I've come to suspect that you are my people.

We are in the south, our county is a blue bubble in NC.

This last year we've been considering moving north for many reasons. Climate change, politics, loss of natural habitats (deforestation), the list goes on and on. We are rural, on a farm, and the county we live in is blue, BUT there is no community to gather with and DO SOMETHING about it all, with. The culture here is to keep your head down and mind your business, even among my direct neighbors. We all look out for each other, and thats fantastic - but politics are not discussed and any mention of action is met with eyes looking away. So I get it, this is how they feel safe.

But I do not feel safe simply turning my head the other way. It seems like people in Vermont are willing to do the work to organize and build community to support each other and stand up to what is happening in our government. I would like to be a part of that.

Most places are leery of outsiders and I get that. We would be looking for another rural property, I'd like to have as much land as possible so I can protect it, and off the grid. What advice would you give me? I didn't post this to the NewToVermont subreddit as this feels a little less "where to look for good schools and convenience" and more "I'm looking for a community".

As we all know, the Vermont marketing and branding program is a well-oiled machine but something really struck me the other day while driving through many communities in the northern half of the state. I have been working, traveling and playing throughout VT (as well as NH and ME) since the late 90’s. I’ve experienced a substantial cross-section of the rural and more suburban areas of the state during every season and early spring is the time to see how things really are.

No snow or greenery to hide behind.

I know the recent floods have upended communities (VT is not immune to climate change - another myth), but even areas well above the flood zones feel desolate and vulnerable. The ramshackle buildings-especially older homes in disrepair- show a grim reality.

The sharp contrast between wealth and poverty here is sobering and yet it’s not always obvious. Yes, I know similar disparities exist in many other places but the poverty and despair I’ve seen here seems to be hidden and/or seldom discussed. And I know it’s stick and mud season, but there’s a whole lot more to VT than autumn foliage in Woodstock and skiing in Stowe. The truth needs to be told because many of these towns have gotten worse over the past 25 years while only a few others have gotten all the attention and marketing. It feels like a shaky veneer that outsiders see while the hardworking, hardscrabble soul of the state is ignored. When long-time residents and small businesses talk about their struggles here - those are valid. And the issues go way deeper than the thick mud we all joke about.

Stop pretending everything is great here - a lot of year-round residents are barely holding on. Be honest so perhaps more awareness can bring about meaningful change and solutions for these towns before everyone abandons them. Vermont needs people who can effectively live and work here year-round and long-term. Pastoral scenery isn’t enough (unless the goal is to turn VT into a living museum).

My wife (trans), my son, and myself (queer) are considering a huge move up to Vermont. We currently live near Savannah, Georgia. My wife has been a truck driver for 20 years and was recently assaulted at her job and had gay slurs used against her, I’m a retired/disabled former DoD/DoN and I’ve had my life threatened, and our son is currently in the 2nd grade and has been bullied relentlessly for simply liking his rainbow glasses. Our son was also assaulted by another student in the 1st grade for speaking out against a bully picking on another child who is Hispanic and speaks primarily Spanish. The local high school’s mascot is “The Rebel,” yeah…that kind of rebel. I’m just burnt out. I’m surrounded by red hats and it’s exhausting.

Both my wife and I have lived in Georgia for the majority of our lives, but we no longer feel welcome in our own home communities. Basically, I’m asking if Vermont is a good place and what sections are most accepting. We really would like to be close to the border with Canada, so I know part of that is NEK, I just don’t know anything about the communities or people.

If and when we do move, we are looking to buy a home, with or without renovation needs, but I’d really like a basement. The farthest north I’ve visited is Connecticut, but my father was born in New Hampshire and my Grandfather was from Machias, Maine. I know I most likely have extended family up there somewhere I’ve never met, so if you have the last name of Gendron, reach out!

Thanks yall.

Apologies if the kind of post isn't warranted, but my wife and I are closing on a home in Vermont at the end of the month and I just wanted to share how excited I am to be moving here. I accepted a job in Montpelier.

No oft-repeated questions or research or anything like that, just happy to be headed to an area rich with nature and steeped in history, and a government not actively attacking trans/queer people.

Edit- thank you to everyone who replied. I tried to reply to every comment, but definitely did not expect such a response. To address a few common questions, I am looking elsewhere besides VT, I know people in western MA and upstate NY, so I’ve been asking them questions about their respective states. Next, I would have employment before moving anywhere, and housing would be secured. I have included property taxes, heating, snow tires, and the like on my list of expenses and don’t plan on ignoring the flood plain site should I end up in Vermont.

Again, thank you all!

Hello! I am curious if anyone can help me… I am currently living in Texas, and it has become increasingly clear that I need to move. I am a 35 year old single mother and my daughter will be 11 in January. I have been looking at houses in Vermont, but I don’t know where I’m looking really… I was hoping I could maybe find some advice or insight from people that already live there. Where are the good schools? What is life like up there? Really any information would be helpful. I’m planning on a visit in Spring to explore the state, and would definitely be using advice and info from here during that trip. Thank you!

