Veterans retiring in Wisconsin (Milwaukee: house, taxes, living in)

[snuggler]

My husband is nearing the end of his military career, and we are really trying to make a decision about where to go after he has retired from the military. I am from the Milwaukee area. He is from the Midwest, but doesn't want to move back to his hometown. I have not lived in the area for well over a decade.
We enjoy our trips back to the area, seeing family, etc, but we have never been responsible adults outside of military communities.

If you are a retired service member/veteran living in Wisconsin - are you sorry you settled away from a large military post? How well do you feel like you are able to utilize your benefits? Have you been able to successfully move into a second career? Have you encountered any fear of veterans by people who don't know you (the "dangerous combat veteran" stigma)? How do you feel about the cost of living in Wisconsin compared to other areas? Taxes?

My biggest stumbling block right now is the bitter winter and the high cost of housing. I do not want to settle in the South, but the amount of house I can get in North Carolina, for example, versus Wisconsin is hard to beat. My biggest reason for wanting to move back is our families, and nostalgia. We have been so absent for so long - it makes me feel sad and guilty.

I would love to hear about the experiences of people who have done it - good or bad.

[snuggler]

Are there really no retired military veterans in Wisconsin on the City Data forums??

[Casalopez3]

My thoughts exactly...