Moving to Vermont means opportunities to experience the seasons, eat local, and explore the great outdoors.
A few things to know before moving here!
1. You’ll Love the Seasons
People may disagree on the true Vermont experience. Is it soaking up the summer sun on spectacular Lake Champlain? Peeping the gorgeous foliage on a brisk Fall day? Or experiencing the Green Mountains at some of the best ski resorts in the Eastern United States? One thing is for sure, the changing seasons are a source of new joy and excitement in the lives of those moving to Vermont.
2. Endless Opportunities to Enjoy the Outdoors
Vermont is in a unique position to offer every type of outdoor activity imaginable. Where else can you find pristine freshwater lakes, idyllic rural landscapes, and breathtaking mountains all within an hour’s drive of quaint, historic towns? Did you know…
Vermont is the 6th most “outdoorsy” state in the country? In fact, 72% of residents are actively involved in some form of outdoor recreation. Kayaking? Paddleboarding? Wakesurfing? Hiking? Skiing? Snowshoeing? What will you do to be part of the 72?
Vermont is the least polluted state in the country according to the U.S. New and World Report. Vermonters work and play in the great outdoors and know how important it is to keep them clean.
Vermont boasts the oldest long distance hiking trail in the United States– the Long Trail. This iconic trail runs along the peaks of the Green Mountains, and is just one of many trails to explore.
3. Farm to Table Restaurants
Are you a “locavore?” Vermont is a nationwide leader in the local food movement. Most of the larger towns are home to award-winning farm to table restaurants. You can grab a locally sourced meal after catching a show and strolling the town square. Or escape to one of Vermont’s renowned farms or Bed and Breakfasts, which offer tours and meals straight from the farm. The “locavore” lifestyle is a social and educational experience. You’ll learn about sustainable and healthy eating from tour guides, chefs, servers, and people you meet along the way. You could even find yourself at the coolest dinner party in New England, enjoying meals at community “long tables” overlooking the mountains or in the cozy hearth of a farmhouse.
4. Real Estate is a Good Investment
Real Estate is widely regarded as a sound investment. As a “real” asset and basic necessity, it is one of the best ways to protect yourself against inflation and other systemic market risks. New waves of market volatility make the value and stability of a Vermont real estate investment undeniable. In the 2008 crash major stock indexes shed up to 50% of their value, and national housing prices hit rock bottom in 2012 at 18.9% off their pre-crisis highs. Vermont real estate only saw a 5.6% decline in the same period.
The smart-growth mindset and strong local politics in Vermont work to ensure there are many laws in place to protect homeowners and their land. Compared to other “hot markets” around the country, in Vermont municipalities work with their local zoning to provide growth that is well thought out and of benefit to the residents. Major decisions like a new mall, highway, or master-planned community are well researched and will be governed by local and state zoning and regulations. Vermont is concerned with the threats brought on by environmental degradation and climate change. Vermont’s low population density, clean air and water, high elevation/latitude, and a population focused on sustainability, make it the ultimate place to consider owning land long-term.