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Vermont Will Give You $10K If You Move There and Work Remotely (fastcompany.com) 187

Posted by EditorDavid from the altered-states dept.
If you've been dreaming of moonlight in Vermont -- and getting a re-location subsidy -- "the time has come to make your maple-syrup-coated dreams a reality," reports Fast Company: [F]or those who relocate this year and can prove that they have full-time remote jobs, it's possible to get paid back for moving expenses, internet bills, or membership in a coworking space... The program offers up to $5,000 a year for two years. For the state, the program is one way to try to address its shrinking population. "We're the second-to-smallest state in the nation, and we're also getting older, so we really need to make sure there's more of a workforce here," says Joan Goldstein, commissioner of the Vermont Department of Economic Development, which is running the Remote Worker Grant Program. The entire state has a population of a little more than 600,000, roughly the size of Louisville, Kentucky.

Vermont also recognized that a growing number of Americans work remotely -- nearly two-thirds of companies today have remote workers, and one recent survey found that hiring managers think it will continue to become even more common -- and that many city dwellers elsewhere are struggling with rent on increasingly overpriced apartments... The median home value in Brattleboro, roughly two hours from Boston, is less than $200,000; a one-bedroom apartment a short walk from the local co-op (and a small coworking space) goes for $850 a month.
The budget for 2019 is $125,000, and will be given out "on a first come, first served basis."
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Vermont Will Give You $10K If You Move There and Work Remotely More

Vermont Will Give You $10K If You Move There and Work Remotely

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  • Pipeline (Score:3, Interesting)

    by PopeRatzo ( 965947 ) on Saturday December 29, 2018 @01:38PM (#57875460) Journal

    I have a few questions:

    1) is there surfing in Vermont?
    2) will I have to wear socks when I go outside in December?
    3) is pot legal?

    If you can't answer "yes" to all three of these questions, it's going to take more than $10k to get me to go there.

    • Re: (Score:2, Insightful)

      by Anonymous Coward

      Well, if you're from California:

      - The ground doesn't wiggle.
      - It rains. They have water.
      - There are trees and grass.

      I thought pot was illegal under US law but legal under various state laws. "Legal uncertainty" never fun.

      If, however, you're from Vancouver... It's cheaper to live (aside from health insurance). Hard to come up with other advantages, though.

      • - The ground doesn't wiggle.

        Uh...yeah, it does. But not very often. I remember there being an earthquake when I was kid growing up in Vermont. I thought the furnace was starting up...

    • Re:Pipeline (Score:4, Informative)

      by alvinrod ( 889928 ) on Saturday December 29, 2018 @01:50PM (#57875544)
      1) Yes, they have the internet there.
      2) You don't have to wear them, but you probably should.
      3) Yes, as of earlier this year [marijuanamoment.net].
      • You should always wear socks. It's what separates us from the animals. Except for pets that humans dress up. But, that's just wrong, regardless of the month.

      • Re: (Score:2)

        by AmiMoJo ( 196126 )

        A slightly more relevant question is what are the transport links like?

        I know people who live in southern Europe, often Spain because it's cheap, but work for companies in northern Europe. It's only possible because when they need to meet face to face once a month they can get on a cheap flight and be there in a few hours.

    • Re:Pipeline (Score:4, Funny)

      by hey! ( 33014 ) on Saturday December 29, 2018 @02:22PM (#57875652) Homepage Journal

      1) is there surfing in Vermont?
      2) will I have to wear socks when I go outside in December?
      3) is pot legal?

      If you can't answer "yes" to all three of these questions, it's going to take more than $10k to get me to go there.

      1) Yes, but they do it on frozen water and call it "snowboarding".
      2) No. It's a good idea, but nobody is forcing you to.
      3) Yes, it's legal to light up in the privacy of your own home, but you'll have to go across the border to Massachusetts to buy.

      Since that's 2 out of the required 3 "yes" answers, I guess Vermont isn't for you, although I have no idea why you'd want to be compelled to wear socks. Maybe that's for a family member?

    • 1) Nobody gives a fuck if you go there, and 2) The answer to all three is yes. If you can work remotely you can surf the internet.

      • 1) Nobody gives a fuck if you go there

        Considering this story is entirely about the state of Vermont offering $10k to go there, I would say that yes, somebody clearly gives a fuck if I go there. In fact, 10,000 fucks.

        2) The answer to all three is yes. If you can work remotely you can surf the internet.

        Looking at websites is not surfing in any meaningful sense. Only someone who has never surfed could possibly think it was.

        https://youtu.be/ksgAvwWnrI0 [youtu.be]

        • Nope. They want non-assholes. As a one time Vermonter I can assure you the VT residents would prefer you not adulterate the state with your presence.

          • Nope. They want non-assholes. As a one time Vermonter I can assure you the VT residents would prefer you not adulterate the state with your presence.

