SYRACUSE -- USAA, the financial service that services mostly military families, names Syracuse to its top ten best places for military retirement.

The pick is based on closeness to a military installation (Ft. Drum), that federal pensions are not taxed, that the VA Hospital is close for services, and there are lots of higher education outlets (eight 4-year colleges), plus Syracuse's low cost of living, stable economy and affordable housing, plus a 'wealth of cultural opportunities.' 

Something to do, especially the warm weather festivals, but also four distinct seasons also gave this area high ratings.

See the whole list (minus the pictures, which give shout-outs to Syracuse Suds Factory and Dinosaur Bar-B-Que).