[arel]

I am new to the forum - this is my first post.

I am seriously considering a move to Brattleboro. I currently live in Brooklyn, NY, and grew up there. I have lived in Rhode Island and, briefly, White River Junction. I have always wanted to live in New England.

For several reasons I am seriously considering a move to Brattleboro. I am attracted to the cosmopolitan population, the sense of community, the arts, the outdoors activities and the presence of the Retreat (I am a clinical social worker.). Can people tell me what they think of Brattleboro, i.e., the climate, the people, the politics, crime, the job/business climate, salaries, cost of living and the surrounding area, including Keene, NH? Almost everyone I have spoken to says they love living in the area. A friend who lives there says there are always things to do.

Also, what about floods?

Thanks

[Mark S.]

I remember that Brattleboro made the news a month or so ago when some local teens were walking down the streets buck naked in protest over something or other.

[vter]

Brattleboro has a very funky, artsy, liberal vibe. There is a great food co-op in town. Other than that, can't help you much. Hopefully someone more familiar with Bratt will post some further info.

[arel]

Thanks. I'm also learning a lot from another thread, which compares Brattleboro to a couple of other towns.

I think it's a good place for me. I absolutely love the higher mountains a little further north, in White River Junction and in Lebanon, NH, but when I was there, approximately 20 years ago, the steep grades caused an oil leak in my car to flood the clutch plate. And I was intimidated by the potential dangerousness of some of those very steep gradients. I wondered what it would be like to skid on one in the winter.

By the way, I did see the article about the naked students. Brattleboro is known for its permissiveness and tolerance and I could see evidence of it when I visited.

Thanks. I hope I get more replies to my post.

[ontheroad]

While I've never lived in Brattleboro, I've visited it many times (as I lived down the road in Western MA) and had family living in town.

I did find it a most pleasant town--reasonably good shopping, parking, a great food co-operative and pleasant, generally friendly people.

I did not see how folks would make a living in or very close to town in white-collar jobs but rather shop owning, and/or self employment in trades as the bulk of employment.

If Brattleboro's economy was or still is similar to Western MA, I'd predict it's best to have a nest-egg coming into the move to avoid financial disappointment.

All in all I'd say I would personally put Brattleboro high on my list of "possible" best places to live.

[bjewell]

How about reasonable close towns or villages near Brattleboro? I live in Tokyo, have a house in Sacramento, and need a summer place. I was born in Connecticut, going back to new England has long been my dream.

I now have friends here who have a home in Brattleboro as well. I would prefer to live outside of any community or city, as I have enough people in my life here -- @27-million and counting... -L-