Hidden on the east coast of the US, lies a tranquil and picturesque tiny state with outstanding job opportunities and mountain ranges that checks off all the boxes for any adventurous family.
From the countless hiking trails that rank as some of the best in the country, to the boutique family-owned mom and pop’s shops, this state will capture your heart and your stomach.
With more snow coverage here than anywhere else across the globe, Vermont is a ski/ snowboarder’s dream come true. Check it out!
Why Move to Vermont?
With the best craft beers of the entire Northeast, maple syrup for days, and ski spots straight out of a movie, Vermont will have you tipsy while naturally balanced!
As a known and trusted long-distance moving company we have a few insider tips from our clients that have made the move to relocate to this special and tranquil state that we are glad to share with you.
As an avid extreme sports fan myself I must say that the ski resorts and mountain slopes are par excellence and after spending time in the snowy state my ski skills improved drastically.
If you’ve always wanted to take the plunge, make sure and sign up for professional ski lessons with a local club when you arrive, you’ll meet new neighbors and feel like a local being able to name off mountains by sight!
Vermont is truly a special place with a small-town feel. Expect neighborly gestures and fresh daily foods from the market.
The state even offers a state health insurance marketplace for those that are uninsured, just one example of the care one receives when becoming a resident.
How Much Does it Cost to Move to Vermont?
The cost of moving to Vermont can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, such as the distance of the move, the amount of belongings being moved, the cost of housing in the new location, and any additional expenses such as packing and storage fees.
On average, the cost of a long-distance move can range from around $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the distance and the size of the move. However, this is just a rough estimate and the actual cost will depend on your specific circumstances.
Type of Service | 1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedrooms | 4-5 Bedrooms |
DIY/Truck Rental | $500 – $2400 | $790 – $4350 | $1400 – $4800 |
Moving Container | $800 – $2700 | $1200 – $4800 | $2200 – $7900 |
Full Service | $1300 – $3900 | $1600 – $8500 | $3200 – $14200 |
When moving to Vermont, ensure to check out much long distance moving companies, but make sure yours is familiar with the intricacies of a move to Vermont.
The minimum wage stands here at $11.75 per hour from 2021 and for an average family of four to live comfortably, you will need around $108,000 yearly.
The average salary is around $60,00, so with two working adults, Vermont is actually quite family budget friendly.
With a cross-country move, there are always hidden costs and fees so ensure that your mover is open and upfront with you to reflect everything from the start.
Ensure to take inclement weather into account for your move date, and take a glance at our moving checklist to best prepare your family for the move.
This article provides information on what is included in moving costs:
Everything about Relocating to Vermont
Don’t worry about the small things when moving to Vermont, we’ve got you covered with our full blown moving checklist. The first thing you should know is the “Stay to Stay” program that the state offers as an incentive to those considering relocating.
They are happy to connect you with a local Vermonter to take you to the local spots, will give you access to their job board, and even help you meet your neighbors.
Talk about a friendly state! As well, there are many in-state initiatives to keep the workforce strong where the state provides reimbursements for many small-town companies.
The average home value is around $250,000 with a huge recent influx of home buyers, values are on the rise. The average rent is around $750 per month for a studio apartment and around $1,100 for a two-bedroom flat.
There’s no price tag for the feeling of waking up every day in the majestic mountains of Vermont to a stack of fresh pancakes and local maple syrup, that’s for sure!
Pros and Cons of living in Vermont
Pros
- Room to breathe- Second least populated state in the US- Forget about waiting in lines
- Locality- Small artisans shops and local farms will become your new Walmart with store owner that know your name and favorite dishes
- World’s best cheddar cheese (Cabot’s)
- World famous ski spots that are known for being less crowded even during the high season
Cons
- Harsh winter snow storms- The weather in this northern state can be quite harsh for those not used to the cold. (This con can be very easily turned into a pro with a few snowboard lessons on the nearby slopes!)
- State income tax rates lie at 8.75% making taxes a nightmare
- Lack of nightclubs and bars- Due to the state’s small size, it tends to lack in this realm of entertainment (but county fairs and local events make up for it!)
- Small town issues- If you’ve grown up in a small town you’ll know what I mean when I say that everyone knows everything about everyone. Gossip spreads like wildfire when towns are tiny and Vermont is known for being this type of place.
- Poor internet infrastructure in rural areas- Ensure to look into local providers and ask around before deciding
Get the Lowdown on Vermont's Cost of Living & Compare Prices
Beyond the costs of hiring long distance moving companies, it is important to discuss as a family the various changes that are bound to occur due to changing costs of living from state to state. In Vermont, the average household income stands at $57,183 with the average property tax at $1535 according to Livability.
