[timberline742]

Originally Posted by looking4home

Yeah, I don't get the Texas thing. People seem to move there in droves, but I've also heard from others, whose opinions I trust, that it's absolutely horrific.

It is, but there are jobs.

(There are, of course, some good parts: Big Bend NP is exceedingly beautiful, for one example)

[wantastiquet]

After 7 years in Vermont we are moving back south to Asheville, NC. Before living in Vermont we were in the Richmond, VA area. While Vermont is quite beautiful and has a small town feel it is very expensive and the weather has changed in the 7 years we have been there. Summers can be very humid and hot and there is a lack of air conditioning (or the feeling of a need for air conditioning) in most public places. Extremely long winters, warmer summers, poor employment, a disdain for technology (communications) and high taxes with no expectation of becoming lower seem to be what drives most people away.

[Targo]

#1 Reason to leave VT IMO: Not enough air conditioning!

Actually FYI, VTers would LOVE to be able to actually USE the cell service they pay for but the providers couldn't care less about proper coverage for a tiny population. It's not cost effective for them.

I may start paying my cell bill with the regularity that I get good service around the state and see how they like that……..

[VM1138]

I hear lots of complaints about the job market in Vermont, but it has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country? What's the deal with that?

[delmioquartiere]

Originally Posted by VM1138

I hear lots of complaints about the job market in Vermont, but it has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country? What's the deal with that?

Service sector. Waiting tables for the tourists. Lots of menial jobs like that.

[cwaggy]

Low unemployment because if you don't work you can't live there so only those who work can live there ergo low unemployment. People who wait tables do so out of necessity.

[looking4home]

Originally Posted by wantastiquet

After 7 years in Vermont we are moving back south to Asheville, NC. Before living in Vermont we were in the Richmond, VA area.

Wow, that's something new! those are areas that have seen an influx of easterners over the past two decades, and here you moved to New England! Asheville is a place everyone seems to like once they have visited there. However, I've heard that it can be expensive, and is also a tourist destination, which makes it similar to Vermont.

[thunderkat59]

Originally Posted by looking4home

Wow, that's something new! those are areas that have seen an influx of easterners over the past two decades, and here you moved to New England! Asheville is a place everyone seems to like once they have visited there. However, I've heard that it can be expensive, and is also a tourist destination, which makes it similar to Vermont.

True. Except jobs are harder to come by in Asheville. A larger pool of candidates for that barrista or table bussing job.

[wantastiquet]

Originally Posted by looking4home

Wow, that's something new! those are areas that have seen an influx of easterners over the past two decades, and here you moved to New England! Asheville is a place everyone seems to like once they have visited there. However, I've heard that it can be expensive, and is also a tourist destination, which makes it similar to Vermont.

Asheville is much cheaper than southern Vermont. Property taxes are about a third of Vermont. Never minded the tourism in Vermont as it keeps the economy moving. It's just not doable anymore due to the weather and cost of living.

[rubygreta]

Originally Posted by VM1138

I hear lots of complaints about the job market in Vermont, but it has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country? What's the deal with that?

It's not about the unemployment rate, it's about job creation. If there are no jobs and people leave the state, it's bad for the economy, but good for the unemployment rate.