[vermont08]

Our plan was to live in the Burlington area because we really loved it and it has everything we are looking for. However since it may be easier for my husband to get a job in Stowe would it be worth getting a job there so we can move to Vermont as planned in the spring and then just relocate to the Burlington area once he gets a job there?

My husband started to look at jobs in Stowe because they seem to be popping up all the time in his field (hotel managment) and he has had no real luck in the Burlington area yet. Maybe it is just this time of year but there does not seem to be many job opening in Burlington right now? At this point we both fear him not getting a job in time for us to move in March if he just keeps focusing on Burlington.

Also we do not know much about Stowe at all other then it is a ski resort area with a much smaller year round population then Burlington and has a much longer winter then Burlington also. Does Stowe have a warm spring and summer? I saw highs listed as 78 or so but for only 2 months of the year? Also we have two small girls how are schools in Stowe? We had heard too the Stowe not a very friendly area for non native Vermonters to work. Is this true? How is rental housing in Stowe, would it be fairly easy to find a rental home there?

[Sherylcatmom]

If it were me, I would visit Stowe and Burlington and see how you feel there. I wouldn't live in either town but that's not because anything is wrong with them -- they're just not my kind of living.

Here's why: For me, Burlington is has a (very nice) city core with (lovely) suburbs as you spread outward. But I prefer a small town with independence and cohesion; when one spreads outward from my ideal town, one is in the middle of nowhere, not in the suburbs. 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; for those amenities you must use the downtowns of Burlington, S. Burlington, Williston, etc. And I like to walk to everything. I mean everything.

Stowe is a town whose economy and offerings are very much based around a seasonal, weather-dependent tourist industry. The population changes quite a lot as the seasons change. I grew up in Miami Beach and I'm all set with living in seasonal, weather-based tourist destinations. If it's true that Stowe-area locals are not readily friendly to newcomers, I can understand why: People from elsewhere drop into their neighborhoods, buy products and services, expect to be treated like guests, and then leave. If you're husband is in the hotel industry, this won't be any shock to you. As an aside, Morrisville, just down the road from Stowe, has a great little animal shelter: www.ncal.com.

I am guessing that anyone could make themselves at home and create community for themselves in either Burlington or Stowe. But which place would be right for you?

[vter]

Stowe, as mentioned above, is a resort town. Tourism is the #1 industry and there are lots and lots of second homes. In fact, most folks who work in the tourism industry do not live in Stowe as they cannot afford it. Morrisville and Waterbury are both close by and are a little less expensive.

[luv80s]

I can't say much for Burlington because I dont go there too often. Its nice though and has alot to do. I agree with Sheryl, definetly visit both Stowe and Burlington. I can speak for Stowe though because I live very close by and go there all the time. Its a very nice little town and lots tourists especially in the summer time. Most of the restaurants are very expensive and not really worth it. I had $16 cheese enchilada platter that was so bland and gross. But again, its a tourist town so prices will be high. There is a rec path that runs through Stowe that is awesome! I love going there for walks with the family. Its beautiful and serene. I don't know much about the schools because mine are not in school yet but I heard they were pretty good. The people I have met there are very nice and friendly. If you need to go shopping there is a Shaws grocery store in Stowe. Also Morrisville is 10 miles away. There you have McDonalds, Peebles, Hannafords, Big Lots, Sears Hardware, Family Dollar, Blockbuster, etc. Hyde Park is close to Morrisville and the elementary school there has a great playground. Morrisville Elementary has a good playground too. Waterbury is close to Stowe and closer to I-89. Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory is there and the kids might enjoy it. There are LOTS of outdoor activities in Stowe and it seems very family oriented. Oh yeah, and pretty safe. Also, it gets pretty warm and humid in the summer but it doesn't last too long. I'm still trying to figure out how people live without air conditioning here???

Although you can find everything you need in Stowe, its still a little isolated and expensive. Driving to Williston to the box stores or out to Burlington can be a pain in the butt because its such a long drive and gas is expensive. But I hate driving so that is my complaint about living out that way. Again, visit them both. I think you will like Stowe .

PS: If you move to Stowe, beware the bicyclists in the spring and summer time. They are EVERYWHERE!!! Always having to swerve around them on the roads.

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by luv80s

Also, it gets pretty warm and humid in the summer but it doesn't last too long. I'm still trying to figure out how people live without air conditioning here???

LOL! I agree! Even in Vermont, I would never own a car or house without air conditioning. This is a native of Miami Beach talking after 20 years in Vermont. :-)

[luv80s]

Sherylcatmom, you are the first person to agree with me (besides my hubby) about a/c! LOL. We came here from Houston and were so surprised that all the rental houses we looked at had no air conditioning. The house we rented had no a/c of course so what did we do? We hauled our butts to Circuit City and bought two a/c window units. Yes, the evenings can be quite cool but its still nice to walk inside a cool house when you been out all day in the heat.

What makes me laugh is how everyone always says, "You'll get use to it (living without a/c)" or "It doesn't get that hot here". No, I wont get use to it and Yes, it gets that hot, LOL.

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by luv80s

No, I wont get use to it and Yes, it gets that hot, LOL.

LOL! And I felt that way even before the hot flashes started.

[quickdraw]

Ya know, Richmond is a very nice little town located between Stowe and Burlington. A little pricey, but one of my favorite towns in the area.

[vter]

I never had AC growing up here and don't need feel the need to have it now. There are only a few days out of the year where I really wished I had it. I guess it's all in what you are used to!

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by vter

I guess it's all in what you are used to!

Or all it what's naturally comfortable for you. :-) My mom says that I knew from age 2 that I would leave Florida. Never could stand the heat, especially with humidity. I am soooo much more comfortable in Vermont.

The a/c is, as you say, for those few days (okay, sometimes weeks) in summer when I would feel carsick in my house if it weren't artificially cooled. That's also why we're looking into geothermal heating/cooling for our next house.

The car is another story. It has to be below 50 outside before I can stand to ride in a car without a/c. Guess I should have been born in Alaska. :-)