[bobandliz]

Hi all. My wife and I think we found the area we like in VT. We like the Westmore/Barton area. Can anyone tell us what its like living there? How is the area for finding jobs. My wife is a Dental Assistant. I'm disabled. How are the schools in the area? What is crime like in this area? How much snow do you get in that area? What is the cost of heating oil/gas in the area? We spent a few weeks in Westmore in the summer a few times, but never in the winter. What are the gun laws? I have hand guns and long guns? Sorry for all the qustions. Any info will be great. Thank you . Bob

[nhyrnut]

Fine but stay clear of Island Pond area. The constaple is Known For being Abusive of his powers.

[square peg]

Hi Bob, I had an entire answer all typed out and the computer ate it. But lessee, you already know that Westmore / Lake Willoughby is a beautiful area and with the huge exception of this winter, January avg. temps can be in the single digits with 3 ft. of snow on your front lawn. This year we are setting high temp. records (60 f yesterday) and there is no snow to speak of, much to the chagrin of Burke Mountain and Jay Peak ski areas.

Schools are about average I would say. Lake Region in Barton and North Country in Newport are good public high schools, but the real gems are Lyndon Institute and St. Johnsbury Academy. Your kids could go to any of these.

Westmore / Barton is 20 minutes from Newport or Lyndon and 30 minutes to St Johnsbury. Your wife will most likely find employment in one of the three. St. J routinely has the most job listings.

Crime exists. violent crime too, but it's kinda rare. From what I've read in the papers domestic abuse, drugs, and theft seem to be the main ones.

My wife and I budget about $1500 annually to heat a three bedroom older home. We usually come in under that figure using six or seven cords of wood and a tank of oil or so.

Guns: I saved this one for last. Unless you're a convicted felon there are no restrictions on gun ownership in the state. You may also carry a concealed weapon without a permit but I haven't owned a gun for over twenty years.

My wife and I like it here. It's been our home for 20+ years and we really can't imagine living anywhere else. You'll like most of the folks you meet and you can strike up a conversation with just about anyone, including teenagers!
It's the openness of the people along with the landscape that has kept us here all these years. One more thing: Don't be intimidated by our rural economics. We all get by.

[bobandliz]

Thanks to all of you. The info is helping a great deal. Meeting with our realtor tomorrow so we can say what our home should sell for. The we have to take the next step of looking for work for my wife.

[vter]

Not sure where in CT you are coming from, but the Barton area is very, very rural and quiet. You'll have to drive a ways to do your grocery/any other needs shopping. Lots of great outdoor activities to keep you busy though!