It is important to take into account that utilities are known to be quite expensive in Vermont and with drastic cold weather electric and gas bills can run on the higher side. Even families aiming to be frugal struggle to save in these categories during the colder months.
On average bills cost about 17% more than US median prices. On the other hand, food prices are quite standard with average country prices and the quality is par none especially with cheese dishes.
You might be shocked to find out that despite high property taxes, housing costs are overall 11.55% cheaper than the national average. As well, sales tax on purchases is still quite low at 6% bringing many people to cross the state border to save on larger purchases.
Discover the 5 Best Places to Live in Vermont
1. Morrisville
This small tourist town is known for its low student-to-teacher ratio in classrooms leading to a more intimate learning experience.
It’s just 9 miles from the tourist parts of the area but offers a lower cost of living and many big-city amenities such as a hospital and movie theater without all the hustle and bustle. Some of the best restaurants are located nearby, as well as incredible cheddar cheese shops.
2. Charlotte
One of the top-ranked towns in the state for its sprawling gardens and great public schooling system. For many families with young children, this is their first choice spot. This is one of the more known places in the state.
3. Burlington
The largest city in Vermont yet still holds close-knit family vibes. With its active community centers and multiple farmers markets, this is another top choice location for relocation. Fun fact- It was the first city in the US to be fully reliant on renewable energy sources in the state’s attempt to go green!
4. Montpelier
This state capital is one of the top choices due to its walkability. All the major amenities are close to home as well as many great restaurants and bars.
Most local residents bike or walk to work rather than rely on public transportation or personal cars which can also lead to huge savings in this realm.
Another huge plus for many is the fact that not even one fast food restaurant can be found here, only small home-owned restaurants and eateries. Imagine your children growing up without requesting Mcdonald’s chicken nuggets after school!
5. Essex
This is the spot for the younger generation! The nightlife scene here is hands down one of the best in Vermont, while the small town is surrounded by mountains and beautiful streams. The scene isn’t huge due to the smaller population spot, but Essex is definitely the popular spot among young adults in Vermont.
How is the Job Market in Vermont?
As a future potential resident of Vermont, you’ll be thrilled to hear that the state ranked first in a number of job openings per capita! This is great news for those looking to change careers or start over in a new state post-relocation.
Lensa, a popular job search platform, found that there were 46,411 job postings for every 100,000 people in the state.
That’s almost a 50% chance of getting the job you’ve dreamed of! This is due to the average population age being around 5 years older than the national average causing a need for promoting a younger workforce of taxpayers.
The main industries of Vermont are tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing. There’s an abundance of opportunities just waiting for you and your family in maple state!
5 Must-See Attractions in Vermont
Rutland farmers market – The largest in the state by far with a variety of small items and tasters of some of the wildest combinations of maple you’ll find anywhere. People call the walk the “maple path of Vermont,” where one can go stall to stall tasting the various sweet delicacies.
Bridges of Vermont – This state is a photographer’s dream with its picturesque wooden carved bridges. Take a day trip to Bennington to see 5 unique bridges within a short distance.
Ben and Jerry’s factory – Check out Waterbury’s claim to fame! Vermont is well known for its connection to the iconic ice cream factory. You won’t go home without a few pints of Chunky Monkey or Cherry Garcia that’s for sure.
Rock of the Ages – This granite quarry has visitors in awe of its natural beauty. People described it as feeling as if in an alien movie while massive granite blocks are extracted right in front of your eyes.
Vermont’s Cheese Trail – Artisanal cheese makers line the streets and await you with different blends of delicious dairy fresh from their farms. The cheddar here is to die for! We can promise you that your cheese intake will dramatically increase with your move to Vermont.
What are the Best Schools and Universities in Vermont?
With 14 private universities and 5 University of Vermont campuses, this tiny state is top-notch when it comes to higher education.
Some of the top professors are known to teach here and students can enjoy natural mountain views while studying for exams from most campuses in the state.
- Middlebury– With its 22% prestigious acceptance rate, Middlebury is known as a private liberal arts haven. Many top writers have come out of their English writing program.
- University of Vermont– This public university is one of the oldest in the US and is known for its high-level research and hospital. There are 5 locations across the tiny state.
- Norwich University– A private military college and birthplace of the ROTC. With over 60 programs of studies and national recognition by the Department of Defense, many prominent leaders found their start here.
Vermont: A Great Place to Call Home
Vermont is a very special state with a natural flair for those looking for a laid back lifestyle in the mountains. We know you won’t be disappointed with the sheer number of local farms and products.
The mix of mountains and continuous snow is an enchanting backdrop to enjoy the locality and Vermont way of life. We hope to be your Vermont movers for the journey and wish you a peaceful and easy transition phase. Thanks for choosing MovingAPT!