintenance-free lifestyle. The one-bedroom condos present the perfect opportunity to downsize and offer residents amenities and a convenient location 15 minutes east of the Minneapolis VA Medical Center.
James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital – Tampa, FL
Located near Florida’s Gulf Coast in Tampa, James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital provides a wide array of treatments to residents of the Sunshine State. This accredited institution offers a long list of health services beneficial to veterans, such as treatment for spinal cord injuries, mental health care, cardiology, prosthetics, oncology, and sleep disorders.
The James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital contains 11 rehabilitation programs and is the only VA hospital with many divisions accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. The hospital is also a respected teaching hospital that works closely with the University of South Florida College of Medicine and more than 100 other academic institutions. Its research division focuses on many fields, including chronic pain, traumatic brain injuries, breast and prostate cancer, and sleep disorders. The James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital was also the very first VA hospital in the country to receive the Magnet Award from the American Nurses Credentialing Center for its high quality of nursing care.
Nearby 55+ Communities
Florida and Tampa are both well-known for their many 55+ communities. Some can even be found near the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital. Howell Park Condominiums is located 25 minutes south of the hospital and sits directly on Tampa’s Hillsborough Bay, providing residents with water views and a maintenance-free lifestyle. The gated 55+ community includes 52 condominium homes across two buildings, and neighbors share a resort-style pool and walking trails.
Located 30 minutes south of the hospital in Riverview, Bridgewater Landing offers 64 single-family and attached homes. The community includes several distinct floor plans to choose from for a variety of needs and preferences. The location near Interstate 75 provides easy access to beaches, Tampa’s entertainment choices, and the rest of Florida.
VA Portland Health Care System – Portland, OR
Portland is a viable option for active adults thinking about retiring to Oregon or the Pacific Northwest. The city’s vivid arts scene, accessible greenspaces, and laid-back atmosphere attract retirees every year. Portland is also home to the VA Portland Health Care System which consists of about a dozen locations.
While all VA hospitals dedicate themselves to helping veterans, some locations also conduct a vast amount of research. The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs reports that the Portland VA Medical Center currently conducts more than 500 studies centered around medical advancement in cancer treatment, alcoholism, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease.
Nearby 55+ Communities
Portland VA Medical Center
Several 55+ communities can be found near the Portland VA Medical Center. One popular and large 55+ community is King City, located about 30 minutes southwest of Downtown Portland and the medical center. The 1,287 single-family, attached, and condominium homes present many options to interested homebuyers. Also, the community’s extensive amenities provide options for entertainment any day of the week.
Another sizable 55+ community is Summerfield, a golf course community located 20 minutes southwest of the medical center. Aside from a clubhouse, tennis courts, and onsite retail, Summerfield also offers single-family, attached, and condominium homes. Those seeking a smaller, more exclusive community should look into Condolea in Lake Oswego. This neighborhood features 56 attached homes within 20 minutes of the medical center.
Vancouver VA Medical Center
Also included in the Portland VA Health System is the Vancouver VA Medical Center just north of Portland in Vancouver, Washington. A 55+ community called Summerplace sits 20 minutes southeast of this medical center and includes 807 single-family and condominium homes. Residents of Summerplace have access to an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a ballroom. Also, neighbors in this community meet up regularly for social activities such as karaoke, movie nights, and tennis matches.
Located 20 miles east along the Columbia River from the Vancouver VA Medical Center is another 55+ community—Fairway Village. The community surrounds a 9-hole golf course, making the 824 single-family and condominium homes ideal for those who enjoy hitting the links. Other amenities include a clubhouse with a fitness center, bocce ball courts, and an outdoor pool with a patio.
San Francisco VA Health Care System – San Francisco, CA
With more than 1,000 active research projects, the San Francisco VA Health Care System maintains a reputation for providing ground-breaking treatment to veterans and their families in the San Francisco area. The institution has maintained a strong bond with the University of California San Francisco since 1968, training and employing the next generation of doctors, nurses, and researchers.
The San Francisco VA Health Care System accounts for ten locations across northern California, an area that attracts many retirees. The San Francisco VA Medical Center in Downtown San Francisco was among the first VA medical centers to perform MRI-guided deep brain stimulation surgery partnered with the Department of Defense to study combat-related brain injuries.
