Vtguy802812 t1_iyjwms8 wrote
I’m from VT and moved to Maine during the pandemic (I know I know). VT and ME to me share a lot of common traits. Maine just feels like a bigger version of VT with ocean front property. Burlington area = smaller version of Portland Montpelier = smaller version of Augusta Manchester = smaller version of Freeport
VT is conservative once you get out of the cities and a few liberal towns scattered about. Just like Maine, you’ll be viewed as an outsider but most people will be polite and help you if you ask and reciprocate.
VT cost of living is about the same as ME when you compare apples to apples. Taxes are generally higher in VT than most of Maine and all of NH. Job options are somewhat limited in VT - if you work in the tourism industry or retail there are plenty of jobs but don’t expect great pay. VT like Maine is losing more people than there are coming in and has an aging population. One of the key benefits of living in VT is that you are generally less than an hour away from a decent ski mountain pretty much everywhere in the state and there’s some quality fishing throughout the state.
Housing is just as tight as it is here in Maine and if you’re moving to Burlington area, the windchill coming off the lake can blow. Since we’ve moved the temperature isn’t that much different, but going back to visit family that wind can make things chilly.
If you have any questions about VT or a particular part of VT, I’d be happy to answer - I can’t speak to NH.
[deleted] OP t1_iyl56dp wrote
Montpelier is a whole lot smaller and cooler than Augusta. It's like... Brunswick in the mountains.
joeydokes t1_iynmr35 wrote
I see (some) simularities between Burlington and Bangor
frogyoubuddy t1_iyk4i0e wrote
I did the exact same thing during the pandemic and just moved back a few months ago, I'd have to really agree with what you said about the similarities between ME and VT. Maine definitely seems to have milder winters for sure and that depends on which part of Maine you live in. I have a reasonable job working for the state and it pays decently with full benefits, in Maine I had a job making close to $19 an hour with rent that was cheap around $750 a month, but on the other end of things food and gas was more expensive. You can say the same thing with Vermont when it comes to the cost of living it just depends on where you live within the state.
joeydokes t1_iynmnej wrote
Your take is spot on! After decades, I left the Eden area in 2021 to be a happy PFE here
VT is ME's poor cousin - unless you're stupid rich; then its a state of mind :)
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