[FreddyG62]

Originally Posted by happeemommee

For those transplants, i was wondering what advice you would give to those of us planning our move to Vermont. What has been the most surprising aspect of your move? Anything you're disappointed in, what has been your favorite part of the move?

Basically, any words for newcomers? Locals- please don't think I'm leaving you out, you're input is always welcome!

Be prepared to be called a "Flatlander", a derogatory name used by native Vermonters for
anyone not born in Vermont. One of the first Vermonters I met when I moved here spat
the name in my face. To say the least I was puzzled and put off by it. It was my first
impression of VT, and you know what they say about first impressions.

[cgregor]

Keep in mind that one-third of the people who call you "flatlander" are the children of people who moved here from New Jersey in the Sixties and Seventies, and one-third more are of parents who moved here from other states. They're just insecure about their own identity.

[happeemommee]

I think no matter where you move, or live, people have a name for people not from there. In Florida, they make fun of those from New York, Michigan and Canada. In North Carolina, it's people from Florida, and from anywhere up north. So on and so on.

[FreddyG62]

Originally Posted by happeemommee

I think no matter where you move, or live, people have a name for people not from there. In Florida, they make fun of those from New York, Michigan and Canada. In North Carolina, it's people from Florida, and from anywhere up north. So on and so on.

Agreed. When I moved to VT 20+ years ago from NYS, I had no idea about the whole flatlander thing here. To be honest, it hasn't happened all that much. I just happened to run into a native with a chip on
his shoulder for people from NY.
When I finally leave this state in the near future for retirement in the South, I fully expect to be called a Yankee. LOL.

[Sierrajeff]

Originally Posted by FreddyG62

Be prepared to be called a "Flatlander", a derogatory name used by native Vermonters for
anyone not born in Vermont. One of the first Vermonters I met when I moved here spat
the name in my face. To say the least I was puzzled and put off by it. It was my first
impression of VT, and you know what they say about first impressions.

Originally Posted by happeemommee

I think no matter where you move, or live, people have a name for people not from there. In Florida, they make fun of those from New York, Michigan and Canada. In North Carolina, it's people from Florida, and from anywhere up north. So on and so on.

I agree with Freddy, though; there's a different tone to "flatlander" (antonym: "four in the ground"). Growing up in West Virginia we made fun of drivers from Ohio, and jousted with Virginians over any number of topics - but at its core there was no actual resentment or dislike there, it was just cliche. Whereas the "flatlander" thing in Vermont really seems to be a bone with some people, a real barrier.

I too found it incredibly off-putting. We're in a situation where people are wringing their hands over the state's economy, and wringing their hands about young people leaving. Then you have someone in their 30s or 40s who proactively wants to move to Vermont and contribute to it - open a business, till the land, whatever - and instead they're dismissed as "flatlanders" and outsiders.

[joe moving]

for better or worse, there's not enough natives left here to call people flatlander.

[darky]

What if you come from a land that is NOT FLAT? lolol!
I always thought that kind of discrimination was funny. Some girl at work once told me she did not like strangers... I thought wow, that girl must not be very happy lol (especially working in tourism!!!).
I'm being called a "white girl" here and people are constantly telling me about my accent so flatlander me VT I don't care

D'y'all have some kind of a Mardi Gras up there? I heard Burlington has a parade? Anything fun? I'll make you some crawfish (or lobster :P) poboys when I get there

[harpoonalt]

We have some of the best breweries in the country and arguably the best beer in the world in Heady Topper. We are beer nerds and have never had a bad time visiting the various breweries around the state, Met a lot of fun people that way too.
Vermonters can be somewhat aloof at times but If you read about Irene, they'll also be the first at your door if you need help.

[tkln]

I've been here full time for almost 3 years and have met a few folks who weren't that gracious, but ironically, they were not natives lol.

[happeemommee]

Lol, I thought the same thing, darky! I'm living in the mountains of NC, surrounded by ski resorts.