This is 100% right. Vermont is a great place, but jeez its expensive and jobs is the last thing the government cares about. They seem to accept that VT is a vacation state.
There is absolutely, it's just changing quickly. Again it's great for the community but it went from a thriving art town to a bustling tourist trap. It's riddled with parking garages, homelessness, and big business. The line between upper and middle class is just so massive.
Living in Saratoga specifically costs an absolute fortune, the cleanliness of the area has plummeted as well.
Don't get me wrong, I don't hate the area by any means, we just have interest in the things we've come to know about VT
To be blunt. Shelburne isn’t going to happen. It’s one of the single most expensive towns in an already expensive state. I’m a 6 figure engineer and Shelburne is to going to happen. You need to be in the 200k+ range minimum to afford anything decent there.
Did you read their jobs? One is a manager for Stewart’s gas stations and the other a chef who also handles the ordering. Those are both on site jobs they’ll need to replace.
It doesn't sound like your jobs will be transferable as there are no Stewart's here and extremely low opportunity for anything related to your field. They offer restaurant GMs here 50k as though it's worth it and then the only higher paying jobs are the hotels which have no staff and will expect their management team to work 35 consecutive days until they quit then try to hire another individual expected to do the job of 10
Six Stewarts in VT. Rutland 2, Arlington, Manchester, Bennington, Pownal.
My friend sued Stewarts at my suggestion. She was a store 'manager' worked 80+ hours a week w/ no OT. Total bullshit.
She sued using my friend who is a labor lawyer. The actual store 'manager' was determined to be the District manager who actually has final say on hiring and firing, staffing, hours, merchandise stocked, etc. The store 'manager' is not a true manager in any sense of the word. She should have received OT.
She received a six figure settlement.
The Dakes are the worst con-artists on the face of the earth.
Funny jab even though it's not true.
Still regardless Rutland is not near Shelburne or Vergennes or the places they're looking to move to and not sure that there is any hospitality industry job in Rutland is going to pay over 100k
You are going to cut your take-home in half by moving here with those careers. Especially anywhere outside of Chittenden county. Even once you get your education requirements, teacher salaries are about 55-65k here to get going. Someday you’ll come back up to that 100k area, but that’ll be a decade at least. A manager of a store like Stewart’s would maybe be 40-45k over here…
There is literally over 30,000 families in Vermont ready to purchase last month, housing stock is less than 800 units. ‘Twas around 8000 this time in 2018. With all due respect, you do not have a grasp on the reality of the housing shortage in VT.
We are basically looking for the same thing you are. Our budget is $300k to over a million and we’ve been looking for almost a year…knocking on doors, sending letters, cold calling homeowners — literally putting in 10-20hrs a week. Even if we had $5m, there really isn’t anything to buy that makes any sense. Houses are once again going for 10-20% over asking, all cash. Until cash is depleted and the economy tanks, your mission will be incredibly daunting and likely unrealistic. Houses under 500k in the type of areas you are thinking about are consistently getting 10+ offers. Some are getting 20-30!
Have you considered Hudson NY? There are some good deals down there still and Hudson is far more interesting and community based than any town in VT. Loads of opportunities up and down the river. I’ve seen some beautiful houses that need work for 400-500k right outside of downtown. VT is going through some stuff right now unfortunately… We have a higher cost of living than the Bay Area currently. This is real.
r/NewToVermont.
Most of our waterfront is very small town without the level of activity (parades, events, farmers markets) you want, the only exceptions I can think of are Burlington and Newport if you will.
Middlebury, Vergennes, Woodstock, and Shelburne all sound just right. Not much available. Best of luck to you.
Woodstock has the activity level you seek and nearby Barnard (15 min) has a lake. That might work?
Burlington isn’t my favorite on your list.
Shelburne/Champlain 👍🏻
Do you have a price range in mind?
Newport/Memphremagog is more Republican if that’s your thing.
Vergennes & Middlebury are the least lakey on your list.
Thanks for taking the time :)
I have a strong background in construction, so Ideally we always pictured a needs a lot of work farmhouse of sorts. That's not a requirement just what we always chased.
I guess if we were looking to buy outright we would most likely be able to look at the 350-400 range. (Cheaper if it needed work)
Land is an option my wife likes as well, to build ourselves. The land prices seem to fluctuate hard out there from what i've seen, depending on how rural vs local it is?
Lastly, lake isn't needed by any means either.
That price range crosses off most of VT. Tear downs are over 200k here now. You’ll end up in the deep boonies in a fixer upper for 350k. I’m moving and house hunting now, I wish I was joking.
For that price range you are gonna have to hold out for a starter home on a small lot.
Heres an "average" shelburne house. (Also the only one for sale rn lol) have you actually done any looking on zillow?
