South Burlington is home to the headquarters of Ben & Jerry's ice cream and the Magic Hat Brewing Company. No wonder residents are so happy.
South Burlington is located on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, in a valley between the Adirondacks and the Green Mountains. Downtown Burlington's Church Street Marketplace is an open-air pedestrian mall filled with cafes, restaurants, boutiques. If you're seeking chain stores, University Mall in South Burlington is the state's largest shopping mall. Burlington College and Champlain College are also located in Burlington. The ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center on Lake Champlain has more than 70 live species to discover. I-89 runs through South Burlington, providing convenient access to the region.
Finding an Apartment in South Burlington
If you want to find apartments in South Burlington, how do you get started? Knowing what you're looking for will help you narrow down rental apartments and make your search easier.
Ask yourself about your needs and budget. Would you be happy in a one-bedroom apartment, or are you in the market for something larger? If you want more space, you might consider condos for rent. Do you like the finer things in life? South Burlington has many luxury apartments and serviced apartments.
Having your paperwork organized in advance will help you act fast when you see a place that you like. Landlords generally want proof of identity (such as a driver's license or passport) and proof of income (a letter from your employer, bank statements and/or pay stubs). A credit check and/or background check may also be required.
Once you know what you're looking for, you're ready to start the hunt!
South Burlington Neighborhoods
Before South Burlington became its own city, it was once part of the township of Burlington. Downtown Burlington and the University of Vermont are located in what is known as the Old South End. In South Burlington proper, neighborhoods are mainly named for nearby roads or cross streets. Route 7 (Shelburne Road) and Route 2 (Williston Road) run through the city. Burlington International Airport is in the northeast part of the city, which is bordered by the Winooski River. City Center, also in the northeast part of the city, is currently under development to create a walkable downtown core. Queen City Park is a nice neighborhood in the southwest part of the city, near Red Rocks Park and Lake Champlain. The southeast part of South Burlington is less developed than the other parts, and still contains rolling fields and forests.
Living in South Burlington
Relaxed, beautiful South Burlington attracts all types of people, from hippies to former big-city dwellers. Because the original township of Burlington was founded in the 18th century, the area has many historic sites, such as the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum in Burlington.
Vermont has a rich farming history, which you can see in the many famous food products that are made in the state. Vermont maple syrup is harvested from February to April and is used to make maple sugar and maple candy. Cabot Creamery, established in 1919, makes cheese, butter, yogurt and other dairy products. Many restaurants in the Burlington area take advantage of the local agricultural bounty. Hen of the Wood, which aims to provide a "Vermont dining experience," has a menu that changes daily. Lines form outside Penny Cluse Caf during weekend brunch. American Flatbread serves wood-fired pizzas and Zero Gravity craft beer.
South Burlington is an outdoor lover's paradise. Dorset Park's 70 acres include a band shell, picnic area, soccer fields, baseball fields and basketball courts. Community Dog Park is popular with dogs and their owners. Sunsets on Lake Champlain are stunning, and Overlook Park is one of the best places for viewing. Red Rocks Park has 700 feet of waterfront on Lake Champlain and 2.5 miles of pedestrian trails for recreation. The city also has public outdoor tennis courts.
For more wilderness, Wheeler Nature Park offers 140 undeveloped acres and trails for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Farther away, the Green Mountains offer hiking, biking and rock climbing. For multi-day hikes, the Appalachian Trail and the Long Trail pass through Vermont. In winter, skiers and snowboarders trek to Vermont's many slopes, such as Stowe and Killington.
South Burlington is also a cultural hub. The Fleming Museum is dedicated to art and anthropological artifacts. The city is home to two theater companies, the Lyric Theatre Company and the Vermont Stage Company. Higher Ground is a popular venue for live music in South Burlington. The 1,411-seat Flynn Center for the Performing Arts in Burlington is home to the Vermont Symphony Orchestra. Every year, Burlington hosts the 10-day Discover Jazz Festival, which has featured musicians such as Tony Bennett and Maceo Parker.
Now that you have the scoop on life in South Burlington, the next step is finding your new home.