Moving To Vermont: A Guide

If you’re looking for a slower-paced life or some New England small-town charm, you might be considering a move to Vermont. It has the second-lowest population of any state in the country but still has plenty to offer its residents. From its beautiful scenery to its booming economy, there’s a lot to like about the Green Mountain State.

Before planning your move to Vermont, there are a few things you need to consider. Keep reading to learn what life in Vermont is like, some of the pros and cons and the best places in the state to call home.

What To Consider Before Moving To Vermont

Relocating and buying a house out of state are big decisions. Before you commit to Vermont – or any state, for that matter – it’s important to do your research and consider all factors. Here are some things to consider before moving to Vermont.

Weather

Like most of New England, Vermont residents experience hot summers and cold winters. Temperatures in the summer are often in the high 70s and low 80s. Meanwhile, the average winter temperature can range from less than 10 degrees to about 30 degrees. Vermont gets a moderate amount of precipitation, with rain in the summer and snow in the winter.

Vermont’s weather is moderate by many people’s standards. However, it may not be the place for you if you’d prefer to avoid cold and snowy winters.

Cost Of Living

Vermont ranks among the top ten most expensive states to live in. Its average cost of living is about 16% higher than the national average.

The table below shows how the prices of various goods and services in Vermont compare to the United States as a whole:

While the state’s overall cost of living is higher than the national average, the average cost of a home is actually lower. The median price of homes sold in the United States is $332,070. The median price of homes sold in Vermont is just $306,433.

Job Opportunities

Vermont is an excellent state to move to if you’re concerned about job opportunities. The state also has an unemployment rate that’s lower than the national average – 2.9% compared to 3.6%.

The state offers a wide variety of job industries, including health care, social assistance, educational services, retail, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and more.

Education Opportunities

Vermont has one of the best public school systems in the country. It’s ranked third overall, third in student safety, fourth in school quality and eighth in student success.

Vermont also has several excellent institutions of higher education. It’s home to the University of Vermont, which is ranked 121 of universities nationwide by U.S. News & World Report. It’s also home to Middlebury College and Bennington College, which are top private liberal arts schools.

Things To Do

Vermont is known for its small-town charm and its natural beauty. The largest city, Burlington, has a population of just 45,000 people, according to the latest Census Bureau. And all but about six cities and towns have a population of fewer than 10,000 people. No, you won’t find the hustle and bustle of urban areas around the country, but you will find a different kind of charm.

Vermont is the perfect state for you if you enjoy being outside. It’s home to beautiful mountains with hiking or skiing and snowboarding trails, as well as photo-ready scenery all around the state. It’s also home to maple syrup, Ben & Jerry’s and its picture-perfect wineries and breweries.

Where Should I Live In Vermont?

As we’ve mentioned, Vermont is full of beautiful small towns to call home. Below we’ll discuss some of the best places to live in Vermont, as well as what it costs to buy real estate there.

Norwich

Norwich is a small town of just 3,600 people along the Connecticut River on the border of Vermont and New Hampshire. It features the typical small-town charm you would expect of Vermont, with its historical-looking buildings and beautiful scenery.

Norwich’s Main Street is a historic district that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s the perfect place to live, as well as the perfect place for a New England weekend getaway.

Burlington

Burlington is the largest city in Vermont with a population of about 45,000 people. It’s located in the northwest part of the state on Lake Champlain, just across the lake from upstate New York and less than 2 hours from Canada.

Burlington has plenty to offer its residents, including a picturesque downtown with shops and restaurants. It’s also home to several museums and a robust network of parks and beaches.

Montpelier

Montpelier is the state capital of Vermont and has a population of about 8,000 people. It sits in the north-central part of the state, where its rich history shows in every detail of the community.

Montpelier is known for many things, including historic sites like the Bennington Museum of History. In fact, it’s home to the largest urban historic district in the state. It’s also known for its maple syrup, agriculture and farm-to-table dining.

The Pros And Cons Of Living In Vermont

If you’re considering moving to Vermont, these pros and cons can help you make your decision.

Pros

• Beautiful scenery: Vermont has a picturesque landscape. It’s home to the Green Mountains, as well as many rolling hills, beautiful forests and more.
• Safety: Vermont is one of the safest states in the country, making it an ideal place for your family to call home. It falls well below the national average for both violent crimes and property crimes.
• Access to high-quality education: As we’ve discussed, Vermont has an excellent education system. Whether you’re looking for highly rated public schools or good universities, you’ll find it in Vermont.

Cons

• High property taxes: Vermont has some of the highest property taxes in the country, behind only New Jersey, Illinois, New Hampshire and Connecticut. The average family pays a tax rate of about 1.9%.
• High cost of living: As we’ve mentioned, Vermont is one of the highest cost of living states in the country. However, it has relatively affordable homes compared to the national average.
• Severe winter weather: Vermont, like much of the northeast, has cold and snowy winters. If you don’t enjoy spending time outside during the winter, you can easily get cabin fever.

Moving To Vermont FAQs

Are you considering moving to Vermont? Below are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

Is Vermont a good place to move to?

Yes, Vermont can be an excellent place to live. It’s a safe place to call home. It has excellent schools, small-town charm and beautiful scenery. It’s perfect for an individual or family who are nature enthusiasts or who prefer a slower-paced life.

Is it expensive to buy a house in Vermont?

Despite the fact that Vermont has a cost of living that’s higher than the national average, the cost to buy a house is actually lower.

Where is the best place to live in Vermont?

The best place to live in Vermont depends on what you’re looking for in your new home. The state is filled with picturesque small towns, like much of the northeast. Some of our favorites are Norwich, Burlington and Montpelier.

What are the pros and cons of relocating to Vermont?

Some of the advantages of moving to Vermont are its beautiful scenery, low crime rate and access to good high-quality education. Some of the downsides include the high property tax rates, high cost of living and severe winter weather.

The Bottom Line

If you’re considering a move to Vermont, it’s important to be prepared. if you’re ready to find your dream home in Vermont, start the home buying process today.