[girlandpup]

I am very seriously considering re-locating to Burlington, or possibly other parts of Vermont. I am also looking into Lebanon, NH, as well as would consider other parts of NH but don't know enough yet. Obviously, every city/town offers its own unique things, but I am trying to figure out, in general and overall, the differences between living in Vermont vs. New Hampshire. I am a liberal democrat (I don't want to stir up a political debate here!). I have been told that people in New Hampshire in general, and Lebanon/Hanover area specifically, are much more conservative and "right-centered" in their political views compared to people in Vermont overall, who tend to be more liberal. I really need to know if this is true or not, and any information about this would be very helpful. It's hard to look this up online b/c it's much more than just how people register to vote. I'm not so strongly "into" politics, but it is about one's beliefs in a larger sense that affects choices made in one's lifestyle, which goes into the social/"cultural" area, and that is what is relevant for me wherever I'm living. I believe that I would "fit in" better and be more welcome and comfortable in a much more liberal, progressive place. Does anyone know more about the two states in this way?? Or specific cities/towns within the states? THANK YOU!

[arel]

I'm by no means an expert on this, but the Keene area in New Hampshire is, I think, a kind of liberal enclave in generally conservative New Hampshire.

Vermont tends to be more liberal and left-leaning than New Hampshire, especially Brattleboro and Burlington, which are very liberal.

I believe the Northeast Kingdom is more conservative than most of the rest of the state.

That said, I repeat that I am not an expert. So try to get more information from natives.

[cosmonewman]

I don’t think New Hampshire deserves its reputation as conservative. The people there are more libertarian than conservative. They are Republicans but they are New England Republicans.

Still, I am not a huge fan of most of NH. Keene seems like a more buttoned down Brattleboro. There are a few places I like, the Lakes Region, (specifically New London & Sunapee) or the White Mountains.

The Upper Valley area (White River JCT, Vermont/Lebanon, NH) is not that great in my opinion. Okay but nothing spectacular. You would be better of either in Burlington or Brattleboro as Arel said earlier.

[leggo]

you wrote:
believe that I would "fit in" better and be more welcome and comfortable in a much more liberal, progressive place.

I have lived in both places -- VT ie. Burlington, but esp. Brattleboro would be more your fit.

[KoZmiC NinJa]

Originally Posted by girlandpup

I am very seriously considering re-locating to Burlington, or possibly other parts of Vermont. I believe that I would "fit in" better and be more welcome and comfortable in a much more liberal, progressive place. Does anyone know more about the two states in this way?? Or specific cities/towns within the states? THANK YOU!

Be careful about buying into the Vermont / Liberal hype.
For every Newfane, Burlington and Brattleboro there is
an Alabama 1965 type town. A lot more TEAM AMERICA
mindset than you might think.

[girlandpup]

Originally Posted by leggo

you wrote:
believe that I would "fit in" better and be more welcome and comfortable in a much more liberal, progressive place.

I have lived in both places -- VT ie. Burlington, but esp. Brattleboro would be more your fit.

Thank you Leggo and everyone else who has replied so far. I have been consistently leaning toward Burlington, but want to consider all my options before making such a big decision as relocating. I recently have "discovered" Brattleboro as such a wonderful place that I really am considering strongly now,too - thank you to Arel for all that you have said about Brattleboro, as that is one of the reasons why I had begun looking there so much more. I think it may be either Burlington or Brattleboro, but don't feel ready to make anything final yet. I am going up next week, to see both of these more again, and am currently trying to decide if I should still consider the Lebanon/Hanover area to see while I'm so close (or anywhere else during this, or another, trip). I only have five days this trip, though, so know it will be tight and more limited than I would have wanted. I will return for as many trips as needed, since b/c of my work, will have to do more shorter trips than any long ones.

Is it true that hiking and the mountains/parks are farther from Brattleboro than Burlington, though? I am very much into the outdoor "stuff," so want to be close and easily accessible to hiking, and then snowshoeing when there's too much snow (nothing I can do during "mud season," I guess). I also have to consider having a dog, and I know how wonderfully dog-friendly Burlington seems to be!

Is there much difference in the winters between Burlington, Brattleboro, or any other parts of VT or NH anyone might suggest based on the topic of this thread?

Thanks again to all!!

[GypsySoul22]

We were up in Lebanon/WRJ recently. After the brief time we spent, I decided I liked the Vermont side better. Lebanon is too busy (good to visit, good for jobs and shopping, I guess(?) but I preferred the quaint and quiet towns I saw in Vermont. I don't mind paying a little more for 'less hectic' and 'less traffic' once they roll up the sidewalk at night.

I am trying to get AWAY from shopping .2 miles from my home.

[KoZmiC NinJa]

Originally Posted by girlandpup

Is there much difference in the winters between Burlington, Brattleboro, or any other parts of VT or NH anyone might suggest based on the topic of this thread?

Thanks again to all!!

I really loved Rochester ......as I did a lot of the smaller towns off of Rt.100.
Didnt like southern Vt...Manchester, Dorset, Bennington, WhiteRiver etc....

[cosmonewman]

Brattleboro is very hilly so you can get a good hike in just walking around town!

My brother lives in town and he hikes on Mt. Wantastiquet just across the river in NH all the time.

Wantastiquet State Forest


Here’s a quote from a Brattleboro tourist site:

Recreation

Our forests and trails offer hiking, biking, cross-country and downhill skiing, snow shoeing, and sleigh rides. You can swim or skate on our rivers and ponds. Our local country club offers 18 holes and a beautiful clubhouse. For young and old, Living Memorial Park offers swimming, softball, skating, and sledding or skiing on the hill.

Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce | Play Here




The weather differences are pretty minor, maybe 3-5 degrees on most days.

[girlandpup]

Originally Posted by KoZmiC NinJa

I really loved Rochester ......as I did a lot of the smaller towns off of Rt.100.
Didnt like southern Vt...Manchester, Dorset, Bennington, WhiteRiver etc....

I agree with that. It is always a personal preference and highly subjective to the individual. Those areas you mentioned are not for me, as the things I love and am looking for are very different than what those towns offer.