Living in Burlington

What inspired you to consider relocating to Burlington?

Katie and I were living in Seattle but neither of our families were close, we decided on Burlington because it was within driving distance of my family in New Brunswick, Canada, we wanted to be in a smaller community that we could have an impact on long term and because it was a university town so it still had good restaurants, coffee shops and things to do.

What were some of the first things you explored in Burlington?

When we first moved here we explored some of the restaurants, made friends at the dog park and enjoyed the bike path (after making it through the winter)!

What aspects of living in Burlington have exceeded your expectations?

We didn't expect just how much Burlington actually has going on, the restaurants and bars in the city don't leave much to be desired on that front and we love that we can go just about anywhere in the city and run into friends!

What advice would you give to someone considering a move to Burlington?

Just do it! There's plenty going on and while it might be an adjustment coming from wherever, it's not a bad adjustment!

What do you love most about the lifestyle in Burlington?

We love the bike path! Being able to bike down from the New North End to Burlington proper to have a drink or go out for dinner with friends is so nice!

What are some of your favorite ways to spend a weekend here?

I love getting out into the mountains for skiing or hiking but then it's also nice to stick around Burlington and go out with friends.

 What’s your experience with the seasons here, and do you have a favorite time of year?

As a skier I have to say the winter, especially this one! That said the summer has a lot going for it here too!

 What is your favorite restaurant in Burlington?

Volcano Asian Cuisine is our all time favorite but I think I'd have to give an honorable mention to American Flatbread as the best pizza I've ever had!

When did you relocate to Vermont?

I moved to Vermont in April 2021 from California. My husband and I made the cross-country drive in our minivan with our 3 kids, 2 cats, 1 puppy and 2 fish. Did I mention we also had a camper in tow? It was a once-in-a-lifetime family adventure! We moved to be closer to family in Massachusetts, yet still be in a place that has all the things we love - nature, good people, good food and activities.

What's your favorite thing about living in Vermont? 

The people and Vermont’s beauty.

What were some of the first things you explored in Burlington?

We moved to the Burlington area in the spring of ‘21 so it was still a bit cold during our first month here so we spent one rainy April day at Echo (I have three children). Once May hit, we attended a Lake Monsters game and explored the shoreline of Lake Champlain. During our first summer, we were lucky to do a few boating days on Lake Champlain, explored swimming holes and enjoyed sunset drinks at Spot on the Dock and Splash.

What advice would you give to someone considering a move to Burlington?

It’s worth it. We have lived all over - MA, CT, MI, CA - and Vermont is our favorite. You get what you pay for and the greater Burlington area has the best of city and country life, plus Lake Champlain, which is a big draw for us.  Don’t let housing intimidate you. Find a good realtor and be open-minded about housing.

What are some of your favorite ways to spend a weekend here?

In the summer it is boating and outings with friends at local restaurants…or just staying in and watching the amazing Burlington sunsets from our backyard. In the fall, it is hiking. I hibernate in the winter (and attend my son’s hockey games) but my husband takes advantage of our proximity to Bolton for skiing.

Do you have a favorite spot in Burlington that you recommend to everyone? 

honey Road for dinner - it is so unique. I tell people you don’t know what you are ordering, but you will love it! 

Are there any annual events or festivals in Burlington that you look forward to?

We enjoy the 4th of July on the waterfront, cheering on the runners at the annual M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon and Relay and taking in a Lake Monsters game or two.

What’s your favorite outdoor activity in the area?

We love boating on Lake Champlain - so much so that we joined the Champlain Fleet Club (boat share club) a year after we moved here. 

What do you think makes Burlington unique compared to other places?  

The kindness of its people, natural beauty, and the diversity of activities.

What’s one thing you wish more people knew about Burlington?

Our sunsets are better than the Caribbean.

What is your favorite restaurant?

I don’t have one yet - there are more I need to try! I recently went to Santiago’s Cuban cuisine, which was a real treat. 

What do you tell your guests to do when they visit?

Aren’t you jealous?! Seriously, I feel grateful every day we moved here. 

Where did you move here from?

Previously, I lived in New York City for over a decade, so needless to say Burlington is still a bit of a culture shock for me. I’ve never been land-locked before, but I’ve also never lived in a place where you could swim with a panoramic view of the mountains. I don’t miss the skyscrapers so much.

