As many people seek to escape bustling city life, states like Vermont become an attractive place to move to get away from it all. Though a lot of Vermont is rural in nature, it can still be a somewhat expensive place to live. If you're relocating from a warmer area, buy or rent a smaller house to save money on the cost of heating. Vermont has many great cities and towns to relocate to.
According to the official Burlington, Vt., website, "Burlington is one of America's most liveable cities." Burlington has a population of close to 40,000. The cost of living in this area is a little bit higher than the average in the United States. The unemployment rate is 5.2% and the crime rate is low.
Burlington is a college town and home to the University of Vermont. The city also has a ferry boat service between Vermont and New York. Burlington is a very outdoors-focused community with hiking and skiing, as well as boating and other water activities on Lake Champlain.
Dover, Vt., is a popular tourist area for those who like to vacation in this state. However, it's still a small community and, even with tourist season in full force, it's not the same environment as living in a place like Panama City, Fla., or Washington, D.C. There is a calm and quietness that pervades everything. Dover is a good place to live in Vermont because it is so centrally located. Just a short drive can take you to skiing, golf clubs or local artist communities. A popular Vermont resort, called Mount Snow Resort, is also nearby.
Dover is a small town community with under 5,000 residents. Dover reaches 99.1 on the cost-of-living index, close to the average U.S. cost-of-living index of 100. The crime rate is nonexistent, and it's a great natural area to raise a family.
Colchester, Vt., is a great place to live in Vermont if you're looking for a town that is small, yet intellectually stimulating. This town draws a strong tech and scientific community. The University of Vermont is nearby, giving Colchester an edge on many other small towns when it comes to progressive-mindedness.
The town has a population a little under 20,000 and is home to many outdoor activities, including sailing, camping, swimming, hiking and hunting. Colchester is the third largest community in Vermont, and, though it's still a small place, it's home to two colleges and a research facility.