Millington: Shelby County’s New Home Base for Retiring Veterans
Millington is actively working to become the top destination in America for military veterans transitioning to civilian life. Led by Mayor Larry Dagen and Vice Mayor Thomas McGhee, this strategy leverages the city’s infrastructure and the presence of Naval Support Activity Mid-South to attract a skilled and stable workforce to Shelby County.
Why Millington is Investing in Veterans
This initiative is more than just patriotism; it’s a strategic economic development plan. By targeting military veterans for retirement, Millington aims to attract a population known for its skills, stability, and significant spending power. This approach is already showing results, with Millington identified as Shelby County’s fastest-growing municipality, seeing a 5.29% population increase between 2022 and 2023.
Affordable Living for a Stable Future
A key draw for veterans is Millington’s housing affordability. In December 2024, the median home sold price in Millington was $232,000. This is significantly more accessible than many other growing metros, including Nashville, where the median price stood at $440,000. For veterans accustomed to naval housing, this offers a tangible path to homeownership that might be out of reach elsewhere.
| Location | Median Home Price |
|---|---|
| Millington | $232,000 |
| Nashville | $440,000 |
Robust Infrastructure for Veteran Support
Millington is building a comprehensive support system tailored for its veteran community.
- Naval Support Activity Mid-South: As the largest inland Navy base, it employs over 6,500 personnel. Hundreds of sailors complete their service here annually, bringing world-class leadership and technical expertise that Millington hopes to retain within the community.
- State-of-the-Art VA Clinic: The state’s largest VA Outpatient Clinic is currently under construction in Millington. This facility will provide comprehensive healthcare services locally, eliminating the need for veterans to travel to Memphis or beyond for essential care.
- Property Tax Relief: In 2025, Millington became the first city in Shelby County outside Memphis to offer local property tax relief for disabled veterans and widows of service members killed in action, signaling a strong commitment to those who have served.
Connecting Veterans to Career Pathways and Community
Millington’s location and legacy offer unique advantages for veterans seeking new career paths and a strong community.
Located just fifteen miles north of downtown Memphis, the city provides a tight-knit small-city culture with metropolitan access via Highway 51, I-269, rail, and the Millington-Memphis Airport. Its aerospace legacy, dating back to World War I, continues through partnerships with NSA Mid-South and local companies. This creates clear career transition pathways for veterans with aviation or technical backgrounds into advanced manufacturing, aviation technology, and logistics.
Education and Family Support
For military families, the Millington Municipal Schools district provides stability and personalized attention. With a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1 across 2,646 students (PK-12), the district’s smaller scale helps children of service members thrive despite frequent moves. Mayor Dagen notes that educators understand the unique challenges military families face, offering consistent support. Furthermore, the city recently opened Tennessee’s first free-standing public pre-K, the Millington Early Learning Academy, reinforcing its commitment to young, working families.
FAQs: Millington for Veterans
- Why is Millington focusing on attracting military veterans?
Millington sees veterans as a valuable asset for economic development, bringing stability, spending power, and a highly skilled workforce to the region. - What specific benefits does Millington offer veterans?
Benefits include highly affordable housing (median home price $232,000), the state’s largest new VA Outpatient Clinic, and local property tax relief for disabled veterans and Gold Star families. - How do Millington’s schools support military families?
The Millington Municipal Schools district offers smaller class sizes and educators attuned to the unique challenges military-connected students face, providing consistency and targeted support. The new Early Learning Academy also boosts family support. - What career opportunities are available for veterans in Millington?
Leveraging its aerospace legacy and proximity to NSA Mid-South, Millington offers career pathways in advanced manufacturing, aviation technology, and logistics. - Who is leading this initiative?
Mayor Larry Dagen and Navy veteran Vice Mayor Thomas McGhee are at the forefront of positioning Millington as the top choice for retiring military veterans.
For veterans considering where to drop anchor after years of dedicated service, Millington offers not just affordability and essential services, but a welcoming community that truly understands and values their contributions, fostering a sense of belonging and stability right here in Shelby County.
Millington new home base for retiring veterans