What brought you to Greater Burlington?

I hit a wall during the pandemic and felt quite burnt out. I had to decide whether I wanted to continue feeding into my workaholic lifestyle or take the road less taken as they say. My partner was ready to move back to his home state and I found a lovely marketing job at a family owned ski resort where I could practice sliding on snow more frequently than years past.

What do you love about living in Greater Burlington?

I’m undeniably a city girl through and through, so Burlington is naturally a great fit for someone who prefers to get around on foot, bike, or bus. You have some of the typical “city” amenities yet this place has opened my world to hiking, kayaking, farming, and so many other hobbies I never knew I could love. It doesn’t hurt that my home mountain at Bolton Valley is also only 30 minutes away, being close to the slopes makes things here that much sweeter.

What do you love to do with your free time?

Snowboarding takes first place in my heart.  I’m really lucky to have found so much joy in that and to share that bond with likeminded friends in BTV. I just became certified to teach level 1 snowboarding last season so I’m looking forward to leading more lessons this winter. Post-winter I love taking my dog Xena hiking, finding a good swimming hole, bike rides, and catching a good concert outdoors.

What surprised you about living here?

The community building and available resources here have really amazed me, there’s something for everyone to tap into. Personally, I have found solace in groups like Unlikely Riders and Vermont Professionals of Color who have both made it their personal missions to instill and create a sense of belonging for BIPOC outdoor enthusiasts and professionals. I also lead the Bolton Babe Force for women and non-binary folks looking to recreate together and it’s taught me how meaningful creating these affinity spaces is and why they’re integral.

What are the things you tell your friends and relatives they must do when they visit?

Take a bike ride down the Burlington Bike Path, stop for a quick drink at Foam and continue till you arrive at North Beach for a quick dip. Farm and Foragers is a great place for lunch. For dinner I think the sunsets at Santiago’s are pretty magical along with the zesty food, Honey Road is another great choice!

What inspired you to consider moving to Burlington?

Growing up near the ocean it was easy for Me to be drawn to Lake Champlain. In choosing a college, I found that Burlington had such a diverse community. I fell in love with the art scene, music scene and Vermont culture.

What were some of the first things you explored in Burlington? 

Downtown Burlington, the music scene, the waterfront, and some of the cities best restaurants! 

What aspects of living in Burlington have exceeded your expectations?

The community! I've been able to make a number of lifelong friends here in Burlington and that has exceeded my expectations and allowed for me to thrive in Vermont.

What advice would you give to someone considering a move to Burlington?

I would say, immerse yourself fully into the Burlington experience, if that's hiking, biking, skiing or whatever it is you love to do. There is a strong community here that can help show you around and enable you to get the most out of Vermont. 

Do you see yourself staying in Burlington long-term? Why or why not?

Definitely - I have moved around a bit within Vermont, but the Burlington area will always be home to me and I don't see that changing anytime soon! 

Did you visit Burlington before deciding to relocate? What stood out to you?

I did. What’s stood out the most to me was how accessible the mountains were for hiking, swimming for day trips.

What resources did you find helpful when researching the area?

I discovered the seven days on a whim while looking for a job, preparing myself for my move. Also through word-of-mouth with my peers and friendly neighbors.

What do you love most about Burlington’s lifestyle?

I love that everything is at an arms reach. Great dining ,great nightlife, trails for hiking, dog parks the lake. I can go on and on there is always something to do.

How do you typically spend your weekends here?

In the weekend I spend my time on the boat, cruising and fishing the Shores of Burlington. In the winter times I like to take winter hikes and do some ice fishing just outside of Burlington.

Do you have a favorite local spot you always recommend?

I have a few. If you wanna go get a quick bite to eat and are on the go, Henry Street Deli is awesome staple to the community  If  you want to go get a tasty drink. I would suggest Burlington Beer Co. Their tap list and good eats and atmosphere are hands down the best.

Are there any annual events or festivals you look forward to?

I really look forward to the live music that comes down to the waterfront on any given weekend. You can find some great music. The brewers festival is probably something I look forward to every year

What inspired you to consider relocating to Burlington

During the pandemic, I was looking for small cities near colleges that were close to a body of water. Burlington seemed to tick the boxes. 

