Considering a move to Burlington in the near future (rent, crime)

[act2964]

Hello all. We are currently living in Memphis, TN but considering a move to Vermont, probably Burlington, in the next year or so. Memphis has so much crime, and we are sick and tired of the hot humid summers. It's been in the mid to high 90s already and with the humidity, the heat index has been from 105 to 115 these last few days. And, those summer-feeling days actually start in May for us many years and last through September. We rarely have any significant snowfall. When we do get a few inches, maybe once a winter, it's gone within a day or two if the sun is out. Anyway, we are looking at several places in the New England area. Burlington seems a good choice at this point. Of course, we need to visit. We like the way the climate data looks though and the crime stats. Just wondering, what about cloudy/sunny days? Does it rain a lot there like in Seattle area? Is it cloudy more days than not? Also, are residents typically friendly and welcoming? What about gay friendliness? As for jobs, I work from home and can work anywhere. My partner, on the other hand, will need a job. She is currently an office worker in a medical clinic but she says she would do whatever she had to do for a job (i.e. Walmart, hotels, whatever). What's the job market like there? Thanks in advance for any help.

[act2964]

Burlington is not really the only area of interest. We don't have to live in a city but be within say 30 miles of a city. Tell me about other places. It's just the two of us, as our son is grown and won't be making the move.

[68vette]

Originally Posted by act2964

Hello all. We are currently living in Memphis, TN but considering a move to Vermont, probably Burlington, in the next year or so. Memphis has so much crime, and we are sick and tired of the hot humid summers. It's been in the mid to high 90s already and with the humidity, the heat index has been from 105 to 115 these last few days. And, those summer-feeling days actually start in May for us many years and last through September. We rarely have any significant snowfall. When we do get a few inches, maybe once a winter, it's gone within a day or two if the sun is out. Anyway, we are looking at several places in the New England area. Burlington seems a good choice at this point. Of course, we need to visit. We like the way the climate data looks though and the crime stats. Just wondering, what about cloudy/sunny days? Does it rain a lot there like in Seattle area? Is it cloudy more days than not? Also, are residents typically friendly and welcoming? What about gay friendliness? As for jobs, I work from home and can work anywhere. My partner, on the other hand, will need a job. She is currently an office worker in a medical clinic but she says she would do whatever she had to do for a job (i.e. Walmart, hotels, whatever). What's the job market like there? Thanks in advance for any help.

Burlington sounds like it could be a good fit for you. I wouldn't rely on much of the climate data, it varies alot. Some winters are very cold and others like this year were mild, I don't think we had any below zero days here in the Burlington area. The summer data is even worse. The last two years were very wet and cold. This year we had a few hot days and in the last few weeks we are hanging in the fifties and sixties. Not as much rain so far. The data is all averages. In the northern tier of the country you will always have cloudy days in the winter. People just assume that this is only a Pacific northwest thing, but a new research study has shown that the entire northern US as well as Canada have the same rates of seasonal affective disorder. Long story short, winters are very cloudy.
Burlington is a gay friendly city. You shouldn't have much of an issue making friends here, although I will say people are more reserved here and are not as open as in the south.
The job market is small (Vermont is one of the least populated states in the country). There are jobs, but the better jobs can be more competative. The minimum wage is higher than the Fed rate, but jobs also tend to pay less than average.
If you decide on Burlington, make sure all the numbers work out for you (rent/mortgage, heat, utilities, etc)
My best advice is visit several times. Make sure you visit in the winter (Jan. or Feb.). I'm not saying you won't like winter, but many people from the south don't realize what cold is this far north. Snow is snow. We just get alot more up here (sometimes). It can get very cold and winter lasts between 5-6 months (today it felt like it was back ).

[BickleTravis]

Originally Posted by 68vette

Burlington sounds like it could be a good fit for you. I wouldn't rely on much of the climate data, it varies alot. Some winters are very cold and others like this year were mild, I don't think we had any below zero days here in the Burlington area. The summer data is even worse. The last two years were very wet and cold. This year we had a few hot days and in the last few weeks we are hanging in the fifties and sixties. Not as much rain so far. The data is all averages. In the northern tier of the country you will always have cloudy days in the winter. People just assume that this is only a Pacific northwest thing, but a new research study has shown that the entire northern US as well as Canada have the same rates of seasonal affective disorder. Long story short, winters are very cloudy.
Burlington is a gay friendly city. You shouldn't have much of an issue making friends here, although I will say people are more reserved here and are not as open as in the south.
The job market is small (Vermont is one of the least populated states in the country). There are jobs, but the better jobs can be more competative. The minimum wage is higher than the Fed rate, but jobs also tend to pay less than average.
If you decide on Burlington, make sure all the numbers work out for you (rent/mortgage, heat, utilities, etc)
My best advice is visit several times. Make sure you visit in the winter (Jan. or Feb.). I'm not saying you won't like winter, but many people from the south don't realize what cold is this far north. Snow is snow. We just get alot more up here (sometimes). It can get very cold and winter lasts between 5-6 months (today it felt like it was back ).

I've never seen snow in June, July, August or September in Burlington. It's very possible the other 8 months. Not that April, May, October, November snow will be a lot, but it definitely can snow. Snowed in April and May of this year.

[JRSully76]

VT is different than TN. start at the state website, we are tourist friendly. rent a car and explore the byways, you will know what you like when you see it.

[BickleTravis]

Originally Posted by act2964

Hello all. We are currently living in Memphis, TN but considering a move to Vermont, probably Burlington, in the next year or so. Memphis has so much crime, and we are sick and tired of the hot humid summers. It's been in the mid to high 90s already and with the humidity, the heat index has been from 105 to 115 these last few days. And, those summer-feeling days actually start in May for us many years and last through September. We rarely have any significant snowfall. When we do get a few inches, maybe once a winter, it's gone within a day or two if the sun is out. Anyway, we are looking at several places in the New England area. Burlington seems a good choice at this point. Of course, we need to visit. We like the way the climate data looks though and the crime stats. Just wondering, what about cloudy/sunny days? Does it rain a lot there like in Seattle area? Is it cloudy more days than not? Also, are residents typically friendly and welcoming? What about gay friendliness? As for jobs, I work from home and can work anywhere. My partner, on the other hand, will need a job. She is currently an office worker in a medical clinic but she says she would do whatever she had to do for a job (i.e. Walmart, hotels, whatever). What's the job market like there? Thanks in advance for any help.

Does she know someone here who will hire her in a decent job?
Otherwise it's WalMart for $9 an hour or waiting tables, and that is permanent.