[arel]

I returned from Brattleboro yesterday with some new insights. One, Route 9 is mountainous and beautiful, but I don't want to commute 40+ miles to Bennington or beyond that to New York State. And I can see how it could be treacherous in the winter. I wouldn't want to skid off Hogback Mountain! Two, Springfield is about an hour away from Brattleboro, not 45 minutes. And, considering that I-91 has a speed limit of 65 mph, that is a lot of miles, and a lot of gasoline, for a daily commute.

If I move up, I think I will try to get a job in a local agency, such as the Retreat or HCRS. Maybe I'll look for a job at SIT, so I can be with a diverse population. If I can't find decent work in Brattleboro, I will consider commuting to Keene - Dartmouth Hitchcock has a branch there - or to Massacusetts, maybe to Northampton or elsewhere in the Pioneer Valley. I will also try to build side busines(es), e.g. private practice, and other things, which is another reason why I don't want to waste time on a lengthy commute, even if the commute is pretty. A very big factor in wanting to stay in town is my desire to be able to check on my diabietic cat during the day, if necessary.

I could also look for jobs outside of my profession, but I suspect they would probably pay even less, especially at first.

The low salaries and high cost of living are, to me, pretty much the most daunting things about moving to Vermont. Winter in southern Vermont is not too different from winter in NYC, and the winter driving I can get better at, although on rural roads I am apprehensive.

[cosmonewman]

A couple of things. First the drive to Keene sucks in the winter. The road to Keene is a continuation of route 9 in Vermont. It is not as mountainous as in Vermont but it is much smaller and more curvy than 91. I would rather commute to Greenfield or Northampton or even Springfield than Keene.

Second, Federal salaries are standardized to a point. There are locality pay subsidies added to your base pay that are based on salary data for each area (not the cost of living). Brattleboro falls into “rest of the US.” The entire Pioneer Valley of MA falls under the Hartford pay area (one of the highest).

You would be better paid for the same grade if you work in Mass and commute than if you live & work in Vermont or NH. You are in a position to sort of game the system. You get Hartford pay at the lower Brattleboro cost of living. The only problem with that is the commute.

Here is a link to the pay tables: 2007 General Schedule (GS) Locality Pay Tables