[arel]

I read today that "the basic cost of living" is "higher in Vermont than in most other states" (AARP Bulletin, June 2009).

And I have read posts about needing to retire to another state, due to the cost of living in Vermont.

I'm wondering why Vermont's cost of living is so high.

Is it because of the relationship between income and expenses?

I think someone once told me that things are expensive here because they have to be transported. Well, things have to be transported everywhere. And how much transportation is involved in buying locally produced food? I know this is an issue in Alaska, but I don't understand how it is an issue in Vermont.



BTW: I have noticed that food is very expensive here. But I have also been shocked by how much lower my car insurance premiums are, compared to Brooklyn. Of course, that's not saying much, since Brooklyn has some of the highest rates in the country.

And I've noticed that houses are much less expensive than comparable houses in Brooklyn. Again, that's not saying much, considering the real estate market in NYC.

[GypsySoul22]

Compared to Metro NY, yes, it is cheaper for housing but I see food as the same (or more). Salaries are pathetic in Vermont. That's if you can get a job. It seems like they want you to be available 24/7 and work any hours they say. This is rather difficult unless you are without dependents.

So even if things are 'cheaper' than in NY, you can't afford them.

You have to develop this scrounger mentality to survive here. We go to NH and shop. I spend my time trolling for jobs (fruitlessly).

Want to know WHY people are frugal in New England? You have to be to get by.

Yes, I am dreaming of the next place so maybe I can have a life again. Maybe this is just life in 2009??

[NYtoVT]

One reason the COL of living is so high is that the State taxes everything to death and those costs are passed on to the consumer.

Cost of Living 1st Quarter 2009

See where Vt ranks. We moved out of Vermont after only 18 months after coming from NY. Heating costs are prohibitive. Taxes are confiscatory and fuel costs an arm and leg to transport to a region with very few people.

[arctichomesteader]

It can all be traced to the government. Between taxes and regulations, it keeps out many better paying jobs and the government takes substantial portions of what little people earn, both directly (income tax, property tax, etc.) and indirectly (taxes that get passed on to you by businesses). Now don't get me wrong, I don't want VT developed into another NYC or MA, but, it's gone too far in keeping jobs out and keeping people from even using their land in some cases to help (consider all the restrictions on logging). Another major issue is all the wealthy people who have and are moving in and driving real estate prices up (and with it, taxes). In large part these "flatlanders" as they're called brought in the politics that has created the government causing the problems...not to attack you Arel or others or anything, just pointing it out, the invasion of the state from the 60's on with left-leaning socialist and hippy types brought in most of the big government ideas that have pushed us into this position. Once farming basically collapsed years ago in the state it was doomed because nothing else would or will come in to replace that.

I did notice the state will be allowing some more maple tapping on state lands, which will help the maple industry, but, I think that's too little, too late...the long list of hiked taxes, no cutting back of regulations, etc., will just continue to destroy the economy.

[momnh]

I am moving to VT from NH. COL is comparable. Housing is more expensive in VT and there are income taxes, but other things are less (less real estate taxes, better public schools so I don't have to pay for private, etc). Also, I secured a job in Burlington that pays as much as I earn in Manchester.

What I don't get is that everyone says that wages are terrible in VT, but then how are the high real estate prices supported? (I'm referring to Chittenden County). I know there is some retirement and trust money in that area, but it can't be enough to support ALL of those high real estate prices. There must be an economy there that supports it. Even with this economy, VT housing prices have help up much better than the rest of New England. My house value in Manchester has dropped 15% in the last year, and Chittenden County houses have dropped 5% at the most. So there has to be enough good jobs to hold that up. Any insight?

[GypsySoul22]

I think a lot of houses must lie empty here rather than being sold (at a loss).

Second homeowners make up a large portion of parts of Vermont. Also, you always seem to have an influx of monied people from 'somewhere' yet after a few years, that money is gone...

Just the way I see it.

[arctichomesteader]

Chittenden County attracts a lot of outsiders. As does Brattleboro and some other areas of the state. So, I suspect comparatively few locals are buying those properties.

[Flashback]

When VT politician decide to attract business and industry to the state things will get better. Until then....the slide continues.

[NYtoVT]

A quick search of Chittenden County real estate shows 1,218 properties for sale. How many are vacant is anybody's guess. That number seems like a lot to me.

[Skiptomylou]

Originally Posted by arctichomesteader

It can all be traced to the government. Between taxes and regulations, it keeps out many better paying jobs and the government takes substantial portions of what little people earn, both directly (income tax, property tax, etc.) and indirectly (taxes that get passed on to you by businesses). Now don't get me wrong, I don't want VT developed into another NYC or MA, but, it's gone too far in keeping jobs out and keeping people from even using their land in some cases to help (consider all the restrictions on logging). Another major issue is all the wealthy people who have and are moving in and driving real estate prices up (and with it, taxes). In large part these "flatlanders" as they're called brought in the politics that has created the government causing the problems...not to attack you Arel or others or anything, just pointing it out, the invasion of the state from the 60's on with left-leaning socialist and hippy types brought in most of the big government ideas that have pushed us into this position. Once farming basically collapsed years ago in the state it was doomed because nothing else would or will come in to replace that.

I did notice the state will be allowing some more maple tapping on state lands, which will help the maple industry, but, I think that's too little, too late...the long list of hiked taxes, no cutting back of regulations, etc., will just continue to destroy the economy.

I wish I could Rep you again but I need to spread it around!

So true.

Why can't this state find a good balance?