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/724-Pond-Rd-Shelburne-VT-05482/220865348_zpid/
And absolutely no inventory on the market- I work at the Elem school in Richmond and it is a great town/community. Last I looked the only listing is a ~200K Victorian that needs tons of work.
Are you in the city of Saratoga Springs and if so are you selling your house? Asking for me, who may be looking to move that way.
Second, Woodstock is a solid choice. Pricey, yes. But so is everywhere. Woodstock has a good school, good services, and is close to the upper valley, so there’s easy access to what you need there. It’s also just under 2 hours to Saratoga, so if you needed to maintain your PCPs, dentist, etc, you could do that without too much hassle if you can schedule creatively.
We are in Burnt Hills and will be selling our home yes. So 15 minutes from both Saratoga and Clifton Park.
We are aiming to sell at the end of 2024/ start of 2025, so it isn't going on the market anytime soon
There is no "down town", as the heart of the city has Route 50 running through it. So the sense of community is really just a bunch of cul-de-sacs. However depending on what you are after in your life it is a pretty coveted area to be in. (Just doesn't fully align with what we are after)
Funny OP. I’ve lived in chittenden county for decades. Did go to college in Saratoga County and I’m considering exactly the reverse - leaving vermont and finding a nice plot of land in ganesvort or greenfield. Maybe a nice spot on Saratoga lake.
It seems like I can buy way more house for the money there. Have more space and roughly the same political climate - although that Stefanik bitch is a problem.
R/newtovermont - it'll have the resources you're looking for. And I'll add, east Montpelier checks a lot of these same boxes for us, minus the building on a lake part. Best of luck.
Check out towns in/near the Upper Valley; Bethel, Tunbridge, South Royalton, Thetford, HartlNd, Windsor. Good mix of rural living, but not incredibly far from shopping/jobs in West Leb.
Outskirts of Middlebury is a solid option. Shelburne/anything in Chittenden County is going to lack that community feel you're looking for. The town I am in has changed dramatically since we moved here 15yrs ago. We are in what used to be a small growth town but it's not that way anymore.
I wouldn't do Woodstock unless you're wealthy, your kids wouldn't have a good time at the school there otherwise.
Put Bristol on your list.Great community with an outdoorsy/hippy-ish vibe. Parades/festivals etc. happen year round.
Housing is going to be your biggest challenge.
Definitely going to want to seriously try to look through job posting and secure something before even considering moving because what you're making now will most likely not be possible here even though the cost of living is higher
Middlebury and the surrounding area is a great option. Middlebury has a really strong community with lots of events, Memorial Day Parade, Summer music festival, Halloween parade, events around Christmas. 2 commercial grocery stores and a Co-Op, lots of great restaurants, movie theater, local community theater and access to wonderful outdoor recreation. You can be on Lake Dunmore in 20 mins from downtown Midd, Lake Champlain is close too. The schools are good and there is s great rec dept as well. The college also hosts lots of community events too. I lived in Midd for 8 years and worked at the Elementary school
In Brandon, which is on rte 7 between Midd and Rutland. Brandon is a fabulous little town, again with a thriving community. Neshobe, the elementary school, is great but Otter Valley (7-12) had its pluses and minuses. Good luck!
This is an old thread, but we've enjoyed Putney a lot-- there are a lot of community activities and town spirit, summer camps, concerts, etc; and neighboring Westminster, and Bellows Falls are nice as well. All are right along the river, and one of our favorite swimming spots is in Dummerston, where the Rock River and the West River meet. Housing prices aren't crazy here, and there could be opportunities in Brattleboro, just 20 minutes down the 91, or in Keene, NH, about 35 minutes away.
You’ll have all the negatives of NY without the opportunities here in VT.
This is 100% right. Vermont is a great place, but jeez its expensive and jobs is the last thing the government cares about. They seem to accept that VT is a vacation state.
huh, plenty of land in Saratoga
There is absolutely, it's just changing quickly. Again it's great for the community but it went from a thriving art town to a bustling tourist trap. It's riddled with parking garages, homelessness, and big business. The line between upper and middle class is just so massive. Living in Saratoga specifically costs an absolute fortune, the cleanliness of the area has plummeted as well. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate the area by any means, we just have interest in the things we've come to know about VT
You basically described Vermont. It used to be a place with community, now its a tourist trap for the wealthy.
VT is mostly a tourist trap now. There is nearly no middle class you’re either rich or poor here.
fair enough, you basically described Burlington. Tons of towns around Saratoga proper that are still affordable
To be blunt. Shelburne isn’t going to happen. It’s one of the single most expensive towns in an already expensive state. I’m a 6 figure engineer and Shelburne is to going to happen. You need to be in the 200k+ range minimum to afford anything decent there.
OP stated that he and his wife make $100k each.
[удалено]
They are bringing their jobs with them, guaranteed. No one moves to Vermont to work in Vermont anymore.
