[Mark S.]

What are the differences between upstate New York and western Vermont? Is the cultural divide a very big one? Say Burlington, VT and Plattsburgh, NY for example.

Based on what I've read, it seems that Vermont here is mostly farms, dairies, and affluent businesses. Lots of well-to-do people have moved here from New York, Boston, Philly, etc., and driven up real estate prices.

Upstate New York, on the other hand, tends to be more blue-collar and working class.

Is that about right, or am I way off base?

Any other big differences?

[looking4home]

Upstate NY was solidly blue-collar back in the day when there were a lot of blue-collar jobs, mostly in factories that employed European immigrant labor. But, as we all know, the factories closed or moved out of state or overseas, and upstate fell on hard times. I would say that nowadays it is part light-blue collar, part rural/farming, part gentrified business owner/boutique farmer (which includes the Finger Lake wineries), and part unemployed.
I'd say Vermont was much more affluent than upstate all the way around. I would say it relies on the tourist industry even more than Upstate NY. Although both places are considered offically New England, I think Vermont has a certain upscale air about it that NY just doesn't have. Maybe that's because of the influence of the ski culture.

[Mark S.]

Hey, thanks for the reply! I was beginning to despair of ever getting an answer. Much appreciated.