Expert: David Beckett - 7/22/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi David,

My husband and I are considering making the move from PA to Burlington.  We have two young children and I've been doing tons of research to try to be sure that this is a good place to "lay down some roots" and raise our family.  I just have a few questions for you.  Sorry in advance if you've already covered some of these topics in other messages.

First of all, I realize the winters in Vermont are long and very cold but could you describe what the Spring-Summer season is like?  Does it rain often or are there plenty of sunny days?  Second, my husband is finishing school now to become a Physician Assistant.  I've heard that finding a job in Vermont can be difficult.  Do you happen to know if there is a lot of opportunities in the medical field near Burlington?  I know the Fletcher Allen Health Center is based there so I'm assuming that would open up some doors for possible employment.  On another note, I realize Burlington is known to have a "live and let live" mentality especially in regards to religion.  I feel the same way, but I am a Christian and would like to get tied into a good Church.  Are there any contemporary churches in the area that you know of that are "growing" rather than diminishing?  Last question, I promise:)  My husband and I are planning to visit for about a week in August.  We'll be bringing along our 2 children (both under the age of 3).  Would you have any specific suggestions for things we should check out while we're in the area to get a good feel for what life there would truly be like?  Thank you in advance for all your help and suggestions.  I've been reading through your advice to other people for a few weeks now and I've found it incredibly helpful!

ANSWER: Hi Emily !

First, thanks for the kind words, which I very much appreciate. Thanks for the questions too...

You'll find all sorts of detailed weather info on the www, but let me say that one of the things I like about Burlington is the weather, Winter and all. First, The Burlington area does benefit from The Lake Effect, and that means we just don't have the unbroken stretches of cold snowy weather people imagine VT has. We do have a lot of snow, but it comes in seperate storms and tends to be broken up by warmer weather, and some rain. We're not even guaranteed a white Christmas like we used to have when I was a kid. Spring in the country surrounding Chittenden County is called Mud Season around here - but in Burlington and thereabouts, there seems to be dry pavement, and that just makes it easier to get to the ski areas, to ski in a sweater and a ball cap. Truly, there's nothing like skiing or snowboarding when it's warm out. I cross-country ski right out my back door in a park right in downtown Burlington all season long, and in the Spring, particularly it's just glorious. Summer there's some hot weather, but again, just like Winter, Summer weather here is really variable. It can be hot for days on end, but then it'll moderate or there will be a thunderstorm. Central A/C is still relatively unusual here. But I'm just a pollyanna about the weather and easily amused by it, so ...your mileage may vary. People here do complain about the cold in the Winter, but I always tell them ...none of us would be able to afford our homes if we had one less month of Winter here.

I'm guessing a PA would be able to find good employment here, it's a terrific credential, and as you say - there's an enormous medical center here. I recently spoke to a corporate recruiter I'm going to take out for lunch and get to know better... to be part of my network, so feel free to let me know if you'd like me to pass a resume on to him at some point. I'm not sure if he works much with medical professionals, but I'll let you know if you like.

When you come with the kids - do go visit The E.c.h.o Center. It's a hands-on childrens science center/museum right on the lake in Burlington. The Waterfront Park area, right there, is also a fun place to eat with the kids. I like to go to Splash-At-The-Boathouse for lunch or dinner - and the kids might enjoy that, too. The whole Burlington waterfront is just wonderful for families. So is the Church Street Marketplace, just up College Street.

Now - for Churches, since you don't mention a denomination, I'm not entirely sure I know which church to suggest you visit. If you'd care to tell me more, I may be able to make a more specific suggestion. But here's a list. There are a number of growing churches here, including some which seem pretty contemporary to me...
http://vermont.hometownlocator.com/features/cultural,class,Church,scfips,50007.c

Let me know when you're coming to visit if you like. I'd be happy to give you some more suggestions on the phone.

Warmly,
David Beckett
Chenette Real Estate
1 802 264 1888 (direct)
david@askdavidbeckett.com
  


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi David,

Thank you so much for your quick response!  My husband is inquiring as to
how humid it tends to get there.  He is thinking because Burlington is
situated right along the lake that it would get rather humid.  I in turn was
hoping to move North to escape some of the humidity we face here in
Pennsylvania.  

As for a denomination of Christianity, we aren't really one or the other.  I've
grown up going to a mix of churches from Baptist, to Non-Denominational
and we are currently going to a Methodist church.  So it could really vary.  We
would prefer a church that's a little more laid back (ie. the church we're
currently attending has Sat. night services and allows people to come as they
are - in shorts, jeans, whatever).  When I say contemporary, I guess I'm
meaning with a "contemporary" focus on worship.  Our current church has a
band up front for worship and also uses a multi-media system to make
announcements and incorporate scriptures and video clips into each sermon.  
Another thing we're hoping to find is a church that has a strong focus on the
youth with lots of activities and things for the kids to get involved in.  

The link with the list of churches you provided is great!  That will definitely
help us to get a head start on finding a good place someday if we make the
decision to relocate.  Now that I've given you more of an idea of what we have
in mind, if any specific places come to mind that you know of or have heard
of please do pass the information our way!

Thanks again for all your help!  If you have the time to answer the question I
had in regards to the humidity that would be wonderful:)

Take Care,
Emily

Answer
Thanks Emily - Yes, it can be very humid for many of the days each Summer. But the weather is very variable in VT as a rule, so the weather that people are complaining about ...is different weather all the time.

There are a lot of terrific Churches right in downtown Burlington. Mostly different flavors of mainline Protestant, (Baptist, Methodist, Unitarian, Congregationalist, Anglican, UCC, Lutheran, etc) Catholic and so on...the ones you'd have found in a New England village throughout the last century. In the last 30 years or so though, all sorts of newer places of worship have established themselves too.

Let me know what other questions I can try to help with...

Best,
David Beckett
david@askdavidbeckett.com