About Vermont
This webpage was designed to anticipate the needs of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont's new employees, strategic partners, and consultants coming to Vermont to embark on a new and wonderful adventure in the Green Mountain State.
Office Location
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont's primary office is located in Berlin, Vermont, just off Exit 7 of Interstate 89. The building is nestled on a
high hilltop with panoramic views of mountain ranges, low fields, and deciduous forests.
- View Map
State Facts
- Established: March 1791 (14th state of the Union)
- Capital: Montpelier (8,000 residents)
- Population: approximately 616,000 (one of the least populated states in US)
- Considered the most rural state in the US
- Landscape: mountains, forests, valleys, rivers, freshwater lakes and dairy farms
- Country's largest producer of maple syrup
- State motto: Freedom and Unity
Want to learn more? Check these sites out:
Climate
The climate of Vermont can be summarized in one word: unpredictable! Temperatures and weather conditions fluctuate daily, if not hourly. A tip from long-time Vermonters: "Don't put too much faith in the weather forecast when making plans."
There are four clearly defined climatic seasons and one season unique to Vermont:
- Spring - moderate temperatures, plant life renewal, hues of brown and green.
Attire: variety of casual dress (pants, sweaters, t-shirts, light coats) - Summer - mild/moderate heat & humidity, lush greens, blooming flowers and crops.
Attire: light clothing for days; long-sleeved shirts or sweaters for evenings. - Fall - cooler temperatures and a burst of brilliantly colored tree-tops.
Attire: variety of casual dress (pants, sweaters, t-shirts, light coats) - Winter - freezing temperatures and crisp, clean blankets of snow cover the state.
Attire: coats, heavy jackets, gloves, scarves, and warm, dry, insultated boots are necessary. - "Mud Season" - this one-month season occurs during the transition from winter to spring, when melting snows combine with spring rains on dirt roads.
Learn more about Vermont's climate:
Living in Vermont
Home buying or renting:
- Local Newspapers: Times Argus, Burlington Free Press
Utilities:
Check the local yellow pages or the official State website, vermont.gov to find information about gas/propane, oil, electricity, phone services, waste removal, snow removal, internet & cable television.
For international calls, there's an excellent free or mostly free service on the web, Skype .
Religious Services:
Search sites of worship in Vermont
Travel/Transportation
- Two major interstates (view map )
- Well-groomed state highways
- Several rest areas are available.
- Exits are few and far between; it's not unheard of to travel over 15 miles before seeing services (gas, rest area, food & lodging).
- Travel is quite scenic and can be very different for those used to traveling in more populated areas.
- Take note and pay heed to animal crossing signs, such as "Moose Crossing" and "Deer Crossing."
- Billboards are prohibited in Vermont.
- Vermont does have public transportation although in limited locations. Check your local yellow pages for taxi services.
Vermont Agency of Transportation
Green Mountain Transit Agency (GMTA)
Green Mountain Transit Agency (GMTA)
Schools
Vermont is one of highest-ranked states in the country in terms of quality of education. For information on public and private schools, check out these resources:
Shopping
Vermonters are fortunate to live in a state with fresh produce, meat and dairy products. Many stores and co-ops offer a selection of locally grown, organic, and ethnic foods from other countries.