"Don't want to change a thing...."

"We need more housing and economic growth..."

Folks, there's nothing special or unique about Vermont compared to a dozen other states. The difference is Vermont has chosen to protect and insulate itself from the very type of growth y'all excoriate when you go to other states.

There are other mountainous states (seriously, the mountains in Idaho make those in Vermont look like cute little bumps). There are other rural and pastoral states. There are other cold weather states.

But Vermont has been able to escape much of those growth and development which has, frankly, ruined some of those other states. But that comes at a cost - which is expensive housing, poor infrastructure, and lack of economic opportunity. Vermont is a gated resort, and that's the charm.

You start to go down the path of embracing growth and development, it will absolutely look just like everywhere else (otherwise it would be too expensive and wouldn't pencil out).

Fair warning from someone watching their state be decimated by growth and development.