Located in New England, Vermont is known for its fabulous fall foliage, picturesque landscape, world-class skiing, and green mountains, hence its nickname, “The Green Mountain State.” When it comes to finding the best places to live in Vermont, there are plenty of options to consider. However, some cities stand out from the rest due to their unique features, friendly communities, and beautiful surroundings. In this article, we’ll explore the top six places to live in Vermont based on various factors such as quality of life, housing affordability, job opportunities, and overall livability.
Discover what makes the following six cities and towns some of the best places to live in Vermont:
- Burlington
- Middlebury
- Montpelier
- Norwich
- Rutland
- South Burlington
1. Burlington
Burlington is one of the best places to live in the U.S. Northeast because of its college-town amenities, many breweries, and bustling downtown area. You can get a one-bedroom apartment in Burlington, Vermont, for an average of $1,750 per month. Spend your days strolling along the east banks of Lake Champlain, shopping at Church Street Marketplace and the Burlington Farmers Market, and cheering on the minor league baseball team, the Vermont Lake Monsters. Plus, you can explore many great places to eat and drink, including Church Street Tavern and Hen of the Wood.
Discover the many awesome neighborhoods in Burlington, including South End, which is known for its artsy vibes and hip music venues. The East End is home to many cool apartments looking for renters, as well as Centennial, where you’ll find the University of Vermont, Fleming Museum of Art, and the Perkins Museum of Geology. Don’t miss out on Oakledge Park, where you can explore the treehouse there.
2. Middlebury
Nestled in the heart of Vermont’s Champlain Valley, Middlebury is a charming town with a rich history and a strong sense of community. Middlebury is a small college town, home to Middlebury College. Thanks to this prestigious institution, residents can watch college football and other sporting events and visit the college’s art museum and performing arts center. Explore nature at parks such as Battell Woods, Means Woods, Chipman Hill Park, Wright Park, and the Middlebury Dog Park. Get a feel for the town by hiking the Trail Around Middlebury that takes you beside the Ralph Myhre Golf Course, along parts of Otter Creek, and through Jeffrey Murdock Nature Preserve, connecting with the Means Woods and Chipman Hill trails in these areas.
You can also visit local shops, such as Vermont Soap, and museums, including the Vermont Folklife Center and the Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History. Taste your way through the local adult beverage makers, including Drop-In Brewing Company and Otter Creek Brewing Company. In Addison County, home of Middlebury, you can expect to pay approximately $1,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, according to RentData.org.
3. Montpelier
As the state capital, Montpelier is a hub of activity in Vermont. Despite its small size, Montpelier offers residents a wealth of cultural and recreational opportunities, including excellent restaurants, museums, and art galleries. Taste some locally made alcohol, including wines at North Branch Vineyards and Barr Hill Gin and Vodka at Caledonia Spirits. Become a member at Capital City Country Club, where you can golf on the nine-hole course, shop for golf gear, and join a men’s or women’s golfing league to make friends around your new hometown. Visit the Vermont Historical Society Museum, the T.W. Wood Gallery and Arts Center, and the Vermont State House to discover dynamic architecture and learn more about the state, city, and region’s history.
A one-bedroom apartment in Montpelier can cost an average of $1,095 per month.
4. Norwich
Located on the Vermont-New Hampshire border, Norwich is a super-small town with quintessential New England charm. In the north part of town, you’ll see Gile Mountain. You can hike on a few trails, including the Appalachian Trail (not to be confused with the one located much farther south), Heyl Trail, and the Norwich Nature Area trails.
Become an actual resident of this quiet community when you frequent the general store, the local restaurant and pub at the Norwich Inn, and Norwich Farmers Market. Visit the Norwich Historical Society to learn more about the area’s founding and the Montshire Museum of Science, which is on the edge of the Connecticut River that separates Vermont from New Hampshire. According to BestPlaces.net, you can find a one-bedroom apartment in the Claremont-Lebanon metro area for an average of $1,200 per month.
5. Rutland
Rutland, which is in the middle of the state, is a family-friendly town with many great indoor and outdoor activities at your disposal. Take the kids to the Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum or the Vermont State Fair, which comes around every August. Head to the Chaffee Art Center, where you can view exhibits from featured artists, take music classes, sip wine while you paint, and buy artisan goods and local foods at the artisan marketplace.
Spend time in Rutland’s historic downtown district, where you can find the Vermont Farmers Market, the Paramount Theatre, a wonderful winter holiday celebration, and the Friday Night Live concert series hosted in July. A one-bedroom place in Rutland costs $1,100 per month, on average.
6. South Burlington
Located southeast of Burlington is South Burlington. Two of the biggest features of this city include the University Mall, which houses big-name stores and local shops, and Burlington International Airport. Get close with nature at any of the beautiful parks in the area, including Red Rocks Park on the east side by Lake Champlain and Farrell Park, which has a dedicated area for your pooch. You can also explore East Woods Natural Area and Trailhead, and Centennial Woods Natural Area.
If you need a family-friendly place to live, South Burlington is an attractive option since it has quite a few highly-rated public schools, plenty of parks, and stellar views of the Adirondack Mountains. Plus, the museums, sporting events, and other city amenities are a short drive over the city border in Burlington. Expect to pay $1,900 per month, on average, for a one-bedroom apartment in South Burlington.
Frequently asked questions
Vermont is known for its beautiful natural scenery, charming small towns, and strong sense of community. The state offers a high quality of life, with access to plenty of outdoor activities, world-class education, and a thriving arts and cultural scene.
The cost of living in Vermont varies depending on the city or town. Overall, Vermont has a lower cost of living compared to other states in the Northeast region of the United States.
Some of the best small towns in Vermont include Middlebury, Norwich, and Montpelier. These towns offer a relaxed lifestyle, access to outdoor activities, and a strong sense of community.
Burlington, Rutland, and South Burlington are some of the best cities to live in Vermont. These cities offer a range of job opportunities, excellent schools, and plenty of recreational activities.
When looking for the best place to live in Vermont, consider factors such as quality of life, affordability, job opportunities, schools, and access to recreational activities.
Final thoughts
Vermont is a great place to live, and the cities listed above offer a unique combination of small-town charm and big-city amenities. Whether you’re looking for an urban lifestyle or a relaxed country setting, Vermont has something to offer everyone. When searching for the best places to live in Vermont, be sure to consider the factors that are most important to you, such as quality of life, affordability, and job opportunities.
Are you ready to take the next step and get a place to call home in one of the best places to live in Vermont? If so, browse thousands of Vermont apartments on Zumper and find the perfect rental for your lifestyle and needs.
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