[Stiner]

Originally Posted by Stiner

The costs and extreme weather help weed out the weaklings who complain too much! I was born and raised in VT, have left off and on for a short time and have always come home. It is where I live around people who think the way I do, and where a girl can wear jeans, sweaters, and boots and fit right in. So many people on this site complain about prices and odds and ends of things, and many of them don't even live here- they're just talking. In a way, "getting" VT is like when you fall in love for the first time- you can't put your finger on why, but you'll never be the same. For those who aren't thrilled about living here, my question is, why are you on this forum, and why do you frequently post? Move away already. And if you have moved away, and are still commenting, you obviously haven't moved on. Vermont "got" you, instead! As a Vermonter, and not a transplant or someone who "grew up vacationing there and totally loved the resort I lived at"--- if you love it here, I'm happy to have you, but if you complain to me and try to change my home, enjoy your visit!

That wasn't directed at anyone in particular, and not in response to the previous post. The last sentence just made me think, that's all!

[chrismpv]

I agree with the last post. I never understand why someone would complain about living in Vermont. Vermont is not for everyone (thank God) but it's loved by many. I wasn't borned here but I have lived here for 20 years. It's like reading a review on a travel destination. Everyone has a different opinion.
However, people should stay away from the "Bob Newhart" syndrom! They have an image that may not be real and decide to move here without doing research.
Come to visit, drive around the State, check the online local paper to see how life is in their area, etc.
You need to understand why you want to move and what you need in your life; then you can research.
I believe Vermont is great place to raise a family. I will never regret it. (however it's tough to be single )

[quickdraw]

Originally Posted by Stiner

And if you have moved away, and are still commenting, you obviously haven't moved on.

No kidding. I love the people who come on here and say it's 80 in Florida or Texas or California. First of all, do they think we don't realize it's warmer in the south? Most of us figured this about by the second grade. Also, this isn't communist Russia, if we wanted to live in the south we'd pack our bags and move. We live here because we choose to. Duh.

[luv80s]

When my husband and I first came up here to look for place to rent, I fell in love with Vermont. But then within a few weeks of living here I hated it. I was ready to pack my bags and go back to Texas. It was a major culture shock for me as I have never lived in a small town. I also had the stress of dealing with all the moving, our families being 2000 miles away, being pregnant, not liking the cold, etc. I was VERY Homesick. My husband would come home from work to find me crying. I felt alone and I would always ask him when we could move back to Houston. I thought I loathed Houston while we lived there but I was ready to go back.

Fast forward several months...I don't hate it here after all, lol. Its been very pleasant living here and I am liking it alot more. I love that I feel very safe living here and its family oriented. I don't really like driving all the way to Williston to go to Tafts Corners or to Burlington's University Mall, but whatever. Back home it would have taken me the same amount of time to get where I wanted, the only difference was I would be stuck in traffic, so its about equal. I haven't been back to Houston since we've moved up here and honestly, I don't know if I want to move back there after all . We really miss our familes and its hard because both sets of grandparents live there. We're trying to convince them to move up here to be closer to the grandkids but none of them like the cold. I can't say how long we want to live up here since we are young and like to travel and see what else is out there. But for now we will be sticking around for a couple more years at least.

[arel]

Originally Posted by luv80s

When my husband and I first came up here to look for place to rent, I fell in love with Vermont. But then within a few weeks of living here I hated it. I was ready to pack my bags and go back to Texas. It was a major culture shock for me as I have never lived in a small town. I also had the stress of dealing with all the moving, our families being 2000 miles away, being pregnant, not liking the cold, etc. I was VERY Homesick. My husband would come home from work to find me crying. I felt alone and I would always ask him when we could move back to Houston. I thought I loathed Houston while we lived there but I was ready to go back.

Fast forward several months...I don't hate it here after all, lol. Its been very pleasant living here and I am liking it alot more. I love that I feel very safe living here and its family oriented. I don't really like driving all the way to Williston to go to Tafts Corners or to Burlington's University Mall, but whatever. Back home it would have taken me the same amount of time to get where I wanted, the only difference was I would be stuck in traffic, so its about equal. I haven't been back to Houston since we've moved up here and honestly, I don't know if I want to move back there after all . We really miss our familes and its hard because both sets of grandparents live there. We're trying to convince them to move up here to be closer to the grandkids but none of them like the cold. I can't say how long we want to live up here since we are young and like to travel and see what else is out there. But for now we will be sticking around for a couple more years at least.

Another great post that hits home for me.

I anticipate a lot of homesicknesses for NYC.

When I first visited Brattleboro, I thought it was in the middle of nowhere! I only saw downtown and I thought the town was shapeless (whatever that means). I had all sorts of complaints, mostly petty. The town felt alien. Some people seemed unfriendly and that hurt my feelings. I didn't like all that Victorian architecture. The mountain across the river (Mount Wantastiquet) seemed wierd, although it made a good reference point when I got lost in town. I almost tripped on something sticking out of the sidewalk. Later, the drop near the town commons seemed dangerous; you have to walk down a path on the edge of the hill. The theater (Hooker Dunham or something like that) felt like a theater on a college campus. The Chestnut Hill Reservoir seemed ugly, dangerous and out of place. Retreat Tower seemed scary; I later read that it is believed to be haunted. The Food Coop was too expensive. The road to Keene had a place where a lake came practically up to the road. Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc.

