17 Best Places To Live In Vermont, USA - Updated 2024

1. Manchester (from USD 115)

Experience the best of all seasons, be it spring, winter, or fall, amidst the green mountains of Manchester, Vermont. You can explore the finest of art and culture by catching a show of the town’s famous live orchestras and performances by renowned actors. Top restaurants such as Gringo Jack’s and cafés such as Charlie’s Coffee House are located in the area.

The town is home to popular attractions, including Dana L. Thompson Memorial Park and the American Museum of Fly Fishing. One of the best things about living in Manchester is the regular music as well as arts and crafts festivals that one can enjoy.

2. Bennington (from USD 143)

You can have your fair share of beautiful architecture and affordable living by staying in this town. Bennington, being Vermont’s first town, boasts magnificent historical sites and has an overall lower cost of living than other towns in the region. Areas, such as the Downtown Bennington Historic District and the Robert Frost Stone House Museum at Bennington College, are all nestled in this lovely town.

On top of all this, the area boasts historic diners such as Blue Benn and is home to great vintage stores such as Main Street Antiques.

3. Williston (from USD 259)

Williston is a thriving suburb of the city of Burlington in Chittenden County, Vermont. It is home to a little more than 10,000 people and is one of the fastest-growing towns in the state, although it still offers that charming small-town vibe. It also features scenic landscapes, plenty of shopping and dining options, lovely parks and fun outdoor and indoor recreational activities, a top-notch public school system, and a tight-knit community.

Some notable people who reside here include Jerry Greenfield and Ben Cohen, founders of the popular Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream.

4. Cornwall (from USD 135)

Cornwall is a town in Addison County, Vermont, that was founded in 1761. It is nestled right in the heart of the Green Mountain State surrounded by the towns of Middlebury, Salisbury, Whiting, Shoreham, Bridport, and Weybridge. The town is just 29 square miles ( 75.1 square kilometers) with a population of just under 1,200. It is known for its natural beauty and scenic landscapes of open lands and rolling hills dotted with small farms, state parks, and historic sites.

Cozy country guest house

Cornwall, Vermont, United States
16.45 km (10.3 mi) from Branbury State Park

200 reviews   Superhost

Farm stay 2 Beds 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews

Amenities & Room:

wonderful views very comfortable and very accommodating hosts

waking up to the beautiful views of the mountains seeing that sight from our bed was heavenly

the unit has a modern kitchen comfortable bed extra room with the loft upstairs

Cleanliness:

the cabin was clean and well stocked

the place was clean and very comfortable

the cabin was very clean

the cabin meets the trifecta of clean quiet (very quiet) and comfortable

the place is very comfortable and extremely clean

Host:

the hosts were very welcoming

hosts were super responsive and attentive to our questions and needs

hosts are super nice people

anja and david were great hosts

owners david and anja were so welcoming and informative of local establishments

Location:

the location is close to many beautiful hikes and small restaurants

great location for guests seeking a farm experience in a lovely location

nicely located to places of interest not too remote or secluded but just enough

perfect location for our trips into middlebury and a beautiful spot to enjoy and relax

the location is perfect right outside middlebury and the scenery is classic addison county

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from USD

135

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5. Underhill (from USD 104)

A charming small town located in Chittenden County, Vermont, and just at the foot of Mount Mansfield, Underhill is another one of the best places to live in Vermont for families. Residents and visitors can enjoy many fun outdoor and indoor activities here as well as many farm-to-table restaurants. Underhill is also known for its stunning fall season foliage, making the state parks in town great for camping, hiking, and other fun outdoor activities during the fall.

Mountain Road Getaway

Underhill, Vermont, United States
69.6 km (43.3 mi) from Branbury State Park

175 reviews   Superhost

ENTIRE RENTAL UNIT 2 Beds 3 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 3

Top guest reviews

Amenities & Room:

the roof deck and rain shower are as great as they look in the pic

gara’s apartment was perfect it had everything we needed including a lovely and peaceful deck

the apartment is full of light and the rainwater shower was so nice

gara’s place was very comfortable and quiet

Cleanliness:

a wonderful clean quiet apartment

clean and beautifully decorated

the apartment was clean comfortable and cozy

it was very clean and organized and well put together

the space was very clean well-maintained and cozy

Host:

host were very helpful throughout our stay

she is a great host

this is a gorgeous spot and host was great

the hosts were very nice and even bakes us some muffins that were allergy friendly for my boyfriend

gara was a perfect host leaving us snacks and providing wonderful availability to meet our needs

Location:

perfect location for those who look to be close to hiking while also near burlington

loved the location for it's peacefulness as well

beautiful location next to underhill state park

had a great time staying here ideal location between burlington and the mountain

beautifully and conveniently located close to lots of activities

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from USD

104

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6. Vergennes (from USD 205)

With a total area of just 2.5 square miles (6.5 square kilometers) and a population of just a little over 2,700, Vergennes is America’s smallest city. It was established in 1788 and is the state’s first city. Despite being a city, Vergennes still has that charming small-town feel, making it one of the best cities to live in Vermont.

The 3-block downtown area is the center of commerce and is filled with locally-owned shops, restaurants, and other commercial establishments. Other popular city attractions include the Vergennes Opera House, the city park, and the Vergennes Falls Park.

7. Montpelier (from USD 230)

Montpelier is a small town in Washington County, Vermont, and is considered to be one of the best towns to live in Vermont. The town has a suburban feel and most residents here own their homes. The town has many coffee shops, restaurants, and parks. Montpelier is made up of smaller roads perfect for walking and biking, while Hubbard Park is a forested area with walking trails and scenic views. The bus station is conveniently placed for those traveling to Montpelier by public transport.

