[cindra]

Born and raised in Chester Co, PA, dumped in NC 6 years ago, I need to get out. The south is not at all what everyone lead me to believe. We moved here for family and work, not warmer weather. We actually put off the move for three years because we visited here in July and couldn't breathe outside, let alone stand out here for more than a minute. And who wants to swim in bathwater.

Yet I LOVE the long growing seaon. I am an avid gardener and can work outside 8 out of 12 months; and I've become used to working in red clay.

June, July and August I stay inside. Unfortunately, so do my 3 kids. Summer vacation spent inside? What is the point? I'm willing to trade some good gardening weather so my kids can spend their summers as I did, exploring nature.

I am looking for the Vermont mindset, a progressive, live and let live, respect your neighbors (the few you have) kind of town, interested more on preservation than new shopping centers. Sprawl Free or as close as I can get is for me, with great schools, access to healthcare and of course jobs. I am a nationally certified, NC licnesed massage therapist/aspiring writer and my husband is a fine carpenter who does framing and finish work (his preferrence) and can build just about anything. You should see my chicken coop.

We are looking for a country place to spread out, so that we can do some homesteading. We enjoy the arts and good food, but only occasionally since we are a large family and live on a tight budget. I don't mind driving for entertainment, but a great library close by would be great.

Given my description, I welcome all thoughts, comments and recommendations for towns/areas.

I am also interested in a few reports on annual heating expenses for houses in the 1600 - 1800 sq ft range. I'm interested in the type of system used, what months it is in use and the annual cost to maintain the system and fuel costs. Also, opinions on different heating options are welcome as well.

I know this is alot to ask for, bits and pieces are welcome. And thanks for responding! Cindra

[vter]

You probably want to stay out of the Burlington area as the area is growing - new housing, shopping etc.
Check out towns along the Connecticut River, specifically the White River Junction area. Development of the type that you are looking to avoid is happening on the NH side of the river due to less restrictive development laws.
I think you'll find that most people, especially those orginally from here, support development, as long as its done in a respectful manor-thats the live and let live attitude. A land owner has rights to do what they wish with their land as long as it complies with all applicable zoning laws.
Anywho...back to towns. Check out Thetford, Fairlee, Royalton, Hartland. Woodstock is nice but REALLY touristy.

[cindra]

Thanks Vter! I'm really not against slow growth, just the type of development that explodes without consideration for existing infrastucture. I am more comfortable with a community that takes environmental impact into account and that has a sensible planning board, not a town that just starts rubber stamping every plan submitted (that is what happened here).

[vter]

Then you'll like the State's land use laws. Google ACT 250 and read up!

[GrnMtnFire]

Try central Vermont...Waterbury/Middlesex area. 20-25 miles to Burlington. 10-15 to Montpelier.

[cindra]

Originally Posted by vter

Then you'll like the State's land use laws. Google ACT 250 and read up!

Thanks, I suppose that might have helped lead to why Forbes rated Vermont as the Greenest State. Great to know!

[flu189]

Heating costs vary considerably depending on construction, location, and system type. I use only oil to heat a 2550 sq ft six year old house with a forced air system and average between 775 to 850 gallons per year. Electric power demand is between 600 to 725 kwh p/mo with hot water and the well pump accounting for a third or more of the power use. Heating oil is now running $3.55 p/gal and electric power costs .17.6 cents per kwh. Gasoline runs anywhere from $3.12 to $3.50 depending on location. I think it would be a safe assumption to add 15 to 25% to these figures to account for probable increases over the next two to three years as that is what happened over the last three.

[cindra]

Wow! $3.12 for gas? We probably haven't seen that in 9 months. One gas station here crossed the $4 mark last week.

[vermont08]

Originally Posted by cindra

Wow! $3.12 for gas? We probably haven't seen that in 9 months. One gas station here crossed the $4 mark last week.

Here too. (near Baltimore, MD) We have been paying between $3.95 - $4.01 for months now.

[tkln]

Is that for regular or super???