That may be true as of the last six years since I've lived there (in Chittenden County), but I've been able to live there when I was VERY poor because of "socialized" health care and food programs including but not limited to CSAs for lower income members and SNAP. My mother bought her first home after the divorce using the farmers home program (not sure if that's the actual name or if it still exists). Vermont is very expensive, but it also allows for programs and government that actually helps people succeed. Not everywhere is like that. It's a good place, and I disagree that the trend is toward a "gated community," although I understand the frustration. When I lived in Burlington (as a poor person with advantages), my struggle was to educate less advantaged folks about the things Vermont had to offer for them that still supported the local economy. It's just a different mindset. It's about priorities.