Living in Vermont truly gives us the best of everything – room to move, fresh air to breathe and friendly neighbors all around. However, if you feel the need to scratch an urban itch, you can be in Montreal, Boston or New York in just a few hours. Depending on which part of Vermont you are headed from, the hustle and bustle of the city could be as easy to get to as the Long Trail. There are so many reasons to move to Vermont. Let’s take a look at some of them.

When a small state is made up of tiny cities (and even tinier towns) the result is a place of closeness and community, not to mention some of the most stunning scenery you’ll ever see. While the big city life may be perfect for some people, Vermonters simply appreciate the superb living and all its small towns have to offer. Our lifestyle certainly has its advantages, and here are a few things that we love about living in the 802. Let us know what you think makes Vermont special in the comments below!

  1. Low crime rates.

Flickr/Ian Britton Crime rates are lower in small towns and most polls show Vermont as being the safest state in the country. While this may mainly be due to fewer residents, there is no denying that Vermont is a safe state. Just check out the statistics at www.247wallst.com).

  1. The best maple syrup, honey and cheeses are made right in your own backyard.

Flickr/Ben Roffer Some people make these goods as a business, others as a hobby, but one thing is for certain - we have some of the tastiest goods you’ll ever try.

  1. World famous foliage each fall.

Flickr/Jay McAnally People come from around the world to experience fall foliage in Vermont, but for us it’s just a matter of going out our front door.

  1. Less pollution.

Flickr/Billy Wilson For the most part, pollution is a big city phenomenon. It takes heavy manufacturing and numerous cars to create the environmental nightmares that take place in big cities. Small town U.S.A. does not have these things, nor the resulting brown air and ozone issues.

  1. Inclusion

Flickr/woodleywonderworks Small towns, which are the essence of Vermont, typically include the whole town when organizing an event. It’s simply the right and neighborly thing to do. Remember the book “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten?” Living in Vermont is like that: share everything, play fair, etc.

  1. Your commute is always stunning.

Flickr/James Walsh When your commute is full of mountains, streams and covered bridges, it’s hard to sweat the small stuff.

  1. Kid’s behavior and manners.

Flickr/woodleywonderworks If you think chivalry is dead, then you haven’t been to a small town in Vermont. The kids here are respectful, helpful and appreciate hard work. You will also be struck by the maturity of these kids, especially the older teenagers. Many of the high-schoolers hold jobs to do their part to keep it running. A strong work ethic is instilled at a young age and that value stays with them forever.

  1. You’ll be famous.

Flickr/Joe Murphy Not only do you know your neighbors, but they know you. And your kids. And your spouse. And probably your dog. While this may seem like you’re in the spotlight, it also means that there’s usually someone you can call on to help in the event you need it.

  1. Love for all generations.

Flickr/Lauren Manning Most community events in Vermont involve families and people of all ages. Children see how we respect and look after each other and subsequently learn from examples. It’s a trickle down effect that bridges generations and fosters a love and respect for everyone.

  1. Neighbors who care.

Flickr/Vermont Historical Society Things haven’t changed much the the way of looking out for your neighbors, as evidenced by this trio setting on a Vermont porch stoop in the early 1900s. Neighbors here, for the most part, aren’t nosy. They simply look out for each other.

  1. Town pride.

Flickr/Nate Merrill In Vermont there are activities practically every week that are available to everyone without exclusion, and often free of charge. They range from sporting events to green-up days to town picnics and gatherings to church functions to a million outdoor activities. There is no shortage of fun things to do in our own backyard in the Green Mountain State.

  1. Fresh food.

Flickr/Bruse Denis Vermont prides itself on its farm-to-table lifestyle, and there are many places to get your fresh produce. Whether you prefer to shop at farmers markets or grow your own, eating fresh and healthy is always encouraged and accessible.

  1. Fresh air everywhere.

Flickr/Samuel Barnes Who doesn’t love a little wind on their face?

Flickr/Josh And many open fields to run and play.

  1. The stars in Vermont are stellar.

Flickr/Chris Devers

  1. And camping out under them is even better

Flickr/Mervyn Chua

  1. You have the mountains…

Flickr/Paul Moody

  1. Lakes…

Flickr/Amy Meredith

  1. And sometimes both at the same time!

Flickr/Christian Tauber It really doesn’t get much better than this. If you are planning on moving to Vermont let us know below in the comments section. We would love to hear your story.

What do you think are the best reasons to move to Vermont?  Let us know and like this if you love it here!

Flickr/Ian Britton

Crime rates are lower in small towns and most polls show Vermont as being the safest state in the country. While this may mainly be due to fewer residents, there is no denying that Vermont is a safe state. Just check out the statistics at www.247wallst.com).

Flickr/Ben Roffer

Some people make these goods as a business, others as a hobby, but one thing is for certain - we have some of the tastiest goods you’ll ever try.

Flickr/Jay McAnally

People come from around the world to experience fall foliage in Vermont, but for us it’s just a matter of going out our front door.

Flickr/Billy Wilson

For the most part, pollution is a big city phenomenon. It takes heavy manufacturing and numerous cars to create the environmental nightmares that take place in big cities. Small town U.S.A. does not have these things, nor the resulting brown air and ozone issues.

Flickr/woodleywonderworks

Small towns, which are the essence of Vermont, typically include the whole town when organizing an event. It’s simply the right and neighborly thing to do. Remember the book “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten?” Living in Vermont is like that: share everything, play fair, etc.

Flickr/James Walsh

When your commute is full of mountains, streams and covered bridges, it’s hard to sweat the small stuff.

