Vermont

[FreeSpiritCat]

There is going to be some politics in this, but I believe it needs to be said. The cost of living in Maine does not match the wages, especially when it comes to housing. When I moved here I stayed at a rooming house (next door where I live now). I have a decent credit score, but finding an apartment was an adventure. When I saw an apartment, I didn't realize I was competing with over a dozen other renters. I have good credit, but it wasn't enough. The available housing doesn't match the demand for housing in this area. So the demand is out of whack.

Originally, I wanted to live in the Portland area. I applied at Maine Medical Center and they called me back within 15 minutes. I had an interview in 2 days. Yet, when I learned about the pay and the cost of renting, I knew I couldn't live int he area. It is crazy here. Way too expensive. The cost of housing isn't even in the ballpark of cost of living with the wages I would get.

There are 2 problems with housing in Maine. One is the Massholes. People from Massachusetts who make a lot of money want a summer cottage in Maine, so they buy up the housing. It takes housing away from Mainers who want to work in Portland. You have to have roommates to survive in Portland. I don't mind anyone from Massachusetts who desires to live in Maine permanently. But that is rare. I hate the Red Sox and will cheer for the Yankees every time.

The second problem is Maine keeps getting sent refugees when there is no housing. I can't afford an apartment in Portland, but if I was a refugee, it wouldn't be a problem. They don't even have to work and are taken care of. There are homeless in Portland who desire to work. I am very angry about this. IMO, Mainers come first. I understand refugees need a place to stay, but Maine doesn't have the resources. It is not Mexicans BTW. So, when the media talks about immigrants, it isn't about Mexicans in Maine. Yet, it is a problem, and locals are hurt.

BTW, I was able to find housing because I visited the local pub (which I love). And a local realter, who rents apartments and houses, eats lunch there every day. I was able to speak to him, and socialize in the pub, to where he trusted me. I am lucky. I paid too much for my apartment, but rent hasn't increased for 2 years. He doesn't raise rent for good renters. I think that is smart.

Overall, I love the beauty of Maine, but hate cost of living compared to wages. I absolutely LOVE northern New England. I desire to live in New Hampshire and retire there. If you can afford living in northern New England, it is an option. Just have a generator ready. If it were up to me, I would want Maine to break off from the US and become a part of New Brunswick, Canada.

[Merkin]

Isn't that true everywhere desirable in the US where rents far outstrip wages? At least out here in CA one of the reasons is corporations buying up houses, charging exorbitant rent and getting it. I saw someone today listing an ADU (converted garage) for rent for $1500 and they will get it.

[Chicat]

Yeah, it’s definitely not just a Maine or New England thing. It’s an American thing.

[scumdevils86]

Hell even in Tucson. The median home price is $330k. That works out to a mortgage payment if about $2400/month. The median gross household income is $51k. So net, that's about $3k a month. That's 80% of your net income on your mortgage alone. Rent isn't much better with a measly 2 bedroom going for about $1200. That's still 40% of your net income. It's unsustainable.

[FreeSpiritCat]

Hell even in Tucson. The median home price is $330k. That works out to a mortgage payment if about $2400/month. The median gross household income is $51k. So net, that's about $3k a month. That's 80% of your net income on your mortgage alone. Rent isn't much better with a measly 2 bedroom going for about $1200. That's still 40% of your net income. It's unsustainable.

Wow! I left Tucson in 2014, and rent wasn't that bad at the time. Maybe when I retire I will have to move to W. Virginia or Mississippi. Or maybe not. Maybe move back to Indiana, or parts of Michigan. Of course Detroit and Flint are out. Benton Harbor is probably worse.

[Merkin]

Maybe when I retire I will have to move to W. Virginia or Mississippi. Or maybe not. Maybe move back to Indiana, or parts of Michigan. Of course Detroit and Flint are out. Benton Harbor is probably worse.

How about NC? At least for me, I could not deal with that cold.

This is my daughters' old house when they lived there. Very nice house in a quiet neighborhood. Lots of retirees from the North East.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/226- ... 6462_zpid/

[dovecanyoncat]

Hell even in Tucson. The median home price is $330k. That works out to a mortgage payment if about $2400/month. The median gross household income is $51k. So net, that's about $3k a month. That's 80% of your net income on your mortgage alone. Rent isn't much better with a measly 2 bedroom going for about $1200. That's still 40% of your net income. It's unsustainable.