I think all this is just resistance to the new.

But one thing happened that created a link to the city: I stepped in "it". If you have to ask what "it" is, then you probably live in a place where pooper scooper laws are obeyed, or where there are no dogs.

[Mustard]

The grass is always greener on the other side because you acclimate. Everything is relative. Vermont seems great on vacation and then you move here full time and slowly your perspective changes when you realize you aren't on vacation anymore. It is then that the gut check happens. Why did you really move here? What is for what you can see? If so, eventually when you see the same pretty scenery everyday it takes more to take your breath away. But if you moved here for what the sense of nature does for you on the inside, if you aren't afraid to let your fears go, then you will find peace. Not everyone can let go. It is almost a sense of embracing mortality. When you are in the city there are so many distractions from the billboards to the road rage that you are focused on the bumper in front of you or the person in front of you on line. In Vermont you are stuck face-to-face with the fact time moves at a different pace in the wilderness. Those hills, mountains, and trees have been there pristine and quiet and beautiful for longer than you have. And the people are real. Not impersonating a CEO on TV with a me-first attitude. Money worshippers need not apply.

Vermont is not for everyone. It is for the people who can breathe deep, embrace nature, and look long-term.

[OhBeeHave]

Originally Posted by NurseHelena

thank you both for such great info and sharing your stories with me!! i have ALWAYS wanted to live in VT....since I was little. after reading a bunch of these posts on here, i am getting scared! i particularly like the brattleboro area. i prefer to stay in southern VT.

does anyone know anything about dover? i have been there quite a few times, but wonder what living there is like.

any big move is scary. i just want to be somewhere welcoming also. It's definately understandable how many long-time natives would be protective over there area. They are used to a quiet lifestyle.

thank you again

My humble opinion only: Dover and Wilmington have always felt like an area which sold it's soul to the Gods of Tourism.

[c2sahm]

We are currently looking at possible places to relocate to... We are currently looking at VT and maybe NH... Weather is a non issue... After living in ND for 10 years I doubt anything either state has would bother me... I rather enjoy the cold and snow... After living in VA for 20 years the heat/humidity and I do not mix well at all and not interested in either ever again... We are looking for some where we can 'homestead' ie farm, raise animals, possibly live 'off' grid... We aren't interested in movies or shopping... We only need the necessities (food clothing shelter) and some good nature trails/state parks... I enjoy spending my day with those who share our religious beliefs or knitting/quilting... We are very family oriented and rarely go places our children aren't welcome... Low crime is a must... Is VT or NH the kind of place for us?

Other things:
What does VT / NH think of:
Homeschooling?
Homebirths?
State Inspection?
City Stickers (VA thing)?
Autism?
Health Care: Hospitals/Doctors vs All Natural Cures (vitamins, supplements, herbs)?
Govt' Programs: Medicaid, Food Stamps, WIC?
People with Lots of Children 5 or more?
At Home Women (housewives/stay at home moms)?
Self Employed?
Modern (everyone has cell phones, lap tops, IPods, PDAs, etc) or Old Fashioned (Waltons)?

Thanks!

[mustmove]

I'll take a crack at it.
Other things:
What does VT
Homeschooling? VT is considered Homeschooling unfriendly. Not impossible just a bunch of reporting requirements. Schoolwork needs to be turned in.
Homebirths? Not 100% but I believe there is no problem.
State Inspection? Cars need it, lots of rust and junk cars-> lots of mechanics that will let things slide and still give you a sticker.
City Stickers (VA thing)?
Autism? Plenty of that around. Lots of money spent on special ed. kids get an assistant and are put in regular classes. VT will also send out early ed. specialists to help at home.
Health Care: Hospitals/Doctors vs All Natural Cures (vitamins, supplements, herbs)? Plenty of that. I believe they just changed the insurance requirements and ins. plans have to cover alternative medicine in VT.
Govt' Programs: Medicaid, Food Stamps, WIC? Plenty of that here, plus heating assistance.
People with Lots of Children 5 or more? Bigger families than the cities, don't know too many with 5 but plenty with 3.
At Home Women (housewives/stay at home moms)? Lots all though most everyone has at least a parttime gig.
Self Employed? Just about everybody. Only a handful of large employers in VT. Small businesses have a hard time growing so there are a lot of one man shops/businesses.
Modern (everyone has cell phones, lap tops, IPods, PDAs, etc) or Old Fashioned (Waltons)? Mix. Cell service is pretty bad in lots of VT, only state where the iphone doesn't work. etc. It is getting better but very slowly I wouldn't expect much. You'll see laptops in coffeee shops but they aren't ubiquitous.

Thanks![/quote]

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by mustmove

Cell service is pretty bad in lots of VT, only state where the iphone doesn't work.

Vermont to Get iPhone … Finally