If you think chivalry is dead, then you haven’t been to a small town in Vermont. The kids here are respectful, helpful and appreciate hard work. You will also be struck by the maturity of these kids, especially the older teenagers. Many of the high-schoolers hold jobs to do their part to keep it running. A strong work ethic is instilled at a young age and that value stays with them forever.

Flickr/Joe Murphy

Not only do you know your neighbors, but they know you. And your kids. And your spouse. And probably your dog. While this may seem like you’re in the spotlight, it also means that there’s usually someone you can call on to help in the event you need it.

Flickr/Lauren Manning

Most community events in Vermont involve families and people of all ages. Children see how we respect and look after each other and subsequently learn from examples. It’s a trickle down effect that bridges generations and fosters a love and respect for everyone.

Flickr/Vermont Historical Society

Things haven’t changed much the the way of looking out for your neighbors, as evidenced by this trio setting on a Vermont porch stoop in the early 1900s. Neighbors here, for the most part, aren’t nosy. They simply look out for each other.

Flickr/Nate Merrill

In Vermont there are activities practically every week that are available to everyone without exclusion, and often free of charge. They range from sporting events to green-up days to town picnics and gatherings to church functions to a million outdoor activities. There is no shortage of fun things to do in our own backyard in the Green Mountain State.

Flickr/Bruse Denis

Vermont prides itself on its farm-to-table lifestyle, and there are many places to get your fresh produce. Whether you prefer to shop at farmers markets or grow your own, eating fresh and healthy is always encouraged and accessible.

Flickr/Samuel Barnes

Who doesn’t love a little wind on their face?

Flickr/Josh

And many open fields to run and play.

Flickr/Chris Devers

Flickr/Mervyn Chua

Flickr/Paul Moody

Flickr/Amy Meredith

Flickr/Christian Tauber

It really doesn’t get much better than this. If you are planning on moving to Vermont let us know below in the comments section. We would love to hear your story.

Still looking for more reasons to move to Vermont? Check out this new Vermont law that will pay you to move here.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Vermont, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

reasons to move to Vermont January 01, 2021 Luke What stereotypes are there about Vermont? That we all are farmers and haven’t ever been to a ‘real’ city, are things you might hear being a Vermonter from out-of-staters. People sometimes think that because Vermont is so small that that must mean we are ‘behind the times’ or something like that. But in fact, Vermont is a very progressive state with much to offer. Which stereotypes have you heard being a Vermonter? What are the best things about living in Vermont? We couldn’t even name them on one hand! But a few that come easily: access to pristine and natural areas and parks, organic and healthy food, environmentally and socially aware residents, friendly locals, and a relaxed and casual way of life. Vermont is a wonderful place to live if you don’t mind living in a small city or little town, which for us, is one of the best reasons to live in Vermont – no large cities. If you love nature and want to live a healthy life, Vermont is one of the best places to live in the U.S. What are the most unique towns in Vermont?  The state capital of Vermont, Montpelier, is a very interesting and unique city in Vermont. Montpelier is, in fact, the smallest U.S. capital city with roughly 8,000 residents. The city is also fascinating due to its small-town charm, lack of big box stores, and position. Another unique town in Vermont is Barre. With granite quarries and odd marble statues, this place is incredibly unique. The city is also made up of four small unincorporated villages.

The OIYS Visitor Center

reasons to move to Vermont

January 01, 2021

Luke

What stereotypes are there about Vermont? That we all are farmers and haven’t ever been to a ‘real’ city, are things you might hear being a Vermonter from out-of-staters. People sometimes think that because Vermont is so small that that must mean we are ‘behind the times’ or something like that. But in fact, Vermont is a very progressive state with much to offer. Which stereotypes have you heard being a Vermonter? What are the best things about living in Vermont? We couldn’t even name them on one hand! But a few that come easily: access to pristine and natural areas and parks, organic and healthy food, environmentally and socially aware residents, friendly locals, and a relaxed and casual way of life. Vermont is a wonderful place to live if you don’t mind living in a small city or little town, which for us, is one of the best reasons to live in Vermont – no large cities. If you love nature and want to live a healthy life, Vermont is one of the best places to live in the U.S. What are the most unique towns in Vermont?  The state capital of Vermont, Montpelier, is a very interesting and unique city in Vermont. Montpelier is, in fact, the smallest U.S. capital city with roughly 8,000 residents. The city is also fascinating due to its small-town charm, lack of big box stores, and position. Another unique town in Vermont is Barre. With granite quarries and odd marble statues, this place is incredibly unique. The city is also made up of four small unincorporated villages.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

That we all are farmers and haven’t ever been to a ‘real’ city, are things you might hear being a Vermonter from out-of-staters. People sometimes think that because Vermont is so small that that must mean we are ‘behind the times’ or something like that. But in fact, Vermont is a very progressive state with much to offer. Which stereotypes have you heard being a Vermonter?

What are the best things about living in Vermont?

We couldn’t even name them on one hand! But a few that come easily: access to pristine and natural areas and parks, organic and healthy food, environmentally and socially aware residents, friendly locals, and a relaxed and casual way of life. Vermont is a wonderful place to live if you don’t mind living in a small city or little town, which for us, is one of the best reasons to live in Vermont – no large cities. If you love nature and want to live a healthy life, Vermont is one of the best places to live in the U.S.

What are the most unique towns in Vermont? 

The state capital of Vermont, Montpelier, is a very interesting and unique city in Vermont. Montpelier is, in fact, the smallest U.S. capital city with roughly 8,000 residents. The city is also fascinating due to its small-town charm, lack of big box stores, and position. Another unique town in Vermont is Barre. With granite quarries and odd marble statues, this place is incredibly unique. The city is also made up of four small unincorporated villages.