[fairbianca]

I am in the middle of making a decision about where I want to settle down. I've been giving this quite a bit of thought but I can't seem to narrow my choice beyond northwestern Michigan, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, or possibly the mountainous parts of western Virginia. I would like to build a house on at least 5 acres of land, and I love mountains, trees (especially white pines), water, and rolling hills. I don't have any particular preferences about population centers; while I would love to have good shopping and city centers nearby I am very much a small-town girl and I could adapt to either situation well. My primary concern will be finding work where I go; I am an English instructor and currently in the process of completing my Ph.D. I work full-time at a community college and love it and I would need to find a full-time position at another school before I move (while I am qualified for and would consider work at a university, I prefer community colleges). This basically means I need to go where the state is fairly solvent and where the schools are stable.

I would love to get some perspectives on what life is like in Vermont, any recommendations you might have for me about moving there, places I should explore, or things I should keep in mind before I make the move. Also, if you happen to have a perspective on the schools themselves, I would really appreciate your input. Thank you so much!!

[RRGMGR]

I moved here ten years ago, coming directly from Richmond Virginia to here, but I also lived and worked in Northern NJ/NYC, and Gettysburg, PA (quite a difference right??). I wasn't sure what to expect when I moved here. I'm still a city girl at heart, so I tend to take off for weekends in NYC, because Burlington (if you are used to a city) is really just a large town). If you come up here expecting cutting edge, you probably aren't going to find it in 90% of the state, which is fine as most people come here for other reasons. The laid back lifestyle, the self sufficiency, the green summers and the white winters - those are all reasons that people love the state. Just remember that you will have to drive nearly everywhere - for groceries, for entertainment, etc.

I'm not a native Vermonter - THEY could tell you LOTS more about the state than I ever could. But if you like to hike or snowshoe, ski or snowboard, be active and a vital part of the state you live in, Vermont certainly encourages all of those things. Good luck making that decision.

[lumbarpain]

I have been searching for a home for 7 years in Southern Vermont. It was a very tough task finding the optimum place. If you have multi pets its more difficult. Good references and a good job prospect are good foundations for anyone looking to go there. I am living in Northeasten NJ. I find my old hometown is not my home anymore. The area is changing for the worse. I find the people of Vermont very helpful, to themselves mostly but courteous. Its a far different life in Vermont. If you are not environmental, love the country and peace and quiet most of the time its not for you. I have found that most people that live where I live love pollution, garbage and being rude and drive like crazy people. But, this is a area close to NYC. Some prefer it. I certainly dont anymore.

[joe moving]

just curious what do you think took so long?

[Aurora369]

Originally Posted by lumbarpain

I have been searching for a home for 7 years in Southern Vermont. It was a very tough task finding the optimum place. If you have multi pets its more difficult. Good references and a good job prospect are good foundations for anyone looking to go there. I am living in Northeasten NJ. I find my old hometown is not my home anymore. The area is changing for the worse. I find the people of Vermont very helpful, to themselves mostly but courteous. Its a far different life in Vermont. If you are not environmental, love the country and peace and quiet most of the time its not for you. I have found that most people that live where I live love pollution, garbage and being rude and drive like crazy people. But, this is a area close to NYC. Some prefer it. I certainly dont anymore.

Oh, I wish I were out of NJ NOW. I have the same situation as you do, but I cannot afford to move until my husband and I retire. We both commute to New York every day from the Jersey shore and it is disgusting, but something that needs to be done for now. Good luck to you!