What were some of the first things you explored in Burlington? 

The arts + music scene, wine bars + restaurants. 

What aspects of living in Burlington have exceeded your expectations? 

The friendly, welcoming openness of the people here. There is a wonderful community spirit that exists in all of Vermont, but particularly in Burlington. 

What advice would you give to someone considering a move to Burlington? 

Be open-minded about a slower pace of life, especially if you are coming from a bigger city. I lived in LA and worked in NYC a lot, both 24-hour cities. Vermont isn’t like that ~ not all businesses are open every day, and things seem to close earlier than other cities. That’s something I like, but it might not be for everyone. 

Do you see yourself staying in Burlington long-term? Why or why not? 

I do. In two years, I have made so many friends and become a part of the community in a way that I never felt living in Los Angeles. Feeling connected on a personal level means I am more invested in the development of the businesses and recreational activities as I see myself growing old(er) here. What do you love most about the lifestyle in Burlington? The number of activities – be it outdoor recreation, food, music, and arts/entertainment options on any given weekend – people really enjoy themselves! 

What are some of your favorite ways to spend a weekend here?

Balancing something active, like a hike or visiting one of Vermont’s walking/bike trails, and ending with a good meal and live music. 

Do you have a favorite spot in Burlington that you recommend to everyone?

I’m pretty partial to The Essex Experience, because it has free parking, nine restaurants including a cidery, a brewery + distillery, a wine bar, an independent movie theater, and a performance center with live music, seminars, and community driven events. Almost all businesses are owned by locals who either grew up in Essex or live here now. I really like that aspect! 

What’s your experience with the seasons here, and do you have a favorite time of year?

NOTHING beats Fall in Vermont. 

What’s one thing you wish more people knew about Burlington?

The dedication to preserving VT as a positive and progressive place to live and how tightly knit the communities are ~ people take so much pride in being “Vermonters” and I can understand why! 

What's your favorite thing about living in Vermont?

I love the mountains and the lake being so close to me. I also love how safe it is. 

What were some of the first things you explored in Burlington?

Mount Philo is a beginner's bucket list mountain on anyone's hiking journey. Also exploring Burlington's waterfront and the bike path. 

What advice would you give to someone considering a move to Burlington?

Embrace the outdoors! I had always wondered why people loved it here so much, until I discovered the secret - you have to be active outside - hiking or paddle boarding, skiing or mountain biking, gardening or camping - you have to be engaged with the outdoors. Burlington (and Vermont), is too small and rural to keep you occupied 24/7/365 indoors!

Do you see yourself staying in Burlington long-term? Why or why not?

Yes, I see my future here in VT. Why would I want to subject myself to sitting in traffic and dealing with closed minded societies?

What are some of your favorite ways to spend a weekend here?

Depends on the season ... I could peruse a farmers market, try out a new creemee joint, and go watch a Vermont Green game all in one day in the summer, or go ski and then apres ski at a local brewery before soaking in a hot tub in the winter!

Do you have a favorite spot in Burlington that you recommend to everyone?

Riding a bike down the causeway, hopping onto the bike ferry and then continuing the bike ride to Snow Farm Vineyard and rewarding yourself with a couple of wine slushies. Yes, I said wine slushies ... you can thank me later.

Are there any annual events or festivals in Burlington that you look forward to?

The VT PoC annual August Kickback is the highlight of my summer calendar!

What’s your favorite outdoor activity in the area?

My recommendation to anyone in the Burlington area is to make a friend with someone who has a boat. Boating on Lake Champlain is by far my most enjoyable activity. 

What’s your experience with the seasons here, and do you have a favorite time of year?

Summer - didn't even have to think about that!

What’s one thing you wish more people knew about Burlington?

It's a city that punches above its weight. There is no other city in the US with less than 500,000 people that has the same amenities and access as Burlington does: for example, the airport has significant carriers to major destinations; the 2 degrees of separation to the most influential figures in the state; it is a 20 minutes drive to whatever environment you choose to be in; as the largest city in the state, it is the center of a liberal/progressive Vermont ecosystem. 

What is your favorite restaurant?

Aromas of India - best restaurant in Greater Burlington hands down.

What do you tell your guests to do when they visit?

Don't let the short pours fool you - Vermont beers are not just the best in the world, they are also the most potent!