[Swede in CA]

It is done. We are moving to VT. We have 10 y old and 17 y old. Good schools are important. The 17 y old will live to McGill soon. The 10 old needs a middle school next year.

Here in California, she goes to a private school away from homw, and when she comes home, she has no friends around. We want to avoid it, and would like her friends to come to our new home anytime they feel like it for morning pancakes on weekends or dinners, or play with dogs. We want an area with plenty of kids of her age. We like couple of places, but not sure about the community and children. Essex, Jericho, Westford, Grand Isle, North/South hero.

My new office is in South Burlington.

[Lilybeans]

Essex Middle School is one of the best in the state.

[Swede in CA]

Yep, it is good. I guess Essex would have more sense then. The commute to my office is shorter from Essex as well.

[quickdraw]

Originally Posted by Swede in CA

Jericho, Westford, Grand Isle, North/South hero.

These places are more rural than Essex and you're likely to have a lot less kids per square mile. You mention that you want a a larger lot, but those places tend to be out on their own in the country. Also less kids. Essex Junction would be a good place to start as would Williston as those towns have lots of younger families. Both have a mix of small subdivisions that aren't too tacky and country homes with large lots. That's where the concentration of kids are.

[vter]

South Burlington Schools are very good but the town is very suburban. Lots of kids.
I think in another post you mentioned that you wanted to look north. What about south? Shelburne might be a good option for you. Charlotte too, but it's a bit more rural. Good schools. Ditto above-in addition to Essex, Williston has some rural areas and has good schools.

[momnh]

We're relocating to Williston and love it. We've already met several families and the subdivisions all surround the schools with bike paths connecting them. And it feels like a small, rural town, even though it is so close to Burlington.

[quickdraw]

Originally Posted by momnh

We're relocating to Williston and love it. We've already met several families and the subdivisions all surround the schools with bike paths connecting them. And it feels like a small, rural town, even though it is so close to Burlington.

I live in Williston too. I was at first concerned about Taft Corners traffic, but in reality we're talking about a couple of stop lights and maybe 200 yards.
It was designed well with most of the stores located deep to the side of the main road. The vast majority of Williston is actually quite pretty and well kept .I also like the neighborhoods toward old Williston near the park and library. Although we could use a better library.

[NYLIER]

I love the Islands but I would not consider moving there with young children. Williston or Essex is a nice choice if you have children. You really should rent for at least a year before you buy to get the feel of the area. What is good for one family may not be good for another.

[harry chickpea]

The islands can be a bear in the winter. Open area where winds can drift snow, when temps are low and the wind blows it can be hard to keep some places warm. Essex sounds much better.

[Swede in CA]

Well, the wind and isolation was our concern about Grand Isle as well. What about Colchester schools? How are they rated compare to Essex, Westford, Jericho?