I live in the Upper Valley. Moved here 19 years ago. I love it. I did bring my job with me but nearly everywhere is hiring. A town like Randolph has a nice downtown, grocery store, a movie theater, a live theater, along with several interesting restaurants. Not as touristy as a Stowe or Woodstock so you might get something less expensive. I highly, highly recommend the Vermont way of life. I will never leave and fully intend to be buried in my backyard (which, as fate would have it, is completely legal here)