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Living in Essex & Essex Junction, Vermont

Connected communities with strong schools, local amenities, and easy access to everything in Chittenden County.

ABOUT ESSEX & ESSEX JUNCTION

Essex and Essex Junction function as one of the most active and established communities in Chittenden County. While they officially became separate municipalities in recent years, they continue to operate as a shared area in how residents live, work, and interact.

Located just east of Burlington, the area offers a mix of neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and recreation. Essex Junction serves as a more defined village center, while Essex Town includes a broader range of residential areas and open space.

For many people relocating to Vermont, Essex represents a practical balance—more structure and services than rural towns, but less density than Burlington.

Essex & Essex Junction At a Glance

These key statistics offer a helpful overview of what living in Essex and Essex Junction looks like today.

33K

Population

20–25 Min

Average Commute Time

$96K

Median Household Income

$485K

Medium Home Price

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WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE ESSEX

Essex is often chosen for how well it supports everyday life.

  • Strong, well-regarded school system
  • Established neighborhoods with sidewalks and services
  • Access to jobs in technology, manufacturing, and healthcare
  • A wide range of recreation and community programs
  • Central location within Chittenden County


It’s one of the few areas in Vermont where infrastructure, community, and access all come together in a consistent way.

Experience the Champlain Valley Fair

Each year, the Champlain Valley Fair brings the community together for one of Vermont’s largest and longest-running events. Held at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction in late summer, the fair spans multiple days and draws visitors from across the region.

The event combines agricultural traditions with entertainment—live music, food vendors, rides, exhibitions, and competitions all take place across the fairgrounds. For many residents, it’s a seasonal tradition and a consistent part of life in the area.

“The Best 10 Days of Summer”

Jane Doe - Burlington, VT

Visit Champlain Valley Fair
Champlain Valley Fair Night Essex Vermont aerial

COMMUNITY & DAILY LIFE

Daily life in Essex is structured and accessible.

The Essex Experience has become a central gathering place, with local shops, restaurants, a brewery, and regular events. Around it, you’ll find schools, parks, and neighborhoods that are designed for year-round living.

Essex Junction adds a more traditional village feel, while the surrounding town offers quieter residential areas.

For many residents, this is where Vermont feels most functional day-to-day.

RECREATION IN ESSEX

Recreation in Essex is organized and widely available.

  • 25+ parks and natural areas
  • Miles of sidewalks and multi-use paths
  • Indoor and outdoor recreation facilities
  • Golf courses, tennis courts, and athletic fields
  • Cross-country skiing and skating in winter


The local recreation system is one of the more developed in the region, with programs and facilities for all ages.

ECONOMY & EMPLOYMENT

Essex is home to a range of employers across multiple industries.

The area includes companies in:

  • Technology and advanced manufacturing
  • Healthcare and service industries
  • Regional employers connected to Burlington


Its location also makes commuting easy to nearby employment centers, including Burlington and South Burlington.

Featured Essex Homes

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

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FAQs about Essex, Vermont

Are Essex and Essex Junction the same place?

They are now separate municipalities, but function as a connected community. Most residents still refer to the area simply as “Essex.”

Essex is located in Chittenden County, just east of Burlington.

Yes. It’s one of the most practical and well-rounded communities in Vermont, known for schools, recreation, and accessibility.

Essex is known for its school system, recreation programs, and as the home of the Champlain Valley Fair.

Community events, recreation programs, the Champlain Valley Fair, and local gathering places like the Essex Experience are central to daily life.

Life In Essex

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

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Burlington Boathouse on Lake Champlain

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Vergennes Falls at dusk

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Montpelier, the capital of Vermont, at night

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Greater Burlington

346 Shelburne Rd.,
Burlington, VT

Montpelier Area

2641 US-2,
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268 Main Street,
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120 N. Main Street,
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4366 Main Street, Suite 4,
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