[papergirl77]

Hello All,

Thank you for such an interesting, supportive and helpful forum. I have been reading it for awhile but this is my first posting.

My husband and I are teachers who live around Boston. We have never owned a home. We have always loved Vermont and have wanted to move there for a long time. We feel very comfortable and "at home" in Vermont and, while it is impossible to generalize, we believe that our values and lifestyle are more compatible with VT than where we live currently. To be sure, there are *wonderful* things about Boston, but among other things, we are tired of the congestion, competitiveness, aggression, noise and pollution. While eventually we would like to move to VT full time, I had some significant health problems and related uninsured medical expenses that made things very difficult for awhile financially and personally and that still make a full time move premature. We need to hold onto our health insurance and jobs here for at least another year.

This summer, we spent several weeks looking for homes in and around Montpelier (Middlesex, Berlin, Calais, etc). We have spent a considerable amount of time there every summer for years. We were hoping that we could buy a house and use it on our school vacations until we both find jobs in VT. However, we don't think we can afford buying a home in Montpelier, as we are not going to be able to pay rent and utilities in MA as well as a mortgage, utilities and other costs associated with a property in the Montpelier area. We are drawn to Montpelier because of its small size, landscape (in the Green Mts), public library and vibrant arts community. Though we truly enjoy Burlington, it is too large for us.

I am wondering if there are other towns in Central VT with a similar "feel" to Montpelier. Thank you for any advice you can give.

Papergirl77

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by papergirl77

I am wondering if there are other towns in Central VT with a similar "feel" to Montpelier.

To me, Montpelier is the only VT town of its kind. Some people like Waterbury. It's a cute town. And if I lived there, I'm sure I would constantly be wishing I lived in Montpelier. But I'm biased: Montpelier is my absolute favorite Vermont town.

[quickdraw]

Originally Posted by papergirl77

I am wondering if there are other towns in Central VT with a similar "feel" to Montpelier. Thank you for any advice you can give.

Papergirl77

I have to say no. I'd say the closest is Middlebury and that isn't even close.

[harry chickpea]

Gotta agree. Montpelier is unique. The only parts of Montpelier I don't care for are the early sunsets (sits in a valley and winter days are too short anyway), and parking. Parking could be alleviated if it had a good trolley system like it did way back when, but that is probably asking too much.

[LisaMc46]

I don't think you'll find anything similar to Montpelier in feel, especially at a lower price.

Montpelier real estate prices are quite reasonable compared to the rest of the state. The tax rate is high, however, because much of the real estate is state-owned and therefore the town doesn't collect much commercial real estate tax.

Still, several of my coworkers comfortably live there without making a lot of money. They all purchased nice older homes in the $250,000 range.

You also need to consider where you'll be working when you purchase a home. Buying a less expensive home won't necessarily save you money if you have a long commute. The cost of car repairs and gas will just eat up the difference, not to mention the aggravation of long rides to and from work in snow and ice storms.

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by harry chickpea

Parking could be alleviated if it had a good trolley system like it did way back when, but that is probably asking too much.

OMG, Montpelier with a trolley system would be irresistible! I've never had any trouble parking there but a trolley would be just too adorable.

[quickdraw]

Originally Posted by Sherylcatmom

OMG, Montpelier with a trolley system would be irresistible! I've never had any trouble parking there but a trolley would be just too adorable.

Although not the trolley-bus (on wheels). That's the height of tacky.

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by quickdraw

Although not the trolley-bus (on wheels). That's the height of tacky.

Ewwwww. I quite agree.

[vter]

Montpeculiar is definately it's own animal! A great one though. It's a great small city with a thriving downtown.
I agree with the others regarding Middlebury...it's sorta like Montpelier but not really if that makes any sense. Midd is a college town so that brings some vibrancy to town with arts, good restaurants, shops etc.

[VTky]

I was in a similar position the past few years....teacher, visiting VT, wanting to move to Montpelier area, simplifying my life, etc. My fiance and I made the move last summer, but decided to rent as property tax is just too high anywhere in VT. What I didn't expect, and something you should know, is that VT schools tend to hire locals and from within school districts before even considering anyone from out of state. It's tough to find a job as it is in this economy. I finally found a job (not ideal but never the less a job) and my commute is over an hour which is really scary in the winter. My best advice to you is find a job first, then decide where to live. We love the Montpelier area, but also keep in mind that although the quiet, simple life sounds really nice...coming from a city (Los Angeles for me, NYC my fiance) is a HUGE culture shock. That being said, I love it here...it just takes some adjustment. Good luck.