[sheez73]

Well I accepted a position in the Montpelier area. I'm leaving tomorrow to stay until Sunday to find an apartment. I'm looking at something either in Barre or Montpelier. I check craigslist hourly for rentals. Does anyone have links to some better resources? Any advice. I'm originally from western Pa.

Thank you

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by sheez73

Does anyone have links to some better resources? Any advice.

When you arrive, you can go to Montpelier's Hunger Mountain Co-op and check the extensive bulletin boards. Lots of rentals and shares. There might be something there that gets you through your first few months, even if it's not your ideal longer-term rental.

[jackmccullough]

Welcome to the Montpelier area. I've lived in Montpelier for almost 27 years and I really like it.

You should check the rental listings in the Times Argus (http://http://secure.adpay.com/searchresults.aspx?p=2117&region=2117&catid=6510&c atid=6520&catid=6525&catid=6530&catid=6540&catid=6 550&catid=6560&catid=6570&catid=6580&catid=6590&ca tid=6959&catid=6600&catid=6610&catid=6620&catid=66 30&catid=6640 - broken link) or the Washington World (http://http://theworld.coolerads.com/classifieds/view_all?cat=417 - broken link). Right now I see a very attractive house for rent in Montpelier that backs up on Hubbard Park, which is a fabulous natural site just minutes from downtown, in the Times Argus.

Here's another rental right in Montpelier that might be worth a look: Morningstar Properties. I don't know the owner or manager.

I hope this helps.

[jackmccullough]

Another thing is that there's a real range of settings within easy reach of jobs anywhere in or around Montpelier, from apartments in the center of downtown all the way to very rural farmhouses, still just a few minutes outside of town. In addition, the towns and neighborhoods have very different feels, so that most people who live in Montpelier would never consider living in Barre, for instance, and probably vice versa.

[sheez73]

Thank you for your help.

Where would be a good site to find out info on clubs and such. Not night clubs but running, volleyball, hiking and such?

Any preference on a local bank?

How about a Catholic Church?

Thank you for all the help.

[jackmccullough]

Here's a link to the City of Montpelier's web page, which has a lot of the information you're looking for, including community resources, organizations, and activities, including churches.
City of Montpelier -- Home

The Green Mountain Club (http://http://greenmountainclub.org/ - broken link) organizes hikes and other outdoor activities year-round, although it is important to stay off the high trails during mud season.

Chittenden Bank is the local bank with the widest statewide coverage. There is also TD Bank (http://http://customerservice.tdbank.com/cgi-bin/tdbank.cfg/php/enduser/searchresults.php?p_new_search=1&p_page=1&prod_lvl 1=0&p_search_text=vermont - broken link). They both started out as local banks and have been bought by big national or international banks. I've used them both without any problems. I think the only locally owned banks in Montpelier are Northfield Savings Bank (http://http://www.nsbvt.com/ - broken link)and Community National Bank (http://http://www.communitynationalbank.com/ - broken link). There is also the Vermont State Employees' Credit Union (http://http://vsecu.org/ - broken link), which you are guaranteed to be eligible to join, even if you don't work for the state.

There's only one local gym in Montpelier, with two locations. It's called First In Fitness (http://http://firstinfitness.com/ - broken link).

[sheez73]

[WanderingT]

If you're originally from Western PA you will be shocked by the cost of living. In general, expect about 50% more. In terms of total cost of living (additional heating expenses in the winter, etc.), expect a close to 50% increase. [based on 15+ years in western pa; three years in central VT including Montpelier]

You probably don't want to live in Barre unless you have a family and want a more settled location.

[mustmove]

sheez73 keep everyone posted re perceptions vs reality and let us know how you find VT to be and if that opinion changes over time. So many folks move in and get quiet not very helpful for the next person weighing the costs vs intangibles of VT.
Best
MM

[momnh]

I'll weigh in. I've been here a year now and recently decided to make a go of it for a long haul. I a close on our house in April. I'm really happy about the risk we took moving here. My kids are thriving and we love all that goes on around here - the outdoorsy stuff, the festivals, the simple life, etc. I no longer have to hunt out a big indoor play place for my kids as a way to keep them entertained and safe. Now they can get on their bikes and ride around the neighborhood with their pals and I can feel good about that. I just about cried the day last month my 6yo son was able to ride his bike to school on the bike path and then lock it up outside with two dozen others - since this is a place where kids can actually do that!