[FleeingOhioASAP]

Originally Posted by vter

I agree with skytrekker that Bennington has a more "new york" feel vs. New England.

Probably a good thing, since New York, after all IS the one with the gorgeous Adirondacks, rather than just the view of them
Upper New York State is a beautiful place, so "New York" isn't considered a derogatory term to me...

[tkln]

Perhaps the views are great, but a lot of everything else associated with NY shouldn't really be considered a compliment.

And I speak as a NYer.

[FleeingOhioASAP]

Originally Posted by tkln

Perhaps the views are great, but a lot of everything else associated with NY shouldn't really be considered a compliment.

You misread... VERMONT has the view of the numerous, very high, Upper NYS peaks. Having grown up there, I get a kick out of certain Vermonters on here who keep calling people from everywhere else "flatlanders."

...Especially when you consider that the highest "peak" in Vermont is a mere 4,393 ft above sea level (Mt. Mansfield) and the much lower numbers of such hills compared to the mountains of the Upper NYS area.

At least VT still has the view... you have to forgive them though...seems a form of "short man's complex" at work

[cosmonewman]

Get used to “flatlander.” It is Vermontese for a non-native.

[Ellwood]

Our daughter has lived there for 10 years. It is a very pretty little town about 12 miles north of Bennington.

[Sadie73]

Check out Grafton - bit pricey but worth it. Small pretty historical town.
Sense of community here. You'll feel like you're living in the pages of Yankee Magazine...

[claudelle]

My daughter just graduated from a college located in Bennington. I have spent a great deal of time in the state during the past four years, and I have looked at a lot of real estate during this time as well.

I don't think you'll find what you're looking for in Bennington. As everyone else has said, it is a blue collar town. I can't quite imagine what employment you could find there with a degree in English. Shopping is quite limited and the cultural activities are centered around the two college campuses, but there are not good relations between the town and the campuses.

You might want to look into Williamstown, MA which is just 20 minutes south of Bennington. It is a much more upscale village. Williams College is larger and has more of a presence in the town. I guess realistically, shopping isn't a whole lot different from Bennington, with the exception of one street near the college that has some nice boutiques and galleries. There is a well-known summer theatre and the Clark Art institute is located there, too. There are some nice restaurants, better hotels and in general, it is just a more pleasant community.

Manchester is a weird combination. From an outsider's point-of-view, it doesn't seem like a real town to me! I know it is as some of the faculty live in Manchester and I have noticed that the "locals" seem to know each other and are friendly to one another. There are many city folk who have second homes in the area, and many who have retired to the area, but there are also younger families. The main industry in town is the busloads of tourists who come to shop all the outlet stores, and to see the leaves in the Fall. Some days you can barely drive down the main street.

That being said, my husband and I LOVE the area. I would think you might want to find a property outside one of the towns where you could have a few acres, or at least a large-sized lot and be in close driving distance to Bennington, Williamstown, Albany and Manchester. Also Rutland is only another 40 minutes up the road and it is a larger "city" with a few more shopping opportunities. (also more traffic jams and not as charming). Also Brattleboro is only 45 minutes from Bennington, if the route isn't clogged with "leafpeepers."

If you are looking for a bit more of a town, I would suggest looking at Montpelier. It is a managable size, has some amenities, is close enough to Burlington to take advantage of the university, the medical center, etc. and you would have a much better chance of finding employment there!!

You can find real estate at all price points in all these areas. You'll just need to go out for awhile, drive around, soak up the atmosphere and see what things are really important to you.

I really love this area and am very envious of you thinking about moving there. Good luck in your search.

[claudelle]

One more thing...Bennington still has parts that are still the epitome of the lovely, quaint old Vermont town...up near the Monument, the old church where Robert Frost is buried, the beautiful old homes along Monument Avenue. There is also plenty of old housing stock that is pretty run down and still in use! Those areas aren't quite as charming!!

[LACowboy]

Well, it's a few months since that last post by FleeingOhioASAP. I wonder if that very unhappy woman ever moved to Vermont? She seems like the type who will take her unhappiness with her.
I too am relocating to Vermont. I'm moving across the country from California. I fell in love with the Manchester/Dorset area and am looking forward to having four seasons.
During all my trips to visit and scout out property I was always treated with kindness and with open friendliness. I acknowledge it is not easy to be assimilated into any new social setting, but I am willing to pay my dues, be the uncomfortable outsider for a while, and extend my hand in friendship to any who are open.
The tax situation makes Vermont an expensive place to live, but the rewards appear to outweigh the cost.
I would welcome any tips on the Dorest area.
Thanks!

[MRVphotog]

I grew up in the Daks and yes, it's an incredibly beautiful area. It's unfortunate it's in NY. It was a great area until they built that dang Northway.