[kiram]

I'm seriously considering moving from NYC to Burlington. I've been applying to jobs and researching real estate. I'm so sick of NYC. There's too many mean and rude people, not nearly enough nature, and just too much noise. I grew up in the Catskill Mountains in NY and miss that atmosphere. But, I don't miss the isolation, ignorance, and lack of culture, which is why I'm thinking Burlington would be perfect. Art, Nature, Starbucks, and maybe some Saturday night pool halls, heh, what could be better, no? It's my first time relocating like this and I'm pretty nervous.

Are my idealistic thoughts of Burlington true?

[68vette]

If you haven't been to Burlington I would suggest coming up for a week or two so that you can get a good feel of what it's like. Only you know what you will like. Some are happy with what Burlington has to offer culturally, artistically and socially, but some look to bigger cities or towns. To keep it simple, Burlington has a nice mix. It's a collage town with a good sized student population during the school year. In the summer it's a little more quiet, but there are more tourists at that time. Winters are a bit cold and long, but summers are real nice (probably not that different than the Catskills though I could be wrong). My feeling is that you would really like it here, but come see for yourself.

[Dockside]

Hi Kiram,

We've been considering the same move. Check out Arel in Adjusting to Small Town Life after Leaving Big City , that's an interesting discussion.

Some things to be aware of; look at property values, they will be higher than you think, and check out property taxes...ouch!

Burlington is charming in the summer, then the college students come back. Make sure you check out Burlington when the students are matriculating, it's a different atmosphere.

Good luck.

[Mustard]

Only thing I can say is JetBlue from JFK to Burlington is wonderful. Makes Burlington closer to NYC than most of New England.

[arel]

I wish they could have a branch of Burlington Airport in Brattleboro. Charge about $20 for the flight to NYC, which is about what it costs to drive. The trip would be about 30 minutes instead of 4-5 hours.

The JetBlue flights are a great plus for Burlington if you are a New Yorker.

[cosmonewman]

Originally Posted by arel

I wish they could have a branch of Burlington Airport in Brattleboro. Charge about $20 for the flight to NYC, which is about what it costs to drive. The trip would be about 30 minutes instead of 4-5 hours.

The JetBlue flights are a great plus for Burlington if you are a New Yorker.

Fly out of Hartford. It is one hour's drive to Brattleboro.

[goatwoodward]

I think you'll like Burlington, but you should check out some of the locally owned coffee shops over Starbucks. Viva Espresso in the Old North End, Muddy Waters on Main St, Speeder & Earl's (several locations), & Uncommon Grounds on Church St. are all good choices.

[JimmyLane]

i fled NJ to Burlington with the same romantic visions dancing in my head. Burlington was a bit of a disappointment. don't get me wrong, it has it's share of culture. i lived in Essex and Burlington's Old North End, which is dumpy, some crime and young punks walking the streets. stay out of there if you can. don't write off Montpelier, which has a wonderful main street lined with cafes, restaurants, and bars. their public library is terrific too.

[arel]

Montpelier is tiny, though. About 7500 people, I read. I haven't been there yet, but I'm looking forward to visiting.

Why don't you consider Brattleboro? Small town, lots of urban amenities and lots of things to do. And you can choose to live in the country, downtown where it is very urban-like, or anywhere in between.

And it is just as liberal as Chittenden County.

I'm considering moving there, and I'm getting to know it better each time I visit.

I really don't know Burlington. I have only been there a few times, but briefly. I have never really explored it. It is a city, but I have heard it is more like a big town.

Some questions I have about Burlington? Does UVM dominate the town? Do the students overwhelm the town? Do they get roudy and cause problems? Or is UVM just there, without dominating Butlington's ambience?

[Dockside]

Hi Arel,

My wife and I have been going to VT for years. We love Burlington, but we are usually there in the summer. We visited one autumn and yes, the students really change the whole tempo of the town. Jump on Jet Blue and check out Burlington in real time, when the town is jumping with students. You might change your mind.

I love Burlington. I would move there, but...I may be young at heart, but my legs aren't.