Under a recent bill signed into law by Gov. Phil Scott, Vermont is enticing workers from other states who can work remotely to relocate to Vermont.  And, those workers will be eligible to be paid up to $10,000 for moving expenses and other costs like broadband access. So, as wholehearted believers in the Vermont experience, what would we share with those interested workers to convince them to head to the Green Mountains?

1. Amazing Recreation Opportunities
   If you are a skier, you already know how many world-class ski areas there are in Vermont. Plus there are loads of cross-country trails for skiing and fat biking. Add to that over 5,000 miles of snowmobile trails and Vermont has you covered in winter. During summer, you can hike or bike, camp or swim, fish or kayak. With the mountains, rivers, and Lake Champlain, there is almost no end to outdoor adventure.

2. Environmentally Conscious
   The Green Mountains aren’t the only thing green in Vermont. The state is one of the most environmentally conscious in the nation – right up there with Oregon and Washington. Nearly all of Vermont’s in-state electricity generation is produced by renewable energy sources including hydroelectric, biomass, wind, and solar. In addition, the state takes a pro-active approach to helping homeowners and businesses conserve energy with advice, technical services, and financial support. Recycling is not just encouraged, but mandated. And once a year, the residents come together to clean up along roads and highways on Green Up Day.

3. Reasonably Priced Real Estate
   For younger workers especially, home ownership is out of reach in much of the country. This is very much the case in the larger metropolitan centers where most jobs can be found. For workers who can work remotely, the American dream of owning a home can still be a reality. Imagine being paid a Boston-based salary, but buying a home at Vermont prices. In 2017, median list price for a home in Massachusetts was $339,900 whereas that price in Vermont was only $195,000!

4. Culture When You Want It
   If your impression of Vermont is farms and uninhabited mountains, you’re partly right. But, Vermont is also a state of cities, towns and villages with a rich history. Consider some of its former residents – Ethan Allen, Robert Frost, Norman Rockwell. In addition, Vermont takes the arts seriously with a large number of artists in residence. Summer theater is famous. Year-round concerts widespread. Plus you are within a reasonable drive of Montreal, Albany, Boston, and New York for special events.

5. Vermont Is Good for Your Soul
   Vermont prides itself on its natural beauty. (Billboards are forbidden!) The summer green, winter white, and magnificent colors of fall are visible around every turn of the road. The pace is a little slower allowing time to take in the beauty around you. Just as Vermont’s clean air enhances your health, the natural beauty that surrounds you will fill your soul.

This is just a sampling of what makes Vermont so special to those of us who already live here. To find out more, check out Vermont.com for comprehensive information by region. And visit this summer to begin the experience.