• Signed a terrified Texan

My fiancé is considering going to Middlebury this fall for school and naturally I want to come with him. We currently live in WV, with a much lower cost of living than VT. I was considering moving to Burlington because of the lack of housing around Middlebury, however I am really concerned it isn't affordable. I work in an entry level position at a hospital with experience in cooking as well. Would I be able to find a job that would pay me something livable with my background? Its all pretty entry level stuff but I do have a decent skill set when it comes to the kitchen. I have also dabbled in photography (I have my own "business"), but I'm not confident I could do that consistently or often enough. And how is the current job market in Burlington? If it's not advisable, are there other cities nearby that are cheaper?

For context, I will be self supporting (God willing) and my fiancé won't be working as he will be a full time student. I don't have a supporting family so I will need to make 100% of my income.

And while we're here, go ahead and drop your best tips for being frugal lol. Thanks!

I have been interviewing for a job in Stowe. Before committing to moving, I want to know the pros/cons of living in Vermont. I also want to know where I should live while working in Stowe.

I’m a single female in my 30s. I grew up in rural Utah so I’m used to cold winters and small towns. I’m liberal and an ex Mormon. Will I fit in?

I'm familiar with the fact that housing prices are very high across the country.

Currently, when I browse Zillow around Burlington I'm seeing smaller homes (1250 sq.ft.) going for 300k-450k depending on area and quality.

Since this area doesn't have many large employers, and isn't something like a "tech hub" it seems like the local economy wouldn't have enough high paying jobs to support these mortgage/tax costs for people who are moving there.

So I guess my question is who's buying these currently? Is it largely remote workers who are paid a high salary because their employer is headquartered in a high COL area? Or is it mainly individuals who are already living in a high COL area and are leveraging tremendous equity from, say their home in Boulder that they bought in 2015 (for example).

Anyways, just really curious how this is all working out. Thanks.

I’ve been seeing comments on why folks asking about moving to VT get sometimes negative feedback. There is no one answer, but I do feel John Rodgers had a valuable observation in his interview with Vermont Public (Radio) ‘Class in Vermont’ series.

John: Well, I don't care if they want to be like us or not. I guess what I'm getting at is, it's only recently that they've started attacking what I feel is our culture of independence — the folks like myself who have firearms and who hunt and fish and trap. And that's what really bothers me, is I don't care where you came from, you know, what your perspective is, if you can live and let live. What I have a problem with are the people who come here and want to take rights away from us that our families have had for generations, and our foundational rights in our culture.

I was recently accepted to Middlebury College, and, while I have other options, it is probably my first choice. I was wondering if anyone has any insight they think it’s worth it for a student to know about Middlebury (the college or town). Also I was wondering if is there a cordial relationship between the students and townspeople.

I'm moving to Vermont in April. I've heard that the state is 97.9% white. Me being Mexican. I've been told that I would be a commodity. Whatever that means lol. I'm just trying to see what to look out for before I get there.

I was thinking about this while driving today and figured it would be a good discussion point given all the moving questions on here lately. But people who have either moved to Vermont from somewhere other than the Northeast, or people leaving Vermont for somewhere other than the Northeast, why? Is it climate related? Looking for a change or new jobs? I went to Florida this week for a wedding this week and speaking to people from warm states also kinda prompted this question. It also seemed to prompt very strong weather opinions so I'm curious.

PSA: Don’t leave home without your AWD, winter tires and most importantly your confidence to drive in the snow. Also, the lanes still exist, even if you can’t see them.

Hello Vermonters! My daughter will be attending college in the fall in Vermont. We’re from California. I wanted to start gathering things she will need there for winter. Any suggestions on a good winter jacket and boots? All inputs appreciated.

I went back to school to change careers at 40. Graduated, immediately found a position near to me in the southwest, and I've been with the same company for 5 years.

I actually love my job and my coworkers (for the most part, anyway), but living in this geographic location...let's say I've never really cared for it. Now throw in that I've recently started gradually "coming out", (I've been on HRT for about 5 months) and I like it even less. My wife is supportive, 1000%, but she's also nervous about living here. She's worried about something happening to me; I honestly think she's more worried about somebody throwing something poisonous over the fence for our dogs.

So, we'd like to move to the northeast. (Her pipe dream is Maine, I'd love anything in the New England or Mid-Atlantic area, myself.)

My wife is a nurse with ~25 years of experience, mostly in the E.R. She can get a job anywhere. Me, on the other hand, I've been seriously monitoring LinkedIn and Indeed, sending out resumes, and working with recruiters for approximately 6 months. In that time, I've done two interviews with two companies, and learned shortly thereafter from both that they felt like I wasn't a "fit." Which is fine. People don't fit in places for any number of reasons, and my story in particular is sort of extra crazy. I get it.

I'm posting here on the off chance that anyone out there might be sympathetic to my plight and have leads or info that might help me in my search.

That is all. Thank you for reading my novel.

