[Rehcia]

Hey all,
I too am contemplating a move to the Burlington area, if the job comes through (fingers crossed).
I've started my research and have found a lot positive things about the area....
OK, so what are negtives, there has to be some.

[Dragondog]

Cold winters, rather expensive housing, crime rate is not high, but could be better.

[Rehcia]

That's it? Sounds like pretty much anywhere.

[sevdie]

Hi Rehcia,

I sent you a PM. I am also considering relocating Burlington. A visit will be your best bet. I know that is easier said than done, but spending AT THE VERY LEAST a week in a town should give you a "feel" for the area. I also suggest going during the off season when the tourists are gone and everyone is out of "front mode", so you can see if that's a place can eventually feel at home. I hope you find your spot!

[grimstuff]

I'm seriously considering Burlington as well. About the crime stats - I don't really understand why people think its bad. Every statistic is down except for murders and thats only 3. Rapes are prety much a given at any college town and comparatively don't represent a threat to average citizens. Burglaries are consistently down, as are thefts. I think the crime index paint a rather positive picture of Burlington - its showing that the trend is continuing down.

The thing I am more concerned about it the long winters and the isolation. I love snow and love the four seasons, but that much cold is bound to bring its inconveiences. I was wondering how much a difference it is to live in the city near the water, as I've heard some say its noticably warmer. Also, how do people deal with the long winters? I mean what's their lifestyle like as compared to the summer? I lived in upstate NY near Newburgh, but the snow we got wasn't much - only about 18 inches at most and a couple days around 5-10 degrees. In the dead of winter, does it feel isolated? Or is Burlington big enough to stay relatively vibrant?

I've heard some say its expensive there for housing, but to be able to buy a house under 300k sounds pretty good to me. Not that I'm ready to buy one - my wife and I are still in college (both returning students in late twenties) but we would like to get a house eventually.

Anyway, I too, would like to hear more negatives, as most so far from different threads has been resoundingly positive. How far is it to Montreal? And is that the city where most go to do "city" things? (i.e. museums, concerts, festivals, etc.) If so, what's it like crossing the border after 9/11? Like If I took a trip up there would I be stuck in line at the border for an hour?

[Dragondog]

4 seasons are fine
Burlington winters are tough- met a guy recently who lived there for 11 years and move to central Mass. in Northampton and said there was a big difference.
Isolation can be an issue- especially if you have lots of snow and numbing cold, which can happen in Burlington, despite years of 'milder winters'.

The positives are for Burlington in the winter, a tight community with lots of pubs and brewhouses with big fireplaces, restuarants that are gathering places, and cafes and coffee houses with warmth and fireplaces that are escapes from the cold- where you can huddle and socialize.

[chaz longue]

Originally Posted by grimstuff

I'm seriously considering Burlington as well. About the crime stats - I don't really understand why people think its bad. Every statistic is down except for murders and thats only 3. Rapes are prety much a given at any college town and comparatively don't represent a threat to average citizens. Burglaries are consistently down, as are thefts. I think the crime index paint a rather positive picture of Burlington - its showing that the trend is continuing down.

The thing I am more concerned about it the long winters and the isolation. I love snow and love the four seasons, but that much cold is bound to bring its inconveiences. I was wondering how much a difference it is to live in the city near the water, as I've heard some say its noticably warmer. Also, how do people deal with the long winters? I mean what's their lifestyle like as compared to the summer? I lived in upstate NY near Newburgh, but the snow we got wasn't much - only about 18 inches at most and a couple days around 5-10 degrees. In the dead of winter, does it feel isolated? Or is Burlington big enough to stay relatively vibrant?

I've heard some say its expensive there for housing, but to be able to buy a house under 300k sounds pretty good to me. Not that I'm ready to buy one - my wife and I are still in college (both returning students in late twenties) but we would like to get a house eventually.

Anyway, I too, would like to hear more negatives, as most so far from different threads has been resoundingly positive. How far is it to Montreal? And is that the city where most go to do "city" things? (i.e. museums, concerts, festivals, etc.) If so, what's it like crossing the border after 9/11? Like If I took a trip up there would I be stuck in line at the border for an hour?

Terrific questions, grimstuff.

I don't feel at all isolated in the Burlington area. I think you hit it right on the nose - It's a pretty vibrant place and that keeps things interesting. If you're interested in the performing arts, the things you want to go see will often come here, because if you're a musician playing Boston, (for instance) Burlington presents an "opportunity booking". That's concert-promoter-speak for a convenient extra gig on your way somewhere else. Boston, Montreal and NYC are all close enough for this phenomenon to work. I could go see good live music etc. from all over the world every week here.

Montreal is still pretty easy even after 9/11. But they'll eventually require a passport. For now, I drive up the (very) scenic route - through The Champlain Islands and Rouses Point NY. I'm in Montreal in 1 & 3/4 hours. Less if there's no traffic at The Champlain Bridge in Montreal. I seldom go to Montreal on I 89 now.

Boston is 3.5 hours. I know a lot of people who go to and from a Red Sox game the same day, which I suppose isn't crazy if you have 2 or 3 drivers.

NYC is a very short flight on Jet Blue.

You mention housing. I'm a Realtor. Yes - housing isn't inexpensive, here or (for that matter) anywhere. And property taxes aren't cheap here. But you'd be amazed at what you can find - even right IN Burlington - for prices that don't seem too bad. Just a quick example: I found a home recently for a buyer-client, which used to be a 2 unit. It's now a single family home. It needs a thorough cosmetic makover. It's not in the sexy part of town. The buyer has always wanted to move to this particular street from her present street. She'll be able to walk to the lake, the movies, the Church Street marketplace, the Flynn Center for the performing arts, the library etc. I recommended the pickiest Professional Property Inspector I know. He said he though it was in "excellent structural condition". The contract price is 2/3 of the price you mentioned. She closes next week!

Admittedly, I'm a pollyanna. But I can't think of the drawbacks to living here in Burlington. Unless you simply can't abide Winter. But as I often joke - If there was one fewer month of Winter here - none of us would be able to afford it here.

;-)


cHaZ

[Mark S.]

Chaz,

Is housing any more affordable if you look outside of town?

I don't have to be in the "sexy part of town," but I do want to be in a safe, quiet part. Are there any particular areas to avoid? Are neighborhoods near the college known for raucous parties (or worse)?

[chaz longue]

Mark -

Yes - housing is - in general - less expensive ouside of the City of Burlington. But there are exceptions.

Safe and quiet is not difficult to find. I'm walking distance to the colleges and university, so there's some college student noise occasionally. But once you're a short walk away - it's typically quite quiet.

Yes - there are places I'd avoid. But the reasons are not simple. People's needs vary. I like to give people the nickel tour and offer observations, based on my experience. It depends upon what people are looking for.

...hope that helps.

Feel free to PM me if you like.

[vter]

I was born and raised here, and still live in our wonderful state. I love everything about it, even winter...EXCEPT for the lack of sun in the winter months. It's very gray..by March I'm ready to hop a plane south to see the sun! So...if you have SAD....you may want to invest in one of those special lamps if you move here!