Interest rate increases really bite. Who would want to sell out of a home that carries a 3% mortgage? Low sales inventory + heavy mortgage burden = rising prices.

Edit: word is there will be a bulge of rental construction completed and available in '24-'25 as we become more and more like Europe.

[scumdevils86]

Yea I bought in 2020 just as prices were lifting off and right before rates bottomed out. My mortgage is $1400 but if I bought my exact house today it'd be more like $2500.

[CatsbyAZ]

Summer

[Merkin]

Seeing all that orange and red, just a reminder that fall is just around the corner!

[FreeSpiritCat]

This is a big problem in Maine. Businesses are closing down, especially restaurants, because they can't find workers The cost of housing is becoming so expensive that this is turning into a major problem, all over Maine. I noticed that when I first arrived here.

[84Cat]

The friendliest social network you’ve never heard of

https://www.yahoo.com/news/friendliest- ... 12999.html

[CatsbyAZ]

[Chicat]

No one cares about Illegals coming across THAT border I guess.

[FreeSpiritCat]

I am planning on moving to Lebanon, NH. I will be working at a major hospital there. Lebanon is located right on the New Hampshire/Vermont border. I am moving to New Hampshire because of how retirement benefits are treated. Since there is no state income tax, there will be no state taxes on retirement income. Plus, Hew Hampshire uses Issue-Age Medicare for charging for their Supplement plans. That means the age I start Medicare will be the rate I pay. I turn 65 in December. At age 100, I would pay what a 65 year old pays. Maine's Medicare supplement rates are crazy expensive. Maine uses a community-rated system for supplement premiums. This means everyone pays the same rate regardless of age.

Lebanon is a cool small town. Dartmouth College is about 7 miles away. I can hike the Appalachian Trail out of Hanover. I can hike, or bike ride the Northern Rail Trail outside of Lebanon. Lebanon is in the White Mountains and has a ski resort on the edge of town. The town has mountains, the Connecticut River, forests, and lakes surrounding it. Public transportation is free. The residents donate money to make this happen.

[FreeSpiritCat]

I don't mind sharing this. I am honest and authentic. Those are the signs of a free spirited person. I applied at Dartmouth-Hitchcock hospital, and withing an hour they wanted an interview. My goals are different as I'm aging. I don't want to sit behind a desk. I want to keep moving. If I'm not walking 5+ miles a day, I feel my health is at higher risk. The thing is I know a lot about what goes on in a hospital. I know a lot of application software that hospitals use. With a degree in Health Information Technology, and with experience working in a hospital, I know I am in demand. This isn't being arrogant, it is because of experience.

The fact that Lebanon, NH is the most liberal area in NH, in my cover letter I made sure Dartmouth Health knew I was a good fit. I love the culture of the area. It is a little more expensive to live there, but the look after their own. Public transportation is free because of donations by the community. There are many farmer's markets in the area. If you are looking for city life, this is not the place to be. Yet, Dartmouth College is close by, so they do have a night scene. I heard there is a pub with Dartmouth Medical professionals. I want to visit this place to pick their brain, even though I will be humbled immensely.

I like the fact that Amtrak goes through White River Junction, across the Connecticut River on the Vermont side. I can travel to Burlington, VT and Boston without having to drive. Lebanon has a reputation for being pompous. But I am okay with that. I am always willing to learn, and not settle down, a trait of being free spirited. I can't think of a better fit for me. Of course, it may not work out. This has happened in my life to never take anything for granted. But it is a goal. And the hope keeps me loving life.

[UAEebs86]

I don't mind sharing this. I am honest and authentic. Those are the signs of a free spirited person. I applied at Dartmouth-Hitchcock hospital, and withing an hour they wanted an interview. My goals are different as I'm aging. I don't want to sit behind a desk. I want to keep moving. If I'm not walking 5+ miles a day, I feel my health is at higher risk. The thing is I know a lot about what goes on in a hospital. I know a lot of application software that hospitals use. With a degree in Health Information Technology, and with experience working in a hospital, I know I am in demand. This isn't being arrogant, it is because of experience.

