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Best Places To Live in Vermont

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Best Places To Live in Vermont

Quintessential New England charm, rich history and vibrant culture? Yes, please. Here's our short list of the best places to live in Vermont.

By Livability on January 30, 2024

Wondering if Vermont is a great place to live? It may be one of the smaller states in the country, with a population hovering right around 650,000, but Vermont is bursting at the seams with natural beauty, small town charm, and arts and culture.

From its stunning green mountains and crystal clear lakes to its high-quality education, world-class health care and booming job markets, it’s no wonder everyone from families and outdoor enthusiasts to young professionals and retirees are eager to make this place their home.

Localism is strong in many of the cities and towns in the state, and you can easily find farm-to-table restaurants, farms and markets dotted across the region. The state also boasts a reputation for low crime rates, renewable energy and a multitude of small towns that are celebrated for their welcoming and tight-knit atmosphere. All in all, Vermont’s blending of natural beauty, community spirit and cultural bounty make it a fantastic place to live for people in all stages of life. 

Brattleboro

The fall landscape in Brattleboro, Vermont. Brattleboro is one of the best cities to live in Vermont.
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Access to the outdoors is a big draw for residents of Brattleboro, Vermont.

Why Brattleboro is one of the best cities to live in Vermont.

You won’t have many residents complaining about life in Brattleboro, Vermont. Nestled amid the rolling hills of southern Vermont, this charming town is a wonderful place to put down roots for anyone seeking a blend of natural beauty, vibrant community and secure employment. Easy access to the Green Mountains and the Connecticut River is just the start of this outdoor playground. (It’s one of the best cities for people who love fall.) Residents can revel in year-round adventures like hiking and kayaking, biking and skiing, or picnicking among the tall trees and grassy meadows. Families appreciate the multitude of activities for children, such as visiting local farms, picking apples, perusing farmers’ markets, playing at Living Memorial Park, and swimming beneath the historic Dummerston covered bridge. 

In addition to its natural charm, of which there is no shortage, Brattleboro also possesses a robust job market that attracts professionals and career-minded individuals to its city center. Major industries include health care, education, the arts and a multitude of small businesses, and major employers include Brattleboro Memorial Hospital and Brattleboro Museum & Art Center. The city also hosts all manner of festivals and events, such as the popular Brattleboro Film Festival and lively Strolling of the Heifers Parade, a must-see for any newcomers or visitors to the area. These gatherings not only celebrate the town’s culture and traditions but also encourage a tight-knit community, making Brattleboro one of the best places to live in Vermont. 

What family-friendly activities are in Brattleboro?

Some of the most popular things to do for families in Brattleboro include exploring the contemporary art exhibitions at the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, spending an afternoon learning about farm animals at Retreat Farm, playing and picnicking at Fort Dummer State Park, and kayaking or canoeing at the nearby lakes or the Connecticut River. 

Learn more about living in Brattleboro, VT.

Burlington

Aerial view from Lakeshore looking along streets in Burlington, Vermont. Burlington is a best place to live in Vermont.
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Burlington, Vermont, offers a vibrant downtown filled with shops, restaurants and cultural attractions.

Why is Burlington one of the best cities to live in Vermont?

Tucked comfortably along the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, Burlington, Vermont, boasts a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1763. Originally called Bridlington in honor of the English town, this charming New England city acted as a transportation and military hub during the American Revolution. Fast forward to modern day and the city has a reputation for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, picturesque surroundings, and access to outdoor recreation. 

It’s hard to deny the appeal of living in a place that invites you to spend as much time as possible in the great outdoors. Burlington residents can easily access a range of activities throughout four distinct seasons, whether that means sailing and kayaking on the lake, biking along the waterfront, or skiing the slopes of the nearby mountains in wintertime. Green spaces within the city make it easy to picnic and gather with friends as well. Beyond its recreational opportunities, Burlington boasts a thriving job market and robust economy with opportunities in technology, health care, education and tourism. The University of Vermont (one of the most beautiful college campuses in the Northeast) and a number of medical centers ensure a steady stream of jobs, and the vibrant downtown with its shops, restaurants and cultural attractions also contribute to its reputation as a great place to live in the Northeast. 

What are some things to do in Burlington? 

Waterfront and outdoor recreational activities are high on the list of favorite pastimes among the locals in Burlington, Vermont. Paddleboarding, kayaking and boat cruises are pleasant ways to spend a weekend, and hiking the nearby Green Mountains often comes up in conversation. Exploring the bustling Church Street Marketplace and its numerous shops, boutiques, and restaurants make for an entertaining weekend, as well as visiting the array of local craft breweries or attending outdoor festivals like Burlington Discover Jazz Festival or the South End Art Hop.

Learn more about living in Burlington, VT. 

Essex Junction

Lake Champlain in Essex, Vermont, provides tranquil scenery and tons of things to do.
Backyard Productions
Lake Champlain in Essex, Vermont, provides tranquil scenery and tons of things to do.