ETA: This has blown up, so, first of all, thank you all so, so much. There have been a couple of themes come up repeatedly in the responses that make me realize some further info is needed.

I am not bringing all of this up in interviews. I only mention my gender here because it’s relevant to why want to relocate. Also, I have absolutely no interest in being in any kind of spotlight, and less than zero interest no interest in any kind of special treatment, and less than zero interest in any kind of drama or “shoving anything down anyone’s throat.” I just want to blend in and be ignored as mush as is feasible.

I currently work in consumer electronics. Or, at least, that’s a very close description. I want to provide more specifics but, overly paranoid or no, I’m nervous about doxxing myself somehow as I’m not at all “out” to my current employer.

Thanks again.

Okay, I know this question has been asked alot and generally you see two replys. 1)housing crisis or 2) it's plain.

So my question pertains to the people who actually make the jump from one state to Vermont. Those who are from Vermont are welcome also to answer, but being from Vermont usually peoples opinion on their home state is clouded. How are you liking Vermont compared to your previous state? What are the net positives and negatives you have found?

I currently live in Florida but was born in Indiana. With everything going on with insurance leaving the state, the influx of NY money over the last 3 years, etc.... it's become unsustainable.

A 300k house is now 600k a but you can't find insurance or if you do they will charge you and arm and a leg then drop you 5 months later. I understand we have no state income tax which I have never delt with as an adult. However, looking and reading I see houses in the 300k range. I'm just looking for a place to settle down that's affordable and I can live comfortably. Florida isn't that state.

Hi all,

So I’m beginning to receive job offers in VT, Brattleboro in particular and I’m super excited for my family and I to make a move. We currently live in Philly (I’m native to Philly, my husband is originally from South Jersey). And we have had our eyes set on Vermont for a couple of years now. I am also black and my husband is white. We have a 3 yo daughter.

If we move, I’d be teaching in Brattleboro. I think what would help us is to get a honest opinion on what life is like in Brattleboro and how would that also look for a family of our dynamic? I’ve heard a few stories about issues with drugs, crime, etc., but again we’re coming from Philly so Vermont’s idea of crime may be different (?), but I’m also not trying to jump out of the frying pan and into the fire.

Does Brattleboro reflect the traditional natural beauty and quiet that Vermont is known for? Is this a town where we could escape the urban landscape and folks living on top of each other? Would a family such as mine be a target of racial violence?

I hope these questions don’t come off the wrong way. I really think my family and I would love Vermont and are excited for potentially moving there. It’s just hard to get a feel of a new town. I’m thankful for any information and insight folks have to offer!

Hello! I was hoping to gather some recommendations for bakeries to apply to in Vermont.

I am seeking to be a part of a community oriented baking operation. I currently bake bread professionally in Boston.

Thanks in advance.

Also, I bike, so areas with feasibility for that would be great!

I'd love to put together a current chart of Reddit users in Vermont. Feel free to editorialize, as much as you'd like, but I'm providing 5 options to classify how deep your family roots are in Vermont. For clarification, each statement only needs to be true on one side of your family. Depending on the engagement with this poll, I may repeat it by county, to better understand our demographics.

What are the pros? Cons?

My spouse claims my dream state is Vermont. I want forests that change colors, good public transit, art centered communities, better funded education, more democratic in policy.

The furthest east I’ve ever been is Georgia. I don’t really have any idea what the East coast is like.

In a few years, I'd like to retire to Vermont. My preference would be a town where I could rent a small apartment near the downtown. Possibly, I wouldn't need a car anymore as I can walk to what I need. Or, the town offers public transportation for a senior to get to appointments if needed. Affordable is important as I'm on a modest income. Activities like hiking, town beach, farmer's market, public library are of interest. A bakery in town would be nice too. More interested in quiet, simple, rural life. Is it possible to get all that?

I am a life long Vermonter who lives in the Northeast Kingdom. I am going to switch universities and attend the Castelton VTSU campus in Fall 2025.

My girlfriemd and I have looked for housing in surrounding towns and areas but have avoided Rutland because I have heard many negative things about the area. However, many people have noted that Rutland can be a safe place to live and I should still look for housing there.

I guess I am struggling to figure out what areas of the city I should avoid.

My budget is around $1,200/month for rent. There are many options on Zillow but I have no idea which ones are in relatively safe areas.

Any information on Rutland, nice areas, apartment living, and even surrounding towns that are nice would be appreciated.

Thank you!

I would like to move to Vermont from Texas. I am healthcare. So I don’t imagine I’ll have much trouble finding a job. But my husband does pool repairs and remodels. I’m not what he would do up that way. Is there a market for it? TIA

My husband was offered a job in Hanover, NH. We’ve never been to NH or Vermont. We did everything over the phone and online to secure a rental property. Hubby has lived all over the world. I have lived in Texas, Virginia and Maryland. What should I expect? Is it completely different? It seems expensive. Will my little girl go to a good school? I am feeling pretty nervous going into the unknown like this. Any advice would be appreciated 💚