Want to live and work in Vermont?

The cost of living in Vermont varies widely by region. In small towns and rural areas, rents and home prices are considerably lower than the New England average. In Burlington and its surroundings, prices are higher due to the University of Vermont, the hospital, and tourism.

Food and energy tend to cost more than the U.S. average, partly because the state is far from major distribution centers. Heating in winter (usually oil or propane) can weigh heavily on the budget for those living in older homes.

The state has a progressive income tax and high property taxes. In return, it offers relatively good public services, decent schools, and accessible healthcare. For those working remotely and looking for a lower cost of living with quality of life, certain small towns in Vermont can be quite attractive.

Vermont does not have large corporations like other states. The largest employer is the healthcare sector, with the University of Vermont Medical Center leading the way. The public university (University of Vermont) also employs many people in Burlington. Smaller colleges, such as Middlebury College and Norwich University, are economic anchors in their regions.

Tourism is significant, especially in winter (skiing at Stowe, Killington, Sugarbush) and in fall (foliage). The food industry is strong: Ben & Jerry's (ice cream), Cabot (cheese), King Arthur Flour (baking), and maple syrup from hundreds of producers. Craft breweries (such as Hill Farmstead, ranked among the best in the world) attract enthusiasts.

Remote work has grown significantly in recent years, and the state has created programs to attract professionals who want to live there while working for companies in Boston, New York, or California. For those who need to be physically present at work, the job market is more limited compared to larger states.

The U.S. has no universal public healthcare system, but Vermont is among the states with the highest coverage rates. Most residents have health insurance, whether through their employer or through Vermont Health Connect, the state marketplace. Subsidies for low- and middle-income households are significant.

Low-income families qualify for Medicaid (called Green Mountain Care in the state). Children and pregnant women have expanded access. Legal immigrants with established residency typically qualify. Emergency rooms are expensive: a single visit can exceed US$ 1,500 without insurance.

The University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington is the main hospital, providing good care and conducting research. Smaller hospitals in Rutland, Brattleboro, and St. Johnsbury cover basic needs. For highly complex cases, some patients are referred to Boston, three and a half hours away. A shortage of physicians in rural areas is a growing challenge.

Vermont is a rural state and a car is practically essential outside of Burlington. Roads are scenic, but winter brings snow, ice, and occasional route closures. Snow tires are nearly mandatory between November and April. For anyone who has never driven in snow, there is a learning curve.

Burlington has Green Mountain Transit, with bus routes covering the city and surrounding areas. It is possible to live there without a car, especially if you live downtown and study at UVM. In other cities, public transit is minimal. Apps like Uber and Lyft operate in Burlington but with less coverage than in major metros.

Burlington International Airport (BTV) is small but has flights to several U.S. cities. For international destinations, many people use Montreal (two hours away by car) or Boston (three and a half hours). Amtrak connects Vermont to New York and Washington via the Vermonter train, though the journeys are long.

Vermont has a very distinct identity. Politically, it is one of the most progressive states in the U.S., nationally known for Senator Bernie Sanders's career and for pioneering laws on same-sex marriage and environmental protection. Local culture values independence, self-sufficiency, and care for the natural world.

Rural life is central. Dairy farms, cheese and maple syrup producers shape the landscape. Buying local food, knowing the farmer, and attending farmers' markets are part of daily routines. Farm-to-table restaurants are common and well regarded.

The arts scene is surprisingly rich for the size of the state. Music festivals, galleries, community theaters, and residencies for writers. Burlington has an indie scene that produced bands like Phish. Craft breweries, ice creameries, and distilleries attract visitors looking for culinary and artisan tourism.

Vermont is one of the least populous states in the country and also one of the least diverse: around 30,000 residents were born outside the United States, close to 5% of the population. The largest communities come from Canada, Bhutan (Nepali-speaking Bhutanese refugees), the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Bosnia, and India. Burlington and Winooski are the main resettlement hubs: Winooski has one of the highest proportions of refugee families per capita in the country, with schools teaching in more than twenty languages. There is also a strong seasonal flow of Mexican and Guatemalan farmworkers on dairy farms in the Champlain Valley.

No foreign consulates are based in Vermont. Consular services run through Boston or Montreal. The local network is led by the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) Vermont, the Association of Africans Living in Vermont (AALV), the Vermont Migrant Education Program, and Migrant Justice, which advocates for farmworkers. Vermont Law and Graduate School runs an immigration clinic for pro bono cases.