[quickdraw]

Originally Posted by harry chickpea

Sadly, the lack of constant tending of fields has caused many areas to revert to brush, and destroyed many views and songbird habitats. Last time I camped in Little River State Park, the silence of the forest was eerie, unlike what it was when I was growing up in the area.

And this wonderful time of which you speak, old timers were lamenting the same old song you are now. And in 100 years it will be the same thing. "Back when I was growing up.......... it was so much better".

[ex-springfielder]

I know what harry is talking about, all the farms have gone out of business so what was once pastureland has grown back in as there was no one to mow them or cattle to graze. Contrary to what a lot of tree huggers like to believe tall forest have little widlife in them as there is no undergrowth and liitle food. Pastureland in contrast offered a bounty of food in grass and seed and therefor supports more wildlife per acre. Sometimes things were better in the old days.

[pabear]

There is good and bad wherever you live, especially lately. I have been reading on the Vermont forum for over three years now. Having been here now, things can get expensive, not a great place to find jobs, the list can go on I'm sure. Having said all this, I guess I may be one of the few lucky ones that have found work. Yes, I have some education and training. I have been to paramedic school, worked in human services field, and police background, and am thirty six years old. Why do I say all this? When I see how happy my three school aged boys are each day that we made the move, know there is so much to do here as far as sports, (especially winter) and that all of my immediate family is happy for the most part with the decision we all made together to move to this incredible place, I would not change anything. We did not have any extra money for moving, no help from Mom & Dad, and no dearly departed rich relative leaving us money for any help in any way. As a matter of fact, things were quite hairy for a bit. My wife and I are firm believers in things are what you make of them. I realize there are bad situations everywhere. People who have had such situations here in Vermont, and frequent this site will have a response to this I'm sure. I guess my main reason for responding to this is to say that the american dream is not dead. You don't have to be rich, famous, know someone, have a lot of college education, (not that that doesn't help). You just need to be motivated and know what you want. I could not imagine being anyplace but Vermont!

[chaz longue]

Thanks for brightening my day!

Great post.

Originally Posted by pabear

There is good and bad wherever you live, especially lately. I have been reading on the Vermont forum for over three years now. Having been here now, things can get expensive, not a great place to find jobs, the list can go on I'm sure. Having said all this, I guess I may be one of the few lucky ones that have found work. Yes, I have some education and training. I have been to paramedic school, worked in human services field, and police background, and am thirty six years old. Why do I say all this? When I see how happy my three school aged boys are each day that we made the move, know there is so much to do here as far as sports, (especially winter) and that all of my immediate family is happy for the most part with the decision we all made together to move to this incredible place, I would not change anything. We did not have any extra money for moving, no help from Mom & Dad, and no dearly departed rich relative leaving us money for any help in any way. As a matter of fact, things were quite hairy for a bit. My wife and I are firm believers in things are what you make of them. I realize there are bad situations everywhere. People who have had such situations here in Vermont, and frequent this site will have a response to this I'm sure. I guess my main reason for responding to this is to say that the american dream is not dead. You don't have to be rich, famous, know someone, have a lot of college education, (not that that doesn't help). You just need to be motivated and know what you want. I could not imagine being anyplace but Vermont!

[square peg]

Mine too!

More than anything, I believe it's the folks who reside here that make VT the best place I've ever lived. We aren't afraid of each other. Just about everyone of us is approachable. Recently, I worked for the census bureau which meant wandering into hundreds of peoples' lives (on their property) with a surprise visit from Uncle Sam. One (1) guy was suspicious, and even we parted in a somewhat gracious manner. I have to say that I had some of the best conversations I've had in years - mostly with total strangers.

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by square peg

Mine too!

More than anything, I believe it's the folks who reside here that make VT the best place I've ever lived. We aren't afraid of each other. Just about everyone of us is approachable. Recently, I worked for the census bureau which meant wandering into hundreds of peoples' lives (on their property) with a surprise visit from Uncle Sam. One (1) guy was suspicious, and even we parted in a somewhat gracious manner. I have to say that I had some of the best conversations I've had in years - mostly with total strangers.

I agree! My sense of Vermonters was also partly influenced by my U.S. Census work ten years ago. I had similar experiences to yours. I walked onto some properties thinking "Uh-oh . . ." and everything was fine or better. So much for judging by appearances. A good lesson for me.

[Wheretoland]

Vermont is special from other areas because its liberal-rural, has the lowest or second lowest crime overall out of all states in the nation (either Vermont or Maine is first) Gets influenced by Montreal, Boston, and NYC near the adirondacks, green mountains, other. I would have gone there if its wasnt for Western Washington state

[carolinajack]

i have very few things i DO NOT LIKE about VT, too few to mention here. there are so many things i LOVE about it though.

1. Grout Pond
2. Rutland Farmers market
3. Jamaica Coffee
4. Woodstock Library
5. Stratton
6. Lake Bomesseen
7. Half Moon State Park
8. Putney Diner
9. Real Vermonters
10. Church suppers

[arel]

Every once in a while, feelings of joy and gratitude wash over me because I am now living in Vermont.

I see the mountains when I leave the grocery store (granted, the mountains are across the river in New Hampshire, but the mountains you see in Burlington, across Lake Champlain, are in New York!)

I can see hills and mountains from my yard and from my kitchen window.

I am amazed by the cultural and intellectual aliveness here. Such extraordinary people.

And I don't see the anger, hostility and confrontational behavior I saw so much of in New York.

Even though I get fleeting feelings of dislocation (I've only been here about 6 months) I am very glad I made the move. No regrets at all.

I haven't been back to Brooklyn since October, when I went to pick up my cats.

BTW, I'm also glad I did all that research on this site. It helped me make the decision to move to a place that feels, so far, like a much better fit for me than Brooklyn.

Carolinajack - the Retreat is expanding and hiring. Check out their website.

[carolinajack]

Thanks Arel: I have been hoping it would. I have been thinking of moving to Austin because i havent found employment or affordable housing in Vt. thanks, i wil check it out and apply.