Why Burlington ?

“Situated on a gently sloping hillside, opposite the widest portion of Lake Champlain, Burlington has long been celebrated among New England cities for the picturesque beauty of its natural scenery, its tree-embowered streets, homelike residences, substantial public buildings and excellent educational institutions and churches; while its pleasant drives and delightful resorts, within easy distance, all combine to render it a most attractive spot to both residents and visitors.”

Charles E. Allen

About Burlington Vermont, 1905

Long before Charles Allen so floridly expressed his opinion about Burlington, the area was noted for its beauty and ambience. The Abnaki’s attributed the formation of Lake Champlain and the adjacent mountains to Odzihozo, “the man who made himself.” He was so entranced with his creation he turned himself into the boulder now known as Rock Dunder so he could forever bask in the surrounding splendor. Samuel de Champlain commented on that splendor during his exploration of the lake in July of 1609. The accolades continue. What makes Burlington such a great place to live? Is it because of scenic beauty? Livability? Recreation? Educational opportunities? Entertainment? The answer is yes...to all…and, there is more.

As someone who has lived and worked for large international corporations in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Orlando, I can say with certainty that the decision to move my family and career to Burlington was the best I ever made. Vermont is people-friendly. No matter your age there’s something to do. My out of state guests are always commenting on the number of people they see walking, running, and biking as we pass through neighborhoods and communities. We enjoy our homes, activities, and our lives.

Melinda Moulton, CEO of Main Street Landing, redevelopers of the Burlington Waterfront, echoes the sentiments of most. She and her husband moved to Vermont 36 years ago to be close to his family. “We love the community, the environment, the open-mindedness, the seasons, snow, Lake Champlain and the mountains. Burlington has incredible potential to nurture business, our children, our elderly, our family lives, our values and aspirations. It’s a small town with big town pizzazz. We have great restaurants, a tremendous cultural fabric, security, world-class hospital and university, and a feeling of ‘hometown’ with the promise of finding financial success.”

Moulton is not alone in her love of the area. For more than a decade, Burlington has received more than 29 awards, from New Choices magazine’s “One Of America’s Seven Best Retirement Cities” in 1996; to Arts and Entertainment Network’s Number One City to Have it All in 1999; to SELF magazine’s “The Healthiest City in America” and National Geographic Traveler magazine’s the “Perfect Small City” in 2003; to Inc.com’s “Sixth-Best Small City for Doing Business (25 th Best Overall) in 2005. On November 30, 2006, it was announced that SELF magazine named Burlington number five behind Honolulu, Portland Maine, Nassau and Suffolk County NY, and Orange County CA in its survey of the 100 largest metropolitan areas to determine the “Healthiest Cities For Women.”

Burlington is unique. Although the population is small (38,954 in 2004), the city’s impact on the region is tremendous. The largest city in Chittenden County, which consists of 18 cities and towns, Burlington anchors the economic center of Vermont. The Greater Burlington Area as it is called, houses 149,286 residents, more than 24 percent of Vermont’s total population. It is a prime destination for work, higher education, entertainment, recreation, and the arts. As a result, Burlington has evolved into a full-fledged city that is cosmopolitan, yet manages to retain the ambience of a small town. See all the Greater Burlington Area real esate for sale at a Glance!

Many of its residents come from “away,” a term that means “anyplace other than Vermont,” and they come for a variety of reasons. I know the reason I’m here…serendipity. I had lived in large cities most of my life and found Burlington to be the place I could express my creative side, be active in the community, and, compared to the other cities in which I have resided, live safely. Other people have similar stories. For twelve months during the early 1970’s, Bruce Seifer left Long Island and traveled throughout North America looking for a place to move. “I found lots of people doing the same thing and they all chose Burlington,” he says. Seifer, Assistant Director for Economic Development in the City’s Community and Economic Development Office, “Burlington has lots of cultural activities, outdoor fun, and it is a funky place.” Seifer stayed because of the “great politics, friendly people, excellent quality of life, low crime rate, growing economy, and it is a comfortable place to call home. The sunsets over Lake Champlain and sunrises over the Green Mountains are enticing.”

When asked what was so enticing about living in Vermont, avid golfer Bob Noeltner says, “What's not to like is easier to answer. It's a nice place to raise kids, a great recreational area. Happily retired, Noeltner and his wife enjoy the way the University and colleges spawn performing arts programs, the area’s relative “un-crowding,” and, of course, the fine restaurants. There are over 230 restaurants in the Greater Burlington Area offering a variety of cuisines. Add to that the places to dine in surrounding areas like Stowe, Middlebury, and St. Albans, and the number is staggering. Every culinary taste can be satisfied: American, Asian, Italian, Mediterranean, Cajun, Latin-Mexican, seafood, steakhouse, and vegetarian are among the offerings. Venues range from the delis to bistros, to upscale dining. Author Jim DeFilippi and his wife moved here from Long Island. “There are great restaurants that are as good as anything in Boston or on Long Island.” He personally recommends Smokejacks on Church Street, an upscale restaurant that offers seasonal delicacies made from local ingredients.

Not only are the restaurants as good as you would find in the large cities, DeFilippi says the cultural stimulation and friendliness of the area is enticing. “Each time I go anywhere, I meet two or three people I know. The people are friendly, smart, and funny. Because of the colleges, we have more cultural events to choose from than we did on Long Island…and they’re cheaper…and you can park your car when you get there.”

