[yournamehere]

After months of contemplating i've made up my mind to relocate to burlington from Phoenix,Arizona. As a Mexican American am i going to really stand out in a state that has a hispanic population of 1%? Am i going to be "the mexican guy" in town? Also, has the meth epidemic really reached Vermont/New England? I really hope not, as one of the things that really makes me sick here is when you walk around here you see people everyday with what we call a "meth face". I was even chased down the street when night by a violent "tweaker".

[Sherylcatmom]

Sorry, meth is everywhere. I doubt very much there are everyday encounters, or the level you see in "real" cities. But sadly, there's no totally escaping drug culture.

Burlington is about as culturally diverse as Vermont gets. You surely won't be the only darker-skilled person people see. Still, Vermont is mighty white. I hope someone here will speak about their experience of being visibly darker/Hispanic in Burlington, whether people stare or worse.

Originally Posted by yournamehere

After months of contemplating i've made up my mind to relocate to burlington from Phoenix,Arizona. As a Mexican American am i going to really stand out in a state that has a hispanic population of 1%? Am i going to be "the mexican guy" in town? Also, has the meth epidemic really reached Vermont/New England? I really hope not, as one of the things that really makes me sick here is when you walk around here you see people everyday with what we call a "meth face". I was even chased down the street when night by a violent "tweaker".

[joe moving]

i haven't seen a tweaker since i lived in phoenix

i would think weather will be your biggest shock!

[KickAssArmyChick]

Vermont is beautiful but too laid-back for me. I used to live in Burlington and though it was too "hippiesh".

The weather is also the complete opposite of Arizona. (I was stationed in Southern AZ 4 years ago)

Who knows, you might like it.

[MassVt]

You wouldn't be that unusual in Burlington, but you would be in the rest of VT, which is largely rural..

There is a little bit of a drug culture in downtown Burlington, but I wouldn't be overly concerned about it..

I think that your biggest worries should be employment and affordable housing. The students will be moving back soon ( University of Vermont, St. Michael's College), and the rents are sure to explode; this may complicate the job situation, too, so be prepared..

Lastly, the weather. Heavy snow, with any number of January night below zero, or at least in single digits. Not exactly Arizona.

[ckhthankgod]

Not to hijack this thread, but Ithaca NY is similar and is more diverse. It is probably more affordable too.

Also, it is in a state where your concern in terms of sticking out would be lessened. Actually, there are small towns outside of Ithaca with noticeable amounts of people of color.

Plattsburgh across Lake Champlain might work too.

Could places like South Burlington, Winooski and Essex be good alternatives?

[eddieniknak]

It's extremely RURAL! Meaning...no 24-hour shops, Walmart closes at 10pm, no Safeway, Fred Meyers, etc. Food is 150% more expensive than Oregon (where I'm from) and there are NO APARTMENTS aside from what you find in Burlington. Expect to live in a duplex with your landlord...lol

I just need to tough it out for the next year or two...

[arel]

Brattleboro, in the southeastern part of the state, is somewhat diverse. We have SIT here (School for International Training) and NECCA (New England Center for Circus arts). Both attract people from all over the world.

A Mexican arialist once helped me helped me in a local store. He was studying at NECCA.

There are lots of international students here. I have also seen more and more people of color.

Unfortunately, as in most other places, there is a drug problem in Brattleboro. And there is an increasing concern about safety, especially after a recent drug-related murder in Dummerston, an adjacent town.

That said, Vermont is one of the safest states in the country. When there is a murder, it is a Big Deal. I was told this when I was considering moving here, and I have found it to be true.

But, as others have pointed out, a huge issue is the weather. Winters are cold and full of snow, and that will require adjustment. You will have to get used to heavy, layered clothing, boots, winter driving and expensive heating fuel. Adjusting to winter here involves safety as well as comfort.

Another huge issue is financial. Vermont is known for its high cost of living and low wages.

But it is telling that lots of people choose to move here from other places. And to stay here. It's not uncommon to hear that someone came to Brattleboro to study, fell in love with the area and stayed.

As with any move to a new area, check the place out first. But, if possible, come in winter, when you can experience first hand what it feels like.

Good luck.

[aquabluesrq]

LOL at anywhere in Vermont being "diverse". When I think of diverse, I think of where I live-

South Florida. I have been to Bennington, Burlington (UVM), Essex Junction, Rutland etc... and the only diversity you will see is the different flavors in the Ben&Jerry's Ice Cream Shops.

Oh and the occasional tourist at Stowe. GL

[Sherylcatmom]

It's a relative term, of course. I'm a South Florida native, and grew up immersed in what you're referring to. In some Vermont towns, one hears other languages spoken, sees people of different ethnic backgrounds, and observes cultural behaviors from other locales. I see these folks. Are they invisible to you?

It will never compare to South Florida. Still, some Vermont towns have a modicum of diversity beyond ice cream flavors and corn varieties.

Originally Posted by aquabluesrq

LOL at anywhere in Vermont being "diverse". When I think of diverse, I think of where I live-

South Florida. I have been to Bennington, Burlington (UVM), Essex Junction, Rutland etc... and the only diversity you will see is the different flavors in the Ben&Jerry's Ice Cream Shops.

Oh and the occasional tourist at Stowe. GL