Considering moving to Vermont

Submitted by Redbettyt47 t3_zz4bog in vermont

Hey all. I’m from the Midwest and I have put Vermont on my shortlist of states to move to now that my kids are adults. I’ve visited in all seasons and am drawn to the sense of community, solitude (yes, those go together), and the wide range of outdoor activities. As far as work, I work remotely for a large company which I would continue to do, so internet reliability is important.

Also, I want to contribute to the VT economy, so what do folks recommend for newbies who also work FT from home? I truly desire to be a part of the VT community and not just live there, if that makes any sense.

Finally, as I mentioned above, I’m drawn to the plethora of outdoor activities so proximity to areas great for hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing (lol - everywhere in winter) where I can bring my dog are ideal.

I expect to purchase an older home and hope to have some land. With all that said, are there any recommendations you might have that fit my requirements/wants?

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VeganRiblets t1_j29eq2o wrote

I would encourage you to search the sub. This exact question seemingly gets asked every day and there are plenty of answers already posted.

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kabfighter2 t1_j29emlb wrote

There's not enough housing for the people that already live here. Don't come here to work remotely, because we need people to contribute to the local businesses. Only physicians, nurses, teachers, and some specific types of engineers allowed at this point. Sorry. Come here and spend all your money on vacation, then go back to where you belong.

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/s (kinda). This is what you're going to get over the next couple hours condensed into one paragraph.

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redflactober t1_j2buajg wrote

So maybe a mechanical engineer as I could find open arms in your state? <3

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kabfighter2 t1_j2bv0tq wrote

Try Collins Aerospace or GE. We build shit that kills people here in the Green Mountains, too (our food exports of cheese, liquid sugar, and ice cream notwithstanding).

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Redbettyt47 OP t1_j29eyl9 wrote

I understand the need which is why I added the part about contributing to the economy locally. I’m genuinely interesting settling down, not just vacationing and despite having a FT job, I have plenty of time to apply to another one, if needed.

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kabfighter2 t1_j29fddp wrote

Like I said, I'm kinda kidding about that stuff, and I'm sure you'd be happy as hell here (and we'd be happy to have you). This is really the Assholes of Vermont subreddit...the regular Vermont folks aren't on the internet all the time like us weirdos.

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Redbettyt47 OP t1_j29fojm wrote

Lol. I missed the /s part. And your response here totally made my whole day. 😊

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kabfighter2 t1_j29glbs wrote

I am of half a mind that any empty nester that comes to Vermont has to bring at least one adult child with them who has been trained in a healthcare profession (RN, RRT, MD, NP, PA, PsyD, LCSW, whatever). We have an aging population, and we are careening toward an apocalyptic hellscape of an overburdened medical system within the next decade as the baby boomers leave the workforce and become huge users of the system. This is not unique to Vermont per se, but we do have one of the oldest populations and we will be impacted accordingly.

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Redbettyt47 OP t1_j29hdkm wrote

Your points makes sense. Unfortunately, my boys aren’t in healthcare or I’d encourage them to tag along for the reasons you mentioned.

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joeydokes t1_j29tnnd wrote

Good luck to you! I'll bet you're in for a big surprise if you're going the rural route; assuming you last beyond 5 years. Many relocates dream of the pastoral peace/quiet/solitude that a remote homestead exudes; only to find it also leads to isolation/lonliness/drinking. Surviving takes extended family or a fat checkbook, maybe both.

Go to Town Meeting Day, sit in the back, keep opinions to self, recon who the 'fathers' are. Volunteer to be helpful but not seen as an agent of change. In 10yrs your opinion may matter.

Give your business to locals first; both in the trades and to the farmers (whole milk, eggs, meats and the like). That goodwlll goes a long way.

Small town/village/hamlet, wide-spot-in-the-road, is for sure a community that's tightly knit; by generations of inter-marriage. If your kids are grown then PTA or school connections are out; save the annual hunters' dinner perhaps. Are you a church goer? Besides schools, that's about the only other 'institution' in town that's part of its glue that bonds.

