Moving to Burlington, where to live?

[flu189]

Originally Posted by UpstateNewYorker

I responded to this in another post. I appreciate all the information you're giving me.
I'm currently exploring (online, of course) Essex housing because the schools look pretty nice. And it's not too far from Colchester, where my husband will be working. Do you know if any new building is going on in Essex? And what's the difference between Essex and Essex Junction?

A note of caution concerning Essex. They are embroiled in a substantial property tax issue due to revaluation/assessments and a change in the tax that IBM was paying. As far as new construction goes it does occur, but compared to most other places Vt is somewhat limited. I know that construction costs have really escalated and in Vt there definately is not a situation of overbuilding resulting in a glut where builders are offering deep discounts and incentives. Vermont actually experiences what many term a serious shortage of affordable quality housing. For serious considerations concerning buying land to build a residence on it would probably be best to spend time here and engage in face to face contact with realtors and builders. This goes for recently built homes as well. Unfortunately I bought a fairly new home (4 years) and did not find out the builders reputation for substandard construction practices which has cost me quite a bit of money to effect repairs on defects which were not obvious during the home inspection.

[quickdraw]

Originally Posted by flu189

A note of caution concerning Essex. They are embroiled in a substantial property tax issue due to revaluation/assessments and a change in the tax that IBM was paying. As far as new construction goes it does occur, but compared to most other places Vt is somewhat limited. I know that construction costs have really escalated and in Vt there definately is not a situation of overbuilding resulting in a glut where builders are offering deep discounts and incentives. Vermont actually experiences what many term a serious shortage of affordable quality housing. For serious considerations concerning buying land to build a residence on it would probably be best to spend time here and engage in face to face contact with realtors and builders. This goes for recently built homes as well. Unfortunately I bought a fairly new home (4 years) and did not find out the builders reputation for substandard construction practices which has cost me quite a bit of money to effect repairs on defects which were not obvious during the home inspection.

And let's be honest. The future of IBM in Essex Junction isn't exactly set in stone. I have no inside information on this, but IBM is making a lot more money with their foreign facilities. Five years. Ten years? Twenty? Who knows? But the world is going global fast.

And boy what a hit that would be to Essex.

[68vette]

Originally Posted by quickdraw

And let's be honest. The future of IBM in Essex Junction isn't exactly set in stone. I have no inside information on this, but IBM is making a lot more money with their foreign facilities. Five years. Ten years? Twenty? Who knows? But the world is going global fast.

And boy what a hit that would be to Essex.

I agree with you. I bought my home from and IBMer who was transfered to the new Fishkill plant in New York. When we were talking about jobs he mentioned to me that his feelings were that IBM would eventually close the plant and move things to NY. During the last layoff IBM had, they threatened to close the plant as well.

[UpstateNewYorker]

Wouldn't the closing of IBM affect all the communities in and around Burlington? Or is it primarily an Essex problem? Is IBM the largest employer in the area?

[68vette]

Originally Posted by UpstateNewYorker

Wouldn't the closing of IBM affect all the communities in and around Burlington? Or is it primarily an Essex problem? Is IBM the largest employer in the area?

IBM is a large employer, but with the number of layoffs they have had in the past I belive the number they employ is smaller than in past years. I belive FAHC is one of the largest employers in the Burlington area.

[quickdraw]

Originally Posted by 68vette

I agree with you. I bought my home from and IBMer who was transfered to the new Fishkill plant in New York. When we were talking about jobs he mentioned to me that his feelings were that IBM would eventually close the plant and move things to NY. During the last layoff IBM had, they threatened to close the plant as well.

Well I do know that the Essex plant is more profitable than Fishkill. Fishkill's
factory is almost completely automated. Essex still uses human beings. However, I really don't think it matters. I just can't see companies building things here in the US when its so cheap overseas, and the factories are antiques here. It's just a matter of time. How much time? I don't think anyone knows.

Again just my opinion, I have no inside info.

[vt_snowball_express]

I just came across this thread, so my comments may be a little late... but I wanted to let you know that Pinewood Manor in Essex is a wonderful neighborhood with a community pool. The development has existed for a long time so it has tons of character, older trees, etc. I think you'd like it. Here is a little info: http://lang.vtdesignworks.com/newconstruction/pinewood.shtmlBrennan (broken link) Woods in Williston is a huge newer community that is completely built out. You would have the benefit of buying a relatively new home without the annoyance of dealing with construction (which will be constant in South Burlington's South Village for the next several years). Brennan Woods has beautiful playgrounds (but no pool) and there are tons of families with kids.Two good options for ya...

[gmartini45]

Hello,
I see your post is about 4 years old...But wondering what area you decided on. We are contemplating a move to Burlington and I looked at all the areas you mentioned. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Gigi

[Dmteach]

Hi, I’m looking for an inexpensive apt for my son. He recently accepted a job in south Burlington however he’s just starting out and not making very much money. Where, what town is fairly close to south Burlington, that offers apts that are reasonably priced, a studio would work as well. Thank-you !

[EckyX]

Originally Posted by Dmteach

Hi, I’m looking for an inexpensive apt for my son. He recently accepted a job in south Burlington however he’s just starting out and not making very much money. Where, what town is fairly close to south Burlington, that offers apts that are reasonably priced, a studio would work as well. Thank-you !

Everyone works in S. Burlington. Housing costs are pretty proportional to their distance from there.

I have a small (~300 sq ft) 1 bedroom in Colchester which I pay $975 per month for. It has a lake view and is nice despite its small size. I drive ~20 minutes to work.

If he wants ~10 minutes, it's going to be a lot more expensive. If he's willing to accept ~40 minutes, he can save probably $2-300 per month.

North of S. Burlington and east tend to be cheaper. Going south, things don't get as much cheaper as quickly.