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Best Places to Live in Vermont

A breakdown of Vermont’s key regions—and how to choose the right fit based on how you want to live.

If you’re thinking about moving to Vermont, one of the first questions is simple:

Where should I live?

Even in a small state, the answer varies more than most people expect. Some areas offer walkable downtowns and shorter commutes, while others provide more space, quieter surroundings, and stronger access to the mountains or lake.

The goal isn’t to find the “best” place—it’s to find the right fit for your day-to-day life.

A Note on “Best Places”

There’s no single “best” place to live in Vermont.

This guide highlights areas we commonly recommend based on what relocating clients prioritize—access to jobs, internet, transportation, amenities, and manageable commutes.

Vermont’s smaller scale also means nearby towns often offer similar access with different settings—whether that’s more space, a quieter pace, or a closer connection to the landscape.

The goal is to help you narrow your search—not limit it.

Start With How You Want to Live

Most relocating buyers don’t choose a town first—they narrow their search based on tradeoffs.

Common priorities include:

  • Proximity to Burlington or major employers
  • Access to Lake Champlain or the mountains
  • Walkability vs. space and privacy
  • Commute time and road access
  • Community size and pace of life


Once those are clear, the right areas tend to stand out quickly.

Greater Burlington Area

Best for: Convenience, walkability, jobs, and lake access


Vermont’s most connected region, centered around Burlington and surrounding towns like South Burlington, Colchester, Essex, Williston, Shelburne, and Winooski.

This is where you’ll find:

  • The largest concentration of jobs and employers
  • The state’s only airport
  • Restaurants, shops, and cultural activity
  • Direct access to Lake Champlain


Housing ranges from downtown condos to suburban neighborhoods and rural properties just outside the core.

Tradeoff: Higher home prices and more competition compared to other areas of Vermont.

STOWE & WATERBURY AREA

Best for: Mountain access and year-round outdoor living


Defined by the Green Mountains, this region centers around Stowe and Waterbury.

  • Stowe offers a more destination-driven feel, with resort access and higher-end homes
  • Waterbury provides a more local, lived-in feel with easier highway access


Outdoor recreation is part of daily life here, with skiing, hiking, and biking all within close reach.

Tradeoff: Tourism influences pricing and traffic, especially during peak seasons.

Vergennes & Middlebury Area

Best for: Small-town living with strong community identity


This area blends historic downtowns, farmland, and access to Lake Champlain.

  • Middlebury offers a more active downtown and energy from the college
  • Vergennes provides a quieter, highly walkable small-town setting

Residents here value community, local businesses, and a steady pace of life.

Tradeoff: Fewer job centers and longer drives for some services or commuting.

Montpelier & Barre Arrea

Best for: Central location and a balanced lifestyle


Montpelier, Vermont’s capital, and Barre offer a mix of culture, history, and accessibility.

  • Walkable downtowns with strong local identity
  • Access to outdoor recreation in multiple directions
  • A more central location within the state


Tradeoff: Further from Lake Champlain and the Burlington job market.

ST. ALBANS & FRANKLIN COUNTY

Best for: Value, space, and lake proximity

 

Located north of Burlington, this area offers a more affordable entry point into the Vermont market.

  • Access to Lake Champlain and outdoor recreation
  • Strong community feel and local events
  • Growing interest from buyers seeking more space


Tradeoff: Longer commutes and fewer amenities compared to Chittenden County.

Other Areas Worth Exploring

This guide focuses on regions we most often recommend to relocating buyers—but many other communities may be a better fit depending on your priorities.

The Mad River Valley, Champlain Islands, and smaller rural towns across Vermont offer different lifestyles that are worth considering as you narrow your search.

WHY THESE AREAS COME UP MOST OFTEN

These regions tend to come up repeatedly because they offer a balance of access, infrastructure, and livability that works well for people transitioning into Vermont.

That doesn’t make them the only options—it just makes them a practical place to start.

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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

Copyright 2026 PrimeMLS, Inc. All rights reserved. This information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. The data relating to real estate displayed on this site comes in part from the IDX Program of PrimeMLS. The information being provided is for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Data last updated 04/16/2026.

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