[grimstuff]

Hi, my name is David Grim. (I don't want to be anonymous because I think a lot of misunderstandings stem from most people on the internet getting into the idea of no identity - and saying whatever they want without thinking much about it.)

I grew up on the West Coast - born in Oregon, grew up in northern California - but have lived in upstate New York and southwestern Florida for one year each. Ever since I lived in New York I have always wanted to return to the East Coast. The primary thing that draws me there is the four seasons (or, five in Vermont ). Also the slower pace of life. Other than that - it's more about what I want to get away from here: a very fast-growing population, materialism, and of course, the ultra high cost of living.

My wife and I moved to San Luis Obispo for me to attend college (after being out of school for 5 years) and now that I am out of school and am starting my career, our minds are turning toward starting a family. Unfortunately, there's just no way we're going to afford a place of our own here in the near future. And so we've known we would leave and move away before we came here.

I'm not a career-oriented person. I have a degree in something that I'm good at, but I know I don't want to retire on it. Someday I would like to teach. My wife is currently a dental assistant and is in school for nursing. When I was a kid I grew up in the country - I loved it, of course, and always felt i needed to return to it. I also have a strong desire to be somewhat self-sufficient, have a garden, things like that. I love the outdoors and feel a very deep connection to nature. Something that's obvious to me that everyone would have, but living in California you realize that most people don't spend any time in nature, although they live in one of the most beautifully diverse areas of the country. We both have a strong desire to live simply, well below our means, as we've seen so much calamity from those who live above their means and get into some real trouble. I want more out of life than to go to the mall on the weekends and spend money on entertainment. I'm white collar in my head, but blue collar in my heart - or something like that.

Sorry for the lengthy introduction, but I'm trying to make sure any posters know somewhat of who I am and where I'm coming from, so that any advice is accurate. Seeing as how my wife and I will be making some pretty big decisions in the near future (2-3 years), I don't take this lightly. I would like to get any impressions people have who moved from the West Coast to Vermont. It seems everyone in California is moving around these days - there is a lot of internal migration (and external, as we all know), but few move from California to Vermont. Did the huge move live up to your expectations? What were your expectations?

Thanks,

-David

[flu189]

I moved here two years ago after doing 21+ years in Alaska, but despite being in the west it really is not like Cali, Oregon, and Washington. Am originally from NY and spouse is from NH, so out roots are back east. Despite being out west for so long we came back on extended visits almost annually, especially when air fares were cheap.