Utilities in Vermont (Burlington, South Burlington, Williston: condos, college, oil)

[vter]

Re: Health Care - my employer pays the majority of my health insurance, so I can't give you an accurate picture of what health care costs are.
Auto Insurance: I have a 2001 honda and pay about $1000/year. My insurance co is Vermont Mutual.
The Burlington Parks & Rec Dept has a good website as does South Burlington for park info.
Skiing check out www.skivermont.com
The Vermont State Park System is great as well.

[chaz longue]

Thanks vter - I tried to rate your post positively, but got the old "you must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Vter again" message.

Here's a home I'm researching this morning for a client:
It's a 3 bedroom 1000 sq foot home, built in 1970. It's in good condition, but let's presume (because of it's age) that it's not the most energy efficient home on the block. According to the seller, he pays $820 per year for electricity. But he has an electric hot water heater, which a lot of people would have switched to Natural Gas for reasons of cost/efficiency. The seller says he paid $1200 in 2005 for Natural Gas for heat.
Just fyi, the 2005 taxes are $2,164.65 according to the MLS data sheet. It sits on a fenced 3/4 acre.

...just one particular example on my desk today...

[chaz longue]

There are two places within walking distance (I live in Downtown Burlington)which rent Kayaks, and at least one more a short bike ride away that rents every concievable small boat, and will store yours for you. I don't believe they have a website. I'll take you there if you like. You'll think you've stepped into a movie set in the late 5o's/early 60's. It's gorgeous and inexpensive. If you get in the car, there are a dozen nearby state parks, (Sand Bar State Park in The Champlain Islands is but one example - it's ahalf hour drive)

Skiing. What to say about skiing...
I recently stopped ski instructing after 18 years. I love to ski and love to show beginners how to ski. I just love to teach skiing, at all levels. But I can no longer make the time commitment to show up regularly on weekends and holidays. So I just go now whenever I can spare a day or have a friend who wants to go.
There are 2 major international destination ski resorts an hour from Burlington: Stowe and Sugarbush. There are 2 more roughly 40-50 minutes away: Smugglers Notch and Bolton Valley. Then there are a couple of resorts that are simply uncategorizable - One of these is Mad River Glen, in The Mad River Valley, right down the road from Sugarbush. The other is Cochrans, which runs all sorts of community, childrens and Jr ski racing programs. They are really more a community ski hill - a lot like the dozens of areas which used to be common in VT and have simply vanished. They have a policy that if a local kid wants to ski, they'll make it happen, regardless of finances. I admire the heck out of them, and go to thier huge ski sale every Autumn.
Then there's Jay Peak. That a bit more of a drive - but worth every minute, because it's unlike any other ski area on the east coast.

Skiing is expensive. Many of us locals pick and choose a day here and a day there based on various discounts available to the dedicated bargain hunter. Many of us buy an inexpensive season pass right about this time of year when they are discounted. Heck - when it's a gorgeous Spring day and it's 25f in the morning and 50f at lunch time...we might even cough up the big bucks and pay retail and just go because it's like no other experience on earth.

...where was I...

Public parks? Burlington is lousy with them. Look at the Parks And Recreation site the city of Burlington maintains. There must be a dozen or more within walking distance of most homes in downtown Burlington. You just have to figure out what sort of park you want - water, playgrounds, nature walks/interpretive center, dog-park, walking trails etc etc etc. There are also parks in the surrounding towns of course. Most rural towns in the area have a couple.

The situation is the same with places to swim. You have to decide if you want beach, waterfalls, parkland, State Park or the places the locals will show you if you get lucky. Burlington alone has a long shoreline with a good number of public parks. You just explore until you find one you like.

I'll give you the nickel tour when you get her if you like...

[vter]

Just thought of another cost that you most likely will incur if you purchase a home is trash removal. We use Casella and is $30/month. If you rent, it'll most likely be taken care of by the landlord.
Chaz-thanks for trying to give me positive feedback on the reputation thing. I'm not sure how it works, so I havent given it a try.

[Kmommy]

Vter-Wow! that's great news for me on the auto insurance. My bf and I are both safe drivers and our auto insurance for just one of our cars is almost double yours!

Chaz- Thank you for giving me so much information! You've been a big help to me in my search for info. I couldn't call about the child care this weekend because I was super busy. Should I call next weekend? When would be the best day and time to call? I know skiing is expensive, but it's something I'm willing to save for. I grew up skiing at Stowe, and I haven't been for at least 10 years, I can't wait to get back into it!

[vter]

The best thing about MA vs. VT auto insurance is that you can actually shop around here for the lowest rates, unlike MA. Start calling or emailing local insurance agents to get some quotes.

[chaz longue]

Originally Posted by Kmommy

Vter-Wow! that's great news for me on the auto insurance. My bf and I are both safe drivers and our auto insurance for just one of our cars is almost double yours!

Chaz- Thank you for giving me so much information! You've been a big help to me in my search for info. I couldn't call about the child care this weekend because I was super busy. Should I call next weekend? When would be the best day and time to call? I know skiing is expensive, but it's something I'm willing to save for. I grew up skiing at Stowe, and I haven't been for at least 10 years, I can't wait to get back into it!

Yes - Call any time next weekend and she'll help answer your questions about child-care etc etc etc.

Heck - I've barely been to Stowe recently myself. But when I went last I thought it was as pretty as ever.

[chaz longue]

I don't think I can post his name and phone number here - but I have an auto insurance guy who I think walks on water. PM me if you like and I'll put you in touch.

Cheers,
Chaz

[tkln]

We own a condo in Stowe, and I feel like the electric is SO much cheaper than the oil heat there...I don't know if the condo board has some sort of deal with the electric company, but it has always been under $25/month for electric, and in the winter, our heating bill hovers around $200/month (for a one bedroom).

We are also contemplating moving to VT (we are in NYC now) but the thing that scares us the most is the property taxes, which just seem to get worse and worse every year.

[chaz longue]

Wow -

That's fascinating Tkin.

If you don't mind my asking...

What electric company do you use?
Do you use Off Peak Sorage Units?
When was your condo neighborhood constructed?
Is it fairly "tight? and well insulated?

Thanks very much!

cHaz