|
I've lived in Vermont most of my life (have only lived out of state for two years, and they were when I was 6 weeks - 2 years of age) so I've got a bit of knowledge... lived a lot of places here. Here are some points:
A high point: There are very distinct seasons, for those who don't like it to be basically the same season in various degrees all year long. However, Vermonters will describe said seasons not as "Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter" but as "Mud Season, Construction Season, Tourist Season, When-Will-The-Snow-Melt? Season"
The reasons and the seasons: Spring is welcomed by all of the snow melting, and causing much slush. Though you will be glad that it's finally warm enough to reduce to nine layers instead of ten, it's kind of gross and slimy out. The roads tend to be slick, and you'll see a lot of flooding. But considering that it'll already have been Easter, you'll just be glad for sun. Spring is pretty, too, though... many people plant their gardens, and so most places are blooming with flowers, and you'll be appreciative of your allergies acting up, because it means things are alive. Lots of allergens in Vermont, year round, so if you're sensitive, it's not the place for you. If you like flowers, however, especially lilacs... welcome home. Everyone's got lilacs here... I love it.
Summer sees much construction, especially road repairs, so while you won't see plow trucks or cars off the road, you will have many delays getting to and from ANYWHERE in Vermont, because many of the main roads have to be worked on during the short warmth there is, so they work on the same roads for a couple summers. Late for work? Too bad, they're getting paid to hold you up. On the upside, despite some humidity, Vermont summers are very temperate, and there's plenty of things to do - hiking trails, sight-seeing (some very nice waterfalls to be seen and parks to have picnics at), fishing, camping, gardening, and plenty else. There's also quite a few Farmer's Markets and community events in many places, and the fresh produce and crafts to be found at such events are the best. It's quite enjoyable, especially if you're an active sort of person. If you're not... at least, in Vermont, a couple fans will suffice, unlike some places where you HAVE TO have aircon.
Autumn is appealing to all but those who actually have to live here - yeah, the trees are VERY pretty. That is an extremely high point. However, not just Vermonters know that, so many tourists come to visit, and like to park their car in the middle on the street to take photos. Not that there aren't pull-offs for that purpose. They just don't get used. That's something that you'll soon grow tired of. But as I've said, it's absolutely beautiful to see the leaves change, and the weather is my favourite - not too warm, not too cool, not too humid, not too dry. Just the right temperature to take a walk in just a windbreaker. It's a wonderful time of year. And of course, since you noticed that gardening during the summer is a big thing, and there's Farmer's Markets if you're not into that - fresh pumpkins for pies and jack-o-lanterns, and plenty of fresh food for amazing holiday meals. Also, if you're into hunting, you've probably got a deer or two in your freezer, which can be used year-round, and organic meats can be found if that's your deal. We do, however, have supermarkets as well.
And, of course, winter. Snow, snow, sleet, snow, hail, snow, snow, repeat. There will be times that it's TOO cold to snow. Amazing, right? It's beautiful, if you're into that, and most of the snow is great for snowman-building and snowball fights. Sometimes, you can even find a festival or two for such things. Of course, the roads are dangerous. If you're a nervous driver, BE WARNED. There's a lot of bad road conditions, a lot of black ice or roads that aren't well/often plowed/sanded/salted. If you live on a back road, expect to get snowed in. If you live in a "city" expect to hear plows at every hour, trying to make sure everyone can get to work. And be careful when out - you're probably not the worst driver out there. GET SNOW TIRES, ABSOLUTELY! Keep in mind... most tourists coming for ski season CANNOT DRIVE IN SNOW and DO NOT GET SNOW TIRES. The insurance rates here are mildly elevated due to the many accidents that those mistakes cause. It can get you and/or other people killed, so... I cannot stress enough, drive carefully. On another upside - there IS skiing, and if you get a seasonal job at a resort, they pay decently and you get ski passes. And there's also snowshoeing and other activities. It's a long winter, though, and you need good, warm clothing, thick blankets, and to keep your house heated. I'd suggest not using kerosene, etc... you WILL use your heat, and the heating season is long, so you'll run up a big bill. Also, make sure the place you get has good insulation, especially around the pipes, or your water will freeze. You'll want to keep faucets dripping at night to prevent that.
Other things about Vermont: Cheese is a big thing here, what with Cabot Creamery being here, as well as ice cream, because of Ben & Jerry's. People here like organic stuff, and there's always crafts sorts of things around. New England in general is very crafty, and there's lots of hand-made things around, if you're into that sort of thing... very beautiful work. Lots of art and eco-friendly things as well, so this is the place to be green.
The schools here are VERY good, very high-rated, so if you're looking for education, this is definitely the place for you. Middlebury College and Bread Loaf School of English are both good schools, very prestigious (Ivy League, I mean) and Dartmouth College and Dartmouth Medical School are right across the border from Hartford, VT, as well as Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, a very good and well-respected hospital. University of Vermont in Burlington is also a good school, as well as Goddard College, I've heard. There are quite a few tech/trade schools around, too. And a lot of the smaller schools are very good, too.
If you're looking for night life or a scene, Burlington is the place to be. They have a huge local music scene, and quite a few night clubs. White River Junction is another good place like that, because New Hampshire is just across the border, but there's not as much for a music scene. There's a lot of shopping around too, albeit expensive shopping. Another upside to Vermont is that there's minimal crime. I mean, it happens, but not like it does in cities... crime still comes as a huge shock for most Vermonters. Most people here are pretty laid back and don't worry too much about anything, really, so there's not a lot of reason to be too paranoid.
People are usually pretty friendly and welcoming, as well. If you're a church sort of person, there's plenty of that, but if not, there's a lot of similar social functions that are less "party hardy" and more about connecting, having support, etc. And of course, up North, Quebec is just across the border, which is fun for vacations, especially if you like a little more culture, or speak French. Zoo de Granby (Granby Zoo) is a really fun zoo to go to. If you have kids (or are like a kid yourself), across the border to New Hampshire are Santa's Village (Jefferson, NH) and Story Land (Glen NH). There are also some really nice places to go that offer log cabins, if you don't like camping in tents. Those are great places to kick back and relax.
So, yeah. Vermont has a lot to offer. As long as you can tolerate extreme cold and aren't too attached to the "big city" thing, there's a lot around. Most places aren't huge... Burlington area, White River Junction area, Rutland area and Barre/Berlin area are probably the biggest you'll find. Somewhere I'd NOT suggest moving: Northeast Kingdom. NEK, as it's referenced by many, is Orleans/Newport area... mostly Orleans County.
If you like to ski, Lamoille County is great, with Smuggler's Notch. They have summer facilities, too. Johnson is a beautiful place to live, very artsy, and close to Cambridge, to access the skiing. If you like trains, White River Junction is for you. There's so much history down there, the first railway around there and such... Vermont is filled with history and knowledge, it's a fun place to be. And if you like beaches and think you'd miss those too much, it's not the same, but Elmore and Eden both have lakes with beaches, and Burlington is close to Lake Champlain. Lake Champlain Ferries are fun and entertaining, and the ride is very peaceful, unless you get motion sick.
Yeah, that's about what I've got to say... sorry if it's too long. Feel free to ask questions if you've got any. =]
|
Welcome to City-Data.com forum! Make sure to register - it's free and very quick! You have to register before you can post and participate in our discussions with 700,000 other registered members. User profiles and some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your free account you will be able to customize many options, you will have the full access to over 15,000 posts/day about local topics and you will see fewer ads. 
Thoughts On Vermont VT
Linear Mode
