Vermont small towns may be charming to travelers, but for many of us, they’re home.  We love our tight-knit communities, friendly neighbors, and family-oriented lifestyles.  Most of us would not trade our small town life, and those of us lucky enough to experience it know that growing up in small town Vermont is the absolute best.  Along with the amazing people, we also have beautiful scenery and plenty of outdoor activities to keep us active and healthy.  If you were lucky enough to grow up in small town Vermont, you’ll relate to many items here.  And for those who live elsewhere, here’s what you may be missing out on.  Growing up in Vermont is the absolute best!

15. Some of your best friends are also your cousins.
Flickr/Ano Lobb
Family plays a strong role in the lives of Vermonters and families tend to be very tight-knit.
14. You value your community.
Flickr/U.S. Department of Agriculture
You learn from an early age that many hands make light work. Teaming up to help one another is a way of life.
13. You love your four-legged friends.
Flickr/stupidmommy
Our pets are more than just furry animals, they are family and we love them as such.
12. You say hello to everyone.
Flickr/Chrystal
You say hi when you're on the street and wave from your car.
11. You know how to make your own fun.
Flickr/Putneypics
With a few friends, warm layers and lots of energy - Vermonters will have fun making snowmen, forts, sledding, etc. It doesn't take much to make an epic day!
10. You know which sweet treats are the best.
Flickr/Scott Smithson
Creemees in the summer and sugar on snow in the winter, of course!
9. Living in a small town was like being under 24-hour surveillance. You couldn’t get away with ANYTHING.
Flickr/Ricky Thakrar
If you do something wrong your parents will know about it before you get home. While kids may not be a fan of this - the tables will turn pretty quickly when they have kids of their own.

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8. You rode your bike everywhere - and you still do.
Flickr/Adam Riquier
You can pedal your way to your neighbors house, or maybe stop and watch the sun set. There is a reason you never forget how to ride a bike...
7. You knew all the best swimming holes.
Flickr/meg hourihan
Vermont may be landlocked, but there are so many spots to cool down... If you know where to find them! Finding hidden swimming holes is one of those core Vermont childhood things.
6. Grocery shopping may take longer than it should...
Flickr/Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engine
But this is simply because you get chatting with the wonderful people you run into there. It's more of a social engagement than a chore.
5. At least one of your teachers taught your parents in school.
Flickr/Kevin Dooley
And she has no plans on retiring any time soon...
4. You could spot a new kid from a mile away.
Flickr/Chuck Patch
Maybe it's their cowboy hat, accent or thin winter coat, but you can spot them instantly.
3. You grew up stargazing.
Flickr/Nicholas Erwin
It's hard to live in a place where you can't see the stars after growing up with views like this. This photo was taken in Waterbury in 2014.
2. You grew up surrounded by honest folks.
Flickr/Scott
You learn to trust and respect others, and they will do the same to you.
1. You couldn’t wait to leave, but now you know…
Flickr/Insomnia Cured Here
There’s just no place like home, and there's no alternative to living in Vermont.

What values and qualities of small-town living do you value from growing up in small town Vermont? Let us know in the comments section. We look forward to hearing from you.

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growing up in small town Vermont

Luke | August 17, 2020

Is Vermont a great place to live?

The Answer is a resounding YES. Not only does Vermont have stunning and picturesque vistas and endless scenic places to explore, but the state also has exceptional food, safe cities, great schools, and down-to-earth people. Vermont is an environmentally conscience place that focuses on healthy lifestyles and social and environmental awareness, which all make Vermont a welcoming and prosperous place for all 

What are the best things about living in Vermont?

We cannot even count all the great things on one hand. But a few that come to mind are: access to pristine and natural areas and parks, organic and healthy food, environmentally and socially aware residents, friendly locals, and a relaxed and casual way of life. Vermont is a delightful place to reside if you don’t mind living in a small city or little town, which for us, is one of the best reasons to live in Vermont – no large cities. If you love nature and want to live a healthy life, Vermont is one of the best places to live in the U.S., period.

What stereotypes are there about Vermont?

One stereotype about Vermont that is prevalent is that there’s not much else in our state save mountains, forests, lakes, and well, more nature. There is also the stereotype that VT is only a holiday destination spot for people from big cities like New York, Boston, and Montreal. Some other obvious stereotypes are that we never have a spring season (mud season) or that our winters last longer than half a year, or that everyone is a ski bum and loves maple syrup (this last one is actually pretty true of Vermonters). In reality, though, Vermont has much more to offer than just cold temperatures and nature spots.

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