I lived here and left and spent the entire time I was gone figuring out a way to get back and it took 12 years. Even though everyone is working hard it still feels like a slower pace and less anxiety than literally anywhere in NYS that I have lived. I like that people are helpful but not overly friendly and generally keep to themselves while still somehow managing to create community. I like the proximity to things outside of VT.

I do think people idealize VT and have a sense that it is a state focused on making you happy while you're here and that's because when people visit as tourists it's a different level of interaction in communities they likely wouldn't live in if they move here. Even so I think it's very much an it is what you make it kind of place, as long as you can find a way to be financially stable.