            I once taught at the UofV in Burlington. Vermonters are some of the most judgmental, insular assholes I've ever encountered. They care about whether you're "from around here". They're always evaluating the ethnicity of your last name, what you drive, how you dress. Neighbors don't talk to neighbors. You can walk your dog and people won't acknowledge each o

        • I'd be willing to bet the only stick you ever applied Dr. Zoggs Sex Wax on is your tiny twig of a dick.

    • I have a few questions:

      You forgot to ask the most important question, that will shut down Vermont as a possible option to live over California:

      4) Do they have human feces covering the sidewalks and outdoor walls in major cities?

      • 4) Do they have human feces covering the sidewalks and outdoor walls in major cities?

        No. It's too cold to shit outside in Vermont, so the shit just covers the floor of their apartments.

        But they do have a lot of opiate addicts up there, so you'll fit right in.

        • But they do have a lot of opiate addicts up there, so you'll fit right in.

          I live clean man - I don't even drink. MY mind is just the right level of warped, that requires neither enhancement nor intervention.

          Nor do I live in Vermont, but I have been to most of the states now multiple times... so I have some idea of where is nice to live and where is not.

          There are many reasons why California is way down my list of places to live.

          • There are many reasons why California is way down my list of places to live.

            And Californians breathe a sigh of relief.

    • Re: (Score:2)

      by dgatwood ( 11270 )

      I have a few questions:

      1) is there surfing in Vermont? 2) will I have to wear socks when I go outside in December? 3) is pot legal?

      If you can't answer "yes" to all three of these questions, it's going to take more than $10k to get me to go there.

      1. Yes. You can go windsurfing in Burlington.

      2. Yes. You absolutely will need socks in December. In fact, you'll probably need more than one pair.

      3. As of July, also yes.

      When can we expect your application?

    • i assume dennys needs help.

    • 1) is there surfing in Vermont?.
          No. But you'll learn to love ice-fishing

      2) will I have to wear socks when I go outside in December?
          No. But many people do.

      3) is pot legal?
          Yes

      Can you get decent internet speeds in Vermont? Probably not. And if you can, you may have to deal with -- may the lord have mercy on your soul -- Comcast.

  • Here's the original: https://slashdot.org/story/18/... [slashdot.org]

    Wish /. could get some editors at some point. This shit has been going on for decades now.

  • lowering population ? (Score:1)

    by Anonymous Coward

    you think excessive taxation might have something to do with it ??

  • $125,000 budget (Score:2, Funny)

    by Anonymous Coward

    that extra 25 people every two years is really going to make a difference.

  • The budget for 2019 is $125,000, and will be given out "on a first come, first served basis."

    Is that a typo? Because that only covers 12.5 people, which doesn't sound newsworthy.

    I assume it's $125,000,000?

    • Re: (Score:3)

      by novakyu ( 636495 )

      Is that a typo? Because that only covers 12.5 people, which doesn't sound newsworthy.

      Don't be silly. It's for 25 people, since the grant is $5000/year, renewable for one additional year. It's twice as newsworthy as you thought.

    • Re: (Score:2)

      by EvilSS ( 557649 )

      The budget for 2019 is $125,000, and will be given out "on a first come, first served basis."

      Is that a typo? Because that only covers 12.5 people, which doesn't sound newsworthy.

      I assume it's $125,000,000?

      It's $5,000 a year for two years, so a budget of $125,000 for FY 2019 is for 25 grants, not 12.5

  • Why oh why (Score:1)

    by Anonymous Coward

    Why would the government cut the budget up that much rather than just letting business do it?

    The trouble is the proof with the government, but with business it's either a contract or a job meaning it is based on a product or management.

    The problem with the government doing it is that it is mandated before, then a budget is made, then it's a shitshow to get through it and once it's gone it's over with and done for and the taxpayers funded an experiment for nothing. With business it is a shitshow for HR or t

    • Why would the government cut the budget up that much rather than just letting business do it?

      Why would a business not located in Vermont pay for one of their employees to move to Vermont?

      The problem with the government doing it is that it is mandated before, then a budget is made, then it's a shitshow to get through it and once it's gone it's over with and done for

      This program is paying moving expenses. What recurring moving expenses do you think you'd have?

      I don't understand it,

      That's mostly because you're not trying to understand it. You're only trying to demonize it.

  • Hey, it's my state (Score:5, Informative)

    by sremick ( 91371 ) on Saturday December 29, 2018 @02:22PM (#57875644)

    Not often I get to see Vermont in the news. Yay. I'm a multi-generational native (yes, my family makes maple syrup).

    In the hopes of dispelling some myths and inaccurate stereotypes, I'm happy to answer questions. I happen to live in a tiny ( under 4000) rural town, and on top of that, on the outskirts of it. Despite that I have 50/25 Mbit DSL. If I lived in the center of town I'd have the option for 100Mbit, 500Mbit, or even 1GBit FttH. So being rural doesn't necessarily mean junk internet... although it can, so check before you move.

