[joe moving]

I haven't seen much talk about Montpelier here. How is Montpelier? According to city-data it appears to have significantly less crime (both actual numbers of course, and per capita) than Burlington. I hear about drug problems in Burlington - are these present in Montpelier as well? Furthermore, when people mention drugs, I am curious as to what are the problem drugs: are we talking marijuana or crystal meth?

Finding a place that is "right" for us has been an ongoing battle for my wife and I. We are very down to earth types but seem to have gotten stuck in the NJ suburbs of NYC where most of our families reside. We could stretch to afford a tiny old $350k house in a so-so neighborhood but I think it would destroy us both to do that. Looking at Montpelier it seems like something decent (3br/2ba/1gar on 1/4 on 1/2 acre?) can be had for the low $200s.

We love dogs, mountains, biking, skiing, organic and natural foods, gardening, hiking, supporting local businesses, farmers, bakers. Try to live a low impact life.

Why I thought of Montpelier: My wife and I drove through on our way home from skiing and stopped at Capital Grounds one weekend. We found the town to be very cute and seemed quite friendly. We'd like something with a sense of community. For example the idea of grocery shopping at a co-op is very appealing to us.

Burlington, by the sounds of it seems to be a bit too much of a "college town" for us - I may be completely wrong though, it has been a long time since I've been there.

Concerns are the weather: I read that you don't leave the house from Nov until April, but in reality it seem like most people don't do that either here in NJ. I am a cyclist and ride in all temperatures down to about 15 F, but generally hide inside when it is snowy or icy. Otherwise... finding friends I suppose: we don't know anyone in Vermont, so we would be starting from scratch.

I should mention that I work from home for now, but in the long run I'd like to find a local job.

Any thoughts?

[VTeratheart]

You definitely sound like you could, potentially, fit right in in Montpelier. I don't know the area as well as my husband, as he went to high school there. I'm not so sure about Montpelier and the drug situation, though I don't know that there REALLY is a place, in Vermont, or otherwise, where you can completely avoid drugs. In Burlington, I'd say there there are definitely areas to steer clear of that are more infested than others, not that it's a city-wide problem. I don't know, I have never and will never use, so I'm speaking just as a fairly normal, drug-free person.

As far as the housing in Montpelier, there probably is some property for the price you saw. I'd maybe question its location for a low 200's price, but if it gets to that, you can ask more specific questions. I'd disagree that Burlington is a college town, strictly. I think it's quite diverse. Walking around downtown, you'll see many different walks of life represented, varying ages, and lots of dogs, too!! My husband and I were just reminiscing today (We both graduated from UVM) about how beautiful it is looking around the Burlington area, trees are blooming, grass is lush and green, it's just awesome! Burlington real estate will be higher, most likely, than Montpelier, but it might be worth a shot.

Weather~you can dress inappropriately for the weather and KEEP yourself inside for 5 months, or you can dress in layers, forget the fashion statement you're NOT setting, put a hat and mittens on and enjoy all Vermont has to offer during those months. Yes, they do get L-O-N-G, and cloudy, but you make the best of what you have. We have contemplated moving south and away from the long, dark winters, but there are too many factors keeping us here, mainly family, to drive us away. And yes, you should either come here with your current job, or have one lined up before you make the move.

[KoZmiC NinJa]

There is a lot of stuff written here already.
My .02.....We were going to relocate in Montpelier or Burlington but
Rutland gave my Wife a nice contract so we ended up there. Now, we
are leaving after only 18 months and wish we waited for Mont-P or
B-ton just like we were going to. Im a year 'round cyclist. I commute
to work even in the snow. Mont-P has a small cycling set and a real
neat cycle co-op. The roads here are some of the best in the USA !
There also is a modicum of cultural stuff to do...not a lot, but more
than anywhere else close by.
On the other relocate stuff, in short..JOB, JOB, JOB !!! Secure a job
before you move here and RENT !!!! DO NOT BUY !!! I can assure
you, you will not even make 2/3rds of what you are making in Jersey
if that. The tax /cost of living here is PHENOMENAL !
If you dont mind 6 months of cold and and dark, no money, limited culture
then you are on the right track with Montpelier. On the plus side, days
like today are just incredible, here....You dont get this intense a nature
vibe in too many places on the east coast

[harry chickpea]

Montpelier is a fit for you. If you understand that there is NO parking in Montpelier, and that that is probably the major problem there, you'll enjoy it.

A lot of folks don't fit Vermont. Drom the way you write, I think you are one of the exceptions.

[Julie*]

My sister lives in Montpelier and loves it. It's a pretty cool community and people are outside year round. The property taxes are pretty high within the city since it is the capital of VT. If you are trying to live a low impact life then Montpelier is the place for you.

[MightyFrog]

Hi, new poster here. I live near Montpelier and wanted to respond directly to the crime/drugs question. There are certainly plenty of weed smokers in Montpelier, but harder drugs are rare. Montpelier wasn't flooded with cheap heroin like Rutland; meth and coke aren't unknown, but aren't common either. It's really a lovely town, with very little crime.

[KoZmiC NinJa]

I went to an Indy Film nite at some old theatre in West
Rutland that was having a series on films by Vermont filmakers.
One of the films whose name unfortunately I forgot, was about
being a teenager in Montpelier. It was about a Fire Organ and
the wacky old misunderstood guy who made it and tried to be
friends with the kids when no one else would ??? I wish I
could remember the name cuz it was a great film !

[square peg]

Nothing Like Dreaming?

[KoZmiC NinJa]

Originally Posted by square peg

Nothing Like Dreaming?

Thanks Peg !

[MRVphotog]

Montpelier is a unique awesome place to live. I love where I live now, about 20 min away but the 3 years I lived there were great. If you know where to park it's not that bad. Hubbard Park is sweet...maybe just a few too many lawyers:wink: