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Vermont is among the top places to live in the US, and we're not speaking geographically, although the locals do love swift access to Quebec. In the 鈥淕reen Mountain State,鈥� you鈥檒l find ranges like the Taconic and Green Mountains. Its distinct New England flavor comes with a low cost of living and housing prices. Vermont's economy relies on the service sector and microelectronics, its major export. Home to just 648,493, Vermont boomed in 2020 after having been persistently below 627K.

Imagine why. Without the housing prices in neighboring Massachusetts or New York, its charm triples in the fall. So, if you see yourself working in those fields with a median income well above the national average, the uncrowded feel, clean air, and views of the forested slopes are some of the perks. Without any further ado, we welcome you to explore some of the most charming towns and cities you have ever laid your eyes on, possibly finding a new home along the way.

Burlington

Burlington has shown a steady growth trend since the late 19th century. Leveling out at under 45K, it is a younger demographic, with a median age of 26.7, including students at the University of Vermont. It is easy to picture the fresh-from-high-school or community college crowd, drawn by opportunities and all the liveliness due to the state's largest town and seat of Chittenden County. Despite a poverty rate of 22.99%, Burlington is ready for newcomers with an average household income of $96,728 and expanding amenities. The median price of $488K to own is a deal compared to similar places, while renters can expect to cough up almost $2,500 on average per month.

Burlington boasts low unemployment and a booming job market in education, health services, trade, transportation, and manufacturing. From thriving arts and a foodie destination to cultural entertainment and hikes at Red Rocks Park, check out the famous Church Street Marketplace. Burlington is perfect for those seeking a bustling urban feel in the backdrop of Lake Champlain and Mt. Mansfield of the Green Mountain range. Bolton Valley is just over half an hour east, and it is under an hour to Stowe Mountain Resort. The locals enjoy a lakeside getaway in the warmer months. The city's vibrant events include the Discover Jazz Music Festival and Oktoberfest.

Barre

Barre has a lot going for a little town of 8,059 locals. One of the state's most livable鈥攁nd lovable鈥攈as been thriving since the 2018 economic crisis, with an average household income of almost $100,000, a 2% poverty rate, and unemployment below the national average. The median home value of $288,258 is doable among the demographic, with a median age of 46.6 years and abundant work opportunities. In addition to its strong job market, Montpelier's suburb in Washington County offers a rich history, natural attractions, and access to "capital" amenities. Berlin Pond is minutes west, then Northfield Falls Covered Bridge and Norwich University, just 27 minutes from downtown Barre.

Barre attracts equestrian lovers to rolling hills in the east, where Groton State Forest is an extensive preserve of seven state parks, turning shades of fall, with several lakes and a nature center. Hubbard Park and North Barre Park offer hiking, camping, and skiing in the Green Mountains. Families enjoy the quirky attractions like the Largest Zipper in North America. There's plenty of culture to diversify each day with galleries and museums, plus theaters and an opera house for the evening. The Old Labor Hall is a National Historic Landmark. Barre's impressive cuisine ranges from Espresso Bueno to Cornerstone Pub & Kitchen, and the absolute favorite, Meltdown Grilled Cheese and Tap Room.

Bennington

Bordering New York to the west, the county seat for Bennington County is home to 15,107 residents, median age鈥�44.2 years. Although its population is projected to decrease, the town, against a mountainous backdrop, is a microcosm of serene living. Between the Taconic Mountains and the Green Mountains, the accessible median house price of $234,221 lands you at the crossroads of nature and history. The average household income is $80,847, with a poverty rate of 13.51%. Residents report a high quality of life in a clean environment, with a healthy work and life balance. Work opportunities include health care, social assistance, and Bennington College to the north.

There's hiking for every level, whether you're after endurance along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail to the east or scenic spots like White Rocks and the Henry Covered Bridge within minutes. From Bennington Museum to the Old Bennington Historic District, Bennington is eager to introduce newcomers to the joys of the mountain lifestyle. Decorated by the natural splendor downtown, small and family-owned businesses define its commercial sector. Bennington Battle Monument is one of the state's finest鈥攁 306-foot stone obelisk to ascend via an elevator to an observation deck for a tri-state panorama. There's golf, Monument Arts & Cultural Center, old-school diners, and global cuisine.

Middlebury

Middlebury is an eclectic town of 9,183 in Addison County, with an average household income of $102,074 and a poverty rate of 9.88%. Offering a delightful atmosphere, Middlebury is that dreamy Vermont village with a white-steepled church, unique shops along the Main, and a pretty town green. Otter Creek is a tumbling, over-twenty-foot-tall waterfall at the heart of town. Conveniently near Burlington, Rutland, Montpelier, and popular ski resorts, the idyllic town to live and work in is perfect for those looking to settle down. Add in an abundance of amenities and an affordable cost of living鈥攊t hits the sweet spot between a quaint and vibrant place to start a family.

