Moving to Vermont?
Vermont is one of the least populous states in the New England region that is not bordering the Atlantic Ocean. The state was named by Thomas Young, an American patriot who took active participation in the Boston Tea Party. It is only the second state in the country to legally recognize same-sex couples.
The state has been nicknamed the Green Mountain State not only for its extensive forests, but also due to the mica-quartz-chlorite-schist that result in a green-hued metamorphosed shale. The greenery is mainly due to the conifers, northern hardwoods and the New England Acadian forests.
Native Americans have inhabited Vermont since the archaic times. Amongst them were the Mohicans, the Abenaki, and the Iroquois, along with many other well-known tribes. The French, the Dutch, and the British waged wars to gain control of the state. Vermont was created as a result of the protests by colonists, when New York refused to recognize their land titles known as the New Hampshire Grants. As a result, Ethan Allen and his brothers formed Green Mountain Boys, a militia to protect the interests of New Hampshire settlers against migrants from New York.
In Vermont you need to have a liquor ID to purchase alcohol at liquor stores and grocery stores. It does not apply to bars, but can affect those traveling through the state.
If you’re moving to Vermont, there are a lot of things you’re going to need to know. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place.
Things to Know When Moving to Vermont
Vermont Climate
Warm humid summers and cold winters that are colder in higher elevations are characteristic of Vermont's climate. Mud season follows at the interlude between the seasons of summer, fall and winter. El Nino affects the weather in the state with a phenomenon where it is often too cold to snow, sometimes seen when the air is too cold to contain sufficient moisture to precipitate. As autumn approaches, the sugar maple on the hills displays red, orange and gold foliage. Vermont can be divided into five physiographic regions – the Northeastern Islands, the Green Mountains, the Taconic Mountains, the Champlain Lowlands, and the Vermont Piedmont. Lake Champlain is a major lake that separates Vermont from New York. The mountains are dotted with timberlines and have an alpine ecosystem all year round.
Registering your Car
Upon establishing residency in the state of Vermont, vehicle registration must be obtained in no longer than 60 days after moving or before your out-of-state vehicle registration expires at the end of the 60 day period, or whichever comes first. You should be aware that all vehicles must possess liability insurance coverage that is not less than the statutory minimums. After registering your vehicle, you have 15 days to get the vehicle inspected at a Vermont Licensed Inspection Station.
Obtaining a Vermont Driver's License
A driver’s license should be obtained within 60 days of becoming a resident of the state of Vermont or before your out-of-state license expires at the end of this 60-day period, or whichever comes first. Vermont law requires that the applicant must pass a vision test which is conducted at various Department of Motor Vehicle offices. The road test and written test can be waived if the applicant is in possession of a valid out-of-state license.
Crime Rankings
As of 2011, Vermont was ranked 6th out of 50 states in violent crime, with a total of less than 10 violent crimes for every 100,000 people in the state.
Industries
Vermont is the leading producer of maple syrup amounting to one-quarter of the total US production. It also leads the nation in dairy farming with a significant amount of milk being shipped to the Boston market and surrounding areas. Recently, there has been a rise in the manufacture and sale of artisan foods such as Cabot Cheese, Lake Champlain Chocolates, King Arthur Flour, and Ben and Jerry's ice cream. Marble and granite quarrying is one of the major industries of the state. It is done at Rutland and Barre. Tourism is another important industry that generates hundreds of millions of dollars.
Employment Statistics
As of early 2012, the unemployment rate in Vermont was 4.8 percent after seasonally adjusting it, which is well below the national average of 8.2 percent.
Average Income
The median household income in the state of Vermont is $51,841, while the average per capita income for the state is $27,478.
Moving and Storage
If you are looking for a moving company or storage facility to help you with anything, you should check to make sure the company is registered with the United States Department of Transportation or with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Real Estate
The average listing price for homes in Vermont is $348,956, while the median sales price is just over $159,355. The Vermont Association of Realtors is the official real estate resource for the state of Vermont.
Major landmarks and attractions
Stowe Mountain Resort, Frog Hollow Vermont State Craft Center, Killington Adventure Center, Billings Farm and Museum, Boyden Valley Winery and Spirits.
State Capital: Montpelier
Largest Cities: Burlington, Essex, Colchester, Bennington, Milton
Schools
The Vermont State Board of Education is appointed by the governor and administers public education system in the state. Vermont's law requires parents or guardians to make their children between the ages of 6 and 16 attend a public school, private school or a home study program. Schools are divided into three tiers – elementary school, middle school or junior high school and high school. Vermont's constitution is the first in North America to mandate public funding for universal education. The Vermont State College System is comprised of the University of Vermont, and fourteen private degree colleges such as Burlington College, Champlain College, and the Vermont Law School.
National Parks
Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park
State park System
Vermont boasts of 52 state parks that are rich, diverse and offer a wide range of activities from boating, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing to hiking, camping and biking. The lush landscape and the picturesque settings can also play host to your family picnics and weddings. You can also indulge in other activities such as horse camping, hang gliding and geocaching.
Major Airports
Burlington International Airport
Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport
Newport State Airport
Middlebury State Airport