The fact that Lebanon, NH is the most liberal area in NH, in my cover letter I made sure Dartmouth Health knew I was a good fit. I love the culture of the area. It is a little more expensive to live there, but the look after their own. Public transportation is free because of donations by the community. There are many farmer's markets in the area. If you are looking for city life, this is not the place to be. Yet, Dartmouth College is close by, so they do have a night scene. I heard there is a pub with Dartmouth Medical professionals. I want to visit this place to pick their brain, even though I will be humbled immensely.

I like the fact that Amtrak goes through White River Junction, across the Connecticut River on the Vermont side. I can travel to Burlington, VT and Boston without having to drive. Lebanon has a reputation for being pompous. But I am okay with that. I am always willing to learn, and not settle down, a trait of being free spirited. I can't think of a better fit for me. Of course, it may not work out. This has happened in my life to never take anything for granted. But it is a goal. And the hope keeps me loving life.

Good for you FSC!

I have two college buddies from NH (one still lives in Keene) and have visited twice. I couldn't take the winters but other than that it seems like a wonderful place to live.

[FreeSpiritCat]

There is a ski resort on the edge of Lebanon. I may be too old to learn to ski, but I can hike the resort in its off-season. I may actually learn to ski, but doubt I will go past the easy runs. I want to learn cross-country skiing. That would be fantastic, and very healthy. Lebanon is going to receive a lot of snow, but I own a Subaru, and lived in cold weather environments when I grew up in northern Indiana.

[84Cat]

There is a ski resort on the edge of Lebanon. I may be too old to learn to ski, but I can hike the resort in its off-season. I may actually learn to ski, but doubt I will go past the easy runs. I want to learn cross-country skiing. That would be fantastic, and very healthy. Lebanon is going to receive a lot of snow, but I own a Subaru, and lived in cold weather environments when I grew up in northern Indiana.

Cross country skiing is great exercise. I'm always sore the next day as it is a full body exercise. Driving in snow just needs a snow rated or a snow tire if in heavy snow. The car is secondary to the tires. How do you get 5 miles of walking every day? Only way I can do it is with a treadmill.

[FreeSpiritCat]

There is a ski resort on the edge of Lebanon. I may be too old to learn to ski, but I can hike the resort in its off-season. I may actually learn to ski, but doubt I will go past the easy runs. I want to learn cross-country skiing. That would be fantastic, and very healthy. Lebanon is going to receive a lot of snow, but I own a Subaru, and lived in cold weather environments when I grew up in northern Indiana.

Cross country skiing is great exercise. I'm always sore the next day as it is a full body exercise. Driving in snow just needs a snow rated or a snow tire if in heavy snow. The car is secondary to the tires. How do you get 5 miles of walking every day? Only way I can do it is with a treadmill.

At work. I walk all over the hospital. From one side to the other.

[FreeSpiritCat]

I just accepted an offer from Dartmouth-Hitchcock medical Center. They offered me $6k more base than what I make now. They have their own gym. And I can work as much as I want. It appears I am moving to New Hampshire in a few weeks.

[FreeSpiritCat]

There is a ski resort on the edge of Lebanon. I may be too old to learn to ski, but I can hike the resort in its off-season. I may actually learn to ski, but doubt I will go past the easy runs. I want to learn cross-country skiing. That would be fantastic, and very healthy. Lebanon is going to receive a lot of snow, but I own a Subaru, and lived in cold weather environments when I grew up in northern Indiana.

Cross country skiing is great exercise. I'm always sore the next day as it is a full body exercise. Driving in snow just needs a snow rated or a snow tire if in heavy snow. The car is secondary to the tires. How do you get 5 miles of walking every day? Only way I can do it is with a treadmill.

I use a Vocera and get calls for equipment and supplies all around the hospital. So I am constantly on my feet. As I'm getting older I don''t want a "behind the desk" job. I've always been good in knowing where to find things and who to talk to if I don't know. I enjoy doing that. I think it is the ultimate service job. I'm like "Radar" of MASH. My favorite thing is helping patients and visitors find their way. I will stop what I am doing and walk them to where they need to go. I realize people don't go to a hospital by choice, and I want to be as comfortable as possible. That is fulfilling.

