[Powderhound]

I have researched and read plenty on this forum about Middlebury, but there is limited information in the web and in the forum about actually living in Manchester. There are several posts about it as a vacation/shopping destination, but not about living there. Housing appears to be much more expensive and I assume that it is frequented by tourists from Boston and NYC? Can anyone shed some light on the major differences between Middlebury and Manchester? Which would be more appealing (and why?) for two young professionals who love the outdoors and want a tight knit community?

[Sherylcatmom]

Both towns are lovely and offer easy access to Vermont's great outdoors.

Of the two, I prefer Middlebury. To me it has more of a sense of community. There's a great co-op. It's less like a shopping destination. College towns appeal to me.

Manchester has its good points. As everywhere, some wonderful people. Also a great little independent movie theater. I wouldn't know where to get groceries in Manchester. Don't think there's a co-op.

[Duff in VT]

Manchester has the Southern Vermont Art Center Southern Vermont Arts Center, Hildene, and is close to many choice hiking spots as well as lakes for fishing and swimming. It has an active community of young professionals. There are civic events taking place all the time. Manchester has an active Chamber of Commerce - www.manchesterandmtns.com. You just have to look beyond the outlet stores to find the local atmosphere. It has one of the best high schools around- Burr and Burton. Their girls basketball team just had an undefeated season and won the State championship.

I'd suggest visiting both and seeking out the places the locals frequent, like the local library and grocery stores (there is a big Shaws, and a new Price Chopper will be built soon), to see what living there is like. Check bulletin boards and local papers to see what the residents are doing. Tour beyond the heart of the towns to see where people live and what kinds of neighborhoods are out there.

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by Duff in VT

I'd suggest visiting both and seeking out the places the locals frequent, like the local library and grocery stores (there is a big Shaws, and a new Price Chopper will be built soon), to see what living there is like. Check bulletin boards and local papers to see what the residents are doing. Tour beyond the heart of the towns to see where people live and what kinds of neighborhoods are out there.

These are excellent suggestions.

The Manchester Journal and Addison Independent (Middlebury) are available online.

[mustmove]

Manchester is closer to Albany, and the Albany area has a far bigger economy than Middlebury/Burlington.

[MRVphotog]

Manchester used to be a real nice town but now it seems like one big retail/outlet theme park. The Northshire Bookstore is awesome tho.

Middlebury's economy and vibe is dominated by the college, a Ivy League type private school with a healthy dose of tourism, especially in the fall.

Middlebury is in the middle of the Champlain Valley dominated by alot of farms. It's kinda flat, with nice views of the mountains. You have to like the sweet smell of manure, especially in the spring.

Manchester is set in a river valley between the Taconic and Green Mtns.

http://forums.skimrv.com/modules.php?set_albumName=album33&id=middle&op=mod load&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.ph p (broken link)

http://forums.skimrv.com/modules.php?set_albumName=album33&id=manchester&op =modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_phot o.php (broken link)

[flu189]

Manchester and the surrounding region is very nice and if it was not for lack of work I would have gladly have relocated there. It is a higher priced region and when folks read of the so called outlet stores please beware that it involves mostly trendy outlets, not bargain stores. As mentioned, the bookstore is good along with several other businesses. Apparently Manchester through zoning regulation is trying to make itself more competitive to gain business which would benefit the area. Anyway, it's a nice location with abundant outdoor activities. It is also a popular resupply way point for Appalachian Trail / Long Trail hikers and the locals are mostly very good toward hikers especially when it comes to offering rides to and from the trail head crossing east of town.