Expert: David Beckett - 5/11/2008

Question
Is it possible to find a place for rent  in So. Burlington or the City of that offers:
That allows for 2 small dogs
that is kid friendly (2 small children)
and allows you to catch a bus or walk to So. Burlington schools?
I see ads for places as inexpensive as 1200 a month, but I worry about fuel costs and safety.


Answer
Thanks for your question, John

I'm not sure what you mean by "South Burlington or the city" but perhaps that's because there's really no "downtown South Burlington" and Burlington's a bit far to walk from most parts of South Burlington.

I grew up in South Burlington when it was still part of Burlington. It's now a separate municipality. I live footsteps from Downtown Burlington now. There are two parts of South Burlington, really, the part off Rt 7 / Shelburne Road (which is served by the excellent Orchard School) and the part off Rt 2 / Williston Road, which serves the airport, which I believe is still  served by Marcotte Central School.

The bus system (called CCTA) is good, and serves several towns, and should offer good service to any part of South Burlington as well as Burlington.  

Renting with PETS can be difficult in Burlington and South Burlington, and always has been. But it's not at all impossible - it just tends to mean you're likely to be looking at places in somewhat less than tip top shape. You may want to keep an eye on Burlingtonapartments.net

I believe safety may be less of an issue than fuel cost, but there are a lot of variables. I'm happy to speak with you about specific neighborhoods if that would help - and before you sign a lease, you can phone the utility company and get a quick bill history from them. I often help buyer clients do this and find I can always get a low bill, high bill, and an average for the past 12 months over the phone.

I hope that helps - please let me know how else I can help.

David

David Beckett, Realtor, CBR
Chenette Real Estate
1 802 264 1888 (direct to desk and voicemail)
david@askdavidbeckett.com
30 Kimball Avenue, South Burlington VT 05403