Janine F. reports in this review:
| Weather | | How much crime? | | What are the neighborhoods like? | | What are the people like? |
| Winooski experiences typical Vermont weather - hearty winters, short springs, humid summers and vibrant falls. It is a particular hilly area located by the Winooski River, and heavy rains or post-winter thaws can cause rapids and flooding in the valleys by the water. Driving conditions can be precarious in winter as well due to black ice and frost heaves under the asphalt. | | Winooski is often on the local news for drug busts and drug-related crimes. General theft and vandalism are not uncommon, but it is typically marijuana and hard drug sales/meth labs that dominate the local crime reports. | | Winooski has experienced a revitalization in recent years. Many of the antique buildings including the Woolen Mill have been re-developed into commercial spaces, condominiums and student housing for Champlain College Students. The Community College of Vermont has a campus adjacent to the Mills as well, and a number of bars and restaurants offer a variety of options for dining out and evening entertainment. Most of these establishments are within the borders of Main Street and East Allen Street.
Most of the homes are older ranches, Victorians and Colonials with varied quality and upkeep on display, as about 15% of the population is living beneath the poverty line. It's not uncommon to see people begging on the side of River Road where Winooski begins to offshoot towards Burlington. This area and other side-streets stemming off Main Street are known for being less inviting and unsafe. | | Winooski is the most diverse town in Vermont and is proudly designated a Refugee Resettlement community. Winooski is often considered a more affordable alternative to living in Downtown Burlington and is therefore a popular spot for college students and young singles, couples and families. It is a walkable neighborhood in a mostly unwalkable state, and would appeal to anyone seeking the conveniences of Burlington without being right in the throes of the larger nearby downtown. |
| Downtown Area | | Restaurants | | Schools | | Single life |
| The Woolen Mill used to boast numerous stores and boutiques, but is now primarily office space and condos. Those looking to shop would be better served by the Church Street Marketplace in Burlington. | | Sneakers is a buzzed-about cafe that is popular for brunch and lunch. Dharshan Namaste and Pho Dang offer Nepalese and Vietnamese food at very affordable prices, and Peking Duck House is a long-time higher-quality Chinese restaurant for dining-in. Misery Loves Co. bakery and cafe has gained a strong reputation in recent years as well. | | Winooski is home to JFK Elementary and Winooski Middle and High Schools. These are some of the most culturally-rich schools in Vermont thanks to Winooski's immigrant population. The schools get mixed review from area parents with a common complain being that the teachers are overwhelmed or "set the bar to low." Local organizations such as Partnership for Change work with the Winooski schools to enable more effective learning programs. | | Winooski has a number of bars, restaurants and activities such as the Waking Windows Music Festival where you could meet someone new or take your current sweetie. |
| Noise | | town comparison vs. | | Best hospital | | Tourist attractions |
| Winooski suffers from an unfair amount of noise pollution, thanks in large part to the nearby railroad tracks and airport. They are directly beneath he flight path of the F-16 fighter planes, which are eventually going to be replaced by the much louder, controversial F-35s, a source of much political argument amongst locals. | | Winooski is adjacent to Burlington and Colchester. If you want many of the conveniences and personality quirks of Burlington with fewer tourists and more affordable rents, then Winooski is the way to go. Colchester is enormous and sprawling, and while it has a lot to offer Winooski is much more compact, cultural and community-centric. The walkability of Winooski is a big selling point, and the increase in diverse restaurants appeals to the local foodies. Wealthy professionals who need more space and fine dining options would probably prefer Burlington or parts of Colchester. | | Fletcher Allen Health Center in Burlington. It is a clean hospital with an overall friendly staff, though it's size can often cause redundant efforts amongst the staff and miscommunications with the patient. It is also a teaching hospital associated with UVM so there are often med students tagging along, often with no warning to the patient in advance. | | The river walk along the Winooski River is absolutely beautiful. Centennial Field is home the the local baseball team and a popular summer attraction. Every spring there is the Waking Windows music festival which draws an immense crowd to several of the music venus and parks in Winooski. |
| General comments | | | | | | |
Some call Winooski the Brooklyn of Burlington, which is fairly dubious. What they mean is that it has a lot of younger residents and hipster appeal with the Monkey House bar and music venue, and a few divey restaurants and pubs. I suppose if Burlington had an "outer boro" then Winooski would be it, but likening anything in VT to NYC is a bit of a stretch.
Some complain that the area has been overdeveloped, sacrificing the history of some of the buildings for commercial gain and gentrification. It is overall a unique neighborhood with a lot to offer, is convenient to Downtown Burlington, Williston and Colchester, and offers beautiful views of the Winooski River. | | | | | | |