    In under an hour I can be in Vermont's largest "city" (Burlington). If I need a proper city experience, in just about 2.5 hours I can be in Montreal which honestly I enjoy a lot more than our next-closest big city, Boston. The border isn't an issue, since living near the border makes it easy to get a NEXUS card, which is basically fast-lane across the border for $50/5y and includes PSA pre-check at airports and Global Entry.

    Yes, we have farms and cows and cheese and maple syrup and all that. We also have kick-ass skiing and lots of other great outdoor activities. Oh, and if you're not used to it: NO BILLBOARDS. It can be quite the pleasant shock for those new to the area... and jarring for us natives when we travel outside of the state.

    The communities can be quite tight which is a nice thing... you really get to know the people in your area, and feel less anonymous than living in a city. People are quite generous and helpful with all sorts of things. Towns love to put on gatherings and events that bring everyone out for some reason or another. There's amazing food, and the proliferation of farms provides no shortage of fresh, high-quality produce and meat if you like to cook (or even if you don't, the better restaurants will use the local farms. Some BnB's even have their own gardens). People really care about the environment here... organic farming, trees, conservation, recycling, renewable energy, etc. Heck, even my house produces more solar power than I consume. You can find many die-hards who are truly "off the grid", self-sufficient and doing the whole homesteading thing. There's even a yearly festival/event/gathering called Solar Fest (not just about solar) if you're really into that.

    Older crowd can be a bit conservative (not all, plenty of ex-hippies and all that... we're the source of Ben & Jerry's, Bernie Sanders, Bill McKibben, et al) but the younger generations lean strongly liberal. We currently have a republican governor but oh well... our Lieutenant Governor is progressive/democrat so he keeps him in line.

    Home prices are all over the place, depending on where you live. You can get a sub-$100K home all the way up to multi-million dollar mansions (I know of a $10M one specifically). Places like Shelburne, Charlotte, and a few others with properties on Lake Champlain are popular with rich active/retired doctors, lawyers, and 2nd vacation homes for crazy rich people elsewhere.

    So yes, worth considering. Questions? Ask and I can try to help.

    • How is Amazon delivery?

      • Re: (Score:2)

        by sremick ( 91371 )

        Fantastic. I've even gotten deliveries on Sundays without asking. UPS is best, USPS second, FedEx third... but generally I have no issues getting the stuff I order on time. Maybe twice a year or so there's some inexplicable scenic-route that a package takes.

    • ... of fresh, high-quality produce and meat if you like to cook (or even if you don't, the better restaurants will use the local farms. Some BnB's even have their own gardens). People really care about the environment here... organic farming, trees, conservation, recycling, renewable energy, etc.

      Promote an alternative kind of breeding stock.

      Trying to help here.

    • We also have kick-ass skiing and lots of other great outdoor activities.

      And.... that is where you lost me. I agree with you that Vermont is a beautiful state but the skiing there is not kick-ass. There is nowhere on the East Coast that has kick-ass skiing. I love Burlington. If I could afford a summer home up there I'd probably love to live there for 4-5 months a year. But the snow isn't that amazing.

      • Re: (Score:2)

        by mellon ( 7048 )

        If you live here (and wfh), you ski on the days when it's kick-ass, and that's a lot of days. It only sucks if you have to ski on the snow that's there the week you have to travel to ski; that's why Colorado used to be better (I hear they've had some bad years recently).

    • Re: (Score:2)

      by bazorg ( 911295 )

      Is the state gluten-free?

  • No Thanks (Score:1)

    by Anonymous Coward

    They might give me $10k, but then they'd suck down about $9,000 in income taxes the first year. And another $9,000 the next year.

    For as over populated as it's becoming, I'll stick with my income tax free state.

    If Vermont wants to improve their population problems, they should focus on fixing their tax structure. Or contribute some to global warming!

  • Comment removed based on user account deletion

  • Once there is sufficient money behind this, I'll buy a couple buildings, move in a few thousand H-1B remote workers, and charge them California rates of rent.

      I can probably fit 20-30 of them in a 2 bedroom apartment. /s

  • PROS: Vermont is beautiful, co-ops are decent, there are a few nice days, and most people are nice. CONS: disease carrying ticks.

  • I spent 5 miserable years living in the cold frozen $hithole that's New England.

    I'd rather die than go back. Vermont is only slightly better than Assachusetts.

      I'd rather move to Alaska and get paid to live there for life.

  • My father-in law was born in Brattleboro, He grew an orange tree in the yard at his home near San Diego so his mom could pick fresh oranges when she visited. Richard E Warren was one of the best men around, he would help anyone who asked or those who needed help and didn't ask.
  • A doorbuster is a deeply discounted item which is only available in limited quantities. The idea is that you use it to entice a lot of people to visit your store, but you only have to sell (at a loss) a small number of your doorbuster item. The people who missed out will browse the store (not wanting to have wasted their time and gas getting there), and hopefully they buy enough stuff to offset your losses on the doorbuster.

    With a budget of $125k/yr and an enticement of $5k/yr per person, only 25 peopl
  • If they were serious then they would have had a much larger pot of money, as it is it sounds like a publicity stunt.

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