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hausome t1_jbc6fro wrote

We live in Bellows Falls, Near the SE border with NH and we absolutely love it. I work for the State and they are almost desperate for help in any category you pick. I see Help Wanted signange just about everywhere I go. The other morning the whole neighborhood was out helping each other dig out of the snow, the sense of community is strong, at least on my block.

Crime? Haven't had any issues. Local cops say the riff-raff are usually all out of towners.

Taxes are on the higher side, at least my property tax is. As long as it benefits my community I don't care. Life is expensive no matter where you are. Housing is as scarce as anywhere else.

Energy costs are the big issue IMHO, be prepared for that. Oil and LP aren't cheap so get used to 62 and wearing a good wool sweater indoors or you'll shell out $1K or more a month to keep toasty. Be prepared to do a lot of work on your likely 100+ y.o. house, hope you're handy.

This sub is notoriously negative sometimes so take that for what it's worth. I'll live here the rest of my life. No regrets. It's beautiful and the people are good hearted.

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xohannasunx OP t1_jbesi8z wrote

We are liking more and more the areas of VT that border NH, it seems like NH has a lot going for it as well. I'm glad you mentioned energy costs, I didn't even have a guess to go off of, and that number is quite high. A lot of people in this do seem bitter and negative, but I'd rather the rude honesty to shake the romanticism I think lots of people have for Vermont who have no idea of the realities that you mentioned. This last 24 hours of following up on this post have my husband and I doing lots more math and hard thinking.

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hausome t1_jbfhk6g wrote

I have a larger house, about 2800 sq ft, so my heating costs reflect that of course. Your experience could be different. Some folks get by burning wood or pellets and supplementing with LP stoves when needed. Just be aware there is limited natural gas infrastructure so chances are high you'll burn oil or wood.

The semi rural environment can be a shock too, be prepared to drive to big box stores or fast food (or get out of the habit all together and support small local businesses). Generally things close up earlier too, not much night life.

If you guys are looking for slower, quieter lifestyles then I can't recommend VT enough.

Best wishes in whatever you choose to do!

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