What Vermonters are Saying: A Closer Look at Life, Community, Career, and Opportunity
Keynote Attendees at Southern VT Economy Summit | Photo courtesy of the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation
Vermont has long been known for its picturesque landscapes and tight-knit communities, and people choose it as their home for many reasons. A recent workshop at the Southern Vermont Economy Summit shed some light on what truly makes the Green Mountain State a destination for both newcomers and lifelong residents alike while also highlighting opportunities for growth and progress.
Gathering insights from 13 new Vermonters (1–5 years in the state), 6 mid-term residents (5–20 years), and 8 lifelong locals (20+ years), the workshop painted a compelling picture of a state rooted in values, natural beauty, and opportunity.
What Do Vermonters Value About Living Here?
When asked what they value about living and working in Vermont, participants overwhelmingly highlighted four core themes: natural resources, community, economy, and lifestyle.
The state’s pristine environment stood out as a major draw. Clean air, accessible outdoor recreation, and breathtaking scenery make Vermont a haven for hikers, bikers, skiers, and swimmers. For the workshop participants, nature isn’t just something you visit in Vermont—it’s something you live daily.
Workshop Participants at Southern VT Economy Summit | Photo courtesy of the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation
Community was another dominant theme. Participants emphasized the welcoming nature of Vermonters, including strong support systems for people of color and individuals with disabilities. The sense of safety, access to local government, and abundant opportunities for social connection make it easy for residents to find a sense of belonging.
From an economic perspective, Vermont’s “local-first” mindset set it apart in the workshop. The absence of a corporate, commercialized atmosphere—evident in the state’s billboard ban—was a major point of pride. Workshop entries noted that local agriculture and community markets foster sustainability and create vibrant, people-centered economies.
And then there's the lifestyle: slower-paced, rooted in authenticity, and full of unexpected richness. From dirt roads and immersive educational experiences for children to a thriving arts scene in even the smallest towns, participants remarked that the state offers a rhythm of life that many seek but rarely find.
Addressing Challenges and Embracing Opportunities the Vermont Way
Of course, no place is without its challenges—but in Vermont, challenges come with a spirit of collaboration and creativity.
Climate Resilience Panel at Southern VT Economy Summit | Photo courtesy of the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation
Participants highlighted a few areas for growth, especially around infrastructure, trade work, and career development. They noted increased rural transportation options, access to affordable childcare, and more housing units would help families and workers thrive. They also noted a growing need for coworking spaces as more people embrace remote or independent work lifestyles but also highlighted that high-speed internet is now widely available across the state, making it a highly accessible destination for remote workers and digital entrepreneurs.
In the realm of career development, participants saw opportunity where others might see limitation. While Vermont may lack the presence of major employers in every region, they noted that this ecosystem opens the door for small businesses and service providers to collaborate and even merge to increase capacity. Participants also emphasized the potential for branding the state to investors around its economic strengths, such as outdoor tourism, agricultural innovation, and sustainable energy.
Participants also shared a desire for transparent career pathways for students, increased onboarding support for new employees, and even financial incentives like housing stipends and relocation packages for new hires. Supporting entrepreneurs through incubators, succession planning for retiring business owners, and fostering collaboration between organizations were also top ideas mentioned in this portion of the workshop.
Student Addressing Panelists at Southern VT Economy Summit | Photo courtesy of the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation
Building on Existing Community and Employer Support Systems
Communities and employers are already playing a critical role in supporting Vermont’s workforce and quality of life. From flexible work schedules and hybrid options to paid volunteer opportunities and coworking spaces, participants largely felt that the commitment to work-life balance throughout the state is strong.
Community engagement is also flourishing, with initiatives like Front Porch Forum, public libraries, community suppers, and third spaces helping to build lasting connections. The workshop highlighted numerous programs—including the VT POC Network, Southern Vermont Young Professionals, Shires Young Professionals, and the GROW Relocation Program—that are creating vital networks for individuals at all stages of their Vermont journey.
Lastly, participants also noted the importance of state and NGO programs which have contributed to the state’s consistent top 5 ranking for educational attainment, health care access, green spaces, clean water, and more. These include many childhood development programs, vast environmental protection programs, and non-profit health agencies working to connect vulnerable people to quality care.
2025 Southern Vermont Emerging Leaders Ceremony at Southern VT Economy Summit | Photo courtesy of the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation
Conclusion
This workshop certainly doesn’t represent all of the voices in Vermont. However, it does show us that even as economic and political uncertainty mark the country’s future, people throughout the state continue to lean on their strengths: community, engagement, and doing the hard work to create a peaceful and vibrant home for everyone.
While keynote speaker Josh Wright highlighted many of the challenges the entire country faces, he did see opportunity for Vermont to be a force for change.
With an engaged and community-driven population, Vermont has a real chance to be the standard for how other states adapt and thrive for the next century. It is the brave little state after all.
The Southern Vermont Economy Summit is hosted by the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC) and Bennington County Regional Commission (BCRC). It took place May 20 at the 8th annual Southern VT Economy Summit, held at Mt. Snow Resort in Dover, VT.
The summit was made possible in part by this year’s Summit Sponsor Brattleboro Savings and Loan, keynote sponsor MSK Engineers and session and special event sponsors Vermont State University, the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, M&T Bank, the UVM/Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships, VELCO, Weston and Sampson Engineers, Community College of Vermont, Vermont Community Foundation, The Richards Group, Vermont Economic Development Authority, Efficiency Vermont, the Vermont Community Loan Fund, Stevens and Associates/M&S Development, the Better Business Bureau of New England, and Merritt and Merritt Law. Find a full list of sponsors at the Summit website, www.sovermontzone.com/summit.