[sslvc19]

I have the good fortune of being in Vermont next week to interview at two schools (special ed. positions) located at opposite ends of the state. The first will be in Swanton and the second in Whitingham.

I have gotten a fair amount of information on both of these areas and from what I have found, both seem to have some similarities- good and bad.

Any information on living (renting) in either of these areas would be a huge help. Obviously I have not been offered either job, so this could all be a moot point depending the outcome of the inerviews, but it would be nice to know more personal opinions and experiences on both areas.

Thank you all.

[vter]

I vote for Swanton/St. Albans. If you live in St. Albans, you are 20-30 minutes to greater Burlington for it's shopping, entertainment, etc. Montreal is about an hour north from St. Albans.
Whitingham is very rural and it would be quite a commute from Brattleboro - not too far, but up and over mountains.

[sslvc19]

Interesting observation. Not the type of thing I would have known about simply using mapqest to get the distance.

[wnsbuckley]

I vote for Swanton, VT. I currently live in Swanton and I have an 8 year old son who is in the second grade and a 4 year old daughter in preschool. You truly won't find a better elementary school program in New England. For the past 3 years a teacher from Swanton has held the highest award from the University of Vermont. Everyone in the community really cares about everyone. There is family nights, Math nights, etc at the school. My wife actually received a transfer to Raleigh, NC and we have to move at the end of the school year. I am sad in a way as I really like the small town and the educational center. I also like my home. We have a pool and large playground in our backyard that the kids really enjoy. The fire place is nice too but I don't think we will be needing it down there. Also Walmart and Lowes just got approved to build in St. Albans just 9 miles away.
Moderator cut: Please do not post homes for sale in this forum. Please use the classified section.

[flu189]

I agree that Swanton out of the two will provide you more options. However, if remote woods and mountains are something you really want and you have no aversion to long winters in such an area, then Whitingham would be the place. The roads are very hilly and narrow and the population of the region is sparse. I have in the past explored the region and liked it to visit, but I think living there would be another matter.

[chrismpv]

I also agree with Swanton due to its proximity to Lake Champlain Islands, Burlington and Montreal (for an international flair).