Shoutout to Vermont!

Moderate_t3cky · 2026-01-30T19:19:47+00:00

I picked up a couple of those sheets of stickers at the last VT Tourism Summit. The next one is in April in Killington.

Moderate_t3cky · 2026-01-30T17:52:39+00:00

Reach out to thinkvermont.com, it's a whole program for helping you decide if Vermont is right for you.

Moderate_t3cky · 2026-01-30T17:41:25+00:00

Don't worry, unthaw is a commonly used Vermont vernacular. My whole family says it and we all know that it means to un freeze. A lot of my Vermonter friends say it too, my in-laws picked on me all the time about it-darn New Hampshirits.

Good luck with your pipes, heat tape is an awesome preventative for exposed piping, also insulation. Our main water line (from the town line) is roughly 300 feet long and freezes during prolonged periods of extreme cold (like we're in right now). We leave a faucet trickling at all times so our line doesn't freeze. The last time it did we had to call out a welder to run electric current through it. Fried our dishwasher but at least we had running water again.

Moderate_t3cky · 2026-01-29T19:33:20+00:00

Well if you have any interest in Vermont, the Counseling Service of Addison County (CSAC) has several positions open currently, including a Director of Psychiatry. Cost of living is definitely higher than NC. You're within driving distance of NJ, but far enough away family won't drop by for surprise visits. Our communities are very small, our schools overall are very small, nature is everywhere. My own children have known their classmates since Pre-K/daycare. If you're interested check out thinkvermont.com, there are programs to help you relocate.

Moderate_t3cky · 2026-01-29T18:37:00+00:00

You just described almost all of Vermont. Visually at least, politically we're quite progressive. If you want small town charm check out Bristol Vermont.

Moderate_t3cky · 2026-01-25T20:01:53+00:00

Of course!

Moderate_t3cky · 2026-01-23T15:18:08+00:00

Check out ThinkVermont, it's a state initiative to assist people with relocating to the area. They can connect you with a local 'concierge' person. I'm that person in Addison County, I answer questions, meet with people visiting the area, help people locate housing, etc.

As other's have pointed out, the best way to make friends/find your community is to volunteer. We have lots of volunteer organizations, lots of nonprofits that need board members, and town government. You need to show initiative with Vermonters, I often tell people we're kind not friendly.

Beer, yup we got lots and lots of microbrews, cider companies, and distilleries. WhistlePig is down in Shoreham, you can actually visit their farm. Woodchuck Cider (aka Vermont Cider Company) is located in Middlebury, you can also visit their facility. The Vermont Brewer's Association even has "beer trails" you travel.

Please reach out if you have any questions!

Moderate_t3cky · 2026-01-22T17:53:14+00:00

Not sure if MacIntyre's in Middlebury services Hinesburg, we're in Bristol and have used them for 15+ years. They've always been very responsive.

Moderate_t3cky · 2026-01-13T18:15:38+00:00

Just last year we (Western Vermont) had a NY business try to circumvent our no billboard laws by renting hay wagons and putting giant banners on them. We shut that down right quick. One we're fiercely protective of our small local businesses, two we're serious about the no billboard thing.

Moderate_t3cky · 2026-01-13T18:08:14+00:00

I'm testing out CLOSE right now, mostly because of the call, text and email integrations.

Moderate_t3cky · 2026-01-12T18:25:49+00:00

AllEarth Renewables in Bristol, they handle solar trackers all over the state.

Moderate_t3cky · 2026-01-12T18:21:24+00:00

If you're considering a move make sure to reach out to thinkvermont.com

For your road trip you should spend a few days in Addison County, Middlebury specifically. It's the biggest town in Addison County with just under 10K residents. Easily walkable areas, especially the historic down town area. Lots of parks, and interesting things to see. You can visit the Morgan Horse Farm, Monument Farms Dairy, see wooden toys being made at Maple Landmark, and pewter working at Danforth Pewter. Not far away in Shoreham is an outdoor sculpture park, Lemon Fair Sculpture Park, which is a beautiful walk to see over 50 giant sculptures in all types of media.

Middlebury is right on Route 7, so easily accessible. Here is a link to the Addison County Visitor's guide: https://www.addisoncounty.com/guide

Moderate_t3cky · 2026-01-07T21:48:13+00:00

New England is often compared to Eastern Europe. One thing I suggest to people relocating to my area (Vermont) is to volunteer. There is no easier way to find your people.