A veteran? The local Elks club is a gathering hole. Do you hunt? Join a range, target shoot, take instruction; familiarize self w/local gun shop. Enjoy fly fishing!

Get in your ride and explore all the dirt roads for 30min around you. Lots of nooks and crannies to enjoy by foot. Just about anywhere there along the longtrail there are networks of hikeable woods. Avoid dog-parks. Train you pooch to an ecollar so you can let them enjoy the woods leash-free; most of the time you'll be the only person around anyhow.

If you're coming from (sub)urbia you'll have an eye-opening experience, that's for sure. Embrace it, including the suck!:)

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Redbettyt47 OP t1_j29vngv wrote

I appreciate this detailed response. Regarding some of the items you mentioned…

I’m not worried about the points in your first paragraph. I’m very accustomed to self-sustained living/solitude and crave it. I’ve been waiting to move out of suburbia since they were born over 20 years ago, and to me, intense solitude=peace, not loneliness. (Plus, I don’t drink and never have aside from a very rare glass of celebratory wine, etc. Never had the inclination to.)

I may need a slightly larger community than the village/hamlet/etc to find community with as PTA is out along with anything church or hunting related. I respect people for enjoying those things, but I do not. I’m also not a veteran or into fishing, but I’m an avid backpacker, hiker, camper, cross-country skier, etc, so perhaps I can find folks who enjoy those things?

I love the points about off-roading as I am currently in the process of selecting and outfitting a vehicle for overlanding, so that’s perfect!

Regarding dogs, I also agree about dog parks (not a fan) but I prefer to have my boy off-leash as trained recall/long-line as back ups instead of an e-collar, but again, I appreciate the suggestion!

Should I decide to make VT my home, I’m looking forward to it all (including the suck!) 👍🤗

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joeydokes t1_j2amlfa wrote

Well, living in a rural squat (5+ac) might be a great fit for you!

Southern VT (below rte#4) is getting tamed by relocates, less salty, more manicured. Northern VT (above rte#2, say #15 north) still maintains its 'quaintness' with more resolve. Anywhere above/between Jeff and Jay is nice, as are communities on the NH border by the reservoir (the SilvioConte region is also fun to explore).

I suggested doing what the locals do as a way to meet-n-greet with interests in common. Maybe join the GMClub, NOFA, ... Are you into bees? get a hive. Into raising summer pigs? Find a breeder nearby.... e.g. get some roots in the ground.

I did not mean off-roading when i said cruise dirt roads, just good AWD/FWD+tires. VT roads are 90% dirt - get a Gazetteer /Atlas and try to get lost :) That said, having a snow machine is balls-o-fun (when it snows). You might prefer a fat-tire E-bike over an ATV unless going for long rides (rail trail...)

Burn wood for heat! Get a good chain saw, buy 6-cord grapple loads@time, buck/split/stack 1yr in advance. Stacked/seasoned firewood is money in the bank.

Last point: if you're pooch is off leash (which i find desirable) the proper definition of 'trained' is 100% under command. I've raised and trained 4 ridgebacks and current blackMouth cur; take it from someone who's walking in said woods daily: your voice control will neither mitigate your liability nor will it re-assure anyone you may encounter w/a pet (specially if theirs is leashed).

Also, you have to use/raise your voice in the quiet of the woods, which is making noise; IMO bad form. Training to a remote device/hand signals/ dog whistle is more effective; I never raise my voice above a whisper w/my dogs. We have understanding and I can correct them immediately for not respecting it.

I keep a flexi/longlead as backup. But the e-collar is the only way to A) be in control (and nip any signs of agression in the bud), and B) have the controler be a visible sign to other dog owners that my pet is not 'at large'. There's a protocol I utilize encountering strangers to assuage apprehension of my pooch(s).

