I grew up in VT. In my adult life I’ve tried to live in-state to be close to family and friends a couple of times. The cost of living, transportation woes, low-wages, and lack of professional development opportunities proved to be too much each time. I’ve lived abroad and in various places across the east coast. In my personal experience VT is the most difficult place to live without a very strong financial support network. I still have lingering anxiety from my time(s) in VT. Outside of VT (currently in NY) I’ve found the financial pressures are significantly reduced.

Again, personal experience. The friends I have who stayed in state all have financial support coming from their families, none of them have to try and eek out a living on a completely independent basis. VT is super stressful if you don’t have a solid chunk of $$.