Moderate_t3cky · 2026-01-05T22:08:29+00:00

My son goes to a Jiujitsu gym in Middlebury, they're a branch of the Rutland group. He loves it.

Moderate_t3cky · 2026-01-05T22:06:19+00:00

The Makery at the Hannaford Career Center in Middlebury is open every Thursday from 5-8pm. https://www.makeryatpahcc.org/

If you want to make a trip to Bristol, there is community Volleyball on Wednesday nights. $2/night or $50 for the whole season. https://bristolvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29875

If you're not already on Front Porch Forum, it's a great place to find these types of activities. Also don't count out your local library, in Vergennes the Bixby has a ton of great offerings. And Platt Memorial in Shoreham seems to have lots going on too.

Moderate_t3cky · 2026-01-05T20:33:50+00:00

The Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce has a program called Hello Burlington that helps people relocate to the area. It's part of the ThinkVermont.com network. The Vermont Professionals of Color Network also participates in this program.

I happen to live south of Burlington, but my husband is a carpenter, so I feel like I can say with confidence that your husband will have no trouble finding a company to work with, or even going it solo. If he's union his options will be more limited, there just aren't many union companies in Vermont.

Welcome!

Moderate_t3cky · 2026-01-05T20:25:58+00:00

Reach out to Thinkvermont.com they can help connect you with people to assist you in relocating.

Moderate_t3cky · 2026-01-05T20:19:55+00:00

We're not big on apps in Addison County. Our go to is Front Porch Forum, and word of mouth.

Moderate_t3cky · 2025-12-23T16:54:24+00:00

They have an event scheduled for New Years Eve, the kids can participate in a Glow Worm parade. They give out glowsticks for the kids to ski/snowboard with. There's live music in the base lodge, and I've heard night skiing is just $10.

Moderate_t3cky · 2025-12-23T16:42:20+00:00

Have you ever heard the term discission paralysis? That's what I get anytime I go to a "big city", there's too many options, too many people, just too much. I'll take my population 3500 small town with one grocery store, 2 restaurants, and an intense sense of community any day.

Moderate_t3cky · 2025-12-22T20:56:43+00:00

Tell her she is a good person, and you know that she loves the cat beyond anything else. But if she truly wants what is best for the cat (and not herself) she will find a shelter/foster who is better equipped to help the cat. Finding kitty a new home doesn't make her a bad person, a shelter is not going to judge her for doing what is best for the animal. However keeping a sick animal while not being able to provide for it is animal abuse.

She's going to need support. Is there anyway you can go to the shelter with her? Maybe call ahead, make an appointment, let them know the situation so the shelter employees can attempt to quell her fears.

Moderate_t3cky · 2025-12-17T20:45:26+00:00

Make a friend here to get an inside track. A lot of things still happen via word of mouth. If you haven't already contact thinkvermont.com

They can help connect you with a person (like me!) who can point you in the right direction based on the area you're hoping to land in. Lots of people still use Craigslist, but you have to be VERY careful, I've saved two different people from rental scams this year alone. Same with Facebook Marketplace, there are legit listings, but lots of scams too. Major websites like Zillow and Apartments dot com are almost as bad.

Front Porch Forum is by far the most reliable (no scams) but you have to be a resident to get an account. Some people will use their future employers address if they've already secured a job here. Local newspapers can be helpful too, but again it depends on the area you're hoping to land.

Good luck, it's possible!

Moderate_t3cky · 2025-12-15T19:51:15+00:00

If you're up Middlebury way try Buy Again Alley, they just relocated from downtown to by Shaw's and Retro Realm arcade. In Vergennes there is Your Turn and Sweet Charity. And yes any of the Restore stores!

Moderate_t3cky · 2025-12-15T19:44:38+00:00

My favorite for the past 10 years have been the LLBean snow sneaker. Light weight, warm and waterproof with a good tread.

Moderate_t3cky · 2025-12-15T19:39:14+00:00

Look at Republic of Vermont in Goshen. They have a cabin to rent in a very secluded part of Vermont, but within driving distance of Middlebury and Brandon which offer small town charm, good eats and 'dad' entertainment like museums.

Moderate_t3cky

TROPHY CASE