15 Best Places To Live In Vermont, USA - Updated 2023

best places to live in vermont
Anne
Anne 
Updated
| 5 min read

A state in the New England region of the United States, Vermont is well known for its beautiful, mainly forested landscapes as well as its beautiful towns. It is also famous for its many 19th-century covered wooden bridges and mountainous terrains crisscrossed by ski slopes and hiking trails. Besides varied landscapes, tourists visit Vermont to enjoy the many fun things to do in the state; not to mention to get a taste of various food products, including its famous maple syrup, cheddar cheese, and the iconic Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. There are farmers’ markets here that sell fresh produce and artisan foods as well as a number of excellent craft breweries and wineries. With the state’s stunning beauty, it can be difficult to choose a new place to live. Scroll below to read up on the best places to live in Vermont, USA.

1. Williston (from USD 259)

DSCN3970.JPG
Source: Photo by Flickr user Justin Henry used under CC BY 2.0

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.


Williston Village Inn

Wifi Available

Address: 25 Slate Barn Drive

Parking Meeting/banquet facilities Tennis court Golf course (within 3 km) Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Skiing

2. Cornwall (from USD 135)

Cornwall, Vermont general store
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Greenmountainboy used under CC BY-SA 3.0

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.

Cornwall, Vermont, United States
178 reviews Superhost  Wifi Available
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
Read more reviews

3. Underhill (from USD 110)

Jericho & Mt Mansfield aerial 2019-04-06
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user John Mackenzie Burke used under CC BY-SA 4.0

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.

Underhill, Vermont, United States
143 reviews Superhost  Wifi Available
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
Read more reviews

4. Vergennes (from USD 245)

091209 284
Source: Photo by Flickr user Doug Kerr used under CC BY-SA 2.0

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.


Strong House Inn

Wifi Available

Address: 94 West Main Street

Parking Meeting/banquet facilities Bar Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Facilities for disabled guests Games room

5. Montpelier (from USD 232)

Montpelier Historic District
Source: Needpix

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.


Comfort Inn & Suites Montpelier-Berlin

Wifi Available

Address: 213 Paine Turnpike N.

Parking Meeting/banquet facilities 24-hour front desk Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms Business centre Laundry Free parking

6. Killington (from USD 169)

2016-06-13 Special Olympics USA Killington Press Conference-29
Source: Photo by Flickr user specialolympicsusa used under CC BY-ND 2.0

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.


Greenbrier Inn Killington

Wifi Available

Address: 2057 US 4

Parking Golf course (within 3 km) Garden Non-smoking rooms Fishing Facilities for disabled guests Skiing Family rooms

7. Burlington (from USD 199)

Burlington, Vermont
Source: Photo by Flickr user Scott Teresi used under CC BY-SA 2.0

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.


The Essex Resort & Spa

Wifi Available

Address: 70 Essex Way

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Tennis court Sauna

8. Middlebury (from USD 209)

Middlebury, Vermont
Source: Photo by Flickr user Steven Pisano used under CC BY 2.0

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.


Middlebury Inn

Wifi Available

Address: 14 Court Sq

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Golf course (within 3 km) Terrace

9. Norwich (from USD 269)

NorwichVT CongregationalChurch
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Magicpiano used under CC BY-SA 3.0

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.


The Norwich Inn

Wifi Available

Address: 325 Main Street

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km)

10. Stowe (from USD 179)

Stoweflake Balloon Festival 2014
Source: Photo by Flickr user kjarrett used under CC BY 2.0

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.


Green Mountain Inn

Wifi Available

Address: 18 Main St

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Sauna Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km)

11. Jericho (from USD 198)

Old Mill in Jericho
Source: Pixabay

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.


Sinclair Inn Bed & Breakfast

Wifi Available

Address: 389 VT Route 15

Parking Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Facilities for disabled guests Skiing Breakfast in the room Free parking

12. Wilmington (from USD 150)

Wilmington, Vermont aerial view
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Juras14 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

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.


The Nutmeg Vermont

Wifi Available

Address: 153 West Main Street

Parking Golf course (within 3 km) Garden Non-smoking rooms Family rooms Free parking Internet services Hiking

13. Shelburne (from USD 79)

Shelburne
Source: Pixabay

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.


T-Bird Motor Inn

Address: 4405 Shelburne Road

Outdoor pool (seasonal) Free WiFi On-site parking Outdoor pool Soundproof rooms Screens or physical barriers placed between staff and guests in appropriate areas Pool/beach towels Air conditioning

14. Charlotte (from USD 288)

CharlotteCongregationalChurch 20160927
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Niranjan Arminius used under CC BY-SA 4.0

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.


Mt. Philo Inn

Address: 27 Inn Road 1

24-hour front desk Garden Parking Private parking Designated smoking area Internet services Terrace Fire extinguishers

15. Woodstock (from USD 224)

Downtown Woodstock Vermont 5
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user AlexiusHoratius used under CC BY-SA 4.0

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.


Jackson House Inn

Wifi Available

Address: 43 Senior Lane

Parking Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar Golf course (within 3 km) Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms

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.

Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Anne Sewell was born in England, but has spent most of her life in Africa - Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa - and now resides on the beautiful Costa del Sol in southern Spain. She loves writing...Read more

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