Thanks to the OP for starting this thread. I just turned 55 the other day and I'm 2 years, 3 months and 6 days away from leaving a job I've had for 33 years so far. And I can say the thought of moving to somewhere cheaper in retirement is ever present on my mind.
I moved here, to Vt, 30 years ago from the Eastern Shore of Md. Culture shock doesn't begin to describe what I went through, so the warnings about the same resonate with me.
For those of you thinking of moving to Vt, beware, there are many unanticipated costs of living here, decent cold weather clothes, snow removal equipment, heating, gas, and the cost in aggravation to anybody even remotely small gov't or libertarian.
The gun laws are great, as is access to good duck hunting. Bass fishing is great on Champlain. There is plenty to do in the winter.
Vt taxes every source of income possible, even at one time saying the Federal exemption on state income taxes on savings bonds doesn't apply here. If you've got it, they want it.
My wife and I don't have grand babies to anchor us here, and we've started looking at other states as possible retirement locales. Last year we drove through Ky. I loved western Ky, her, not so much. I think I would like Tenn, I know I would like SC, Georgia and Fla, but she can't do that much heat. I think I have her talked into selling the house (1450 sq ft ranch $5000 year in taxes) and driving around for 6 months or more to see what we like, where.
The advice about doing things while health still allows echos what the little voice in the back of my head keeps saying. Anybody have any advice on intelligently buying a motor home that I can tow behind my F-150? I've trailered plenty of boats, but know nothing of buying/towing a camper.
John in Vt
