POPULATION: 42,417
MEDIAN AGE: 27
MEDIAN ANNUAL SALARY: $38,598
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $249,900
VOTES: 786 (3.6%)
Stop us if this sounds familiar: a college town anchored by a left-leaning university, with enough bars in a four-block radius to slake the thirst of an army of frat boys and a pedestrian-only main drag full of crepe vendors, retail outlets, locally sourced restaurants, bike racks, and street performers. We thought so. But what sets Burlington apart from other U-towns is its affordability and, more important, its Green Mountain State sensibility. What’s that mean? Smart grassroots organizations like the alt-transportation group Local Motion; great local food and beer like the pizza at Flatbread American, Farmhouse Tap and Grill, and (of course) Ben and Jerry’s. And there’s one really, really big lake.
Staying Power: Burlington’s waterfront has been revitalized in the past two decades as the city cleaned up derelict industrial sites to make way for parks, restaurants, a seven-mile rail-to-trail bike path, and the city’s Community Sailing Center. The recession took a toll on Vermont’s economy, but Burlington businesses, such as Web developer Dealer.com and Green Mountain Roasters, continue to expand. On the food front, there’s an innovative cooperative that allows citizens to own a stake in a 350-acre farm outside of town.
Playgrounds: Thirty minutes from downtown, you’ll find a backcountry ski paradise in Bolton Valley, with its famous Bolton-Trapps trail. The rolling roads outside the city are perfect for cycling, while Stowe, home to one of the eastern United States’ best ski resorts and a growing network of mountain-bike trails, is only 45 minutes away. Then there’s Lake Champlain and the city’s sailing center, the perfect place to base your catamaran, canoe, or sea kayak and launch for the 30-minute paddle north to Lone Rock Point.
The Voters Speak: “Halvorson’s Upstreet Cafe on Church Street, still one of the best places to grab a beer and a burger after a day outside.” “I love the fact that people cross-country ski to work after a big snowfall.” “Brew pubs, boating, biking, blue skies, Ben and Jerry’s. It ain’t B-Town for nothing.”
Comments
I agree with everything but the mention of blue skies. Definitely not typical B-town weather...
Flag ThisI agree with everything but the mention of blue skies. Definitely not typical B-town weather...
Flag ThisDealer.com and GMC have both threatened to leave over the past two years due to a liberal mindset of tax the wealthy. General Dynamics and IBM have a much smaller footprint in VT due to this fact. If you are married tell your wife the Mall has nothing in it, the Walmart is tiny (only three in the entire state) and no Target. Dinner out is crazy expensive and good luck actually having just one job in VT. You will need at least two and most people have up to three. Ben and Jerry Ice cream is owned by Unileaver - one of the world's largest corporate holding companies. VT tries to sell itself as something it cannot deliver. I wish it could, but the facts remain it is overtaxed, jobs and youth is leaving (avg age is 48) and the entire state is made of either ultra wealthy or poor broke ass people.
Flag Thisthat's where my boyz go every year @ Windridge Summer Camp!
Flag ThisI disagree with much of what Pete is saying. I've lived in VT for 15 years, raising 2 kids here while working in Burlington. The interesting dynamic at play here, I think, is the big difference in opportunities and resources between urban and rural Vermont, and the expectations that have to be adjusted when you choose to live in this small state. The article is about Burlington, which has a bustling downtown, lake access, lower than average unemployment rate, and many attractions for locals and tourists. Rural Vermont is very different, with immense beauty but high rate of poverty and not much in the way of big stores or jobs. The fact is, people don't come to VT for big mall shopping or Walmart; in fact, quite the opposite. People choose this unique state and harsh climate for a quality of life that is different than the rest of our strip-mall-choked country. And it's simply not true that most people need to hold down 2-3 jobs here. Sure, it's harder to find a great job here than in a big metro area, but set your expectations straight and don't assume that VT should be just like everywhere else. Be creative with your resources and you learn to love it here.
Flag ThisI'm actually packing up and leaving Burlington this month. Why? I cannot possibly imagine how I can afford to start a family here. I work for one of the large companies here in town and get paid at least $30,000 less than what I'd make in a larger city. Now that would be fine if my rent in the ONE (ie: burlington ghetto) wasn't $200 less than the cost of a studio apt in Brooklyn!! The hippies...they are also the worst.
Flag ThisBurlington is a great town. Wonderful in the summer but a bit too cold in winter. I haven't lived in Burlington for a few years, but I always go to Halvorson's Upstreet Cafe when I am in town. It is a gem at the top of Church St. and a bit removed from the crowds that one will find on the lower end of the street. If you can, catch a live show on the outdoor patio in the back during summer or fall.
Flag ThisI read some of these comments like Pete's and realize there are others with the complete wrong idea of Burlington and it's probably best they leave. If you are looking for giant box stores selling foreign junk and $.99 chicken nuggets on every corner then this isn't your town, or really your state. Having lived in the Midwest, and in multiple huge cities prior to arriving here I can tell you it doesn't get much better then Burlington. The quality of life is through the roof, all seasons are wonderful, jobs are plentiful if you are willing to work hard and change the world. This State is an example union in so many categories it's hard to list, other State's mimic, none give credit. No, cost of living isn't cheap, but you absolutely what you pay for.
Flag ThisBurlington is a great little city. I grew up a little outside of burlington and went to uvm. Having lived in a few other states in locations of various sizes, burlington and vt still rank at the top of my list. Awesome nightlife and for the most part, great, down to earth people.
Flag ThisI have to agree if full malls, walmarts, targets and cheap food are your requirements for "Best Town" you aren't going to be happy in Burlington - maybe why some people including myself find Burlington to be a little piece of heaven. It's all about the QUALITY OF LIFE. The waterfront (including ECHO, bike path, beaches, camping, marina, ferry services and cruises, skate park, restaurants, businesses, residences, and green open space!) is a gem that the city continues to develop, there are more festivals/races/outdoor activities than you could ever attend in one year, dog/pedestrian/bike friendly, fantastic chefs and local restaurants/bars/clubs - night life, creative and vibrant population/schools, awesome local beer/chocolate/coffee (and not just GMCR) and don't forget CHEESE, growing tech and art scene, and in reference to the comment about Madison: if you travel just 45 minutes outside the Burlington you are in another country! It can be harder to make a living here but not make a home in this lovely community! Burlington's economy has remained amazing stable through the recent recession - thanks in part to the mix of world class public and private colleges, solid local businesses and the multinationals. Additionally there is a start-up atmosphere in BTV that is incredibly energizing and supportive! and yes the winters are long and cold, but if you enjoy the winers sports (and dress appropriately!) that's not really a problem. As my Dad used to say those long cold winters help weed people out! and the hippies? .. they grow on yay! Peace!
Flag ThisIts easy to avoid having a real discussion by dismissing complaints about Burlington and VT by equating the complainer to someone who just does not "get" Vermont and those people should just leave. Unfortunately, the core of the complaints are all too real and pose a serious issue if Burlington truly wants to thrive long into the future. Vermont, and Burlington in particular, are rapidly segregating in very unfavorable economic ways. Basically, a white, upper middle class and wealthy minority are crowding everything else out. Its great if you have a job or are retired with a strong income. Pay here is relatively low but the cost of living is through the roof. Yes, all the great things about Burlington are true, but don't dismiss the complaints by equating it to "mall lovers" just so the complainer can be dismissed. Vermont is one of the states with a rapidly greying population - the kids are leaving in droves because of the lack of economic opportunity and affordable living. If there is no viable future for the young kids, Burlington will soon find itself far less diverse - of course, I find that suits many of Burlington's residents.
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