8. Killington (from USD 169)

Killington is a small town in Rutland County with a population of 709 people. Its public schools are good with around 4.7 students per teacher. Compared to other states, Killington’s cost of living is 0.9 percent higher than average. The weather here is pleasant during June, July, and August, while the coldest months are January and February. The town is known for its Pico Mountain and Killington downhill ski resorts. In the summer months, a number of hiking paths are available, including Thundering Falls Trail. The town is also along Appalachian Trail.

9. Middlebury (from USD 159)

Middlebury is a small town in Addison County and is home to Middlebury College. The town has a suburban feel and most residents own their homes here. The public schools here are highly rated. The lovely beach on Lake Dunmore is a favorite spot among campers and picnic lovers. Residents and visitors can learn more about Vermont’s culture and history by checking out Vermont Folklife Center, Henry Sheldon Museum, and Middlebury College Museum of Art.

10. Norwich (from USD 249)

Norwich is a small town in Windsor County and is home to approximately 3,414 residents, including some of Vermont’s wealthiest people. Montshire Museum of Science is just one of the many attractions in town that offers hands-on exhibits relating to the natural world. Art lovers will appreciate a diverse collection of art and artifacts at Hood Museum of Art. Residents can enjoy a day out at Sugarbush Farm or enjoy outdoor recreation on Gile Mountain.

11. Stowe (from USD 188)

Stowe is a town located in Lamoille County, and it is considered as one of the most beautiful towns in Vermont. It stands below Mount Mansfield, a popular destination for its hiking trails and winter ski slopes. The town has many restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. Near the base of Mount Mansfield, you will find Stowe Recreation Park which is an urban area known for its mountain pass and dense forest. The winter months are popular for skiing and snowboarding, while the summer months are perfect for golfing. Visitors can learn more about the area at Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum.

12. Jericho (from USD 195)

Thinking about where to live in Vermont? Check this out. Jericho is a small town in Chittenden County, Vermont with a population of around 5,055 residents. The town is considered to be one of the best places to live in the state. Many young professionals and families live in this area.

One of the attractions in Jericho is Saxon Hill with its cycling tracks and Mills Riverside Park with its pleasant place perfect for enjoying a picnic. Old Red Mill, which is pictured here, is a historical landmark in the town.

13. Woodstock (from USD 262)

Woodstock is a small town in Windsor County, Vermont. It comprises four villages namely Woodstock, South Woodstock, West Woodstock, and Taftsville. The town is a popular outdoor recreational destination all year round with its extensive trail systems that are great for hiking, biking, skiing, horseback riding, and a lot more.

It is also one of the best places to live in the state thanks to its wonderful community, natural beauty, and great establishments including numerous restaurants, shops, accommodations, recreation centers, health centers, schools, places of worship, a movie theater, a performing arts center, and more.

14. Wilmington (from USD 150)

Wilmington is a small town in Windham County in Vermont with a population of around 1,876 residents. The town has a number of restaurants and bars. Outdoor activities can be enjoyed at Molly Stark State Park with its hiking trails and picnic benches, while Hogback Mountain is the place to go for beautiful scenic views. Hiking trails and plenty of wildlife can be enjoyed at Harriman Reservoir. History lovers will enjoy going on a tour around Southern Vermont Nature History Museum and Art of Humor Gallery.

15. Shelburne (from USD 79)

Shelburne is a college town in northwest Vermont, lying along the eastern shore of Lake Champlain. The town is a suburb of Burlington and is around 7 mi (11 km) from Burlington’s city center. Shelburne has an attractive downtown, college-town amenities, and outdoor recreation facilities. Shelburne Farms offers outdoor activities such as farm visits and educational programs. Red Rocks Park features a beach with year-round hiking trails, while Oakledge Park is a lakefront park with a children’s playground and a beach. Visitors and residents can learn more about the town when they visit Shelburne Museum.

16. Charlotte (from USD 288)

Charlotte is located in Chittenden Country in Vermont and is considered one of the best places to live in the state. The town gives its residents a rural feel that is why most people in the state have their own homes in Charlotte. The town’s residents tend to lean liberal. For those with families, Charlotte’s public schools are highly rated. The pretty town lies on the east shore of Lake Champlain, making it a popular destination in the warmer months. The pros of this town are the number of outdoor recreation activities, college-town amenities, and attractive downtowns, while cons include a high cost of living and harsh winters.

17. Burlington (from USD 198)

Burlington lies on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain in northwestern Vermont. This pretty college town experiences pleasant weather during June, July, and August, while January and February are the coldest months. The downtown is attractive and its shops and restaurants line the pedestrianized Church Street Marketplace. There is plenty of outdoor recreation to be enjoyed here, especially in Waterfront Park on the lake. North Beach Park is also a popular place with its beach and barbecue area. Historical attractions in Burlington include Ethan Allen Homestead Museum, the former home of a Revolutionary War hero, and Shelburne Museum, an unconventional museum of American folk and decorative art.

Enjoy the best of New England in beautiful Vermont

Aside from quaint and pretty towns, this beautiful New England state also offers plenty of natural parks, lakes, ranches, and mountains to enjoy. Whether hiking in summer or skiing in winter, residents here are spoiled with limitless options. There are luxury resorts that tourists can visit for fun and excitement. If you are planning to move to a new home, read up on some of the best places to live in Vermont, USA.