[katerinaver]

I am debating on moving either to Vermont or New Hampshire- which one would you recommend.
I am interested in good schools, safe neighborhoods, affordable housing, and decent teaching jobs.

Any advice is appreciated

Thank you.

[vter]

For looking very similar on a map, the 2 states couldnt be more different. Politically, Vermont leans left and NH leans right.
Vermont's topography is more rolling hills & pastures and NH is mountainous in the north, and flat in the south (with the exception of the Keene area which looks more like Vermont).
Housing in Vermont is expensive. Southern NH is getting up there too. I'd suggest posting on the NH board if you havent done so.
I was born & raised in Vermont and don't like NH (though I do have some great friends who live there). Most NH natives don't like VT. We have a love/hate relationship LOL.
Vermont overall is more rural. Our largest "city" is Burlington with about 40,000 people. The Burlington metro area has about 150k. Southeastern NH has become one big suburb of Boston.
Can you come visit?

[maileen]

NH,accept Manhester.Good medical.Transportation much better than VT.I went to school in Keene,NH when I was in High school.NH really put money in public schools.Except for maybe Fair Haven or Bennington,Vt I would not put my kids in public school! If you do come to Vt send children to Jewish or catholic school. You may pay a little more to live in NH ,but the money does go back into the system.Great public libabaries and medical assistance in NH. Vermonters are usually friendly,but guns and drugs also run rapid.I was shocked after I moved here from SC.

[Vermonr]

Vermonters are usually friendly,but guns and drugs also run rapid.

You make it sound like their are gangs of vicious VTers carrying around handguns and shooting heroin on the sidewalk! (I'm kidding ). There are guns in VT because hunting is a very popular part of our culture. I think it would be unlikely for you to find anything other than a hunting rifle here. As far as drugs go, Rutland has its far share of drug problems, but throughout the rest of the state the only real drug of choice is pot.

I'm biased toward VT as it is my home. I think that New Hampshire certainly has more to "do," but VT has more opportunities to just be outside and is a little bit more scenic. I guess it really depends on what sort of fun you like to have. The public schools depend on the area. My school was terribly cramped and had a leaky ceiling, but on the other hand I was blessed with some amazing teachers. The small class size was very helpful as it prevented some of the clique problems that schools in other areas experience. I would highly recommend an extended visit to both NH and VT as only you will be able to make that decision.

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by Vermonr

As far as drugs go, Rutland has its far share of drug problems, but throughout the rest of the state the only real drug of choice is pot.

I live in Rutland. My experience is that Rutland is one of many Vermont communities have problems with drugs and the problems that arise when addicts get desperate.

Sadly, this has touched our family. But as a Rutland resident, I've felt safe and no one has bothered us or our property. Our neighbors are fantastic and our experience is that the community is generally safe, friendly, and supportive.

[Vermonr]

Sadly, this has touched our family. But as a Rutland resident, I've felt safe and no one has bothered us or our property. Our neighbors are fantastic and our experience is that the community is generally safe, friendly, and supportive.

I'm so sorry to hear that this problem has affected you and your family. Also, I apologize as I never meant to imply that Rutland is undesirable or dangerous. I live very close to Rutland and love the city, and I've never felt unsafe in any part of it. Which other areas of VT are currently experience drug problems? Perhaps I've been away from VT for too long.

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by Vermonr

Which other areas of VT are currently experience drug problems?

No offense taken here.

From what I can tell at support groups for families touched by addiction, there is nowhere in Vermont that doesn't have drugs and addicts. Naturally, the more people, the more opportunities. So there will be more dealers and such in Burlington & surrounding towns, Brattleboro, etc., than in the Northeast Kingdom. But I'm willing to bet that there's a market in St. J and someone ready to serve it.

And since this forum is Vermont or NH, I know from folks who live there that Manchester, NH has plenty of drugs and the smaller towns have their share, too.

Does it compare to city living in any major US population area? Nope. It's still small-town Northern New England. It's just that nowhere is immune.

[Lilybeans]

There are drugs everywhere. I think the gun laws in VT are the best in the country, and one of the reasons I love VT. That's not a drawback, it's a positive thing.

[GypsySoul22]

Originally Posted by Lilybeans

There are drugs everywhere. I think the gun laws in VT are the best in the country, and one of the reasons I love VT. That's not a drawback, it's a positive thing.

Very true. I live in a boring part of VT on the border of NH and yes, there is a big drug problem (mainly pot) here according to one of my friends who is a cop. It comes up through 91 from NY/MA or down from Canada. The rest stop on 91 near my township is a place they stop people often.

We had to leave our apartment and move thanks to a druggie teen who lived above us. He had a three day pot party and we finally had to call in the police.

I lived in NY most of my 40 something years and was never exposed personally to pot (and this was on Long Island). I move to sleepy "no where" and have a nearly year long issue with it...

So, yeah, there are drugs all over...often these 'no where' places are worse and yes, your kids have nothing else to do except drugs unless you direct them.

As far as the OPs question, VT has less shopping, is more scenic and less developed. NH is a bit more gritty but the pay is better and it has more diversity. (in my part anyhow.) As far as
teaching jobs, well, good luck with that. I have a Masters and couldn't get an Aide job..(I am not certified here, though).

[Wingfoot]

Property taxes are higher in NH, income in VT.
Average income advantage VT, upper-middle/rich big adv. NH

More difference between individual towns than states.