There will probably always be a debate as to what makes someone a "Vermonter." Many say you have to be born here, others believe you need to have a few generations born in the 802, and some feel that they've lived here long enough and love it so much that they feel native to the Green Mountain State. Let's face the facts that newbies will be coming to our state, and the old-timers could share a few words of wisdom with these folks about life in Vermont. Let's put our birth certificates aside and have some fun for a moment while we give these newcomers to Vermont a little advice.
1. All-season tires are only for summer.
They sound all well and good but... no.
2. Invest in good boots.
One of the most important things to keep in mind is to think warm and waterproof. Living in Vermont during the winter is no joke.
3. If the locals say it’s going to be nasty out, stay home.
If they won't chance it, you shouldn't either.
4. In rural Vermont, postal addresses are approximate.
Check your mail and redistribute as necessary.
5. Summer is the 3 days after the 4th of July.
Ok, this isn't really true, but sometimes it certainly feels like it! When it comes to long summers, life in Vermont can be rough.
6. Become very familiar with the back roads.
You don't want to get stuck in leaf peeper traffic.
7. The police blotter can read like a gossip column.
Be smart and stay out of trouble.
8. Your cell phones won't always have reception.
But sometimes, it's nice to be off the grid!
9. Meet your town clerk.
She or he is a wealth of information.
10. Hard water is a fact of life.
Buy salt.
11. Neighbors are only close to you when you need them.
This is perhaps another example of rural living. Give each other space and privacy, but they'll be there in an instant if you need help.
12. Chainsaws are a gardening tool.
Sure you'll use your trowel, but sometimes you need something a little more robust.
13. Never try to scare raccoons out of the trash…
It may not be a raccoon.
14. Bird feeders are for the birds...
AND the bears.
15. Vermont roads are filled with potholes.
They come in every shape and size and can be found on any type of road. Learn how to spot them. People from Vermont have learned this the hard way.
16. Don't beep.
Nothing says "I'm new here" quite like laying on your car horn when it's not an emergency.
Are you still considering a move to Vermont after learning about these things? What other things do you think longtime Vermonters need to tell newcomers to the state? Let us know all of your thoughts about living in Vermont in the comments section below -- we'd love to hear from you! Feeling proud of the Green Mountain State? You should! Wear your state pride when you purchase something from Wear Your Roots.
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/vermont/never-do-vt/
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