Yeah, wait till retirement to get into weed. Teaching demands a clear head, and given today’s ways of crowding (yes, even here unless you stay quite rural, and even then w weather changes) you’ll do best to NOT indulge in weed except during stable weather on vacation (experience talking here). More: cultural diffs betw VT & MA: it’s NOT all-white here. Ppl dress more for weather, so in winter dress we (rurals) look alike. Of greater importance: you need to know that many older “white” families have Native blood (Abenaki) they may or may not be able to document. For the families who are aware of their lineage, this matters hugely but is not spoken about. But (as in MA, esp SE) there’s a resurgence of Native culture. Be aware, and listen. (Wish I’d known this before starting my teaching career decades ago.) Other cultural matters: Religion is your own personal matter. There are a number of active congregations, but there’s also in many a dislike of proselytization. Freedom from religion is as important to many here as freedom to practice it. For my rural Central VT area, I disagree w Corey, as gun owners are very savvy about laws, the old-time hunters take critters for food (many are Native), and they can be trusted as guns are tools. Southern VT…there may be some differences. Ask around. Another thing, esp in smaller towns & villages: community is huge. The longer you live here, the more you’re aware of this . Most VTers aren’t wealthy, so knowing others is super-important, and helping is even more so. Local business matters a lot, and everyone counts. When you can, join a group—community service, arts, school-related, or a public office. Good places to get to know others in more rural areas: village stores, transfer stations, libraries, local co-ops, town halls, town garages & fire departments. Some towns have local newspapers and/or listservs. Gotta say this: COVID-19 is still here. Yes, it’s hitting unpredictably, even masked/vaxxed ppl (those have milder cases and with fast antiviral help can recover at home usually). Avoid close contact w non-fam ppl, esp indoors. Might be good to wait until late spring summer to hold yr wild parties, and even then, hold them outdoors. The virus is still with us. Where I am now is how I remember MA used to be. As a long-ago MA transplant (gave up dope to have teaching career & family), I’ll say Welcome, and I hope you bring as much good as you get and stay forever. If you are good, we need ye. Stay well & find happiness.