VT is dog friendly, but not particularly for unleashed pets. It raises hackles of their past bad experiences, and though the owners may be just as much at fault... it will always be your fault .

My dog(s) were trained to run along side my ride for 3-4 miles/day as their exercise program. Ending at a stream where they can dip and chill. They learned to run along side at 10-12mph, past houses and farms. That's how I met my neighbors :) Very well trained pooches make good impressions. I suggest you take the effort to do the same, the payoff is worth it.

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Redbettyt47 OP t1_j2avly3 wrote

You’re willingness to share such details is really thoughtful. Thank you!

I’m not familiar with the groups you mentioned, nor have I considered raising bees or hogs, but honestly, those sound like wonderful hobbies and right up my alley.

Also, I took your off-reading as intentioned. Lol. I’m looking at 4x4 SUVs to be rigged, lifted, and trimmed out for overlanding, and dirt roads is what I’m in search of. 👍

I also agree with you about the recall-proofing and training. My boy is a standard poodle from a working line, so he’s a rugged, hearty hiking buddy. That said, while I understand the reasoning for e-collars, it’s something I won’t use, but I never allow him off-leash in non-designated areas and absolutely won’t unless his recall is completely solid. Given his size, I know he can look intimidating when at a full run, so long-lines work really well as a hybrid while he’s growing and learning, not to mention that an unleashed dog approaching another (leashed or otherwise), is just unsafe for all parties. Luckily, he loves training, but he also has a moderate chase drive since he’s a retriever (not kill/eat) so we’ve got quite a bit of work to do to mitigate that (plus, he’s a teenager still, so…lol). He knows hand signals and I’ve just started him on whistle training.

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joeydokes t1_j2b9xdm wrote

Sounds like you're making good plans; 90% of roads are dirt and pothole-proof vehicles pay off, specially during mud season:)

Green Mountain Club should be up your alley if into hiking. The whole growing/veggies and animal husbandry thing is the next level if you're intending to actually homestead. Was just suggesting ways to meet/integrate that might be helpful.

Regarding dogs it appears you have a handle on that too; though I cannot stress E-collars (Garmin Sportdog Pro) highly enough, as they are a perfect way to communicate w/your pooch. Specially when they see 'squirrel' and go off on a mad chase. But to each their own.

Also, FWIW, local small taverns are cool too; specially if they hosts local musicians/bands. Also, was a time when VT had fantastic festivals - the reggae-fest for one. Tix were cheap, a don't miss event. That's kinda petered out, but be sure to check out Bread-n-Puppet events; worth a drive.

Stay green, stay toasty!

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Twombls t1_j29tmj2 wrote

No housing.

Mostly because there are a million people in your exact same situation that want to move here

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5teerPike t1_j29x8dd wrote

There are less than a million people in the whole state.

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October7_7 t1_j2a2q9n wrote

10/10 reading comprehension

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5teerPike t1_j2a342q wrote

It's the second least populated state in the country, and Vermont is a part of the US, so I don't really see the problem with more people coming here when the state is desperate for young families to the point that theyre paying people to move here lol

You could ask me to clarify if you don't understand what I mean! Kindness is free!

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October7_7 t1_j2a3rd2 wrote

That doesn't change the current shortages of housing stock availability and quality, or rental vacancy. Population is a different statistic there bud.

You could ask me to clarify if you don't understand what I mean! Talking down to people is free!

Edit: Coward blocked me, can't stand the heat get off the subreddit.

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5teerPike t1_j2a42cs wrote

And you're taking advantage of the special on that today it seems!

There's demand, which should encourage supply. The nimbys who don't want development are the problem, not Americans who want to live in a different American state.

I hope Vermont stays taken from you :)

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LauraPalmersMom430 t1_j2caqm3 wrote

This has gotta be what the 5th one of these posts today

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Technical_Aerie9649 t1_j2d19sf wrote

Right, people get upset about those on this sub not being “friendly” by not responding to these questions when we just want the people posting to take 15 seconds and look through the previous posts.

