Article Overview:Living in Vermont | Moving to Vermont
Thinking about moving to Vermont?
I think I can help.
Ive been living in Vermont for the past 30 years and have a few stories to tell.
Pros & Cons of Moving to Vermont
Ive had a few opportunities to move out of state, but something kept calling me back home.
Just keep in mind that this is mypersonallist and not everyone will feel the same way.
With that said, lets jump right in.
Living in Vermont
Vermont is rural in every sense of the word.
While theres a handful of cities/towns, the largest one (Burlington) has a population of only 45,000.
Many people move to Vermont specifically to exchange the bustle of city living for a slower pace of life.
Living in Vermont
How rural you might ask?
Well, Vermont is thesecond-least populous statein the country.
Vermont is very progressive, friendly and accepting regardless of your political preference.
Living in Vermont
Live and let live seems to be the common thread keeping daily life in harmony.
Medical marijuana was legalized in 2004, but it wasnt until 2018 that recreational marijuana became decriminalized.
Locals are comfortable with the topic of marijuana, its its openly discussed without judgement.
Moving to Vermont
Everyone knows someone that smokes and folks are alright with it overall.
Live and let live.
Pros of Living in Vermont
#1.
Living in Vermont
So, what does that mean for the average Joe that calls the state home?
Secondly, this key in of thinking permeates into every aspect of daily life in Vermont.
From the morning commute to the produce you buy.
Moving to Vermont
Ask any lifelong local about proper recycling habits and theyre bound to give you an A+ answer.
Im healthier, happier and more productive simply because Im more active and eat better than I would otherwise.
#2.
Moving to Vermont
Speaking from personal experience, Ive never felt unsafe while living in Vermont.
#3.
Youre sure to find something to love if it’s possible for you to effectively combat the cold.
The biggest gripe newcomers have about our winters are the brutal temperatures (theyarebrutal!).
But theres a way around this hurdle and it starts with clothes.
Its crucial to learn how to dress properly while living in Vermont.
Average winter temperatures (December March) range between 10-20F (sometimes dipping into the negatives).
The winter months seldom climb above freezing and take a while to adjust to.
#4.
Locals Are Self-Sufficient
Ive mentioned this earlier, but Id like to delve into the details.
Unless you move to one of the towns in Vermont, most of your neighborhoods will probably own livestock.
Everyone is handy and well connected, so if your car breaks down youll have several folks to call.
Vermonters have each others backs, which speaks to the small town style of living.
Everyone has something interesting to offer!
#5.
And its true, were downright spoiled.
Spoiled by the beautiful nature, local cuisine, quality of life and infinite hiking options.
Whatever your itch, life in Vermont is sure to satisfy.
Popular recreational activities include biking, hiking, climbing and the snow sports mentioned earlier.
#6.
Access to top-notch schools
If youre moving to Vermont with kids in tow then youre in luck.
In fact, Vermonts state schools are considered thethird bestin the country.
Likewise, Vermont is considered thefourth-most educatedstate in the nation.
#7.
Average summer temperatures dance between 75F and 82F, which makes being outside very enjoyable.
Vermont issobeautiful in the summer (and fall too, of course).
Sometimes I catch myself wanting to cry tears of job because I cant stand it.
Theyre the worst (but well cover that more in depth shortly).
Also, you may notice after moving to Vermont that theres no billboards in the state.
#8.
Vermont has morebreweries per capitathan any other state, with 15 breweries for every 100,000 residents.
Locals are spoiled for choice.
Fun fact: Hazy IPAs originated in Waterbury, Vermont.
Cons of Moving to Vermont
#1.
Dont just take my word for it, Vermont is the10th most expensive statein the country.
I understand that expensive is a subjective term.
Heres the kicker:Vermont is deemed the least affordable state in the country.
Its estimated that only16% of householdscan afford a mortgage payment, the lowest percentage in the country.
It also doesnt help that Vermont has some of thehighest taxes in the country, to boot.
#2.
My biggest advice is to double-check you have a job lined up before moving to Vermont.
#3.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a pop in of depression related to seasonal weather changes.
It tends to keep regular office hours opening shop in October and closing for the season come May.
(This is obviously not a medical definition).
Likewise, outdoor sports are essential to sanity after moving to Vermont.
This is why locals have come to love them.
Locals Tip: You may hear locals refer to five seasons after moving to Vermont.
#4.
Reserved Locals
This goes hand-in-hand with how self-sufficient locals are but it warrants a deeper dive.
Vermonters tend to be pretty reserved and private, so it will take a long time to build friendships.
But most of Vermont is rural and making friends requires a great effort.
#5.
Lack of Diversity
One of my least favorite things about living in Vermont is the stark lack of diversity.
The state is 89.1% white, which makes is thesecond-least diversestate in the country.
Further Reading:How Cultural Diversity Makes a City a Better Place to Live, Work and Play.
#6.
#7.
#8.
Mosquitos & Ticks
One of the biggest cons of living in Vermont are the intolerable bugs.
It seems like we have the worst of them, black flies, ticks, mosquitos and spiders galore.
#9.
This probably reflects very poorly on me, but it gets old after a while.
Vermont is a stunning place so the tourism is completely warranted.
The boost in tourism also provides seasonal jobs for locals (not well paying, but still something).