[Lilybeans]

Originally Posted by KoZmiC NinJa

Listen to talk radio, much ?

Your statement is patently incorrect.

TaxProf Blog: Red States Feed at Federal Trough, Blue States Supply the Feed

^^^ just one of zillions of articles on the subject.

Five years ago. Maybe it was to punish the blue states.

[Skiptomylou]

Originally Posted by lookingforhomeNE

My boyfriend and I are looking for somewhere in New England to move and perhaps eventually open a small organic/veg friendly restaurant. The most important things to us are that the cost of living (especially real estate costs) be low and for the population to have a fairly liberal bent. We also like to hike and climb, etc. so proximity to outdoor rec areas would be a big plus. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

YEAH COME ON UP AND LIVE THE DREAM!

[Skiptomylou]

Originally Posted by KoZmiC NinJa

Listen to talk radio, much ?

Your statement is patently incorrect.

TaxProf Blog: Red States Feed at Federal Trough, Blue States Supply the Feed

^^^ just one of zillions of articles on the subject.

Right because the taxation burden in Vermont is caused by the federal government ohhhh wait




I wish I could neg rep on this forum

[KoZmiC NinJa]

Originally Posted by Skiptomylou

Right because the taxation burden in Vermont is caused by the federal government ohhhh wait




I wish I could neg rep on this forum

If you read the post I was responding to, you dont see
Vermont mentioned anywhere. Im responding to a
blanket, ridiculous, anti-liberal statement.

[arctichomesteader]

Originally Posted by KoZmiC NinJa

Listen to talk radio, much ?

Your statement is patently incorrect.

TaxProf Blog: Red States Feed at Federal Trough, Blue States Supply the Feed

^^^ just one of zillions of articles on the subject.

Most of that is federal money going to federal projects/agencies...military bases, parks, forests, etc., more of which are in "red" states than "blue" ones, and, on top of that, those states have smaller populations which throws the numbers off.

[Flashback]

Vermonts economic model offers a snapshot of what may happen soon throughout the USA.

[vter]

Folks...please try and answer the OPs question and not turn this into a political debate. Thank you.

[flu189]

To the OP. I also enjoy hiking and as a matter of fact just got back today from a week long section on the Appalachian/Long Trail here in Vermont. To be brutally honest as many preceding me in posts have been, Vermont will fiscally suck you dry. I repeat, the chances of having your dreams fulfilled in terms of having a wage that will support you with some left over for future planning is extremely challenging. I can fully understand the dreams and desires of folks who visualize the benefits of this state, but for many like myself the move here has resulted in a very costly lesson. I still enjoy and appreciate many aspects of life here, but like so many have said, liberal and cheap just don't go together and the the added costs don't translate into a real benefit as many would espouse. However, there are those who have come here who can have their cake and it eat it to, just try and understand the facts and understand as much as possible what the costs are by moving here.

[GraniteStater]

To the OP:
Yes, you can find liberal and cheap(er) in New England.
However, it probably won't be in the most "desirable" region.
Northern Maine has a lower cost of housing minus high energy costs.
Land there is also somewhat cheaper, particularly north of Bangor.
Jobs are going to be scarce. I would definitely secure a job first before moving anywhere given the current economic state of affairs.
Just look at CD Member Forestbeekeeper's posts for ideas.

[LisaMc46]

Vermont has plenty of liberal places. In fact, even the more conservative towns have liberal community groups and hangouts. The entire state is filled with lovely places to hike and kyack and camp.

But it is very expensive when you look at housing and energy costs compared to average salaries. If you were to open your restaurant in a less expensive area, chances are you'd have few customers who could afford to eat out that often. If you opened it in Burlington or Stowe, you'd have access to more affluent customers, but you would pay a fortune in rent. Plus, I believe businesses pay higher taxes in Vt than surrounding NE states.

What I'm trying to say is that you could definately find the quality of life you are seeking here, but you'll pay dearly for it. If you have a good stash of cash, come on up!