Why is vermont so expensive

S Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt. Throughout the pandemic, I heard from Vermonters that when housing is out of reach, so are health, employment and education," Leahy said. According to the report, the findings point at continued difficulty for lower-income households in the United States affording housing, even before the COVID pandemic plunged the country into an economic crisis.

Minimum-wage earners would have to work 1. Bennington County had 3, renter households between and — according to the report, 26 percent of all county households. In Windham County, the costs are slightly higher, according to the study.

That works out to 1. According to the study, Windham County had a higher percentage of renters between and — 6,, or 33 percent of households. It just takes time," Bridgewater said about the state's response to its housing problems. That included funds to help bring out-of-code apartments back on line and assist first-time homebuyers.

But the soaring cost of real estate in Vermont, driven by newcomers drawn to the state's enviable COVID safety record, has made buying and renting difficult.

And last month, Scott vetoed a bill that would have established a rental unit registry and set statute for the apartment rehab and first-time homebuyer programs.

She hopes the administration will be able to use the funding to continue the program. Rents are lowest in the Northeast Kingdom, but wages are also lower in those counties. He also lives on disability, due to some past head injuries. And I have seizures. Now she just had a heart attack. Things just keep on getting worse.

Stacey, who was furloughed from his job at a sanitation company in March, is here to pick up food for elderly neighbors in his community. Elizabeth Willson, of St. Willson is in line. I mean, we always need food. As I walk around the airstrip trying to interview people, I get a lot of no thank yous.

I ask Jeff Blay, back in car , about this. I wanted to work. I was embarrassed about everything. I did not want to talk to anybody. I felt ashamed of myself. Because it is hard. But we all need help. No matter who you are, we all need help. When people do talk to me, I ask if they think their financial situation will force them to leave Vermont at some point in the future. Everyone says they want to stay. And of course, some new people are moving in.

Remember Rabin and Cymone Haiju? Not even a pandemic could stop them from moving here. We are an action tank based in Hartland, Vermont. And a lot of our efforts are trying to figure out how to allow for rural communities to succeed in the new economy. Dunne says Vermont is vulnerable, no question.

But there is a silver lining:. With more sectors embracing remote work, Dunne says Vermont communities -- at least, the ones with good internet -- can attract new residents, and help foster a rural renaissance. To wrap things up, our question-asker Bruce and I record one last Zoom call. But against the background of the pandemic — wow.

But there are no average people. There are no average situations. Thanks to Bruce Post for the great question, and for participating in so many interviews. If you want a chance to report with us, share your question at bravelittlestate.

Follow us on Instagram and Twitter bravestatevt. Our digital producer is Elodie Reed; engineering support from Chris Albertine. Lynne McCrea edited this episode. You can support us at bravelittlestate. Vermont features a progressive state income tax ranging from 3. And with the highest marginal rate at 8. Though depending on where you live throughout the state, your property tax rate will vary.

You can save more if you decide to settle down away from city centers. One of the best ways to reduce your monthly costs is to snag a great price on an affordable home.

An agent can be an invaluable asset in helping you navigate the entire home buying process, from helping you discern which neighborhood fits your needs, to negotiating a great price for your home. Primary Menu UpNest. Search for: Search. Housing Costs You may be surprised to learn housing costs in Vermont are relatively affordable.

Agents Compete, You Win. Jeff is an expert in the field with a decade of experience. He is a published author who has written about real estate, medical care, employment, e-commerce, and more.