Nearby 55+ Communities
Active adults searching for condominium homes for sale near San Francisco should take a look at Foster Square. This is a 55+ community about 40 minutes south of the San Francisco VA Medical Center. Residents of the 200 condominium homes can reach dining, coffee shops, retail shopping, and parks right outside their front door. In addition to a maintenance-free lifestyle, homeowners at Foster Square also enjoy sports courts, a picnic area, and walking trails.
Another age-restricted condominium community in the area is The Peninsula Regent in San Mateo. This community sits 40 minutes south of the medical center and includes 207 condos. Residents enjoy onsite amenities including a fitness center, an indoor pool, and a concierge.
VA San Diego Health Care System – San Diego, CA
The VA San Diego Health Care System utilizes state-of-the-art technology to provide care to veterans and their families in Southern California. This hospital network earned national recognition with a 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Also, it’s included in the top ten hospitals in the country when it comes to preventing heart failure deaths, according to Becker’s Hospital Review.
Nearby 55+ Communities
One hospital in the VA San Diego Health Care System, the Jennifer Moreno Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, provides specialty services including pain management, spinal cord injuries, and mental health care. Several well-established 55+ communities can be found near this accredited medical center, including Regency Villas just 10 minutes away. The 132 condominium homes at Regency Villas present the perfect opportunity to downsize. Residents have more time to enjoy the neighborhood amenities, like the clubhouse with a fitness center and billiards.
Both Avante at Del Sur and Auberge at Del Sur lie 20 minutes north of the medical center. They boast an abundance of amenities through their location in the master-planned community of Del Sur. The residents of the 196 single-family and attached homes in Auberge and the 119 attached homes in Avante can access 11 swimming pools, 12 parks and greenspaces, sports courts, and an outdoor amphitheater.
Active adults looking for a 55+ community close to the Pacific Coast might appreciate High Country Villas in Encinitas. This community has 546 single-family and attached homes on a 9-hole golf course. Residents can reach scenic beaches in under 10 minutes and the Jennifer Moreno Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in 20 minutes. The community hosts a busy social calendar with fitness classes, group outings, and interest clubs.
Also located about 20 minutes north of the medical center is Park Encinitas. This laid-back community consists of 155 manufactured homes that range from 1,230 to 1,440 square feet. They offer two or three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a one-car garage. Residents can take advantage of the year-round warm weather in the saltwater pool and play some rounds of shuffleboard.
VA Maryland Health Care System – Baltimore, MD
Known for its rich history, East Coast culture, and seafood, Baltimore is a hot spot for many active adults. Residents can visit historic Fort McHenry, cheer on their favorite NFL team at M&T Bank Stadium, and veterans can get the care they require in the VA Maryland Health Care System.
The VA Maryland Health Care System boasts several specialty facilities centered around the needs of veterans, including the Epilepsy Center of Excellence; the Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center; the Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center; and the Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence. Female veterans will also find a comprehensive women’s health program tailored to their individual needs.
Nearby 55+ Communities
Active adults searching for 55+ communities near the Baltimore VA Medical Center will find several options, including Tanyard Shores 25 minutes away in Glen Burnie, Maryland. Tanyard Shores consists of 190 attached homes that range from 2,444 to 3,159 square feet. They also feature first-floor suites and covered patios. Among several other amenities, the community’s location puts it on the shores of Marley Creek and allows for water activities like boating, fishing, and kayaking.
Looking for condominium homes for sale near Baltimore? Patapsco Overlook in Catonsville may have what you want. Residents of Patapsco Overlook can reach the Baltimore VA Medical Center in 30 minutes. They can also enjoy Patapsco Valley State Park, which covers 32 miles along the Patapsco River beside the community.
Northeast of Baltimore and 30 minutes from the medical center, active adults can find The Villages at Woodholme. The outdoor pool, tennis courts, fitness center, and putting green are just some of the amenities available to the residents. Residents also enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle thanks to a homeowners’ association (HOA) that takes care of lawn maintenance and snow removal. Golfers looking for courses nearby can choose between Woodholme Country Club, The Woodlands Golf Course, and Waverly Woods Golf Club.
