Plattsburgh vs. Burlington - Commuting question (Champlain, Florida: living in, price, license)

[Shmeds]

I have a job offer in Plattsburgh, and am curious about the logistics of working in Plattsburgh while living in Burlington.

While I think Plattsburgh is a nice town, I'm in my early 30's, not planning on having children, and would be interested in a town that has a bit more happening both socially and culturally. Burlington seems to fit that quite well. Plus, my spouse would have much better job opportunities there.

Having read other threads on this topic, I see that I have a few options. I can use the ferry (possibly keeping a car on the other side so that I can pay the cheaper walk-on fee), or drive around the lake on the northern side. It seems like I would not be alone in making this commute.

Either way though, it looks like the commute could take a decent amount of time, and I'm worried about how feasible it would be during the winter months. I know the area doesn't get a ridiculous amount of snow, and I'm definitely used to winter driving, but what's the ferry like during bad weather? Does the northern route around the lake often close during winter? I'm concerned I'd be setting myself up for missing work a bunch due to problems crossing the lake.

Would it make more sense to live in Plattsburgh and just head over to Burlington to socialize?

Thank you in advance for your thoughts!

[ckhthankgod]

I think another thing to consider is that Plattsburgh is closer to Montreal than Burlington and you may even like a few offerings in Plattsburgh. This way, you can do both Montreal and Burlington within a reasonable drive/trip, have a short commute and may like some of what it offers. If you want to go to Canada often, get an enhanced driver's license if you do not have a passport.

This probably the ferry you would take if you want to live in Burlington and take the ferry: Grand Isle, VT - Plattsburgh, NY Ferry | Northern Crossing | 24/7 Service | Lake Champlain Ferries

[nomoresnow]

Ah, Shmeds...you're headed into a beautiful area, no matter which side you choose.

Having said that...no matter which way you drive, that commute can be nasty in the winter. Seriously, I was on the ferry one time and they had to "nudge" it with another ferry to unfreeze it from the dock. And, depending on which route you travel, you're looking at a commute of about 60-70 minutes, and that's in good weather. I do know that a lot of folks do either, and someone I knew bought an older, cheap car that they'd leave in Burlington and pay the walk-on price as you mentioned.

As far as snow, it gets more than its fair share, but that's my opinion and it's why I live in SW Florida now.

Ckh is right about Montreal being close, but I think the distance may be about the same from P'burgh to Mtrl as it is to Brlngtn. It's definitely a wonderful area.

Either way, best of luck. It's a great area.

[Matt Marcinkiewicz]

Originally Posted by nomoresnow

Ckh is right about Montreal being close, but I think the distance may be about the same from P'burgh to Mtrl as it is to Brlngtn. It's definitely a wonderful area.

Google has it being less of a drive from Plattsburgh to MTL than from Plattsburgh to Burlington/Brlngtn (WTF, heh). Never would've guessed that.

[nomoresnow]

It may be, mile wise, but if I remember correctly, it takes about the same amount of time, depending on how long the lines are crossing the border. Sometimes those lines last forever.