I grew up in Brattleboro, went to school at UVM, and then moved to Addison County, but part of the staff that I help to manage for work now is down in White River Junction...and that place is just different, for better and for worse.

If relocation is a possibility for you, moving close to Chittenden County can often strike the balance between job availiability, social life, and affordability - provided you don't mind driving 30-45 minutes to work every day. For a small state, Vermont is incredibly regional, and the next town over can sometimes feel a world away. Take advantage of that, if you can.

Regardless, good luck finding your tribe and some sense of place - we all deserve that.