[familymom]

We have friends who moved to Arlington, outside of Manchester. They want us to consider moving up also. They recommended Bradleboro, but the thought of moving close to a Nuclear Power plant doesn't thrill me. We have children and schools are important. We would like to be in the Southern parts of VT within 20 min of a minor city or major town, around 30,000 people. A place that offers good restaurants, maybe minor league sports, theater or small playhouse and offers a good park and recreation center for children. We would like a few suggestions to get us searching. Thanks

[Vermonr]

Hi FamilyMom, glad to hear you're considering Vermont. From the sound of your post a larger town in VT may be what you're looking for. I'm not too familiar with Brattleboro, but many other people on this forum live there and love it. Manchester has excellent outlet stores for shopping and is usually hopping with fun things to do. Also, although Burlington is farther north you might want to consider it as well.

Just a couple things to keep in mind though, it's going to be difficult to live close to a large town with the population you mention. Burlington is currently the largest town in VT with 40,000 people, if that gives you a good idea of our population density. Also, I've not seen all of VT but from my experience there aren't really any parks in Vermont like there are in other states- Vermont is so rural that parks and recreation areas are not needed.

I hope you find the information you are looking for, best wishes in your research!

[mustmove]

Somewhere around the Weston playhouse? Puts you in the same corner of the state as your friends. It can be a PIA to drive across the state, so might as well move close to your friends. Dorset has good schools. Shopping and civilized amenities are lacking throughout the state so you'll have to figure that one out for yourself.

[sugarmaple]

Woodstock is supposed to have a very good school program and if you live in Reading, Weathersfield you would have choice of schools, including Woodstock HS.

Hope this info is helpful

[quickdraw]

To answer your question-no. If I'm not mistaken, only one city in Vermont has over 30,000 people and that's Burlington which is far north.

I think the closest combination of cities that I think that would work for you would be Brattleboro and Northampton MA-and that's probably 40 to 45 minutes.

I like Brattleboro a lot. Kind of Bohemian, artsy. Some of my friends would like it, some wouldn't. Some of my stiffer friends would describe it as a combination of young artsy kids with a dash of aging hippies.

[Integritysbest]

Originally Posted by familymom

We have friends who moved to Arlington, outside of Manchester. They want us to consider moving up also. They recommended Bradleboro, but the thought of moving close to a Nuclear Power plant doesn't thrill me. We have children and schools are important. We would like to be in the Southern parts of VT within 20 min of a minor city or major town, around 30,000 people. A place that offers good restaurants, maybe minor league sports, theater or small playhouse and offers a good park and recreation center for children. We would like a few suggestions to get us searching. Thanks

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Look in the Springfield, Chester, Weston Vermont area.
Weston is small but has The Weston Playhouse...Chester has great schools AND PUBLIC REC AREA WITH POOL, skate ramps, basketball, baseball, soccer, etc...... Springfield has Stores & Restaurants & Sports & a brand new indoor rec center with indoor pool...and... there's Serenity! Nice alternative!

------------------------------------------------GOOD LUCK---------

[highfallslover]

I was thinking of Weston, that's a nice little town with the village green and play house.

[familymom]

Thanks, I do realize that the 30,000 population is now a little unrealistic. I am beginning to see that 5,000 is even a stretch. I have been looking on GreatSchools.net and not many schools make a 9 or 10 rating?? I really want a good school district. I think it holds the value of your property. But thanks for all the towns mentioned, I will look into them. Chester sounds good, skate ramps--what a plus! Keep them coming.

[Kettlehill]

FamilyMom:
Consider the Manchester/Dorset area: Both have schools that rate 10. The Dorset School is particularily fine: I know this because my wife has worked there for 30 years...Good Luck

[beam me up]

don't let the power plant affect your decision, We live 10 miles from the oldest Nuclear Power plant in the country and you really don't notice. the positive is they pay a LARGE portion of the taxes something to consider.
good luck with your research.