[flu189]

Originally Posted by GypsySoul22

Very true, as I told another poster asking for info.
However, the car insurance is CHEAPER than in my old part of NY...amazing...!

My insurance here in Vt is cheaper than where I came from, but I still feel it is still a bit high based on the risks here. However, I have not actually researched the amount of claims paid out and the dollar amount percentage it eats out of premiums paid with my carrier. It's been a long time since I was a NY'er, but I do remember when NY became a "no fault" state and that's when rates climbed pretty fast.

[mrock0219]

I love Vermont. I have lived here for about 16 years covering the northern part of the state to the southwestern part of the state - and would probably be considered a flat lander to those born and raised but I am more Vermonter then I ever thought I would be. Rutland is where I have called home for the last 12 years.

For anyone who cares about the air you breath, space to breath, and beauty to behold needs to come to Vermont. I don't like the cold, I don't ski, or snowmobile, snowshoe, I barely walk in the Winter but I will tell you that coming and going wherever is some of the most beautiful landscape I have ever seen.

I know what I'm talking about. I have lived in other places and I have traveled to Hawaii, Jaimaca, Haiti, Grand Caymans, and Mexico. I've seen New Orleans when it was New Orleans and partied at Mardi Gras. I've stayed in luxurious resorts in Hawaii and Maui and laid on the beaches of Florida, but none of these places could I call home.

I admit, we are not the shopping capital of the world but who needs it in todays web economy. There isn't anything that I could want that I couldn't get living here. Ok...so I'm not under 30 and looking for a man. That may cause some hardship, because I have seen better looking men than you can find here but kinder maybe not.

Rutland Vermont has its share of drug problems but what area doesn't. We are a community looking to better ourselves for today and tomorrow.

So, when you can't take the traffic, the noise, the smell, the heat, the rtourists, or whatever else it is that your home subjects you to, come to Vermont. Take a rest, enjoy the culture and traditions.

Vermont is home for me. It is where I have placed my roots. It is where my kids can find 'the ole' homestead'. It is where you will meet some of the nicest people in the world.

Give us a try - bring your company here and let show your employees a better way of life. Where family is first and friends are forever.

Hope to see you soon.
Michelle

[mrock0219]

Originally Posted by arel

A while ago, I read an article that said young people are leaving Vermont. I think it said they do it for economic reasons, as there are better economic opportunities elsewhere.

I think just about everyone who has posted anything negative about Vermont has complained about the economy, specifically the low wages and the high cost of living, including taxes.

The only other complaint I have heard is about the weather, specifically the long, cold winter.

Other than specifically personal reasons (college, a specific job, family needs, etc.), why do people choose to leave Vermont? And do people who leave tend to return? And, finally, if they return, do they return to Vermont because of its qualities or because it's home?

I realize these questions are extremely general and probably impossible to answer, but I'd appreciate any comments.

The young people leave Vermont mainly because there is not many meeting places, clubs, bars of any quality here. Most who leave eventually come back to raise thier children because Vermont is clean, beautiful, friendly, and caring about eachother, our communities and especially our environment. So, I say, when the traffic, the noise, the smells, the tourists, the cost, and the competitivness gets to you. Come on over and see for yourself. I am not a true Vermonter but of all the places I have lived, Vermont is where I proudly call home.

Best of luck in your relocation decisions.
Michelle

[flu189]

The above listed virtues of Vermont are so true, but to say that young people leave because of no bar scene is not quite right. Sure, there are some that are just bored and wish to see what lies on the other side of the fence so to speak, but they have existed in every generation. The truth of the matter why so many educated and aspiring young folks leave is very much so related to the economy and opportunity. I have a 27 year old working on his Masters and a 21 year old a year away from his degree with the intent to continue. Both would very much like to be able to call Vermont home, but the oldest is making plans to leave and the youngest who attends college out of state after careful review has ruled out coming home. I respect their judgement and in no way would I try to influence their decisions based merely on the virtues of living in a picture post card wonderland. I wish circumstances were not what they are, but the reality is that only a select percentage can actually find careers and employment here which not only can support a quality lifestyle, but also allow for saving for the future. We wring our hands worrying about the kids leaving and then charge them the highest costs in the nation to attend college if even allowing them to attend due to the preference at our University to admit out of state students. Then, we fret over the fact that our population is so rapidly getting older and rightfully are concerned what the economic impact will be down the road, and this while taxing all sources of income to the very end. Anyway, for those that want to come, good luck and welcome as there is much to enjoy.

[vter]

I was born and raised in Vermont, in the NEK, on a dirt road in the middle of nowhere. My parents and I traveled a lot through my childhood so I was lucky to see what life was like outside the state. Like many others, after I graduated college (UVM), I decided to leave. It wasnt so much the job situation, but I just wanted a change of scenery. So...off I went to Boston. I loved it at first, but after a while I realized that city life is just not me, so I ultimately decided to come back home. I have a good job as does the DH so we're quite lucky for our age being able to make a really good living here. I must say it helps to have connections in your job search up here. I applied for a job and my now boss new lots of folks I know....so that helps.
Many of my classmates from high school that left the state to start their careers are either back here now, or trying to find a way to come back. So...while the brain drain is happening, there are also quite a few of us who have come back or want to come back.

[caprt]

This is in response to vter's post, above. I think the phenomenon of young people leaving the state, then returning later in their lives is both interesting and significant. Those studying the "brain drain" might gain valuable insight by also studying those who came back, and finding out when and why they did.

Just from my own experience, I can say that when I graduated from high school twenty years ago, my friends and I scattered to the winds, certain that we couldn't wait to get out of Vermont. Now almost all of them are back, somewhere in the state, raising kids. I'm still in California, but will be moving back in the spring. I guess I can only speak for myself, but I feel I had to leave and see more of the world to really appreciate what Vermont has to offer.

[CoolestCouple]

You forgot to mention the fugly bearded women, the rude people, Bernie Sanders AND Horrible drivers (oh, and NO TARGET). DOn't make the mistake of thinking that just because Vermont is a nice place to visit, it will be a nice place to live.

P.S. VT Women - please don't forget to shave your beards in '08

[mrock0219]

If economics were the problem in retaining our youth, ie no good jobs, etc. then why are we making it - how did we come to Vermont - acquire good stable jobs, buy a home and raise our children and live a great lifestyle. I guess what is important to each of us is what makes the difference. However, in my opinion, our universe is what we make of it no matter where we choose to live.

[mrock0219]

Coolest couple - your comment - Not so cool!

[mrock0219]

We own a 1898 victorian home that little by little is becoming energy effecient. However, fuel oil is our number one expense after the mortgage! About $600 a month.