Why Vermonters Love Living Here
Love Where You Live
Vermont is a special place, known for its unbeatable quality of life, pristine environment, and stunning landscapes, and continues to be a nationwide leader in addressing complex issues. Vermonters are committed to preserving and sharing the land they live, work, and play on.
A strong sense of community, deeply rooted values, and unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth make living in Vermont incredibly desirable.
Vermont’s commitment to inclusivity, the environment, arts and culture, business entrepreneurship, and the local food system are evident in the innovations found in every corner of the state. Read on to find out why Vermonters love where they live.
David Tabaruka was born and raised in Rwanda and was forced to flee his home country. In 2004, he and his family immigrated to Vermont through the refugee resettlement program. David now leads the business office of the Community College of Vermont and is a board member of the Vermont Futures Project.
What brought you to Vermont?
My journey to Vermont began in November 2004, when my family was resettled here from Rwanda after spending several years in the Republic of Congo. The Vermont community embraced us with open arms, supporting our transition as we learned English and pursued our education.
Little did I know that Vermont would become even more significant in my life when I met my wife, a New Hampshire native and St. Michael’s College alumna, while I was studying at Champlain College in 2009. She was working in Student Life at the college, and our paths crossed in a way that would change both our lives forever.
Our journey together has taken us through diverse landscapes, and we’ve been blessed with three beautiful boys. By early 2022, we found ourselves at a crossroads, seeking two essential elements for our next chapter: proximity to family and friends and a stable community to raise our children.
As we explored various New England locations, Vermont kept calling us back. It was more than just familiar territory – it was where our story began, where we both received our education, where two of our sons were born, and where we maintained deep connections with family and friends who had become family. The state’s commitment to outdoor living and its unparalleled natural beauty only reinforced what we already knew in our hearts: Vermont wasn’t just a place we’d lived before – it was where we needed to make our permanent home.
What keeps you here?
The vibrant community, year-round outdoor adventures, excellent schools, and abundant opportunities for our children make Vermont exceptional. As the financial controller at the Community College of Vermont and a board member of the Vermont Futures Project, I have the privilege of helping to shape Vermont’s economic future. We feel fortunate to have found our home in Colchester, just minutes from the scenic shores of Lake Champlain and the beloved bike path. Our neighborhood has blessed us with incredible neighbors who have become dear friends.
What makes Vermont truly special is the way our past and present naturally intertwine. Whether we’re grocery shopping or enjoying local events, we frequently encounter familiar faces from our pre-parenthood days in Vermont. These chance meetings evolve into warm conversations, sharing life stories and the different paths that led us all back to this remarkable state.
Vermont isn’t just a place we live – it’s a community we cherish, and we’re deeply grateful to raise our children in this extraordinary setting. Watching them grow up here, surrounded by natural beauty and genuine community connections, confirms that coming home to Vermont was one of our best decisions.
Interested in learning about how you can live, work, and play in Vermont?
Connect with Vermonters across the state to chat about jobs, real estate, lifestyle, and more answers to your questions about living in Vermont.
Curious about Vermont’s future?
The Vermont Futures Project is helping shape a vibrant and sustainable Vermont for years to come, with a goal of growing the state’s population to 802,000 by 2035.
Looking to explore businesses owned by Vermonters of Color?
The VT PoCket Guide connects Black, Indigenous, and People of Color residents and visitors with resources, events, and community networks across Vermont.
What makes Vermont a welcoming place for all?
Vermont’s Declaration of Inclusion reinforces the state’s commitment to being a welcoming, inclusive community. Adopted by 164 towns and cities representing more than 80% of the population as of August 2025, this initiative promotes fair treatment and celebrates diversity across Vermont.
A Safe Place to Call Home
#3 Safest City in America: Burlington, VT (WalletHub, October 2025)
Discover the peace of mind that comes with living in one of the safest states in the nation, where community and quality of life go hand in hand.