[taxmom]

We are planning to move to Vermont. We are looking at (in order) Windham, Bennington, Windsor, Rutland counties. I lived in northern VT for 10 yrs and spent some time in Bennington County.

We are the types that like to keep to ourselves, not unfriendly or snobby though. I have read this forum some and see some mention of crime, drugs and such. I doubt that the drug and crime problem is nearly as serious as it is where we are moving from.

We are looking for a quiet place, but not too far from civilized life. What is far? Well, do not want to drive 30 miles to go to the grocers, but 30 miles or more is fine for larger malls, theater, Home Depot, etc.

If I remember correctly from my New England days, Bennington County was somewhat more rural and blue collar than Windham County. Whereas Windham County had a bit more crime, bit more urban than Bennington County. Which area is more run down and depressed?

Any input I could get about said counties would be helpful. We are researching but want input from those who actually live or have lived there.

[taxmom]

Thank you Mundol. I plan on renting and getting familiar with the area before purchasing. Jobs are not top priority as we have a home business that can be done from anywhere. Looking for 2 maybe 3 bedrooms.

[arel]

I live in Windham County and I really like it. It's rural, but with urban amenities if you live in or near Brattleboro. From what I have seen, the area is cultured and friendly, but you can keep to yourself very happily if you want to.

I've been here for a year and a half. Prior to that I lived in Brooklyn, NY. Very different. I like it better here. I'm actually doing more cultural things here than I did when I lived in New York. And compared to NYC, crime is neglible.

But it does exist. Mostly, to my knowledge, the crimes involve drugs, domestic violence, youth loitering and drunk driving. And now, with the economic downturn, there have been thefts. There has been one murder that I know of since I moved here, and it was a big deal for the community. And there was a mugging. But the perpetrators were caught. I'm sure a lot more crime goes on that is not reported. An acquaintance who moved to Manchester from Rhode Island commented that Brattleboro is a rough town. But I haven't found it so. But then, I'm from Brooklyn, where crime is an ever-present concern and there is always a sense of menace.

One thing I discovered after I moved here: The cultural scene is focused on New York City, not on Boston, even though New York is almost twice as far away. I guess one reason is the Amtrak Vermonter, which stops in downtown Brattleboro and goes to Penn Station in Manhattan. There's no direct train route to Boston.

If you can work from home, you will avoid the economic worries that drive people from Vermont. The weather is the other thing that drives people away. But if you handled the weather in northern Vermont, you should have no trouble in southern Vermont.

[Flashback]

Although a bit touristy, Manchester, VT has so much fine dining I have been unable to try all of them. Will keep working on that !!!!!

[taxmom]

thanks Flashback & Arel. We decided to move to the Windham County. The main reasons we chose that area was that it is closer to Mass where I have family and bit more culture than Bennington. Now we have to decide what town.

Want to live near Brattleboro but not right in town. Finding a good place to rent will be the biggest battle.

The weather does not bother me really, miss the snow. Only pain really is making sure the car starts.

[arel]

Putney is two towns north of Brattleboro. It has a lot of culture of its own. Dummerston is a very rural area between Brattleboro and Putney. Guilford is one town south of Brattleboro. It's also very rural. Vernon is right at the border, next to Northfield, MA. It's primarily known for the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant. It's also, I believe, a very conservative town. But it has, or has had, low property taxes, because of the nuke plant. And it has a great recreational center, with a very nice outdoor pool. Marlboro is another very rural town to the west of Brattleboro. Then, going further west is Wilmington, which, I believe, has a lot of second homes. There's a big man-made lake there, Lake Whitingham, also known as the Harriman Reservoir. There is also Lake Raponda, which is smaller.

West Brattleboro is a village in the town of Brattleboro. It is just west of Brattleboro proper, and it has a character of its own. There are areas there that are very rural. Brattleboro has some more rural areas once you leave the downtown area, but the town has a more urban atmosphere generally. I once saw an article on Brattleboro in the New York Times, which referred to it as "the country, citified".

East of Brattleboro is New Hampshire.

BTW, Brattleboro has three supermarkets in town, including the wonderful Brattleboro Food Co-op. Dummerston has no food store that I am aware of. Gulford has a tiny general store. Putney has a small Food Co-op. It also had a general store, but it was destroyed by an arson fire. They are rebuilding it, as it had great historical and sentimental value. The town was heartbroken when it burned down.

