[quickdraw]

Originally Posted by Sherylcatmom

I agree. If we weren't devoted to Vermont, I believe we'd be taking a serious look at parts of both MN & WI. My husband and I liked what we saw and learned of those states.

I've often stepped up on my soapbox and complained about the conditions of small towns in america, including Vermont. I've had the opportunity to live in a lot of places and travelled to many areas when I worked for the government. Wisconsin and Minnesota are two of the few, if not only, states where small town americans seem to take pride in their property. Throughout both of these states houses and downtown areas are maintained well. Houses are painted and yards are orderly without trash piled up. Compare upstate NY and Vermont to Minnesota and Wisconsin and we should be embarrassed.

[wanashunkaha]

Thanks for all the input folks. All the family is on the east coast, but that wouldn't hold me to new england. I have pondered Minn. and Wis. but have not, as of yet, given them serious consideration. Maybe I should. The south is out. I can't stand the heat/humidity and am looking for shorter summers. Moving to a small town is a reasonable suggestion, but it's ridiculously expensive in CT and to get into a small town it takes much more cash, which I don't have! LOL!

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by quickdraw

Compare upstate NY and Vermont to Minnesota and Wisconsin and we should be embarrassed.

At least in some regards. Every community has room for improvement. I know several people who have been mugged in the relatively safe big city of Minneapolis. I lived in NYC for years; I was never mugged and never knew anyone who was. Does it happen in NYC, too? Of course. Nowhere is perfect.

[Lilybeans]

I wouldn't touch a property without a perc test. (unless it is land purely for hunting) It's cheap.