[ss20ts]

OP,

Did you ever move to Vermont? If you did, what are your thoughts on it?

[zendwa]

Hi ss20ts. Thanks for asking. Our next trip to Vermont begins in a week. A long meandering road trip (including traveling with an 80-pound Lab). We will stay in Vermont for 3 weeks and look at places and get a sense of available properties. Right now (ecomony willing) the move plan is for Spring 2023. We don't see anything keeping us from making it happen. Will post an update note after this visit.

[ss20ts]

Originally Posted by zendwa

Hi ss20ts. Thanks for asking. Our next trip to Vermont begins in a week. A long meandering road trip (including traveling with an 80-pound Lab). We will stay in Vermont for 3 weeks and look at places and get a sense of available properties. Right now (ecomony willing) the move plan is for Spring 2023. We don't see anything keeping us from making it happen. Will post an update note after this visit.

Good luck! You may be there long enough to see some serious leaf changing! Apple picking season too. Be sure to bring home some maple syrup. Can't wait to hear what your thoughts are after this visit.

[zendwa]

Hey ss20ts,
Well, our trip was great. The economy willing, we will move to the Lamoille valley area next spring.
In general, we found Vermonters less friendly and engaging than I remember. (With, of course, some exceptions.) Maybe it's just America nowadays -- everyone is grumpy and depressed and angry.
We still love it. Nothing that will deter us, just an observation. We (re)explored a lot of the north-central areas, and the amenities of Lamoille stood out for our lifestyle.
We'll be looking within a half-hour of Morrisville, and don't mind rural. We were a few weeks early for peak colors (but that wasn't the intent of our trip). I was also surprised that the farmer's markets didn't have nearly as many produce vendors than I expected (even for this time of year). Seems, again, that Vermont is just a little nicer version of America -- national brands on the store shelves (even in the local food co-ops); fast and inconsiderate drivers (although, again, better than where we are now); etc.
All that said, Vermont still ticks all our boxes -- rural, liberal, affordable. Really looking forward to our relocation.

[Riley.]

Originally Posted by zendwa

Hey ss20ts,
Well, our trip was great. The economy willing, we will move to the Lamoille valley area next spring.
In general, we found Vermonters less friendly and engaging than I remember. (With, of course, some exceptions.) Maybe it's just America nowadays -- everyone is grumpy and depressed and angry.
We still love it. Nothing that will deter us, just an observation. We (re)explored a lot of the north-central areas, and the amenities of Lamoille stood out for our lifestyle.
We'll be looking within a half-hour of Morrisville, and don't mind rural. We were a few weeks early for peak colors (but that wasn't the intent of our trip). I was also surprised that the farmer's markets didn't have nearly as many produce vendors than I expected (even for this time of year). Seems, again, that Vermont is just a little nicer version of America -- national brands on the store shelves (even in the local food co-ops); fast and inconsiderate drivers (although, again, better than where we are now); etc.
All that said, Vermont still ticks all our boxes -- rural, liberal, affordable. Really looking forward to our relocation.

I'm curious....because you describe VT as affordable (when most people here think it's become more and more unaffordable). Is it more affordable than WA state? I guess it must be if you are moving here.

The area near Morrisville is nice. Did you ever get to see Green River Reservoir? if you kayak, you'll love it.

[zendwa]

I guess it's all perspective:
Groceries and everyday "stuff" seemed to be comparable.
Gas was much cheaper in Vermont.
Farmers markets and farm stands seemed to have cheaper produce.
Housing is much less for a comparable house.
From what I hear, taxes are definitely higher. But I also understand there are some age/income adjustments.
Utilities are unknown, probably higher. Will depend on the specific property, but energy isn't cheap here in Washington either.
I have no idea yet about services -- auto repair, dentists, what have you.
Bottom line is the more-affordable housing costs.

We didn't get to Green River Res. We have a big lake canoe, but didn't take it this trip. Did lots of easy hiking around the area -- Barr Hill, Hardwick town forest, several sections of the LVRT (minor knee injury kept us from more aggressive hikes).

Still enjoying all your insights. Thanks.