Yes, I've been to Vermont many times. I was in Arlington/Manchester Center area last week. I was raised in Hudson River Valley, NY and Berkshire County MA so I'm quite familiar with the area. I can put up with cold, although I get a little bummed out when the weather hits single digits. You realize then how dangerous cold weather can be and I find myself worrying about homeless people and lost pets.

My mom lives near Saratoga NY and I love visiting her in the Summer. Even though the days get hot, I love the cooler evenings and mornings. Its a trade-off I guess. We can't all live in San Diego.

Another thing I realized today is how expensive it is to fly into Burlington. My wife is going there in a couple of weeks and the fares are in $400-$500 range. They really need Southwest Airlines to move in and bring the fares of the major carriers down. Before Southwest moved into Albany, I had to fly into Newark to visit my mom in Saratoga.

Your advice is excellent and well worth considering.

God will open or close this door for us.

You know, Portland, Maine is a neat city too...

Also hear wonderful things about Portsmouth, NH, but that housing is expensive.

Hmmm, Bristol I kind of like - near Middlebury and Ripton/Bread Loaf - an artsy area. Small-town,though, not exactly hopping.

If it was affordable, I'd choose to live near Burlington, in the Shelburne vicinity, on the lake.... in my dreams!