[christoforest]

I don't know much about Houston, but I do know it is a poster child for sprawl in large part because there is no land use zoning in Houston.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/03/...ness/drill.php

Leedspaddy, maybe you would like New Hampshire. Taxes are low (so are services) and regulations are weak (sprawl is higher) and liberals prefer Vermont (although even New Hampshire is solidly blue now thanks to the idiocy of King George).

[vter]

Sorry this goes a little off topic, but google Mike Barnichle Vermont vs. NH. Hysterical article (NHites might not think so though )

[Yac]

Calm down guys.
Yac.

[AK123]

Originally Posted by christoforest

I don't know much about Houston, but I do know it is a poster child for sprawl in large part because there is no land use zoning in Houston.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/03/...ness/drill.php

Leedspaddy, maybe you would like New Hampshire. Taxes are low (so are services) and regulations are weak (sprawl is higher) and liberals prefer Vermont (although even New Hampshire is solidly blue now thanks to the idiocy of King George).

One bizarre event doesn't equal "ecological hell."

Anyway, the lack of zoning is probably why Houston and its metro has such a huge number of master-planned communities and neighborhoods with HOAs. HOAs enforce deed restrictions, which are basically like "private zoning" ... developers establish certain rules to prevent undesirable buildings and land use. Point being, the negative effects of the lack of zoning in Houston are usually exaggerated and the situation is often misunderstood by outsiders.

[Mark S.]

Burlington has grown a lot recently, and with the growth has come a huge increase in the cost of living and crime. It's still not at Seattle levels, but it is some of the highest in northern New England.

Lots of native Burlingtoners are actually moving across the water to Plattsburgh, NY. Cost of living is lower there, and crime is lower. Not non-existent to be sure, but much safer than Burlington.

[nhyrnut]

Originally Posted by vter

Sorry this goes a little off topic, but google Mike Barnichle Vermont vs. NH. Hysterical article (NHites might not think so though )

That was funny. Having lived in both states I can honestly say it doesn't ring true for either. But It was a good laff. Think that was the writers intent though.

[nhyrnut]

Originally Posted by SeattleSonya

Hello there,

I've lived in Seattle for the past 7 years, and for the last three I have been wanting to move, only I had no idea where to move to.

And then I discoverd Burlington, Vermont.

It seems to have all the things I love, including water and mountains that are easily accessible.

The reason I want to leave Seattle is because folks here are not friendly. It seems they need to know you 50 years before they keep a lunch commitment or even say hello after you greet them first, that is unless they're trying to sell you something.

I'm really excited about the prospect of Burlington. I plan to visit first before I make the final move--although I do have my heart set on moving there. Is housing really that expensive?? Compared to Seattle, the places I've seen advertised in Burlington are far less. Am I missin' something?

I'm particularly interested in living near downtown. I'm not a bar-goer, but I'll go and have an IPA or two if that's what it takes to get to know people. Other than that I enjoy all things creative, sports, outdoor activities, quirky people, and plain-ole-everyday-adventure.

If anyone has any more comments about Burlington living, nice or not, please share. I typically follow my heart, but at the same time I want to use my head when it comes to making my relocation decision. I need to find a place that gives me all the things I mentioned and still feels cozy enough to call home.

Thank you for reading my post.
Peace & Magic,
Sonya

I have lived in both. And find that Burlington is like Seattle in "some ways". The majority it is not. When I lived in Seattle I had no problem making and keeping friends. Nor did I in Burlington. Best way to describe Burlington People, is Go to West Lake Mall on a nice day. Than Hop on the monorail and go to the center. As you walk out of the shopping center there, Via the front Not the water. You will see people on the lawn. They are perfect for Burlington. and the people at West Lake Mall are what the Difference it will be when you move. Vt has it's fare share of tree huggers. But Burlington Has more people that fit the mentality, of the ones that where there when the W.T.O. was there. Not Violent, but Very Narrow minded.