[Gemini1963]

Originally Posted by GeoffD

I'm kind of wondering how the heck a "new immigrant (particularly a non-white)" would end up in Vermont in the first place? ...and then complain about cold winters. lol

My information may be outdated by now, but I think there are (or used to be) a lot of Hispanic immigrants who work on the dairy farms, and Jamaican pickers who work seasonally in the orchards (and who knows, maybe some of them stay on).

[tkln]

Burlington has a pretty 'large' African population, if I'm not mistaken...I know there are a few organizations that help refugees. Also, the resorts have a lot of temp international workers, some definitely stay permanently. I've met several from much warmer places and I find it amazing that they liked it that much through the winter!

[DauntlessDan]

Horrible winters can be said for most of the northern third of the country. Vermont is no different. Rural can be a good thing. Would you rather have border to border sprawl? Some people prefer rural, nothing wrong with that. VT is not very urban, perhaps you need to choose SOUTHERN New England. As far as not being welcoming to minorities, I think that depends on where you go in the state. Some areas are very close-minded, but that is just about every state. Try this, being a white person and still NOT being totally welcomed in your town. I am experiencing that wheream because the area is so homogenous. I did not grow up here so I may as well have big ears and green skin. That's the way it is in some places. I suggest you find a more urban area.

[voyager977]

It sounds as though perhaps this state wasn't the right match for you or maybe your expectations weren't aligned with what we have to offer.

I'd dreamed of living here and raising my family in this lovely state for years. Finally made the move over 2 years ago and couldn't be happier.

Finding the right place can be hard and I'm sorry to hear that Vermont didn't work out for you. Both Burlington and Winooski are official "refugee" cities and therefore have a fairly high number of non-whites who contribute mightily to the culture in the NW corner of the state. It's unfortunate you may not have had a chance to experience this as it may have made for an easier transition.

As to the weather; well it certainly can be cold and snowy and grey, but if you get out and do your best to enjoy it there's a lot of fun to be had. We ice fish, snowshoe, sled with the kids, hike, etc and bask in the occasional wonder of those bright blue winter skies where the sun seems to shine so brightly and reflect off the snow that you can barely keep your eyes open without shades.

People in Vermont may sometimes take a bit longer than folks elsewhere to open up, but they eventually will and can end up being friends that you feel as though you've known your whole life.

Best of luck to you wherever you find yourself. And try to remember that your happiness and serenity will ultimately come from within you. Your surroundings and those around you can then only benefit from your kindness and love.

[OhBeeHave]

Originally Posted by harpoonalt

Bingo! There's a Jack for every Jill.

Or a Jack for every Jack and a Jill for every Jill. Equal time!

[OhBeeHave]

The OP has posted a grand total of 4 times on CD and each one of those posts was a Vermont bash. While I am sorry that VT wasn't an ideal match for him/her, why dredge it back up (unsolicited) if one has moved on to a happier place?

[harpoonalt]

Originally Posted by OhBeeHave

The OP has posted a grand total of 4 times on CD and each one of those posts was a Vermont bash. While I am sorry that VT wasn't an ideal match for him/her, why dredge it back up (unsolicited) if one has moved on to a happier place?

I think we've all been there a time or two. You go somewhere, feel you're treated badly and you want to vent.
If a waiter treats you badly, you don't tip. If you feel wronged by a whole state, you come here. I'm not offended. I'm guilty of using a broad brush based on unique experiences too.
Vermont is not a horrible place, but her experiences here obviously were.

[mdovell]

Where in VT were you though? Burlington is great. I think the traffic will increase once the Vermonter reroute is completed. Montpelier is small but good as well. Eventually I'll probably go to Brattleboro.

The only real complaint I have about the area is probably beyond its reach. Much of the southern part of the state is a combination of state and federal parks. I wish there were more Burlingtons further south. How about doing something more downstream from the shoreline of Lake Champlain maybe across from Ft Ticonderoga. Otherwise most access is on 89, 91 or rt 7

[arctichomesteader]

One Burlington is too much.

[BerkMTB]

I love Vermont and own a second home there. But I wont retire there because of the taxes. They are just too high!

Will be picking up a moving to CO when I can. At least their taxation policies are sensible on retired people with a decent income. Although we love 99% of it, VT is just a wee bit too socialized for me.