Retirees struggling to afford Vermont, moving to other states

Watchdog reports:

Vermonters have different reasons for leaving the state, but for retirees, the decision to leave the Green Mountains and retire elsewhere often comes down to property taxes and the cost of living.

Pete Chagnon is a typical native of Vermont. Born on the lawn outside of Fanny Allen Hospital in Colchester in 1948, the life-long Burlingtonian made a living working for IBM and, more recently, Hannaford Supermarkets. He is a father of five, a grandfather of nine, a husband, a proud veteran and an avid cyclist.

One thing he is not these days is a Vermonter. Skyrocketing taxes and the high cost of living took their toll on the Chagnon family. Faced with the possibility he might not be able to afford Vermont on a fixed income, the 67-year-old resident packed up, sold his home and moved to Maine.

Vermont socialism costs money. Don't forget it.