[Bang!]

Getting along in Vermont is all about lowering your expectations. I know a guy who owns his own business but still works at a ski shop in the winters (for probably $10/hr or so) and he thinks, in his own words, he has it pretty good. He's happy. I worked at a ski shop when I was young, the same ski shop in fact, and I was not happy. I would be embarrassed if I still worked at the place I worked as a teenager. I expected more of myself and have worked hard to achieve what I desired. The modest Vermont economic life is not satisfying for me. For other, perhaps it is.

[bnwebm]

I'm not going to be snarky about it (what for?) but I think the OP probably works via telecommute, which makes it easy to relocate without having to hunt down a job. I do that myself now, building my reputation as a web content developer online and nearly making what I was when I was traditionally employed, but with FAR less stress. Also makes it easy to live where you want.

Originally Posted by GypsySoul22

I appreciate you trying to enlighten people but they have to figure it out themselves...I know I did.

And you're a native, not a 'flatlander.'

The OP has to understand there are a few niche jobs...the rest...well, I have yet to see them and YES it has gotten MUCH worse since 2008....

My over 60 neighbor got squeezed out of a 'good' job recently. Can't find a thing. (good meaning $12/hr)....this is the norm now...unless you know someone or you are farmer or something. It's a hard scrabble life for many people here.

[RunawayJim]

Originally Posted by NCOriolesfan

DC metro does. And they pay $$$$$.

DC metro is also not the least bit cheap. I know people who live there in VA who are pretty well off and they still rent because the housing costs are ridiculous.

[Integritysbest]

Originally Posted by gypsyshadow
Any input on living, a quiet life in Proctor, VT? Seems like a "town that was", quiet....
yet, close to much! A "pretty little town" (?)

Proctor is similar, but MORE rural than, Chester, Vermont.
Chester is a great little town. Has a Jiffy Mart, a hardware, bookstore, small quaint shops, "The Green", etc... Is 7-10 minutes to a Grocery Store, Dollar Store, McD's, etc... Yet, the town itself feels, and is, a bit rural. Chester is about 45 minutes north of Brattleboro. It is small and quiet... but has good schools! Grammar, Middle / High School. About 10-15 minutes to Interstate I-91, skiing, bigger stores, etc... 20 minutes to WalMart.
Chester is a great place to escape and raise the kids in a serene rural environment, but is near enough to the basics.
Good Luck