[FreeSpiritCat]

I did it. It is now official. On boarding is over. I will be living in the upper valley in New Hampshire/Vermont by the end of the month. This is the town I will be staying at temporarily until I find permanent housing. Here are a couple videos in the town (Lyme) I am going to be staying at for a short time.



This is located in Lyme.

[FreeSpiritCat]

I am moving to New Hampshire in a week and there are a lot more Hillbillies there. Yet, I will live in an Island, close to Hanover (Dartmouth College). The Upper Valley is the most liberal area in the state of New Hampshire, and it includes parts of Vermont, like Woodstock. Woodstock is considered part of the Upper Valley. They have a wonderful Christmas presentation, and I will not miss it. Just from the people I've met here in the short time I've visited, I believe I fit in very well. I've observed people are friendly and kind. have a feeling I am going to be an active member of the community. The Upper Valley is neighborhood based (micropolitan instead of suburban), and not city based. We are more like New York than Phoenix. It's like each town has a purpose. Hanover is the college district, Lebanon is the workers' district, and W. Lebanon is the business district. In Vermont, White River Junction is the arts district. That is the Upper Valley in its essence. It is the biggest micropolitan area of the US.

The thing is we are different, liberal (for New Hampshire), and proud of living here. I may not be taking classes at Dartmouth, but I will meet Dartmouth students and professors in my day to day life. I am going to really enjoy sparing with them. They will put me in my place (like LegallyKenny), but I will learn, and consequently grow. I know I will love this area immensely. It is why I chose it. I plan to spend the rest of my life in the Upper Valley. Remotely, I may run for office soon. I grew up in a political family. Politics is in my DNA, its about the right buttons needing to be pushed. I may actually make a difference here

I am looking forward to the challenge. No more sitting behind a computer much, but cross-country skiing. That is my goal for this winter. Snow skiing if I can prove to myself I am in shape. Of course, only the easy slopes.

I am loving life that only a free spirit can appreciate. I never want to relax, sit back, and die. I desire to be active. I want to challenge myself. I want to be independent when I am 80 and still active. I don't want to let life fade away, but be a part of it.

[FreeSpiritCat]

I am now living in a Motel in White River Junction in Vermont. It is in the Upper Valley and close to work. In a week I will be living in a bed & Breakfast for a month or two. I can use the restaurant kitchen, when the family is not hosting an event. They handle weddings, and business events, mostly on weekends. Since I will be working swing shift (for now), I can use the restaurant kitchen to wash my dishes. I have one of the best rooms. I just might stay here all winter. I can bring in my Instant Pot and air fryer to my room. I have the second biggest room in the Country Inn. I impressed the owning family when I arrive by knowing their story. They have a tavern/restaurant that had to close down because of lack of employment. The owner greeted me and said, "Do you know who my parents are?". I think I read about them but didn't consider it important. Anyway, the tavern/restaurant reopens on November 7. They prepare local, and seasonal meals. They have been around for 30 years. Their menu always changes. They have their own personal chef who creates meals from all over the world. I walk into the tavern/restaurant, and I will never know what is on the menu. The tavern sells craft tap beer from all over the area. I may want to stay all winter.

Looking forward to work, that starts on Monday with General Orientation. I will try to make an impression. Just bought some Hokas (expensive), that is the shoe of choice in a hospital setting. I am really sore from packing and moving. But I did it. It is my second major move in the last 3 years. I think the move to Maine was because I wanted to land in Northern New England, for many reasons. And the move to the Upper Valley was because I got to know Northern New England and this is where I want to land. The Upper Valley is the most liberal area in New Hampshire. The first thing I want to do, when I am settled, is to take a trip to Woodstock, VT during the Christmas season. That town is supposed to be rocking at that time of year. Woodstock is also considered part of the Upper Valley, although on the outer edge.

Everything kept falling into place to move here.Decisions like this always seems to fall apart at the last minute. I am giddy right now. As an open spirit I found a way. It took me 5 weeks to get here. When I get settled I really want to start cross-country skiing.