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I live in Newfane so just south of the Townshend recommendation. That commute from Townshend would suck as would one from Newfane because you are on the other side of the mountain from the highway. There is no good road to springfield. If I were going to settle in VT again I would stay close to the 91 corridor. Newfane is a pretty little town but every time you want to really travel you have to get to the highway which often means backtracking south as it is a long winding trip north.
So Brattleboro? Is that where you want to actually be? It is a doable commute I used to work in Brattleboro with a guy that lived in springfield. He had no issue with it but your going to be really putting the miles on the car, spending 45 minutes each way and much longer on some winter days. It is not out of the question though if you don't mind the drive, You will never have traffic and it is always a pretty trip. Otherwise if you want to be in-between it will be small town rural living. The prior suggestions are all good. Putney, Westminster...... Saxons River is a bit off the highway but then you also get quick access to Bellows Falls area. If your not completely set on having to live in VT you should also look at charlestown and walpole NH Those are nice towns just on the other side of the river. Walpole area has some unique advantages. It is a small wealthy little town right next to bellows falls so there is some shopping and a few places to eat etc. In walpole you are also equidistant to keene and brattleboro so it is like getting 2 towns for the price of one, and keene is a really nice town too.