I’ve lived in several countries and 3 states in the US, and I’ve noticed that people tend to not appreciate where they were born and raised. They often can’t understand why someone should CHOOSE to live there. I think that is the most common when people aren’t unhappy and think the solution would be to live somewhere else. When I left the US, I thought the entire country was horrible. I wanted OUT. It took me a few years away to gain a different perspective on things. I began to see that all places have their issues and the US had a lot of positives that I had not appreciated before.

All of that is just to say you should ignore the people who are unhappy here in VT. If you like multiple aspects, go for it. Find your people. You will have to work for it, but it will pay off. Some aspects of living here are harder than in other parts of the US, but some are much easier. It depends on your priorities and outlook.

Now, the issue with people saying to stay out because there isn’t housing and you don’t belong….those aren’t your people. Ignore the chatter. If you succeed in starting a business and get involved in the community, you are contributing. They are looking for someone to blame when the issues in this state are far more complex and have been building for years.