[vter]

To RJH - I wouldnt want to commute from Middlebury to Burlington - it's about an hour, and winter longer if the weather is bad.
Do you want to live in a more urban, suburban, or rural area?
In greater Burlington, the South Burlington, Colchester, and Essex schools have good reputations. These are suburban areas.
Moving a bit further out, Hinesburg & Richmond would be good choices. These are "bedroom" communities for the Burlington area. A bit suburban, but more rural.
Then you can get really rural - Ferrisburg, Bolton, Cambridge, etc.

[chaz longue]

I just took a look in the MLS (I'm a Realtor) to get a quick sense of how things are in the towns mentioned here (Bristol, Cambridge, Vergennes, Lincoln, Hinesburg, Milton, Monkton, Huntington, Newhaven, Starksboro...)

There are 34 Single family homes on the market in those towns, ...starting at a list price of $108,000, believe it or not.

I find many of the small towns in that part of the state really charming. I love Vergennes, for instance (which was actually known for many years as the nation's smallest city).

There are a few towns I'd avoid too, actually, but that's another thread perhaps...

David

[chilly]

I just got back from my northern visit and saw some of the places you all have mentioned. I loved Pleasant Valley (Chickpea), but with the skiing focus, might tend towards Jefferson more.

Also went back to the southern end a bit and checked out Hinesburg and Huntington, as suggested. I really like the idea of those places, although the commute to Vergennes (yes Goodrich) would be a bit farther. They are also closer to Burlington, if for some reason I had to find another job in the area and had a house already. I don't mind the drive as much if it's not highway traffic, so that could be OK. There sure are some fine looking properties around ther in the $500k+ range! If someone here owns one and needs a groundskeeper, I'm your man.

Sounds like there are some really good options both North and South, so I feel better just letting the job itself drive my decision... unfortunately I'll spend more time there than outside.