[talon4life]

How much is utilities in the city? And how much and how reliable is the CCTA public transport? Also what does the average person make per hour in Burlington?

[chaz longue]

Utilities are middling expensive. CCTA is very reliable, and it's inexpensive, being subsidized by taxes 3 to 1. Wages are fairly low for average jobs - there are a lot of students here.

...hope that helps.

[seanpecor]

Burlington is a tough town to live in on blue collar wages. I haven't lived there for 10 years but I've got friends and family in the area. The challenge is finding a home you can be proud of on blue collar wages in town. With home prices being so high in town due to lack of supply, most average families must choose to live in sub-par housing in town or accept a 30-45 minute one way commute as a part of daily life (part of what might be fueling the population growth north of Burlington). Rent prices are elevated in town because of student demand, while at the same time wages for low skill jobs are depressed for the same reason.

OTOH, Burlington is a mighty fine city if you're middle to upper class or better. These are just my opinions.

Sean

[talon4life]

Well I currently live in Plattsburgh, so I was wondering if I would be better off in Burlington financially. I have a BA in English Lit., which is pretty much useless except in really large cities and my wife has a BA in Political Science, but she can't drive, so if we were in Burlington she could work too, but if we stay in Plattsburgh I would be the only one working, because public transport here is horrible. I have been working for about 10 dollars an hour making train seats and paying 700 for a 2 bedroom. I was wondering if I could get more money over there. I see rent for a 2 bedroom runs about 800 if you find a cheap place. In Plattsburgh electricity is about 45 a month, no idea what Burlington is, but the main point is my wife and I HATE Plattsburgh, there is no culture and noone with a brain. So even if the lifestyle would remain the same I would be willing to commute. Do you think we could have at least the same lifestyle in Burlington?

[chaz longue]

Originally Posted by talon4life

Well I currently live in Plattsburgh, so I was wondering if I would be better off in Burlington financially. I have a BA in English Lit., which is pretty much useless except in really large cities and my wife has a BA in Political Science, but she can't drive, so if we were in Burlington she could work too, but if we stay in Plattsburgh I would be the only one working, because public transport here is horrible. I have been working for about 10 dollars an hour making train seats and paying 700 for a 2 bedroom. I was wondering if I could get more money over there. I see rent for a 2 bedroom runs about 800 if you find a cheap place. In Plattsburgh electricity is about 45 a month, no idea what Burlington is, but the main point is my wife and I HATE Plattsburgh, there is no culture and noone with a brain. So even if the lifestyle would remain the same I would be willing to commute. Do you think we could have at least the same lifestyle in Burlington?

We pay about 100 a month for electricity, but we have 2 teenagers. (love the teenagers, but they do love thier long showers and they do leave gadgets and lights on - as I did at thier age)

Your 800/mo rental is unlikely to be very nice, I'm afraid. The rentals here are indeed in high demand and tend to be in poor shape - although this is improving slowly due to the fact that there are some new rentals units which have become available in the last few years...

But on ballance I'd say it's well worth looking into, for the reasons you stated. Burlington is a vibrant and liveable city. I struggled to live here and I'm really glad I did.

If you can find a few job interviews, I can put you in touch with 2 friends who, between them, manage or rent a large number of apartments for landlords. They could show you appts, and in a day or two you could both interview and see apts, and get a feel for the possibilities...

Best

David Beckett