Brattleboro also has 5 independent bookstores downtown, and I think there is another bookstore in West Brattleboro. There are lots of interesting shops downtown, and there is a Walmart right across the river. You can walk across the bridge to Walmart if you want. I love the views from the bridge. Actually, there are two bridges. One bridge goes from Brattleboro to an island in the river, and the second bridge goes from the island to the mainland of New Hampshire. There used to be a park on that island, but it was destroyed in the great flood of 1938.

Hope this helps.

[BickleTravis]

Originally Posted by taxmom

We are planning to move to Vermont. We are looking at (in order) Windham, Bennington, Windsor, Rutland counties. I lived in northern VT for 10 yrs and spent some time in Bennington County.

We are the types that like to keep to ourselves, not unfriendly or snobby though. I have read this forum some and see some mention of crime, drugs and such. I doubt that the drug and crime problem is nearly as serious as it is where we are moving from.

We are looking for a quiet place, but not too far from civilized life. What is far? Well, do not want to drive 30 miles to go to the grocers, but 30 miles or more is fine for larger malls, theater, Home Depot, etc.

If I remember correctly from my New England days, Bennington County was somewhat more rural and blue collar than Windham County. Whereas Windham County had a bit more crime, bit more urban than Bennington County. Which area is more run down and depressed?

Any input I could get about said counties would be helpful. We are researching but want input from those who actually live or have lived there.

I gather you're not planning on working...
If you're coming to VT without a job, and you plan on living off the money you make here, you're in for a nasty surprise.
Can you drive a forklift? Have you waited tables before?

[taxmom]

Originally Posted by BickleTravis

I gather you're not planning on working...
If you're coming to VT without a job, and you plan on living off the money you make here, you're in for a nasty surprise.
Can you drive a forklift? Have you waited tables before?

How do you "gather" that I do not plan on working?

First, I said in my post that I work from home. It usually is best to read a post before responding to it. I can do my job ANYWHERE in the country.

2nd, for all you know I am financially sound.

If I did not plan on working or not financially sound one will have to gather that you think I plan on living off the government.

Oh, btw, no never been a waitress but do know how to drive a forklift. Not that I need to. Not concerned about jobs, if I lose this one will find another way to earn money. Always managed to get by. It is the ones who sit around feeling sorry for themselves or ones who just will not work for less tha $X that get in a bind.

Oh yea... pssssttt... it is not just VT that has no jobs, nobody has jobs.

[taxmom]

Originally Posted by arel

Putney is two towns north of Brattleboro. It has a lot of culture of its own. Dummerston is a very rural area between Brattleboro and Putney. Guilford is one town south of Brattleboro. It's also very rural. Vernon is right at the border, next to Northfield, MA. It's primarily known for the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant. It's also, I believe, a very conservative town. But it has, or has had, low property taxes, because of the nuke plant. And it has a great recreational center, with a very nice outdoor pool. Marlboro is another very rural town to the west of Brattleboro. Then, going further west is Wilmington, which, I believe, has a lot of second homes. There's a big man-made lake there, Lake Whitingham, also known as the Harriman Reservoir. There is also Lake Raponda, which is smaller.

West Brattleboro is a village in the town of Brattleboro. It is just west of Brattleboro proper, and it has a character of its own. There are areas there that are very rural. Brattleboro has some more rural areas once you leave the downtown area, but the town has a more urban atmosphere generally. I once saw an article on Brattleboro in the New York Times, which referred to it as "the country, citified".

East of Brattleboro is New Hampshire.

BTW, Brattleboro has three supermarkets in town, including the wonderful Brattleboro Food Co-op. Dummerston has no food store that I am aware of. Gulford has a tiny general store. Putney has a small Food Co-op. It also had a general store, but it was destroyed by an arson fire. They are rebuilding it, as it had great historical and sentimental value. The town was heartbroken when it burned down.

Brattleboro also has 5 independent bookstores downtown, and I think there is another bookstore in West Brattleboro. There are lots of interesting shops downtown, and there is a Walmart right across the river. You can walk across the bridge to Walmart if you want. I love the views from the bridge. Actually, there are two bridges. One bridge goes from Brattleboro to an island in the river, and the second bridge goes from the island to the mainland of New Hampshire. There used to be a park on that island, but it was destroyed in the great flood of 1938.

Hope this helps.

Wow, thanks arel, you have been a lot of help. Appreciate it. West Brattleboro is looking good.

[sugarmama!]

Originally Posted by BickleTravis

I gather you're not planning on working...
If you're coming to VT without a job, and you plan on living off the money you make here, you're in for a nasty surprise.
Can you drive a forklift? Have you waited tables before?

What's up with the snark?


Best wishes, taxmom, in finding your place.