[Targo]

Yeah, yeah, yeah VT is very expensive and I would love it if our tax money could be more wisely spent [thus providing better "services" or lowering the tax rate.]

But, having spent a good amount of time in other parts of the country, I feel the quality of my life in VT is currently "worth the expense". Clearly to others it's not.

It's nice that the recycling program in VT doesn't consist of throwing junk out your truck window, dogs/deer that are killed on the road are usually attended to quickly, [not left to turn in to a greasy spot over weeks] and while I enjoy hunting/fishing/guns/dirt bikes I also enjoy the wide spread intellectualism in the state despite the fact that many of those same people are 'anti' gun/hunt/dirt bikes/etc.

Without re-hashing the expense of living in VT for the 10,000 time, I think a lot of native Vermonters [I am] take what we have for granted by in large.

That's all I got.....

[Adream]

Originally Posted by Targo

Yeah, yeah, yeah VT is very expensive and I would love it if our tax money could be more wisely spent [thus providing better "services" or lowering the tax rate.]

But, having spent a good amount of time in other parts of the country, I feel the quality of my life in VT is currently "worth the expense". Clearly to others it's not.

It's nice that the recycling program in VT doesn't consist of throwing junk out your truck window, dogs/deer that are killed on the road are usually attended to quickly, [not left to turn in to a greasy spot over weeks] and while I enjoy hunting/fishing/guns/dirt bikes I also enjoy the wide spread intellectualism in the state despite the fact that many of those same people are 'anti' gun/hunt/dirt bikes/etc.

Without re-hashing the expense of living in VT for the 10,000 time, I think a lot of native Vermonters [I am] take what we have for granted by in large.

That's all I got.....

Well Targo, it's good enough for me!

I have no doubt that you are correct about some native Vermonters taking what is in VT for granted, you've surely had conversations to have learned that.

I've had some great conversations over the years with Vermonters, and have found that many tend to appreciate what they have there. Granted, most of them have traveled the country and some, the world. I think their appreciation for what is special in Vermont is enhanced by seeing other spots in the country and comparing it to what they left behind. It's amazing to me that despite definite concerns such as employment and affordability, so many people will do what it takes to live in Vermont.

[ackgirl]

Hi, I was born and raised in Burlington, Vt.,I do not live there any longer, but all of my family does. I do visit when able. It has certainly changed over the years!! Vermont is one of the most expensive states to live in. The R.E. taxes are very high, unless you live in a small town with no services. The winters are long and cold. The winter days are gray and short......but, it is a beautiful state if you can deal with those things. Auto insurance is inexpensive there...thats a plus. Real estate is expensive in Chittenden County, for not much. Not sure about other areas.

[Silver Lake Patriot 1970]

ACKGIRL, can you tell me more about Burlington? I'm thinking of getting a job there for UVM and wanted to know about the crime, social conditions, cost of living OUTSIDE the city perhaps 40 minutes North East. What do you think is the best town to live in Vermont?

[BickleTravis]

Originally Posted by Targo

Yeah, yeah, yeah VT is very expensive and I would love it if our tax money could be more wisely spent [thus providing better "services" or lowering the tax rate.]

But, having spent a good amount of time in other parts of the country, I feel the quality of my life in VT is currently "worth the expense". Clearly to others it's not.

It's nice that the recycling program in VT doesn't consist of throwing junk out your truck window, dogs/deer that are killed on the road are usually attended to quickly, [not left to turn in to a greasy spot over weeks] and while I enjoy hunting/fishing/guns/dirt bikes I also enjoy the wide spread intellectualism in the state despite the fact that many of those same people are 'anti' gun/hunt/dirt bikes/etc.

Without re-hashing the expense of living in VT for the 10,000 time, I think a lot of native Vermonters [I am] take what we have for granted by in large.

That's all I got.....

I'm glad you said "quality of my life". Most people here can't understand how anyone could possibly live anywhere else.
For me, making $11.00 an hour on a bachelor's degree in a town where you need about $15 to live isn't quality, it sucks.

[Wingfoot]

Originally Posted by BickleTravis

I'm glad you said "quality of my life". Most people here can't understand how anyone could possibly live anywhere else.
For me, making $11.00 an hour on a bachelor's degree in a town where you need about $15 to live isn't quality, it sucks.

VT is real simple, if you have "yuppy" outlooks it's a great place. if you don't, not so hot.

Most people in any yuppy town (Ann Arbor, Madison, Boulder etc) can't imagine
living any where else.
They seem to need the constant reinforcement from others of their ilk as to how wonderful they all are and yes, this is paradise, it must be as after all THEY live here!

I lived in several of these places and am not trying to be funny or put them or anyone down.
It's just that the constant celebration of self can be very tiresome to some,irrespective of how wealthy they may or may not be.

[sundialstreet]

I don't think it's a "yuppie mentality" to want to be paid a living wage commiserate to one's skills and education. There are some really rough jobs in social services which pay 1/3 of what they would pay elsewhere, and that's a real problem. Many have the cheek to demand all manner of qualifications and skills that would get them laughed out the door elsewhere. Travis made a very valid point, one which deserves a bit more consideration than it has received in this thread.