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Me and my wife was watching a Christmas movie the other day and she asked me if it would be possible for a small mountain town portrayed in the movie could really exist. If so, would it be possible to live there when we "retire." By "retire", I mean when my grandmother passes and I receive my inheritance. I have done some research, but it is too overwhelming. The kind of town I am referring to would be small (less than 1,000). Everyone knows everyone and would not hesitate to help their fellow neighbor. During holidays, the whole town gathers and has a big event (parade, tree lighting, etc.). Small shops, like possibly a general store and a cafe, etc. Snow in the winter (my wife likes snow) and mild in the summer. Fairly reasonable cost of living. We don't like to live in town, but we like to be close in case we might need something. Everyone is polite and not crabby all the time. I know this is quite a stretch and I know that Hollywood exaggerates quite a bit, but I guess anything is possible. The closest thing I have found that fits this scenario is Woodstock, VT, but I'm sure that there are more similar to this. We like the "old timey" towns. The ones that look like they are still in the 1800's. If anyone has any ideas, please feel free to share! We need all the help we can get.
I didn't know that I needed permission to live in a town like that, but if you must know, I am a "jack of all trades" kind of person. I am a small business owner, wood craftsman, carpenter, mechanic, and just about anything else. I don't mind helping other people whether they return the favor or not. We are a quiet, laid-back. easy going family and do not meddle in other people's business. We would just like a place to live where everyone is not rude and stuck on themselves and think they are better than everyone else. Is that too much to ask?
Woodstock is really nice. I own some property in Pownal, ME that I plan to build a house on. This is my small town. 1600+/- people with a small state park in the middle. There are very few businesses in the town, but I will be centrally located to most major areas in Maine.
My folks live in Harrisville, NH. Very nice area with plenty of lakes and ponds with a few small shops.
I think upper New England is full of areas that meet your needs. It is simply a matter of finding which one fits best.
"So what is Babette doing in this humble hamlet near Oregon's rugged border with Idaho? Enjoying something that she missed in her modeling years: peace and quiet. "The sky is blue. It's quiet. There's really nothing like this," says the 58-year-old Babette, who still speaks with a smoky German accent."Local News | Former fashion model plunges wholeheartedly into Halfway | Seattle Times Newspaper
Yes, small towns like that exist, but they are getting fewer and fewer because of kids having to go to area schools rather than being educated within the community. That breaks a lot of the social structures.
Woodstock is a show town. I can think of a dozen towns in Vermont more real than that, but in deference to them will not mention them.
R.L. Duffus's "The Williamstown Branch" is a book that you will want to read. It covers a small Vermont town in the late 1800s from the point of view of a small boy. It is very entertaining reading and gives a good overview of what was. Looks like you can read it online here: Williamstown Branch | Fourscore
After reading that, recognize that four or five generations of townspeople dating back to those days may hold sway in your ideal town. The only ones who can influence and make change are those with money to burn.
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