Expert: David Beckett - 2/26/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hello, My husband is being considered for a position in Vermont and I've been looking into places to live. Unfortunately all I see are depressing,outdated homes. Is there any trendy, hip upcoming spot where there are lofts or cool apartments? Does this exist in Vermont or are we in for a very rude, grey and snowy awakening?

ANSWER: Hi Tanesha -

Thanks for your question which, you'll be happy to know, makes me chuckle a bit, to tell you the truth.

I'm very happy to help. ...and yes, we have trendy hip upcoming spots here. Really!

I can help best by sending material by email.

Where in Vermont is the job your husband is considering? Have you visited VT yet? Where do you live now? I can be more helpful If I know a little more...

I'm a Realtor, with access to the MLS, of course. That consists of properties for sale, but will allow me to show you a few examples of trendy, hip and upcoming in VT.

If you decide to move here, I'll put you in touch with some friends who handle rentals who can be of real help in finding you exactly what you're looking for.

I'll look forward to hearing from you!

Thanks,

David Beckett

david (at) askdavidbeckett.com

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

QUESTION: Hi David,
It's Tanesha again. Thank you so much for getting back to me so fast.To answer your questions we're currently in Charleston, SC(originally from NY)that's why we have the audacity to demand something cool!(smile)We have not been up for a visit yet and the position is in the Winooski/Burlington area. (St.Michael's) I'm so happy to hear that there maybe something for us!! I can't wait to hear back from you. Thank you!

Answer
Hi Tanesha -

Small world: I've been doing a Jazz radio show at the St Michael's college radio station (wwpv.org) for 19 years. I live in Burlington. I think Burlington (and the area, including Winooski...) are the cat's meow. Burlington's won a couple of dozen awards for liveability from all sorts of different perspectives. I've lived here since 1961, and it's changed enormously - for the better, in my opinion.

Winooski has recently undergone a HUGE building/urban renewal project. It's an old textile mill town, and the mill buildings have been put to all sorts of interesting uses in the present day. But now, they've built all sorts of brand new buildings, and it's really changed. Winooski now has it's own Farmer's Market, a very cool Riverwalk (illuminated for strolling in the evening), and I think I even spotted a new skating area when I drove by the other day. Winooski's also full of nice little restaurants... I believe at least one of the recently constructed buildings is multi-use: a mixture of owned condo units, rental apartments, offices and retail.

Let me know when you're going to visit. I'm more than happy to give you the nickel tour and, of course, introduce you to my friends who specialize in rentals.

I realize you're not in the market to buy a place - but I thought I'd show you some of what's for sale in Burlington and in Winooski, just so you can see some newer cooler housing stock. Also so you can see the photos included in the listings. Many of these places are within walking distance of either Lake Champlain, or The Winooski River.

http://www.vreinmls.com/ver/maildoc/d003yC1041.html

You may need to paste this web address into a new browser window. Or just email me - the links come through well in email.

Let me know how I can help!

David Beckett

david (at) askdavidbeckett.com