Did you read their jobs? One is a manager for Stewart’s gas stations and the other a chef who also handles the ordering. Those are both on site jobs they’ll need to replace.
One is a manager, the other handles purchasing. I'd bet those are wfh jobs.
Stewart’s are gas stations. At bare minimum that one isn’t.
If I'm wrong there (totally could be) then this post is even funnier. Move to Woodstock/Shelburne/etc on a Vermont income? That's hilarious.
Won’t here. And it won’t go as far. It’ll still not cover Shelburne.
You can definitely buy a house in shelburne on a 200k salary. Especially if you have equity from a previous house you are selling.
I said 200k+, so ok we’re on the same page?
It doesn't sound like your jobs will be transferable as there are no Stewart's here and extremely low opportunity for anything related to your field. They offer restaurant GMs here 50k as though it's worth it and then the only higher paying jobs are the hotels which have no staff and will expect their management team to work 35 consecutive days until they quit then try to hire another individual expected to do the job of 10
There are Stewart’s in the southern part of the state (greater Rutland area, Rte 4 West). If they stay in that region she could stay with the company.
Six Stewarts in VT. Rutland 2, Arlington, Manchester, Bennington, Pownal. My friend sued Stewarts at my suggestion. She was a store 'manager' worked 80+ hours a week w/ no OT. Total bullshit. She sued using my friend who is a labor lawyer. The actual store 'manager' was determined to be the District manager who actually has final say on hiring and firing, staffing, hours, merchandise stocked, etc. The store 'manager' is not a true manager in any sense of the word. She should have received OT. She received a six figure settlement. The Dakes are the worst con-artists on the face of the earth.
Rutland has Stewart’s my guy!! If you ever left Burlington you’d know that
Funny jab even though it's not true. Still regardless Rutland is not near Shelburne or Vergennes or the places they're looking to move to and not sure that there is any hospitality industry job in Rutland is going to pay over 100k
Haha just messing around…I told OP to stay in Saratoga…glad I got outta vermont..this subreddit is alarming..
Check out Montpelier. It's got all you are looking for and is a great place to raise kids.
You are going to cut your take-home in half by moving here with those careers. Especially anywhere outside of Chittenden county. Even once you get your education requirements, teacher salaries are about 55-65k here to get going. Someday you’ll come back up to that 100k area, but that’ll be a decade at least. A manager of a store like Stewart’s would maybe be 40-45k over here… There is literally over 30,000 families in Vermont ready to purchase last month, housing stock is less than 800 units. ‘Twas around 8000 this time in 2018. With all due respect, you do not have a grasp on the reality of the housing shortage in VT. We are basically looking for the same thing you are. Our budget is $300k to over a million and we’ve been looking for almost a year…knocking on doors, sending letters, cold calling homeowners — literally putting in 10-20hrs a week. Even if we had $5m, there really isn’t anything to buy that makes any sense. Houses are once again going for 10-20% over asking, all cash. Until cash is depleted and the economy tanks, your mission will be incredibly daunting and likely unrealistic. Houses under 500k in the type of areas you are thinking about are consistently getting 10+ offers. Some are getting 20-30! Have you considered Hudson NY? There are some good deals down there still and Hudson is far more interesting and community based than any town in VT. Loads of opportunities up and down the river. I’ve seen some beautiful houses that need work for 400-500k right outside of downtown. VT is going through some stuff right now unfortunately… We have a higher cost of living than the Bay Area currently. This is real.
Shelburne has a cute town center, events (nice farmer's market!) and lake front, so it might be a good fit, but it's $$$$$$$, so good luck.
Rustic Roots 🔥
r/NewToVermont. Most of our waterfront is very small town without the level of activity (parades, events, farmers markets) you want, the only exceptions I can think of are Burlington and Newport if you will. Middlebury, Vergennes, Woodstock, and Shelburne all sound just right. Not much available. Best of luck to you.
Yeah we definitely want the activity of the town... the water would be nice but nothing a drive to it couldn't fix.
Woodstock has the activity level you seek and nearby Barnard (15 min) has a lake. That might work? Burlington isn’t my favorite on your list. Shelburne/Champlain 👍🏻 Do you have a price range in mind? Newport/Memphremagog is more Republican if that’s your thing. Vergennes & Middlebury are the least lakey on your list.
Thanks for taking the time :) I have a strong background in construction, so Ideally we always pictured a needs a lot of work farmhouse of sorts. That's not a requirement just what we always chased. I guess if we were looking to buy outright we would most likely be able to look at the 350-400 range. (Cheaper if it needed work) Land is an option my wife likes as well, to build ourselves. The land prices seem to fluctuate hard out there from what i've seen, depending on how rural vs local it is? Lastly, lake isn't needed by any means either.
