Take a nice vacation in Vermont. But live somewhe
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4/18/2007
After living in Vermont for 15 years, the two things that motivate me to leave Vermont as soon as possible are the taxes and the politics. Vermont is one of the most heavily taxed states in the country. Recently CNN proclaimed it as the #1 most tax-unfriendly state. This issue by itself should provide reason for prospective retirees to RUN as far away from this state as fast as possible. It will suck so much of their hard-earned (and saved) money that early retirees will likely find themselves searching for post retirement employment just to stop the financial bleeding.
The insufferable tax burden is closely linked to the other issue: politics. Vermont attracts BY FAR the most wacky, liberal, out-of-the-mainstream spendthrift eco-nuts and socialists I've ever encountered. There is no program too expensive, no handout too large, for them to spend YOUR money on.
Other posts about the lousy weather and high cost of living are spot on. The scenery in Vermont is indeed beautiful. Here's a better piece of advice for retirees: Take a nice vacation in Vermont. But live somewhere else.
john | Saint Albans, VT