[mustmove]

You are not being offensive. I've nothing against newcomers, I actually have a house for sale in VT so newcomers would be nice. I do suspect that a lot of folks want to live here simply because of the politics. Despite the lack of housing VT needs more people to survive. It is not easy to get by in VT so be careful in moving here. Have you looked at MGH institute of health professions? They are in Boston and I believe they do quick nursing masters. Expensive school but Boston has a lot more options for gainful employment and cheap housing with decent schools than Burlington.

[MTK1]

Another thing to consider is UVM is one of the most expensive public universities in the country. You will have to live here for a full year I believe before you are considered a resident. Have you looked at the tuition costs compared to other schools in New England? Also nurses in VT make a very low wage compared to other New England states. I know of 2 people one who went to Norwich and one who went to UVM's nursing program. Their starting salaries here were insulting and they both left the state. One is in MA and the other in CT and they are both making double what they were here. New construction is practically dead here. The above articles I posted show large job losses in the construction industry.

[happeemommee]

Thank you for your answers! I haven't really looked into the Boston area because one of the reasons we've been drawn to Vermont is the progress in the ecological areas. I have a daughter that has health problems and so being in a "green" area really appeals to us. Clearly, I have a lot more digging to do before this summer. My heart is not set on VT, (although I think we could be very happy there) there are a lot of things to consider. Can you tell me of any other New England cities that are also on the "green" track that maybe have a better economy? And good schools,both universities and public school system?

[mustmove]

Boston isn't a dirty city by any means but the air is cleaner in VT by a bit. Some of that is very location specific if you go South or North of Boston near the ocean you will have cleaner air then in the city or just west of the city. Politics aside the green economy is a bit of a sham. There are no green jobs and there won't be despite the Governor's claim to the contrary. VT doesn't have a lot of construction/housing/strip malls but the farms are still putting plenty of pollutants into L. Champlain. The air quality is good but VT has very little control over that as we are downwind of the rest of the country. Can't help with other schools I am familiar with MGH IHP because my wife is an alum. As for other cities after living in VT I'm of the opinion that you need a large critical mass of people to create wealth and opportunity. Consequently I'm not a fan of medium/small cities.

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by happeemommee

And good schools,both universities and public school system?

Antioch New England University in Keene has a Green MBA (as well as an excellent MS in Org. Leadership & Management that I finished in 2007), plus environmental studies programs.

[happeemommee]

Thank you for the info. Although I admit, Boston is way too big of a city for us. Got any other ideas that include a city of a smaller size?

I appreciate your input!
M

[flu189]

Originally Posted by mustmove

There are quite a few folks that 'live' in VT but work full time in Boston/NY/CT and leave the spouse and kids up here for the work week. Not a great lifestyle but you gotta do what you gotta do.

Quite a few also either did well with investments or have decent inheritances. A coworker of mine blew through a nice inheritance by living a lifestyle way above what they should have, so while some appear to be the toast of the town it may just very well be temporary. Now with the losses in the markets and rising costs they are schlepping the regular jobs with the rest of us. It's getting harder to get work at all while companies are cutting back or closing their local operations. Lot's of glum families in my town this week after the third largest employer announced they are closing. I'm afraid the situation will get worse before getting better.

[happeemommee]

Originally Posted by flu189

It's getting harder to get work at all while companies are cutting back or closing their local operations. Lot's of glum families in my town this week after the third largest employer announced they are closing. I'm afraid the situation will get worse before getting better.

I'm really sorry.That's awful! That's also how it is here in Western North Carolina. that's one of the reasons I am going into health care!

[foxxtrot]

NC is much cheaper than VT. I would suggest staying there. My wife is currently working on her fellowship with Fletcher Allen (9 months left). We are headed back south (VA, NC, SC, GA). Born and raised in NY (rural upstate). VT is a very nice place to summer. findings so far:

high taxes (1st), low wages
public education is decent
little culture, no minorities (95% white)
average age of work force is 46, total youth % is less than 14% and falling.
little to no industry i.e. production, distribution, manufacturing
little to no retail market or market competition to draw down prices including restaurants, clothing stores, grocery stores,
expensive utilities
winters are very long
liberal idealogy in Burlington and Brattleboro, most of the state residents are more independent to conservative.

[happeemommee]

[quote=foxxtrot;5847069]NC is much cheaper than VT. I would suggest staying there. My wife is currently working on her fellowship with Fletcher Allen (9 months left).

NC is not all it's cracked up to be! Factories and other businessess are closing up all over the place. It might be cheaper,but if you can't find a job, pricesare still too high. I don't think a lot of people realize just how bad NC is getting.There was a list that came out yesterday, I think talking about the five worst hit towns and three of them were in NC.That's one reason why I am going to school for nursing! Nurses are needed everywhere,we just have to make it through the next few years until I graduate. In the meantime, we need to get out of here and figure out where to go...