[railsplitters23]

Hey Everyone,

I'm looking for some help/advice/info on the Castleton area of VT. I'm 24 and originally from Maine and have lived in New England my whole life, though I have always said my plan is to move south as soon as realistically possible as I hate the weather up here...now I've got a potential job opportunity in the Castleton area of VT that might be too good to pass up career wise at this point in my life. I guess what I'm wondering is will I be able to survive a year or two in the Castleton area to further my career without going insane?? As I mentioned I was raised in Maine, a very small town in Maine, but I always hated it and found myself much happier after moving to Boston for a short time. Career wise this is a no-brainer for me but then again the last thing I want to do is wind up being miserable for the next year or two.

What is the Castleton area like? is there anything for a mid-twenties population? things to do? places to meet people? etc.

Thanks in advance!! I'm just trying the best I can to find out what exactly I could be getting myself into...

[Sherylcatmom]

It depends what you need to keep from going insane. Castleton is about 15 minutes from Rutland, which has 'most anything one might need, as long as your "needs" don't include big-city amenities. There is nothing remotely resembling Boston's cultural and night life opportunities.

Also Castleton does include the college, which might be where your job is (?) and a mid-20s person is just not all that far in age from the students.

Can you say more about the things you'd hope to find that could sustain you for a couple of years? Everyone's mid-20s needs are not the same.

[vter]

As Sheryl said, Castleton is a small town with a small state college. Essentially you'll be moving from a small town in Maine to a small town in Vermont.
Nearby Rutland City/Rutland Town has a population of about 20,000. There is a movie theater and a small mall if that is your thing. There really is no nightlife, although during the ski season Killington does have a "scene". Killington is about 15 minutes east of Rutland (or 30 minutes east of Castleton).
To the south and west of Castleton is Saratoga Springs, NY and the Lake George region. Saratoga Springs is a cool place with lots of great restaurants/bars and is much more "happening" than Rutland. I would guess it's about an hours drive, maybe a little less.
Come and visit before you make your decision. That way you can get a good idea as to whether or not you think you could stand to live there for a couple years. Good luck!

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by vter

To the south and west of Castleton is Saratoga Springs, NY and the Lake George region. Saratoga Springs is a cool place with lots of great restaurants/bars and is much more "happening" than Rutland. I would guess it's about an hours drive, maybe a little less.

We love Saratoga Springs. It takes us about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Rutland, so just a bit over an hour from Castleton.

[Rosanero10]

If you are from "small town Maine" then "small town Vermont" won't be much different. The nights are quiet, the area is peaceful, and the people are simple and kind. You have Castleton State College, Green Mountain College, and the College of St. Joseph all within 15 minutes, which obviously carries with it a certain youthful element. However, its Vermont (for better or worse) and "nightlife" is restricted to small local bars.

Rutland has grocery stores, a couple inexpensive restaraunts, and a few bars. However, its important to note that nightlife, urban amenities, and culture are minimal at best. You can "survive" two years anywhere, but its a safe assumption that if you go to Castleton you pack your dancing shoes in the back of the closet and plan to spend alot of nights reading.

If its your career, two years in small town Vermont is well worth it, expecially if it can lead you to another place more congruent with your social agenda.

Best of Luck.