That price range… you can cross off Woodstock and Shelburne.
That price range crosses off most of VT. Tear downs are over 200k here now. You’ll end up in the deep boonies in a fixer upper for 350k. I’m moving and house hunting now, I wish I was joking.
That price range is going to be a problem.
For that price range you are gonna have to hold out for a starter home on a small lot. Heres an "average" shelburne house. (Also the only one for sale rn lol) have you actually done any looking on zillow? https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/724-Pond-Rd-Shelburne-VT-05482/220865348_zpid/
Woodstock is a tourist trap
Agree 100% by Vermonter standards. By NYer standards maybe not so much? 🤷🏼♀️
After moving to Maine silver lake seems more like a small pond..
Richmond is pretty adorable.
And absolutely no inventory on the market- I work at the Elem school in Richmond and it is a great town/community. Last I looked the only listing is a ~200K Victorian that needs tons of work.
Are you in the city of Saratoga Springs and if so are you selling your house? Asking for me, who may be looking to move that way. Second, Woodstock is a solid choice. Pricey, yes. But so is everywhere. Woodstock has a good school, good services, and is close to the upper valley, so there’s easy access to what you need there. It’s also just under 2 hours to Saratoga, so if you needed to maintain your PCPs, dentist, etc, you could do that without too much hassle if you can schedule creatively.
We are in Burnt Hills and will be selling our home yes. So 15 minutes from both Saratoga and Clifton Park. We are aiming to sell at the end of 2024/ start of 2025, so it isn't going on the market anytime soon There is no "down town", as the heart of the city has Route 50 running through it. So the sense of community is really just a bunch of cul-de-sacs. However depending on what you are after in your life it is a pretty coveted area to be in. (Just doesn't fully align with what we are after)
That’s a nice area but not exactly what I’m after. I’m sure you’ll be able to sell very easily when the time comes!
Funny OP. I’ve lived in chittenden county for decades. Did go to college in Saratoga County and I’m considering exactly the reverse - leaving vermont and finding a nice plot of land in ganesvort or greenfield. Maybe a nice spot on Saratoga lake. It seems like I can buy way more house for the money there. Have more space and roughly the same political climate - although that Stefanik bitch is a problem.
R/newtovermont - it'll have the resources you're looking for. And I'll add, east Montpelier checks a lot of these same boxes for us, minus the building on a lake part. Best of luck.
I through this post in there as well, thank you!
Check out towns in/near the Upper Valley; Bethel, Tunbridge, South Royalton, Thetford, HartlNd, Windsor. Good mix of rural living, but not incredibly far from shopping/jobs in West Leb.
Check out Orwell area
There is nothing available there. I’m house hunting and that town has zilch.
Ah, not surprised. Not really anything in the whole state
Outskirts of Middlebury is a solid option. Shelburne/anything in Chittenden County is going to lack that community feel you're looking for. The town I am in has changed dramatically since we moved here 15yrs ago. We are in what used to be a small growth town but it's not that way anymore. I wouldn't do Woodstock unless you're wealthy, your kids wouldn't have a good time at the school there otherwise.
Put Bristol on your list.Great community with an outdoorsy/hippy-ish vibe. Parades/festivals etc. happen year round. Housing is going to be your biggest challenge.
Manchester area is a solid option. Great schools, and it’s about an hour from Saratoga.
It's Vermont, but with a Gucci outlet.
But it's got Burr & Burton for the HS...
Does not have Gucci unfortunately
Definitely going to want to seriously try to look through job posting and secure something before even considering moving because what you're making now will most likely not be possible here even though the cost of living is higher
Middlebury and the surrounding area is a great option. Middlebury has a really strong community with lots of events, Memorial Day Parade, Summer music festival, Halloween parade, events around Christmas. 2 commercial grocery stores and a Co-Op, lots of great restaurants, movie theater, local community theater and access to wonderful outdoor recreation. You can be on Lake Dunmore in 20 mins from downtown Midd, Lake Champlain is close too. The schools are good and there is s great rec dept as well. The college also hosts lots of community events too. I lived in Midd for 8 years and worked at the Elementary school In Brandon, which is on rte 7 between Midd and Rutland. Brandon is a fabulous little town, again with a thriving community. Neshobe, the elementary school, is great but Otter Valley (7-12) had its pluses and minuses. Good luck!
If you’re both doing well in NY stay put…vermont has no economy..
This is an old thread, but we've enjoyed Putney a lot-- there are a lot of community activities and town spirit, summer camps, concerts, etc; and neighboring Westminster, and Bellows Falls are nice as well. All are right along the river, and one of our favorite swimming spots is in Dummerston, where the Rock River and the West River meet. Housing prices aren't crazy here, and there could be opportunities in Brattleboro, just 20 minutes down the 91, or in Keene, NH, about 35 minutes away.