Top Gay Family Cities: Burlington
Monday, June 28, 2010 11:00:34 AM

The Burlington region is an epicenter of outdoor activities. Everything from lake-based kayaking, fishing and sailing to mountain-based hiking, cycling and skiing is here for families to enjoy. With thousands of acres of beautiful terrain, Vermont is a popular “base camp” for lake-lovers and mountaineers. The city is built on a hillside, overlooking the lake, and has been touted as having one of the lowest crime rates and best air quality in the nation.

This four season haven offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cosmopolitan flair. Although the population is small, the city’s impact on the region is not. Burlington anchors the economic center of Vermont and is a prime destination for work, higher education, recreation and the arts. Over the years, it has evolved into a full-fledged city, but still maintains its small-town appeal for families. Burlington’s famous historic Church Street Marketplace offers a wide range of eclectic shops, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. The award-winning open-air mall is a hub of activity, with year-round festivals, street entertainers, music, and historical architecture. The Burlington area also boasts a world-class hospital and academic medical center. The city offers a nationally-ranked ratio of 700 physicians per 100,000 residents.

Recent accolades and news include:

• Vermont became the fourth state to allow gay marriages and the first state to approve same-sex marriage by vote of legislature in September 2009.
• Children’s Health Magazine named Burlington the #1 place to raise a family
• Burlington was chosen as one of the top U.S. cities to live and play, for the category of “Start a Family”, by National Geographic Adventure.

Vermont: Permits single GLBT and joint adoption. Second-parent adoption allowed.

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