VA Durham Health Care System – Durham, NC
Durham, North Carolina is well-known for its southern dining, arts scene, and natural amenities. Those from the area also know that it belongs to a region commonly referred to as the Research Triangle. Along with Raleigh and Chapel Hill, the Research Triangle gets its name from both the high-quality universities in the area as well as the largest research park in the nation, Research Triangle Park. Because of its location, it should come as no surprise that the VA Durham Health Care System supports a robust research program due to its ties with institutions like Duke University.
Aside from serving approximately 70,000 veterans at 11 locations in central and northern North Carolina, the system’s major areas of research include osteoporosis, medication-related problems, infectious diseases, physical function, and long-term care environments. The health system also houses five national centers of excellence, including mental health, geriatrics, epidemiology, epilepsy, and primary care.
Nearby 55+ Communities
Retired veterans searching for homes in Durham will find several 55+ communities within reach of the Durham VA Medical Center. Corbinton is located in the nearby town of Hillsborough, just 15 minutes from the medical center. Interested homebuyers can choose between single-family or attached homes. Residents enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle and amenities such as a clubhouse, a fitness center, and a community garden.
About 25 minutes southwest of the Durham VA Medical Center, active adults can find The Courtyards at Homestead Road. The 63 single-family homes of this neighborhood sit adjacent to the Carolina North Forest Nature Conservancy area with 750 acres of woodlands to explore. A similar community built by Epcon Communities is The Villas at Culp Arbor, which contains 63 single-family homes.
Active adults thinking about renting an apartment in the Durham area can take a look at Overture at Chapel Hill. It sits near Interstate 40 and puts residents within 15 minutes of the medical center. If the resort-style amenities like an outdoor pool, a movie theater, and a lounge weren’t enough, residents also live a maintenance-free lifestyle.
VA Tennessee Valley Health Care System – Nashville, TN
The VA Tennessee Valley Health Care System includes 21 locations across Tennessee and into Central Kentucky. Whether veterans enjoy the nightlife of Music City or the Appalachian parks in Chattanooga, a VA medical center is nearby. The VA Tennessee Valley Health Care System currently conducts more than 150 active research projects in areas such as rehabilitation, diabetes, and neurology. It also partners with accredited universities such as Vanderbilt to lead a new generation of health care professionals into the technology-focused future.
Nearby 55+ Communities
Nashville VA Medical Center
Tennessee cities like Nashville have grown in popularity as retirement destinations. Many active adults choosing communities like the Cloister at St. Henry for their move. The Cloister at St. Henry is about 20 minutes southwest of the Nashville VA Medical Center. It includes 240 attached homes and an active calendar with yoga, holiday parties, and game nights.
Approximately 20 minutes southwest of the medical center sits Ashley Green. This 55+ community has 114 attached homes and a clubhouse where neighbors meet and socialize. On the other side of town in Hermitage, Parkhaven is a 55+ community 30 minutes from the medical center. With 500 single-family homes and multiple floor plans, homebuyers can choose the right fit for their individual needs and preferences.
Alvin C. York Veterans’ Administration Medical Center
Retirees wanting to live away from Nashville while still being within driving distance should consider the Murfreesboro area. It has its own VA medical center—Alvin C. York Veterans’ Administration Medical Center. The 55+ communities in this region include Dogwood Villas, located 20 minutes away from the medical center in Smyrna. Residents of the 77 attached homes live a low-maintenance lifestyle thanks to an HOA that takes care of all lawn care and landscaping.
Also, those interested in attached homes can find them at The Cottages at Innsbrooke. Residents can forgo lawn care and instead spend the day at a show in Nashville or boating on Percy Priest Lake.
Another 55+ community in Murfreesboro that’s 20 minutes from the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center is Del Webb Southern Harmony. Built by reputable active adult developer Del Webb, this expansive community includes 1,111 single-family homes. The HOA takes care of all lawn maintenance while residents enjoy the thoughtful amenities. There’s a state-of-the-art fitness center, pickleball and bocce ball courts, and outdoor resort-style pool.
55places.com Is Here to Help!
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has ensured that active adult veterans across the country have reliable, convenient access to a range of high-quality health care facilities and providers. No matter where you are in the homebuying process, a 55places.com real estate expert can help you find the right home near one of the top VA hospitals in the country.
