If only we judged all cities by the worst crime...

Sorry I bounced for a few days! I found a local job. Internet is good in Rutland... But it's definitely something to look into before you buy a place outside of a city. Housing is tough but you can still find places if you look for a while. There are timber frame builders nearby - Ludlow I think? Literally every contractor around us is hiring carpenters, too.

I am a relatively newcomer to Rutland. It's great, don't believe the bad reputation. We're surrounded by the mountains. Sure the city has its issues (like anywhere with a population) but lots of people are working on building it up again.

Definitely have a plan for work for at least one of you before you get here - it took me a year but eventually I landed a great job. I'd say beware of the lure to really rural homes / mountain homes - you truly may not have reliable internet access and there are real challenges to living in the country (road condition, access to medical). If you're used to that and/or love plowing your own driveway, go for it :)

There are still affordable and beautiful places to live, just come prepared to be part of improving life in the community you move to. Vermont is economically diverse and primarily rural. It's also stunning and the people here are pretty great.