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Living in Burlington Vermont

Lake Champlain views, walkable streets, and a city that sets the pace for life in Vermont.

ABOUT BURLINGTON

Burlington sits along the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, where mountain views, walkable neighborhoods, and a strong local economy come together. As Vermont’s largest city, it serves as the state’s cultural and economic center while maintaining a scale that feels approachable and easy to navigate.

Downtown is anchored by Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian corridor lined with local shops, restaurants, and everyday activity. Beyond downtown, neighborhoods stretch toward the lake, the South End arts district, and quieter residential streets.

The city draws a mix of full-time residents, students, and professionals, creating a steady energy throughout the year. It’s a place where you can walk to dinner, bike along the waterfront, and still be minutes from open space and trails.

Burlington At a Glance

These key statistics offer a helpful overview of what living in Burlington looks like today.

45K

Population

19 Min

Average Commute Time

$69K

Median Household Income

$538K

Medium Home Price

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Things to Do

Life in Burlington often revolves around two places—the waterfront and downtown.

The Burlington Bike Path runs along Lake Champlain, connecting beaches, parks, and neighborhoods. In warmer months, the lake becomes part of daily life, from paddleboarding and boating to simply watching the sunset over the Adirondacks.

Church Street Marketplace remains the center of activity year-round, with local shops, restaurants, and events that keep the area active through every season.

Experience the Vermont Maple Festival in St. Albans

Festival of Fools is a lively summer tradition in downtown Burlington, where street performers, musicians, and circus acts take over Church Street Marketplace for a few days of nonstop entertainment. It draws locals and visitors alike, creating a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere that reflects Burlington’s creative spirit and strong sense of community.

“Busking, music, and laughter“

Jane Doe - Burlington, VT

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More Burlington Events
The Festival of Fools event on the Church Street Marketplace

Arts & Culture

Burlington has one of the most active arts scenes in the region. The Flynn Center brings national and local performances to downtown, while the South End Art District showcases working studios, galleries, and events throughout the year.

Seasonal events like the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival and the South End Art Hop bring the community together and draw visitors from across the Northeast. Farmers markets, waterfront concerts, and local festivals keep the city active beyond the summer months.

Recreation

Outdoor access is one of Burlington’s defining features. The lake provides year-round activity—from kayaking and swimming in the summer to walking the shoreline in winter.

Nearby mountains offer quick access to hiking, skiing, and trail systems, while parks like Battery Park and Waterfront Park provide open space within the city itself.

For many residents, outdoor recreation isn’t planned—it’s part of the daily routine.

Pond skating trails at Arthur Park in Burlington

Dining

Burlington’s food scene is shaped by Vermont’s agricultural roots. Restaurants source locally whenever possible, and menus shift with the seasons, with a strong emphasis on farm-to-table dining that reflects what’s being grown and produced nearby.

Church Street offers a mix of casual dining and established restaurants, while the South End and surrounding neighborhoods continue to add newer options. The Intervale plays a key role in supporting local farms, connecting fresh food directly to markets and restaurants throughout the city.

Beyond traditional restaurants, food trucks and seasonal spots are part of everyday life, especially in the warmer months. Local favorites like Beansie’s Bus—a summer staple serving classic snack bar fare—have been part of Burlington’s landscape for generations, adding to the city’s laid-back and locally rooted food culture.

Featured Burlington Homes

Ready to make the move? Here are some recently listed homes in Burlington to check out.

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FAQs about Burlington, Vermont

What is Burlington, Vermont known for?

Burlington is known for its location on Lake Champlain, views of the Adirondack Mountains, and a walkable downtown centered around Church Street Marketplace. It’s also recognized for its strong local food scene, outdoor recreation, and being home to the University of Vermont.

Burlington is often considered one of the most desirable places to live in Vermont. It offers a mix of walkability, access to jobs, higher education, and year-round outdoor recreation. The city appeals to a wide range of people, including professionals, students, and remote workers.