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rosiesmam t1_j2anryj wrote

The work from home concept is not fully operational in a mountainous state. Check for coverage before selecting a location….

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Redbettyt47 OP t1_j2aslot wrote

Good to know. Thanks!

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patonbike t1_j2b0f6q wrote

You just have to know whether there is internet or not…. I’ve been working from home here for going on 13 years.

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timberwolf0122 t1_j2c3qmh wrote

When checking for internet look at 4/5G maps and satellite is also an option.

Hope to run in to you one day here!

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nyc2vt84 t1_j29grqv wrote

By working full time you are paying taxes here. That’s contributing. Join the co-op but your food there (probably better and cheaper anyway). Volunteer there/library/at local ski hill if you want.

It’s an awesome place. Just think about how close you need to be to an airport or city before picking a place to settle.

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Unique-Public-8594 t1_j29k68z wrote

Great answer.

  1. Volunteer in your town but don’t suggest change. Be there to help carry the weight, not to fix the town, not to be a critic.

  2. Don’t be offended by the occasional neighbor who isn’t interested in friendship (but will help you out anytime)

  3. Expect to get roasted here (Vermonters see work-from-home out-of-staters moving in as a big part of why there is a lack of housing (even though our population hasn’t changed much and it’s more about the popularity of AirBnB homes).

  4. Don’t be put off by unfriendly redditors in this sub, Vermont is a friendly place.

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nyc2vt84 t1_j2a1zde wrote

Ya second #4 be a good person but feel free to ignore people being critical of you just because “they are a real Vermonter because they have been here for 5 generations” and not cause of anything you did

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Practical-Intern-347 t1_j29ol9d wrote

This is a good summary of my advice as well. Also, 1.1 -- Enjoy your town and participate, but don't suggest change. If you'd like to ADD something new, knock yourself out.

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clickmahheels t1_j29zf0b wrote

The best way to contribute to the local economy is to work a local job. With that off the table, consider volunteering in the community. There’s plenty that needs doing.

Look for a remote area that has fiber internet. That should suit your needs. Also, there are plenty of rural places that have homes badly in need of repairs. Towns that have been largely neglected as vacation spots and tourist destinations. If you can do any home fixing yourself, that’s awesome. The contractors are flat out.

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Why_is_juice_blue t1_j2a95xo wrote

I spent time I. The Midwest for school, loved it. Find some similarities between the Midwest and Vt. Message if you have question

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patonbike t1_j2azbx7 wrote

where I live the opportunities to be a part of the community are really unlimited. It’s more a limit of your time.

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[deleted] t1_j29cxsu wrote

[deleted]

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frogyoubuddy t1_j29h4nr wrote

Expensive and almost non-existent.

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kabfighter2 t1_j29lbow wrote

Somehow both extremely unhelpful but also true.

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frogyoubuddy t1_j29n8fr wrote

Gotta be honest, doesn’t help to say that we have an abundance of affordable housing; cause we indeed do not.

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kabfighter2 t1_j29oo4c wrote

Indeed. I am a degreed, mid-career professional in a high-demand healthcare field. I can afford the mortgage I got in 2014...if I didn't already live here, I wouldn't be able to afford to buy my rather meager abode at this point as its value has doubled since I bought it.

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frogyoubuddy t1_j29qlr8 wrote

It’s incredible how much things have changed in just the past five years around here; I’ve been fortunate enough to land a decent job myself recently but would not know what I’d do if I didn’t and was moving here from another state with family nowhere in sight. Grateful for family, girlfriend and what I have in life (I.e my health and good friends).

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kabfighter2 t1_j29m0hb wrote

I live in a $300,000 trailer. A nice one, though.

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patonbike t1_j2b02ek wrote

where I live the opportunities to be a part of the community are really unlimited. It’s more a limit of your time.

What I would say is check the real estate market and check internet access.

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