10 Stereotypes About Vermont That Need to Be Put to Rest

1. All Vermonters Worship Bernie Sanders

While Bernie Sanders is a prominent and popular political figure from Vermont, not every Vermonter is a diehard supporter or even shares his political views. Vermont has a diverse political landscape, including many Republicans and independents who may not align with Sanders at all.

2. Vermont Is Just a State of Hippies

The “hippie” stereotype—peace-loving, environmentally conscious, and alternative—is rooted in some truth, but it does not define everyone in Vermont. Vermonters come from a wide range of backgrounds, including farmers, professionals, artists, and blue-collar workers. The state’s culture is far more nuanced than the “hippie” label suggests.

3. Vermonters Hate Outsiders

There’s a persistent myth that Vermonters are unfriendly to newcomers or “flatlanders.” In reality, many transplants have found locals to be welcoming and helpful, often going out of their way to assist newcomers, especially during tough winters. While there are jokes about flatlanders, most are in good fun and don’t reflect outright hostility.

4. Everyone Is Friends with Cows (and Farms for a Living)

While dairy and agriculture are important to Vermont’s history, the state’s economy has diversified significantly. Today, the service sector and tourism are major economic drivers, and most Vermonters do not work on farms.

5. Vermont Is a Progressive Utopia Without Problems

Vermont has a reputation for progressive policies, but it faces many of the same challenges as other states—poverty, crime, drug issues, and economic stagnation in some areas. The idea of Vermont as a flawless utopia is simply not accurate.

6. Vermont Is 100% White

Vermont is one of the whitest states in the US, but it is not homogeneous. There are communities of color, including refugees and immigrants, particularly in cities like Burlington. However, the stereotype of total whiteness erases the lived experiences of Vermonters of color and ignores the state’s ongoing efforts to become more inclusive.

7. Vermonters Are Indifferent to the Cold

Not all Vermonters are immune to the cold. While some take pride in braving harsh winters, plenty of residents bundle up and complain about the weather like anyone else. The idea that everyone is ruggedly indifferent to winter is exaggerated.

8. Everyone Wears Flannel All the Time

Flannel is popular, especially in winter, but not every Vermonter wears it daily. Fashion choices are as varied in Vermont as anywhere else, and plenty of people prefer other styles.

9. Only Multi-Generational Natives Are “Real” Vermonters

There’s a stereotype that you must have generations of family history in Vermont to be a “real” Vermonter. This exclusionary idea overlooks the contributions of newcomers and the diversity of experiences in the state. Many residents, regardless of how long they’ve lived there, consider Vermont home and contribute to its culture and community.

10. Vermont Is Stuck in the Past

While Vermont values tradition, it is not stuck in the past. The state has evolved economically and culturally, embracing technology, new industries, and social change. The image of Vermont as quaint and unchanging doesn’t reflect its dynamic reality.

Sources: