Quoted:
Every time I go home to New England (I'm from CT) I miss the weather, people, food,
I'm also from CT, yeah I miss the Italian food you can get in that area that outclasses most anything down here, but as far as other food goes - the DC area outclasses anything from CT North (in particular VT).
but I'd rather have quality of life over money.
Having lived in VT, CT, MD, and VA IMHO the 'quality of life' that is available in the MD/VA area is much nicer. If you want an awesome outdoor life there are vast rural areas of VA.
Pretty much narrowed it down to Vermont.
Pretty state, very rural, piss-poor economy compared to where you are now - in general the food sucks (unless you plan on living on Ben & Jerry's).
I would rather have a smaller more personal home with a fireplace, character, and 15 acres of land than a massive townhouse with neighbors in fart distance in every direction
then get out of NOVA.
. I want to wake up and go hunt in my backyard or just let the dog run as he pleases. I'm sick of traffic and how it dictates when I leave my home. I want to actually have meaningful conversation with neighbors without the snooty, "ooohhh how much did that cost" bullshit. I actually want to build friendships on kindness and helping each other out.
You can do that in any state of the union - just don't expect it when you live in a urban area like NOVA.
As far as work is concerned, wife is finishing an MBA from Maryland, we're both cleared to the top and I have a degree in Intelligence to boot. Obviously that kind of work doesn't exist up there, but she'll have the MBA and experience, I plan to get my Real Estate license...Any feedback or suggestions.
Real Estate License!
Yeah you can live as a Realtor in NOVA with all the Govt related hiring, but in VT the turnover is much lower and the economy isn't exactly drawing in the crowds. Add in the home prices are lower, well you get the economic point.
Have you thought of opening your own Bed & Breakfast near a ski resort?