Attracting families and outdoor lovers with countless recreation opportunities, the scenic views of the Green Mountains and Adirondack Mountains decorate this vibrant town. Middlebury caters to a younger demographic with a median age of 31.2 years, who prioritize work-life balance with outdoor adventures, cideries, and delicious food. Charming mom-and-pop shops and local eateries make up the perky downtown, with architecture to view and housing to buy, from $325,000 to over $1,050,000. There are exceptional public schools, like a highly regarded liberal arts institute, while job opportunities include educational services and health care & social assistance.

Montpelier

Settled in 1787 and incorporated in 1895, this charming small city at the heart of Vermont has all the vibrancy due for the state capital and seat of Washington County. Offering a household income of almost $100,000, its 7,964 happy residents鈥攚ith a median age of 43.4鈥攅njoy many perks, like a low poverty rate of 7.26% and the thriving job market, including tech and healthcare, which has opportunities for new residents. Having been noted as the nation's least populous state capital, one should not fear a lack of diversity since the daytime population rises up to 21,000 people. Many commute for work, while others come to experience the buzz within the lush Green Mountains.

Offering an affordable cost of living and a median house value of $395,440, Montpelier is popular among career-minded individuals and singles, as well as families, who value convenient access to amenities. Lost Nation Theater presents performing arts, while Vermont State House and the Vermont Historical Society Museum are a must-visit for those to learn more about their new home. The surrounding state parks and forests offer easy access to get away on a budget summer camping trip, plus skiing in the surrounding areas. The surrounding state parks and forests offer easy access to get away on a budget summer camping trip, plus skiing in the surrounding areas.

South Burlington

Home to 21,293 residents in Chittenden County, South Burlington is exactly 1,000 happy residents richer than in 2020, which reflects quality of life. Consistency is its middle name and promise for harmony in personal and professional needs. Boasting a diverse job market, South Burlington is perfect for those who value stability, with a median age of 38.8 years and a poverty rate of 8.12%. The housing is higher, with a median listing price of $619,974 and a median sale price of $467,157, but a household income of $130,015 sets off the higher-than-national cost of living. The thriving economy with job prospects and a low unemployment rate attracts both career-minded and casual workers.

The outdoors are second to none on the southwestern edge of Lake Champlain. Waterfront Park features a boardwalk, sailing lessons, plus kayak and canoe rentals, so you can practice, pick up a new skill, or enjoy at leisure. From Centennial Woods at the heart to shorefront trails and Oakledge Park, Overlook Park offers serenity and magnificent sunsets. Accessible healthcare and good housing options make it easy to focus on what matters the most. Families value educational opportunities and recreational activities at hand, including golf and sports facilities. Cultural enrichment abounds for every taste, like Tommy Thompson Community Garden and the Fleming Museum of Art.

Stowe

Many know of Stowe as a vacation destination in Lamoille County, but 5,230 residents in 2024 find it a perfect place to live. With the population unchanged since 2020, thanks to the natural environment and tourism, it is a guarantee for future prosperity. Surrounded by mountains like Mt. Mansfield, Stowe Mountain Resort is a premier destination for skiing and snowboarding. Stowe is perfect for those who seek scenic beauty not by month but by hour at the gateway to the Green Mountains with hikes like Sterling Gorge Falls and Sterling Pond Trail. The peaceful scenery and ready-made vacation with skiing, hiking, and camping from the doorstep come at a price of $1M for a median home.

Stowe is perfect for well-off families and individuals looking for high-quality life in a charming mountain town atmosphere with clean air and a tight-knit feel. Tucked into the Green Mountains, this remote slice comes with a strong economy, job opportunities, and a low poverty rate of 6.8%. The median age in Stowe is 49.4. Stowe鈥檚 historic village offers a blend of tradition with dining and shopping, plus cultural landmarks like the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum. So whether you are attracted by the variety of businesses or an adventurous lifestyle, Stowe offers a $129,798 average household income. Drop by The Current, an art center on a green lawn, and the Stowe Historical Society.

Embracing Vermont's Diverse Communities in 2025

Vermont is the most underrated NE state to live in and visit. Between the mountain ranges, the Green Mountain State is rife for a life full of discoveries in clean, fresh air. There are four distinct seasons, perfect for the scenically inclined in their daily lives, where it is never too far from the natural splendor. Mountains in winter and Lake Champlain in the summer鈥攚hat more can you desire?

Housing some of the most magical mountain towns and cities, each vibrant community offers high income, job opportunities, and a love for the outdoors is a shared concept. Its NE staples are the colorful foliage and white church steeples, plus a whole lot more local shops and eateries even in the cities since the largest is home to under 50,000 and the capital is just a small town boy, Montpelier.