[LisaMc46]

The views on my drive to work: When I lived in NJ all I saw on my commute were ugly billboards and buildings. Here I see mountains, farms and forests.

People are polite: They disagree politely at Town Meeting. They stop for pedestrians at crosswalks. They tend to be soft spoken, which I like. They won't hesitate to stop to help someone. It's definitely not a place where everyone is out for themselves and there's no pressure to keep up with the Jones.

It's safe: I don't have to pay $1,000 a year for car insurance on my 1999 Honda like I would in N.J. because car thefts are very rare where I live. I don't have to lock my house door though I do at night and when I'm at work. I'm amazed at how many people here NEVER lock their doors. I'm never fearful running an errand or working after dark.

The environment: People are dedicated to preserving farmland and open space. They appreciate what we have and don't take it for granted.

Local food: There's a good selection of local and healthy foods whether I shop at the farmers' markets, the health food store, or even Hannafords.

[michigan83]

All these posts and not one mention of the foliage? Oh, the foliage!

I am only half kidding. The foliage needs to be mentioned.

[xz2y]

Really nice to hear about the positives in VT. It's been on my short list of retirement locations for 2 years. Rentals are expensive, but the positives are there for me in so many ways. Are there retirees living in VT who are happy that they made that decision? I grew up in upstate NY, went to school in the snow belt -Roch, Buf, NY and Mpls, MN, and lived in another snowy state for most of the last 25 years--MI, so snow and cold aren't a problem for me. Prolonged high heat and high humidity are. Anyway, I'm hoping to visit again in the spring before making a final decision on where to retire this summer. Would love to hear from retirees in VT.

[pauldorell]

Originally Posted by xz2y

Really nice to hear about the positives in VT. It's been on my short list of retirement locations for 2 years. Rentals are expensive, but the positives are there for me in so many ways. Are there retirees living in VT who are happy that they made that decision? I grew up in upstate NY, went to school in the snow belt -Roch, Buf, NY and Mpls, MN, and lived in another snowy state for most of the last 25 years--MI, so snow and cold aren't a problem for me. Prolonged high heat and high humidity are. Anyway, I'm hoping to visit again in the spring before making a final decision on where to retire this summer. Would love to hear from retirees in VT.

We retired here from Illinois recently and love it. We visited in May, 2011 and made an offer on our house in less than a week. If you think you'll like it here you probably will. Just keep in mind that it isn't an inexpensive place to retire and with global warming the summers can be hot and the winters warmer than in the past.

[square peg]

Well, there's still Hudson Bay or the Ungava Peninsula if you're seeking cool weather. I have no idea how far we're going in the climate dept. but things are warming up in all seasons, no doubt. If we could recapture last summer's weather, I think most people would jump at the chance in a heartbeat. It was drier than most growing seasons, bordering on drought in some areas, but the heat wasn't oppressive and the humidity was low. Storms coming up the coast seem to be increasing in strength and I can only foresee more of the same. We are in a transitional stage weather-wise.

A little piece of heaven on earth is still here for those who seek it and are open minded. You're property may be gorgeous and yet have a bunch junk autos next door. That's pretty much the way it has shaken out here, but once you get to know other types, you'll find that this is part of our overall way of life. It works.

As for retirement: We are sooo close! Our first SS check is scheduled to arrive in May. We are looking forward to not having to bow down to the current labor market and relax a bit, enjoy a few of the finer things in life and not have to worry about anything other than the government's stability.

But we have lived and worked here for 25 years now and every trip down the road is still an excursion. We have not lost our appreciation of this state's beauty. We like it here and maybe, just maybe, we might relocate someday to the coast of Maine. But until then that is our vacay destination and we are happier than pigs in dirt just living right here in good ol' Vermont. It has worked for us. Good luck, xz2y!

[Logs and Dogs]

Did I mentioned the fly fishing......within driving distance of some outstanding fly fishing......

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by Logs and Dogs

Did I mentioned the fly fishing......within driving distance of some outstanding fly fishing......

I love fly fishing. How do you do walk in the streams? I've seen the stream beds during dry season. They are filled with boulders.

[Logs and Dogs]

Originally Posted by Hopes

I love fly fishing. How do you do walk in the streams? I've seen the stream beds during dry season. They are filled with boulders.

One foot in front of the other, much like dry land ...... lol

All kidding aside, wading boots with the metal studs on the bottom are the key for me, felt soles are now banned in VT.

Depending on the river and size of the rocks you are really moving around the large ones to get to the pools that hold fish, no? So we're really more concerned with slowly shuffling your feet so you don't do a triple toe loop and find yourself drowning in the current as your gear floats down river.....careful steps with good boots so we remain vertical.

[ItalVT]

The SUMMER!
Summers are amazing in Vermont. Hot enough to want to swim and be outside, and so green and lush. Enough humidity to keep the nights fairly warm usually, too. For me personally, May through October in VT is paradise. I also like to ski and snowboard in the winter, but summer offers so many more options and is the vibe that I really prefer. Love all 4 seasons, though, of course, and give thanks for all. VT is beautiful 12 months of the year if you can appreciate it all.