[pyewakett79]

My fiance is up for a job in southern Vt, Orvis. So we are looking at relocating to that area (Manchester). Any advice, suggestions, information on anything would be helpful. I am a graphic designer and am worried the only job i will be able to get is waiting tables! Not opposed to that but would like to work in my field. I am also worried about housing, not only the cost but the availability of. I have been doing a lot of research but until these boards most everything has been geared to tourists.

Any insight that anyone can give me would be helpful.

[vter]

Manchester is a town that is heavily dependent on the tourist trade. If the job comes through, you may want to consider looking for housing in Bennington or Rutland (if your fiance doesnt mind a commute). These two towns are more "real" towns vs. a tourist town.
I can't imagine that there is a strong demand for graphic designers, but check out the local papers as well as craigslist. Bennington Banner - Home and Rutland Herald: Rutland Vermont News & Information.

[pyewakett79]

That is what i was afraid of. I was thinking of Arlington or Sunderland instead of Manchester. He doesn't want a commute. We have been to Brattleboro a several times and i have family in Burlington and across the border into NY. Thanks for the information i will look into the sites you provided. I am skilled not only as a Graphic Designer but as a CAD specialist and web design as well as office and IT so i am versatile but I prefer art... Everything i have read about Manchester though it sounds nice, it does not sound like a town you call home. I have read some pretty good things about Arlington. I like to be close to things but far enough away if that makes any sense. I don't mind a 20-30 minute drive but 45 + gets old quick. My fiance likes to be away from it all so we thought VT would be a good idea when Orvis contacted him. I love the state i think it is beautiful and clean and i have not met anyone from VT that i didn't get along with. Plus the thought of being within a day from NYC, Boston, and Montreal as well as Portland ME is a huge plus.

[MRVphotog]

Every newspaper, Vermont is no exception, have graphic artists on staff in their advertising departments. There is work in that field in the Burlington area as well as the other major towns.

I would assume the several professional organizations for graphic artists/designers would be able to provide info, ie members in Vermont. You are a member of some of those, right? If not, join now...

If you choose a small tourist town, Manchester...the town built by retail outlet stores, it will be harder. Manchester used to be a really cool place, the Northshire Bookstore is still there and totally awesome place to check out.

Good luck

[pyewakett79]

Thanks MRV i never thought about newpapers. I was thinking about real estaet agencies as well, at least desktop publishing. I am a member of certain groups/organizations but like you said i get sent to Burlington. I would love Burlington, it actually sounds like my kind of town, unfortunately the BF is getting a job at Orvis located in Manchester (Sunderland) and the commute to Burlington would be not doable. I have been looking at jobs in Albany NY, its not too far and i think we could live in between. I need to stay in the same salary range so that is a restriction. I would LOVE to live and work in VT. We are coming out for early October to scout houses and locations so we can do a relocation with the company as soon as possible.

What would be a good in between place between Sunderland VT and the Albany NY or Lake George area ( i have found a few positions in that locale that would fit my needs)? And does anyone know the tax implication for working out of state or in Albany city limits?

[vter]

I know folks who live in Bennington that commute to the Albany area for work. I personally wouldnt do it as the road over there is a 2 lane windy road and it takes about an hour one-way.
Rutland to Lake George/Glens Falls may not be too bad....probably about an hour (maybe a little less) one-way as well.

[pyewakett79]

Neither sound wonderful but i guess if i had to i could do it. the fiance wants to live and work in VT. I would too. But driving that far in the snow and ice not always the best bet. I used to do in the Pocanos but i think you guys get a bit more winter!

I appreciate all the tips.

[MRVphotog]

If the roads are clear Lake George/Glens Falls to Rutland 30/45min. Doesn't Orvis use graphic folks? It's a national brand.

[pyewakett79]

They seem to outsource for the graphics, photogs, etc.. and i am a web designer and they use developers, major difference is code. I am looking in to them as an option but with no luck yet.

[pyewakett79]

Well we are pressing forward and will be in the area the weekend of Oct. 12th to house hunt and check out if this is right for us. I am going to try and line up some interviews for the Albany/ Lake George area for the same time span. we will only do this if we can live up there comfortably, meaning we are in the same income bracket. The cost of living seems slightly higher than where we are but the prospect of going back up north to a more relaxed atmosphere is promising. We want a place to "settle" down plus we have family all around the northeast.

What towns are between Sunderland (Manchester) and Rutland? Rutland does not seem (on paper anyway) like a town that we want to live. I am looking for something in between that is close enough to things but not necessarily on top of everything. I may also be interested in areas between Bennington and Sunderland and maybe even Bennington. My fiance seems to think that we would have to live in VT for tax reasons etc... is there a big difference between VT and NY as far as that goes, and is there a big change in attitude between the 2? I have lived in NY, grew up there in both rural and city so i am very familiar with that but i have only vacationed in VT and i know you get a different sense of a place from only vacationing.