[diafito]

Beforehand, please forgive me if I offend anyone, this is my very first forum.

We are wondering what are some of the restrictions related to car modification, for example adding bigger tires, raising the suspension? I was in the state web site but I need the day to day scenario, also the every month expense in utilities and what ever other surprise you encounter in a new state, specially in the winter.

We will be flying to VT in October to look at properties and hope to find our dream house, we are tired of the every day hassle with traffic and (some) people.

Thanks in advance for any comments or suggestions.

[tkln]

I'm not sure what the actual restrictions are, but I see plenty of lifted Jeeps/old Broncos/pick ups here that are used for off-roading and I've seen them on the street as well.

If you do a quick search, there are several threads with info on utility and COL differences between VT and FL - I seem to recall a thread not too long ago. It's definitely a higher COL up here. Utilities can vary, heat and taxes are probably the biggest expense.

[diafito]

Thanks for the info.

[MRVphotog]

Vermonters and the visitors pretty much drive most every car or truck you'll see anywhere. While AWD and 4WD are popular many still get around on front wheel drive vehicles. You will need snow or good all-season tires, Since you have air conditioning I assume you already use anti freeze. A good battery is a must for starts in the winter. If you have a nice vehicle without rust I highly reccomend you get the underside painted for rustproof.

Real estate costs comparison would depend on where in Florida your moving from and what part of Vermont you will be living in. I realize that Florida got smacked pretty hard real estatewise in the recession. Property tax rates in Vermont can vary greatly from town to town. Property taxes are based on their value so a big fancy house with land will pay alot while a modest home on a small parcel will pay alot less.

If you have to work Vermont has a low unemployment rate but the rate of pay, on average, is one of the lowest in the country

[mikeandaija2009]

Originally Posted by diafito

Beforehand, please forgive me if I offend anyone, this is my very first forum.

We are wondering what are some of the restrictions related to car modification, for example adding bigger tires, raising the suspension? I was in the state web site but I need the day to day scenario, also the every month expense in utilities and what ever other surprise you encounter in a new state, specially in the winter.

We will be flying to VT in October to look at properties and hope to find our dream house, we are tired of the every day hassle with traffic and (some) people.

Thanks in advance for any comments or suggestions.

I envy you getting out of Florida. If your looking for peace and quiet, nice people, no crime.....New England is the place to be. We have been in Florida for a year now from Connecticut and hate it. We have another year left before we can get out. We came here for my wife's job and we have till next September 27th, so a little less than a year. I count the days when her transfer is completed.

[diafito]

Sorry you feel that way about Florida but I can understand why. I've lived in Miami since 1977 and loved it but we feel it time for a change. We are hopeful we will love Vermont and the Northeast in general. The mountains, snow and the change of season in general are the reasons we decided to move. We are tired of the flat land, heat and humidity. We really hope to fit in. Good luck on the transfer request!

[rgtsc01]

My fiance is a travel nurse and we came to Northern Vermont last winter. The hospital ended up offering her a permanent position, the highest salary she has ever seen for her job, so we are here for a while. I am part owner of a California-based government contracting company and work long hours from home, so my income is not dependent on the Vermont economy. We really appreciate the people and the rural character of the state. We both lived in Jersey, and the tax rate here is no worse than when we lived there.