Relocating to Vermont: The Ups and Downs
November 01, 2010
On Nov. 1, 2006, Dave and I left Boston and moved to Vermont. We enjoyed living in the city, but we were tired of the grind and yearned for a more laid-back lifestyle. Vermont was my home, and we had talked about relocating to Vermont for a while.
The process of packing up and moving north on that damp fall day was a liberating experience. We had quit our jobs in the city, sold our condo on Commonwealth Avenue and said goodbye to Boston. We weren’t sure what awaited us in Vermont, but we were ready for a change.
Looking back, I am amazed by how lucky we were four years ago. Dave and I arrived in Vermont with no jobs but were able to quickly find employment in our professions. Our living arrangement when we moved to Vermont was great, too: we rented a converted barn in Warren and spent every weekend snowboarding on the mountain. I look back on that time with great fondness and affection.
Of course, the past four years haven’t always been so easy. Like many people, we’ve faced difficult challenges, suffered heartache and struggled with disappointment. Still, we’ve also created a life here that we’re deeply proud of. It’s not exactly the romantic, carefree life we envisioned when we moved here four years ago, but in some ways it’s better than we ever imagined.
It feels good to be home.
From Beyond My Kitchen Window
Posted at 10:57h, 01 NovemberYour photos are always great. How happy you must be living your dream in such a beautiful state. Many more years of happiness to come I’m sure.
LC
Posted at 13:20h, 01 NovemberIt’s nice to make the change such as you have before becoming too invested in where you had been… so many friends, our own children and grandchildren, years of hard work, involvement in the community, church, etc. make such a move unrealistic for my wife and me… although I still dream of returning to Vermont from time to time! Larry
Hotel Chicago
Posted at 15:01h, 01 NovemberI love your blog. It reminds me so much of when I first moved away from home with my wife. But it also makes me miss the times we used to camp min Vermont.
elvira pajarola
Posted at 16:40h, 01 NovemberCONGRATULATIONS, cara Erica….You did certainly very well….!
Take care ciao ciao elvira
Anonymous
Posted at 17:55h, 01 NovemberThis post really resonated with me. My wife is from VT and I have since fallen in love with the state. We have a running dialogue on moving back there everytime the traffic and rat race of D.C. gets to us. I hope to one day be liberated as well. Simply commenting on the matter seems to help. Thanks for the post and keep them coming!
Hotel Santa Monica
Posted at 21:48h, 01 NovemberIt looks like you guys are more than finding your way, you are making the most of it.
Margaret
Posted at 23:33h, 01 NovemberLove this post, Erica. Those weary days in Boston seem such a distant blur, don’t they? Then again, so do the wood chopping days of Warren! Where you’re at now seems just right.
Erica Houskeeper
Posted at 23:56h, 01 NovemberHi Susan — Thank you so much!
Hi Larry — I know, timing is everything. I feel fortunate that we were able to do this back when we did!
Hotel Chicago — Thank you so much for stopping by. I’m glad the posts bring back fond memories!
Hi Elvira — Thanks! Always so good to hear from you
Anonymous — Thanks for sharing. It’s definitely a big decision to move. I hope you keep the conversation going with your wife about moving to VT. Dave and talked about it for a few years before deciding to move. Take care.
Hotel Santa Monica — Thanks for your kind words. I guess we’re doing the best we can!
Thanks so much Margs. Of course we really miss living near you guys! xoxo
Chris Petrak
Posted at 21:03h, 02 NovemberOur move to Vermont was like finally coming home!! What a great feeling to be so at home.
Erica Houskeeper
Posted at 02:24h, 03 NovemberHi Chris — You are so right! The best feeling in the world.
Larry
Posted at 14:44h, 13 NovemberIt’s also a dream of mine to live in northern New England or at least in a country setting.I’m sorry for the tough times you’ve had to endure.I read about that in another one of your posts.