Vermont is a beautiful state. Unfortunately, their cost of living is even higher than Massachusetts. They cherish their small town mentality. Even in the middle of their "big cities." They don't want progress. No big box stores for them. Their downtown and Main Streets have a plethera of homespun stores and petrified in the past. Think Norman Rockwell. Isn't it more fun to go out in a horse and sleigh than to plow the roads?
Yet they are probably the most liberal thinking folks around. Child molesters get off with minimal sentencing. Cows have to be milked before a call for a murder that has been commited is answered. They still hold town meetings where the raising of hands counts as votes. Why waste the paper to write your vote down in privacy.
For those that live near the border with NH, they cross over to do all their shopping. Having said all this, I have to side with them on the big box stores. And with the limitatons of chain restaurants. No Burger King or Wendy's for them. Want a burger? Go to the local diner. For that first cup of coffee and to compare notes with your neighbors before your workday starts.
Having said all this. I love Vermont.