Why Essex Junction is one of the best places to live in Vermont

Around 33,000 people make their home in Essex and Essex Junction, Vermont, a thriving city/village combo tucked between the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain where the median home price hovers around $450,000 and annual incomes tend to sit around $82,000. But above and beyond its geography and statistics, this charming destination is a place that residents love to call home. You’ll find all manner of companies here, ranging from small and local to large and corporate, and industries such as technology, health care and manufacturing. Paired with its generous school system, local sports and ample trails for outdoor recreation and leisure, it’s no wonder residents are content to settle here for the long haul. 

As is fitting for a quintessential New England town, the city is home to a variety of events, activities and festivals that appeal to locals and visitors alike. Engage in outdoor pursuits like hiking and biking along the trails at nearby Indian Brook Park, explore the local history at the Essex Historical Society & Museum, shop the weekly Essex Junction Farmers’ Market or attend one of the community events. The Winter Carnival and Independence Day celebrations are two of the most popular in the area, but you can also find a surprising number of workshops, art exhibitions and concerts around the city at venues like the Essex Experience and Maple Street Park, too. 

What is Essex known for? 

Essex, Vermont, boasts a rich railroad history dating back to the mid-19th century. At the heart of it all lies Essex Junction, which was a vital spot connecting a number of major rail lines. The arrival of the Vermont Central Railroad in the 1840s and later expansion of rail networks solidified Essex Junction’s role as a major transportation hub. The beloved Essex Junction Railroad Depot, built in the late 19th century, now serves as a museum that educates visitors on the town’s important railroad heritage.

Learn more about living in Essex Junction, VT.

Middlebury

A view of the town of Middlebury, Vermont. Middlebury is one of the best places to live in Vermont.
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Natural beauty and plentiful outdoor recreation draw residents to Middlebury, Vermont.

Why is Middlebury one of the best places to live in Vermont?

If you’re keen on living in the heart of the New England countryside, it’s worth knowing that Middlebury, Vermont, offers a distinctly high quality of life to its approximately 8,500 residents. Outdoor enthusiasts find Middlebury to be a paradise for recreation, since it places them amid the natural beauty of the Green Mountains and offers easy access to skiing and snowboarding in winter and boating, fishing and hiking in the warmer months. Miles of scenic trails, like the TAM (Trail Around Middlebury), also conveniently wind their way through the forests and farmlands, making it all too easy to enjoy the local landscape. 

While you won’t want for time in the sun, you can also rest easy knowing the local economy is diverse and strong. Middlebury College contributes not only to the town’s intellectual atmosphere but also to its job market, offering a host of opportunities in education, administration and the arts. Newcomers are often pleased to find that the historic downtown is also home to a variety of locally owned businesses, charming shops and restaurants, all of which foster a feeling of entrepreneurship and encourage more local businesses to move into the area. The town also hosts a range of festivals and cultural events, such as the Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival and the Vermont Folklife Center’s Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program, both of which appeal to residents and visitors from around the region. 

Is it expensive to live in Middlebury?

The cost of living in Middlebury is generally higher than the national average, primarily due to Vermont’s overall cost of living. Housing costs, in particular, can be relatively high, with both rental and home purchase prices above the national average, coming in around $1,150 and $269,000 respectively. However, the town offers a high quality of life with access to cultural amenities, outdoor recreation and a strong sense of community. Residents often find the trade-off of a higher cost of living worth it for all the benefits of living in Middlebury. 

Learn more about living in Middlebury, VT.

Montpelier

Church steeples punctuate a view of fall colors in Montpelier, Vermont.
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Church steeples and fall colors punctuate a view of downtown Montpelier, Vermont.

Why Montpelier is a best place to live in Vermont.

Montpelier, Vermont, is the place to be if you want to live in a city that looks like it was yanked right out of a storybook. This hidden gem is often described as friendly, diverse and rich in history, recreation and culture. One of its keystone features is its proximity to the beloved Green Mountains, which naturally affords residents with a wealth of outdoor recreation in the form of hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding and more. The extensive trail networks are an equally attractive way to bask in the beauty of the natural landscape all year long. 

Despite being a smaller, rural city, Montpelier has an unusually low unemployment rate. Major industries range from government and insurance to retail and academia, with professional services thrown in for good measure. You’ll find a pleasant array of employers, but some of the top names include National Life Group, Vermont Mutual Insurance Group and the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Once employment is settled and secure, you can sit back and enjoy participating in the full calendar of events, which includes everything from the Green Mountain Film Festival to the weekly Capital City Farmers Market. 

Is Montpelier a family-friendly city?

Montpelier is often considered a family-friendly place to live because of its low crime rate, strong commitment to education and wealth of opportunities in arts, culture and the great outdoors. (It’s also one of the most affordable cities in the Vermont.) Families in the community enjoy the vast array of natural beauty in the region, as well as the multitude of galleries, theaters, cultural events and local gatherings available throughout the year. 

Learn more about living in Montpelier, VT.

Thinking of moving to Vermont?

Choosing a great place to live in Vermont doesn’t have to be hard. We have several resources for moving to Vermont and other best places to live in Northeast. Regardless of where you want to live, we can help you choose where to move and discover the best places to live in the U.S.

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