Amid the rolling mountains and stunning landscape of Vermont, you’ll find a vibrant, thriving state that can be 100% ideal for those who want a career—but also want a life. Check out some of these top reasons to think about a move to Vermont as you prioritize what matters in your life.  

1. Space to grow 

Vermont has one of the smallest populations in the country, so you can stretch out physically and mentally and not worry about having a crowd in your way. Plus, with fewer people competing for jobs and careers, you’ll find the odds are in your favor when you’re seeking your next opportunity. In fact, Vermont has 20,000+ open jobs in multiple sectors including aerospace, renewable energy, healthcare, non-profits, hospitality, and more.  

2. You may live longer

Does Vermont hold the secret to life? Well, maybe. It’s been recognized as the healthiest state in all of America, and has been among the top five healthiest states for many years now. The ranking is based on data from multiple sources that measure health practices and behaviors, disease prevention, clinical care, health outcomes, and more. 

3. Outdoor recreation year round

All four seasons in Vermont invite you to come outside and enjoy the show. In spring, the wildflowers erupt across forests and hillsides. Summer offers hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and more. In the fall, the epic changing of leaves plus the local harvest make every journey outside unforgettable, And in winter, take your pick of skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and more. 

 4. Safe communities

Vermont is home to safe and vibrant communities, and the state has consistently ranked among the safest states in the nation. Safe to explore, you’ll find parks dotted through the cities and towns, beaches framing the lakes and ponds and a community of people who love to make the most of them. With low occurrences of crime, you’ll find a peace of mind that lets you enjoy that life/work balance that is so important to you and the people around you. 

5. Yes, there are cities

Sure, Vermont has plenty of back roads. And some lead directly to bustling downtowns. Power lunch among statehouse officials in Montpelier. Just don’t expect something you’ve seen before, since Montpelier is the only state capital with no Starbucks or McDonalds in the country. Or stroll Burlington’s Church Street for the kind of eclectic mix of restaurants, live music clubs, and unique shops you’d expect from a quintessential college town. But it’s not all play. At the innovation districts, incubators, and co-working spaces across Vermont, startups work late into the night. And in Burlington, one of the first US cities to source 100% of its electricity from renewable sources, they do it cleanly. 

6. Vermont is really good at making really good food

Remember that outdoor recreation mentioned above? You might need it to work off these calories: Enjoy locally-crafted pickles, preserves, award-winning cheeses, coffees, ciders, breads, and so much more. Vermont ranks 1st in the nation for breweries per capita, and don’t forget about Vermont maple syrup, found in everything from salads to sriracha.  

7. A great place to raise a family

With the 5th best public schools in the nation, a reputation as a safe place to live, and its exceptional quality of life, you can’t beat Vermont as a great place to raise kids. No matter where you choose to live in Vermont, the unique combination of rural sensibilities and metropolitan opportunities will surround families with a strong sense of community and possibility that will last forever.  

8. Put life before work

In Vermont there’s absolutely no doubt that hard work matters. But quality of life matters, too. So Vermont takes pride in offering a unique opportunity to live well while still passionately and enthusiastically pursuing a career. Truth is, there’s no need to be nose-to-nose on a subway or stuck in a cramped apartment in order to justify a good job. Up here you can have the good job, along with a good life.  

9. A different kind of workday

Your job will always a big part of your day, but in Vermont, it doesn’t have to consume your entire day. The Vermont mindset encourages you to hike a trail near the office, ride a bike path at lunch, or simply take a break from the screen. What’s more, many companies invite you to use your workday as a volunteer day, giving back to the community as you join others in making a difference.  

10. Green goes beyond the state nickname

Vermont has been ranked the greenest state in the country, with top scores in environmental quality and eco-friendly behavior–99.9% of its energy is generated from renewable sources, and Vermont employs close to 19,000 people in the clean energy sector. What’s more, the city of Montpelier is committed to becoming the first US capital to reach net zero carbon, and Green Mountain Power was the first power utility to become B Corp certified.