Beautiful Burlington      For more information visit http://www.ci.burlington.vt.us/.    

In 2007, the city was named one of the top four "places to watch" in the United States. In 2008, the CDC ranked Burlington the #1 Healthiest City in the Nation! And in 2009 our city was rated the #1 place to live! When you come for a visit you will see why! 

The ratings were based on what was perceived as ideal for older residents. Criteria included what makes a community livable: new urbanism, smart growth, mixed-use development, and easy-living standards. 

Burlington attracts visitors who appreciate its flawless blend of cosmopolitan flair and stunning Lake Champlain and Green Mountain beauty. 

The Burlington, Vermont region offers outdoor activities from lake-based kayaking, fishing and sailing to mountain-based hiking, cycling and skiing- and everything in between. Or spend your time enjoying the area's fantastic dining, shopping, concerts and special events. 

Burlington is a college town, home to the University of Vermont (UVM), Burlington College, and to Champlain College, as well as a Community College of Vermont campus. Saint Michael's College is located in nearby Colchester. 

Burlington is the largest city in the U.S. state of Vermont and is the shire town (county seat of Chittenden County. With a population of 38,889, the city is the core of one of the nation's smaller metropolitan areas, and is also the smallest U.S. city that is the largest city in its state. The urbanized area consists of the cities of Burlington, South Burlington, and Winooski; the towns of Colchester, Essex, and Williston; and the village of Essex Junction. As of 2000, the metropolitan area contained the three northwestern Vermont counties of Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle, with an estimated 2006 population of 206,007, approximately one third of Vermont's total population. 

As of the census of 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $33,070, and the median income for a family was $46,012. Males had a median income of $30,144 versus $25,270 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,011. About 10.4% of families and 20.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.4% of those under age 18 and 10.5% of those ages 65 or over. 


Wonderful Williston     For more information visit http://town.williston.vt.us/.

Williston is located about 6 miles away from Burlington, VT still in Chittenden County. Many families live there as opposed to city dwelling and make the short commute. There is a relaxing walking/bike path through town as well as many mountain bike trails. You can also kayak down the river or hop over to Stowe for some down hill skiing since it is only about 30 minutes away. Another great feature is the apple orchards and fields for hot air balloons to land it, which you see a lot of! 

Since 1950, Williston has changed a great deal. The character of the town has changed from rural and farming to mainly suburban and industrial. In 1954 Williston joined the Greater Burlington Industrial Corporation which has been responsible for attracting industry to Chittenden County. Perhaps their greatest success has been the location of IBM in Essex Junction in 1957. The plant has steadily grown over the years and now over 8,000 people work there. This has meant significant growth for the town of Williston.  

Between 1960 and 1970 the population more than doubled. Many new houses were built, particularly off Route 2A in the western part of the town. IBM eventually expanded across the river and some of its buildings are now in Williston. The establishment of new industries in Williston also has changed the character of the town. Industrial Avenue is the center of this growth.  

As of the 2000 census, there were 7,650 people, 2,921 households, and 2,141 families residing in the town. The population density was 252.1 people per square mile (97.4/km²). There were 3,036 housing units at an average density of 100.1/sq mi (38.6/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 97.45% White, 0.50% African American, 0.14% Native American, 1.20% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.10% from other races, and 0.59% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.95% of the population. 

There were 2,921 households, out of which 36.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.1% were married couples living together, 5.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.7% were non-families. 20.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 3.02. 

In the town the population was spread out, with 27.5% under the age of 18, 4.1% from 18 to 24, 32.0% from 25 to 44, 24.6% from 45 to 64, and 11.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 95.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.6 males. 

The median income for a household in the town was $61,467, and the median income for a family was $69,762. Males had a median income of $49,048, versus $31,740 for females. The per capita income for the town was $29,757. About 0.8% of families and 1.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.8% of those under age 18 and 4.9% of those age 65 or over. 

Williston has two schools: the Allen Brook School, Pre-K-4, and the Williston Central School, K-8. The town does not have its own high school; Williston's high school students attend Champlain Valley Union High School, 9-12, in nearby Hinesburg, Vermont. A private boarding school has been in Williston for over 35 years as well, the Pine Ridge School. 


Charming Colchester     For more information visit http://colchestervt.gov/.

Colchester, VT is located on gorgeous Lake Champlain in Chittenden County. Many people come here to vacation and go hiking, fishing, boating and camping. Even in the winter there are fun things to do like snow mobiling, cross country skiing and ice fishing.  

Beautiful Malletts Bay has many camps to enjoy where you can walk right out to your boat. There is even an international sailing center.  

As of the census of 2000, there were 16,986 people, 6,144 households, and 4,184 families residing in the town. The population density was 460.5 people per square mile (177.8/km²). There were 6,727 housing units at an average density of 182.4/sq mi (70.4/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 96.53% White, 0.63% African American, 0.17% Native American, 1.58% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.25% from other races, and 0.80% from two or more races. 1.11% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 

There were 6,144 households out of which 34.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.2% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.9% were non-families. 22.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 2.96. 

In the town the population was spread out with 22.6% under the age of 18, 16.2% from 18 to 24, 32.1% from 25 to 44, 22.7% from 45 to 64, and 6.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 96.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.0 males. 

The median income for a household in the town was $51,429, and the median income for a family was $58,358. Males had a median income of $38,268 versus $30,880 for females. The per capita income for the town was $22,472. About 5.4% of families and 6.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.2% of those under age 18 and 9.7% of those age 65 or over.


For more information about Northwestern, Vermont check out the following links:

Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce

Burlington Free Press

Seven Days - Vermont's Independent Voice

365 Things To Do Around Burlington, VT

Vermont Living Magazine