Theatre is Syndi Zook’s forte´. Zook moved from Washington, D.C. and found a loving and supportive group of friends pretty much right away. “I found an artistic outlet in Lyric Theatre and other theatre companies, and though in Vermont jobs don’t always pay enough, I found work that was at least satisfying and rewarding to me.” Zook also serves on the Boards of several different human service agencies.

The quality entertainment that is available impresses many. Thanks to the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts and the Champlain Exposition, we can see Broadway shows and major entertainers without paying New York City prices. The Flynn’s 2006/2007 season features Pilobolus, The State Theatre of Russia’s “Cinderella,” Savion Glover, “Wonderful Town,” “Rent,” “Hairspray,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” and music ranging from Zydeco to Jazz, Gospel to Classical. The Expo has brought the music of Styx, Paul Simon, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Peter Frampton & Foreigner, Jesse McCartney, Terry Geiger, and the Vermont Mozart Festival. Comedians who have played our town include Larry the Cable Guy, George Carlin, Bill Cosby, among others. Don’t forget that Burlington was the birthplace of Phish. It is also home to Lyric Theatre, New England’s largest community theatre group. Lyric produces two professional quality musicals each year at the Flynn.

Opportunities for employment abound, depending upon what a person is looking for. Formerly from New York City, Pat Goudey-O’Brien says, “It’s very cosmopolitan here, yet manageable and small enough to be personal, yet full of world-class people that keep it from being provincial or insular. This area is less frantic and ‘stressed’ than the larger city regions. It affords the necessary opportunities for employment.”

Many people cyber-commute. Liz Schick, Managing Editor of ProFiles Magazine, says that she had been trying to figure out how she could earn a living up here for years. When the way of doing business changed to telecommunications and computers, it became feasible to do just that. High-speed Internet is available, and several areas are equipped with Wi-Fi, including the airport.

Diversity of experience is key to the region’s success. Greater Burlington has something for everyone. Because of its proximity to the lake and mountains, outdoor and sports enthusiasts have many activities from which to choose. Since it is the home to six institutions of higher learning, those who prefer to focus on intellectual pursuits find a smorgasbord of opportunities. Those who have both intellectual and outdoor interests are in heaven. Vermont is a popular destination for the nature enthusiast, whether hiker, biker, runner, skier, skater, boater, fisher, or hunter. The Vermont Lake Monsters minor league baseball teams home games at Centennial field are very popular. There’s even a minor league basketball team that plays to packed houses, the Frost Heaves.

Area schools turn out exemplary students. South Burlington High School graduate Maria Repnikova, and Rice Memorial High grad R. Genevieve Quist were named 2007 Rhodes Scholars in November. A third woman, Jamila Headley, a senior at St. Michael’s College was also named a 2007 scholar. Educational opportunities abound. Burlington College, Saint Michael’s College, the University of Vermont, Champlain College, Community College of Vermont and New England Culinary Institute have degree programs that attract students from around the world. Vermont citizens who are 65 or older and non-matriculated are eligible for a tuition waiver at any Vermont State College location. Adult education programs offer courses in diverse subjects that feed a variety of interests. Other education and training resources assist those who are entering the workforce for the first time or making career changes. Libraries are a central part of every community and have Internet access.

A great part of the population is very creative, says K.K. Wilder. “Our way of life is slow and relaxed.” Yet it is not so slow that it comes to a standstill. There is even more to do. In addition to theatre groups, there are several writers’ and artists’ organizations, including the League of Vermont Writers, a statewide nonprofit. Service clubs and non-profit organizations covering every interest have active memberships. Jane Turnau and her husband moved to this area from Fayetteville, Pennsylvania to be near their son and his family. She transferred her many year membership to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary to the Flotilla that meets at the Burlington Coast Guard Station. The Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce www.vermont.org has information, as well as the City of Burlington at www.ci.burlington.vt.us. For your children, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4H, hockey, baseball, softball, soccer and other sports and activities can be found through schools, libraries, and the phone book. One doesn’t need to remain idle…only if they wish to. Some of us call it resting…picture spending a snowy evening with feet up, snuggled in with favorite person, book, or show while sipping on a mug of favorite hot beverage—ahhhh, bliss.

I love to travel; neighborhood jaunts, day trips, and long distance. A favorite saying in these parts used to be “you can’t get there from here.” That’s no longer the case. Burlington International Airport is minutes from downtown and an hour or less away from five world-class ski areas. Airlines, scheduled departures and other information is on the airports website, www.burlingtonintlairport.com. If you prefer driving, Burlington is 2 hours from Montreal, 4 hours from Boston, and 6 hours from New York City.

It’s fun living so close to a foreign country. The Canadian province of Quebec has a lot to offer with old world ambience in Quebec City, cosmopolitan Montreal, and skiing in the Laurentians. I love Montreal. The old town has fabulous places to go—Chinatown is one of my favorite places to visit. Montreal smoked meat is a must have. Don’t forget, Americans will need a passport to cross the border.

The Greater Burlington Area lives up to its many commendations. As DeFilippi says, “Your kids will be safe. You’ll meet your governor shopping for a recliner in the furniture store (as I have). You’ll have the sports of winter, the joy of spring, the glory of summer, and the aesthetic beauty of fall.” I agree; it’s all this and more. I’m happy living here.

Written expressly for BurlingtonVermontHomes.com by MaryAnn DiSpirito.