Yes. Burlington is one of the most walkable cities in Vermont. Areas around downtown, the waterfront, and nearby neighborhoods allow residents to walk or bike to restaurants, shops, parks, and work. The Burlington Bike Path also connects much of the city along the lake.

Burlington offers a mix of outdoor and cultural activities. Residents spend time along Lake Champlain, biking the waterfront path, and exploring nearby trails. Downtown, Church Street hosts shops, restaurants, and events, while festivals, farmers markets, and live performances happen throughout the year.

Burlington experiences all four seasons. Summers are warm and active, especially along the lake. Fall brings foliage and cooler temperatures. Winters are cold with regular snowfall, and spring transitions gradually into warmer weather. Seasonal changes play a big role in daily life.

Yes. Burlington has a strong dining scene built around local and seasonal ingredients. Farm-to-table restaurants are common, and you’ll also find casual dining, coffee shops, breweries, and food trucks. Church Street and the South End are two of the most active areas for dining.

Some of the most well-known areas include:

  • Downtown – Walkable, close to restaurants and shops
  • South End – Arts-focused with a growing food scene
  • New North End – Residential with access to the lake
  • Hill Section – Close to UVM and the medical center


Each neighborhood offers a different pace and setting within the city.

Burlington is within about 30–60 minutes of several ski areas, including Bolton Valley and Smugglers’ Notch, with Stowe just over an hour away. This makes it easy to access skiing and winter recreation without living in a resort town.

Yes. Burlington is a strong option for remote workers who want access to amenities without living in a large city. Walkability, outdoor access, and a strong local community make it appealing for those working from home.

Yes. Outdoor access is one of Burlington’s defining features. Residents regularly use the lake for boating and swimming, trails for biking and walking, and nearby mountains for hiking and skiing. Outdoor recreation is part of everyday life, not just weekends.

Life In Burlington

About Chittenden County

Chittenden County is the center of daily life in Vermont, where Lake Champlain, the Green Mountains, and a network of connected communities shape how people live and work. Located in the northwest corner of the state, it’s home to Burlington—Vermont’s largest city—and a range of surrounding towns that offer everything from walkable neighborhoods to quieter rural settings.

What defines Chittenden County is balance. Residents have access to the state’s strongest job market, higher education, healthcare, and transportation, while still being minutes from the lake, trail systems, and mountain recreation. It’s a place where commuting, outdoor time, and community life all fit into the same day.

Featured Recreation & Cultural Highlights

  • CHURCH STREET MARKETPLACE A pedestrian-only downtown hub lined with local shops, restaurants, and year-round events, serving as the cultural center of Burlington.
  • BURLINGTON BIKE PATH A scenic, multi-use path that runs along the lake, connecting neighborhoods, parks, and downtown Burlington—used year-round for biking, walking, and commuting.
  • MOUNT PHILO Located in Charlotte, Mount Philo offers one of the most accessible hikes in the region, with panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. It’s a go-to spot for a quick hike, picnic, or sunset view.
  • FARMERS MARKETS Farmers markets throughout the county—from Burlington to smaller community markets—highlight Vermont’s agricultural roots. Local produce, prepared foods, and handmade goods are a regular part of weekly routines, especially from late spring through fall.
  • SHELBURNE MUSEUM One of the region’s most well-known cultural destinations, featuring historic buildings, gardens, and a wide range of American art and exhibits.
Discover Chittenden County
Sunset at the Burlington Waterfront Park

Keep Exploring

Sign in a South Burlington natural area highlighting investment in open space and conservation, with a grassy field, walking path, and distant Green Mountain views under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

South Burlington

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Jamie Two Coats Toy Shop in Shelburne

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Greater Burlington

346 Shelburne Rd.,
Burlington, VT

Montpelier Area

2641 US-2,
East Montpelier, VT

Addison County

268 Main Street,
Vergennes, VT

Franklin County

120 N. Main Street,
St Albans City, VT

Mad River Valley

4366 Main Street, Suite 4,
Waitsfield, VT

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