[vermont08]

We have been to Burlington/South Burlington. We had gone up in June and really loved it. Esp. the South Burlington area and also some of what people call the New North End. We have however never been to Stowe. But from what was said here I think we would not be able to live in Stowe we would need to live outside of it. After living right next to Disney World in FL for mgr level work at a Disney Resort I have to say living in a high level Resort/Tourist area is hard. As most everything gets priced out the window because tourist are willing to pay for it. Even things like gas and food. So maybe we should look at the Richmond since someone said that is sort of in the middle where we could be close to Burlington yet not as far from Stowe if he does end up taking a job there. We are still hoping he will be able to get something in the Burlington area before March. We just have to wait and see I guess.

[quickdraw]

If there was ever an air conditioner guy it was me. I hate heat and humidity.
Hate it with a passion. That being said, I don't have central air because I can't afford it. I'd say there are 7 to 10 days a summer when I wish I had it. Luckily, the vast majority of Vermont summer nights are cool. I can survive at night under our ceiling fan.

When I lived in Chicago, there was no way I'd even consider not having an air conditioner.

[quickdraw]

Originally Posted by vermont08

As most everything gets priced out the window because tourist are willing to pay for it.

If you see something that says Made in Vermont, it's priced for New York doctors and lawyers.

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by quickdraw

If you see something that says Made in Vermont, it's priced for New York doctors and lawyers.

You know, I hadn't thought about that but there is some truth to it. Now that I'm involved with local food and Local First Vermont (www.localfirstvermont.org), I see local products and services in an entirely new way. I am guessing that NY doctors and lawyers might not care so much about the local organic soy milk (www.vermontsoy.com) or the "Made in Vermont" organic grains I buy in bulk at the co-op. ;-)

[woodguide]

As a Vermonter with children that have been educated here, I can say that most schools in the state are very good. Most classes are small. I personally know a teacher in the Stowe school system, and I can tell you that the schools there are excellent and well supported by the community. Schools in the Burlington general area are also very good, particularly Shelburne, South Burlington, Williston, & Essex Junction. Jericho, Richmond, and Morrisville also have a good school system. Real estate in Stowe, being a resort town, is pricey. Morrisville real estate is somewhat less expensive than Stowe. This town has services including a small hospital. You might also look at real estate in Richmond, a community between Burlington and Stowe that is not a bad commute to either Burlington or Stowe (approximately 25 minutes either way.) However, closest large grocery stores are in Williston, the next town.

[tkln]

My family has been going to Stowe for over 30 years, from back when it was a 'ski town' and not a 'ski-resort' town (yeah, there is a difference!). In fact, we just came back today from a great weekend up there - no tourists (yet) and great snow! As much as it's become a resort town, I think there is still a very strong local community as well - the schools, from what I hear, are excellent and there is a strong arts community...yes, most of the jobs in the area are geared for the tourist, and it is very expensive to live in town. While the real estate is expensive, what will really get you are the taxes - since the value of the real estate is so high in the town, that translates into higher taxes all around. Also, it does pay to research the restaurants and services - we know where not to eat, though there are some higher end restaurants that, for me, are well worth the price. They also take conservation and preserving the small town feel very seriously...

We had thought about Morrisville as one option for us to live in, but I've heard the schools aren't that good (this is all heresay though). I am partial to Waterbury, as it is close to a few skiing areas, very near I-89, and still has a nice small town feel to it. It might be your best bet if your husband is employed in Stowe, as you will be close enough for him to commute, yet not too far from Burlington as well.

[chaz longue]

I live in Burlington, learned to ski in Stowe (45 years ago ) and drive through Waterbury frequently - on the way to Stowe or Sugarbush...and my best friend lives in Richmond ( I love Richmond...) Things look like a Currier and Ives print in each of these towns right about now.

Stowe's charming, and does a nice job, I think, of being a "real town" and a resort. There's a fair amount to do there even if you don't ski/snowboard etc,...

Waterbury is interesting - not like any town I've ever spent time in. I worked there once upon a time...Stowe, Burlington and Warren/Waitsfield are each 30 minutes (or a bit less) from Waterbury...

"Inventory" is fairly high right now:
I just took a look, and (in just those 4 towns) there are presently 21 homes (not talking about condos for now) on the market for under $225,000 - a few of them are even worth a look

David Beckett

[Mustard]

My wife and I investigated Stowe to live about a year ago and came to the conclusion that the best spot in that area is actually Waterbury. You are right near the highway so it is easier to travel out of town. You save a half hour of driving to get to Burlington for culture or the airport, the schools in Waterbury are high quality, there are more year-round jobs there than Stowe, the real estate is half the price, and you are then also an equal distance to Sugarbush.

[quickdraw]

Originally Posted by Sherylcatmom

My husband and I were just discussing that we think some of the country areas south of S. Burlington are attractive, but they have no downtown to them;

This was one of my first unpleasant surprises when looking for a place to live near Burlington. I really wanted to live in a town with a nice downtown.
There are several in the central and southern part of the state, but very few in the northwestern part of the state. I think Bristol has a great downtown.
Richmond's is tiny, but very nice. I guess Jericho center, from what I remember of it. Other than that, nothing that great.