Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton · Naval Base San Diego and NAS North Island
Yes. You can use a VA loan anywhere in California, from San Diego to Sacramento. California gives military retirees a partial tax break on their retirement pay. We lend in California and help military families buy near every major base in the state.
Good to know
Partly, starting in 2025. California lets retirees exclude up to $20,000 of military retirement pay if their income is under $125,000 ($250,000 for joint filers). The break runs through tax year 2029, and anything above it is taxed.
California's Disabled Veterans' Exemption takes a large amount (well over $150,000, adjusted every year) off the assessed value of a home owned by a Veteran rated 100% or paid at 100% for unemployability. Lower-income Veterans get an even bigger exemption. Apply through your local tax office after you move in.
California prices scare a lot of people off. With full VA entitlement there's no VA loan limit, so you can buy with $0 down as long as you qualify for the payment. California is also a community property state, so a spouse's debts can count when you qualify.
Tax rules shown are general and current as of October 2026. Confirm the details with your county or the state before you rely on them.
PCSing to California?
Wherever your orders say, we lend there. Here's where families usually look.
California questions
Partly, starting in 2025. California lets retirees exclude up to $20,000 of military retirement pay if their income is under $125,000 ($250,000 for joint filers). The break runs through tax year 2029, and anything above it is taxed. VA disability compensation isn't taxed.
California's Disabled Veterans' Exemption takes a large amount (well over $150,000, adjusted every year) off the assessed value of a home owned by a Veteran rated 100% or paid at 100% for unemployability. Lower-income Veterans get an even bigger exemption. Rules and amounts can change, so confirm with your local tax office.
Yes. VA loans work in cities, suburbs and rural areas across California, as long as the home will be your main residence and meets VA property standards. We lend statewide, so we can help wherever you're buying.
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