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.

There are no French communities in Vermont, either, and definitely not along the western border. I don't understand why OP is opposed to going to Canada, since RIGHT over the border...

I think that's true of many places. Everything is more expensive and wages are slow to catch up. We've been having this conversation for forty years (or more, I'm sure) in Vermont and not much has changed - for better OR for worse.

Also, I run a nonprofit for seniors, so I'm not unsympathetic. It just takes a certain kind of person to live in this part of the country, in general. Ya gotta love it.

Although I can agree that the COL is high in VT, I suspect most people who complain the loudest live in Chittenden County, which is far different from the rest of VT. The bottom line is that it costs more to live in more desirable places, period. I moved to the Lakes Region in NH and my rent/utilities/groceries are higher here than anywhere I lived in VT, including Burlington. But them's the breaks, these days. Everything is more expensive everywhere, and at least I live in a decent place. I may never retire, but I love what I do, so I'm okay with that, too. If you can't wait to retire because you don't enjoy working and want to pay less and live in a shit hole like FL, those are your priorities. Don't complain, just go away and leave us alone up here.

Edit: The same goes for access to healthcare, etc. It's not a metropolitan area; there aren't ANY amenities everywhere. We like it this way.

Please tell me how to get NESN streaming without paying $90/month! I've failed...

My five are strays from my brief time living in the dirty South, but this makes me want to adopt MORE (obviously insane). Thanks for sharing!

It's a mixed bag when dealing with a loved one who suffers from an addiction, and I am so relieved that you took the time to post that he was found safe. But also to open up a conversation about how addiction can lead to so many - sometimes unfair - consequences. I hope, if even just for the sake of the people in his life who care about him like you do, that he's able to find help and a way out of that pitiful cycle. Best wishes for all of you.