Where should potential Burlington-ites go to get the "feel" of the city in the shortest time? (Chittenden: apartment)

[metalrainbow]

My partner and I are considering moving to several different cities in the Northeast. We are planning to take a trip, but unfortunately we won't have very much time in each city, so we want to make the most of making sure we see the right things to decide if the city fits us.

We would appreciate any advice people could give about what are the important areas or places to see in Burlington, not as tourists but as people thinking about moving there.

Some info about us..

We are a lesbian couple, late 20's, both with MA degrees but both thinking about new careers (her library science, me public policy/ women's/LGBT nonprofit work)
We don't have and aren't planning on kids for awhile, so we're not worried about available schools, etc.
We like living in the city rather than the outskirts/suburbs - being able to walk to stores, etc. would be ideal
We can handle cold weather and snow
We like outdoor opportunities to go hiking, biking, canoeing, etc.
We are looking to rent a 1-2 bedroom apartment or small house, probably can't afford anything over $1000/month - are there nice neighborhoods in the city for this rate?
We have a 50-pound dog so specific neighborhoods that might be more dog-friendly are welcome

We'd like to get a feel for the culture of the city - where do young professionals hang out? What are the most popular areas in town that locals return to, that are worth seeing before we decide? What are the social "hubs" of the city?
Are there any major dislikes you have about living there? Anything we should see firsthand that might make us NOT want to live there?

Basically, we don't want to drive around aimlessly once we get in town.. but we also don't want to follow a tourist guidebook because that doesn't give the same feel as actually living there.

I have and will be reading older threads to get information as well, but any new advice would be awesome. Thanks!

[HandsUpThumbsDown]

While I don't know the particulars, it's such a small city (and you've excluded suburbs from your possible housing locations) that it shouldn't be hard to stroll around and take it all in. If you visit in spring or summer and the weather is nice - I bet you won't ever want to leave.

[68vette]

It sounds like Burlington would be a good fit for most of your interests. There could be a few issues for you. It sounds like expences may be a concern to a degree. For grocery shopping, you will be limited to City Market without driving. The quality is good, but it is expensive. The other issue you may have is decent housing. It's possible to find something in your price range, but finding a place with a pet is very difficult. My step-son and his girlfriend are looking for a place right now. They have a cat and they are having a hard time. No one wants animals in rental properties.
Burlington is a very small city (there are larger towns in other states). Just walk around for a day and you will have a good feel of how it is as a city.

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by 68vette

It's possible to find something in your price range, but finding a place with a pet is very difficult. My step-son and his girlfriend are looking for a place right now. They have a cat and they are having a hard time. No one wants animals in rental properties.

This reminds me. I know friends who have found pet-friendly rental housing in other cities by contacting local animal organizations. For the Burlington area, I'd try:

Humane Society of Chittenden County, VT

and

Green Mountain Animal Defenders, Burlington, Vermont - Working to Protect Animals Since 1983

[j_dennis_84]

To get a feel for the city, take a walk down main street, college street, church street and north street area (the ghetto for labeling purposes) that pretty much covers all areas. The college kids, the hippies, cool kids, homeless
and the ghetto fab. if u run into the tall black dude on north street that is wearing sweatpants under long red basketball shorts... Walk away... He's crazier than a sh** house rat. Have fun... And honestly Burlington is great.. overpriced for everything, but great none the less.

[TechieTransplant]

Originally Posted by metalrainbow

My partner and I are considering moving to several different cities in the Northeast. We are planning to take a trip, but unfortunately we won't have very much time in each city, so we want to make the most of making sure we see the right things to decide if the city fits us.

We would appreciate any advice people could give about what are the important areas or places to see in Burlington, not as tourists but as people thinking about moving there.

Some info about us..

We are a lesbian couple, late 20's, both with MA degrees but both thinking about new careers (her library science, me public policy/ women's/LGBT nonprofit work)
We don't have and aren't planning on kids for awhile, so we're not worried about available schools, etc.
We like living in the city rather than the outskirts/suburbs - being able to walk to stores, etc. would be ideal
We can handle cold weather and snow
We like outdoor opportunities to go hiking, biking, canoeing, etc.
We are looking to rent a 1-2 bedroom apartment or small house, probably can't afford anything over $1000/month - are there nice neighborhoods in the city for this rate?
We have a 50-pound dog so specific neighborhoods that might be more dog-friendly are welcome

We'd like to get a feel for the culture of the city - where do young professionals hang out? What are the most popular areas in town that locals return to, that are worth seeing before we decide? What are the social "hubs" of the city?
Are there any major dislikes you have about living there? Anything we should see firsthand that might make us NOT want to live there?

Basically, we don't want to drive around aimlessly once we get in town.. but we also don't want to follow a tourist guidebook because that doesn't give the same feel as actually living there.

I have and will be reading older threads to get information as well, but any new advice would be awesome. Thanks!

To directly answer your question, head down Main Street towards the waterfront area. If you're not intruiged and in love by that point, it's not for you. We love it to death there.

[BickleTravis]

Burlington is a small college town. Definitely not a city.