Expert: David Beckett - 3/24/2010

Question
I recently decided on going to UVM for my bachelors in philosophy. However I am from Austin, Texas, and have never lived in the north. They're offering me a nice scholarship, and I've heard the are is beautiful. My question is: Are the people of Burlington friendly towards outsiders? I want to fit in in Vermont, and not regret my decision. Also, is there a college scene in Burlington? Bars, coffee places, etc? Thanks so much!
-kaitlin

Answer
Small world: My father taught philosophy at UVM for 15 years. Taking that job brought us here in 1961...There's nowhere else in the country which offers me what I can easily get here. Your mileage may vary ;-) ...but it's a really vibrant, well located town. Austin's a much bigger city, but there are few cities of Burlington's size with anything like the amount of art and cultural activities anywhere in the country.

Burlington is quite cosmopolitan. We're not just friendly to outsiders, most of us in the county ARE outsiders ;-) I have dear friends who moved here just over a year ago from Austin. They seem giddy discovering everything the area has to offer. I can introduce you.

Yes - There's a "college scene" here. Burlington is a "college town". There are 3 colleges/Universities here, not counting a couple of small ones. There are loads of bars, coffee places, live music venues, etc etc etc. Plus - you can get to all sorts of cool places from here: You can walk to The Lake from the UVM campus (there's a free shuttle bus, too), you can get to the Green Mountains in under an hour. Boston's a 3.5 hr drive. Montreal's less than a 2 hr drive - the scenic back way, through The Champlain Islands. Air travel to NYC is cheap and easy.

Let me know how I can help, Kaitlin!

david (at) askdavidbeckett.com