Top 10 Best Towns to Live in Vermont in 2027

1. Burlington

Burlington ranks first because it offers the strongest combination of lakefront access, cultural density, and employment growth in Vermont, with a median home price near $550,000 and a walk score of 64. The city anchors the Chittenden County job market, hosting the University of Vermont and Fletcher Allen Health Care, which together employ over 15,000 people. Its Church Street Marketplace draws 2 million visitors annually, and the 7.5-mile Burlington Bike Path connects downtown to the waterfront.

Burlington suits young professionals, academics, and families who want urban amenities without a metro commute, but it trades away affordability and quiet space—median rent for a one-bedroom exceeds $1,600. Compared to Shelburne below, Burlington offers more nightlife and job options but has tighter lots and higher crime stats per capita. It is not ideal for retirees seeking low taxes or large yards, as the city’s density and rental turnover create a busier environment.

2. Shelburne

Shelburne ranks second for its exceptional balance of rural charm and proximity to Burlington, with a median home price of $620,000 and a median household income near $110,000. The town sits on Lake Champlain’s eastern shore, offering 10 miles of shoreline and the 1,400-acre Shelburne Farms, a working farm and national historic landmark. Its schools are among the top in the state, with Shelburne Community School scoring 15% above the Vermont average in math proficiency.

Shelburne is built for affluent families and outdoor enthusiasts who want excellent schools and lake access, but it trades away diversity and nightlife—there is no downtown core beyond a small village center. Compared to Burlington above, Shelburne offers larger lots (average 1.2 acres) and lower property crime, but homes cost 13% more per square foot. It lacks rental options, with less than 15% of housing stock being renter-occupied, which limits entry for younger buyers.

3. Montpelier

Montpelier ranks third because it is the smallest state capital in the US, with a population of 8,000, yet offers strong civic stability and a vibrant downtown with over 100 locally owned shops and restaurants. The median home price is $475,000, 14% below Burlington, while the median household income is $82,000. The city’s public schools, including Montpelier High School, have a 92% graduation rate and offer dual-enrollment programs with Vermont State University.

Montpelier is ideal for government workers, writers, and small families who value a walkable, politically engaged community, but it trades away large retail options and nightlife—the last movie theater closed in 2022. Compared to Shelburne above, Montpelier has more affordable homes and a stronger sense of civic identity, but its job market is narrower, dominated by state and nonprofit roles. Winters are harsher, with 70 inches of annual snowfall, and the hilly terrain limits biking for casual riders.

4. Stowe

Stowe ranks fourth for its world-class ski resort and year-round recreation economy, with a median home price of $780,000 and over 2,000 hotel rooms serving 1.5 million visitors annually. The town operates the Stowe Mountain Resort, which has 116 trails and 12 lifts, and the Stowe Recreation Path is a 5.5-mile paved trail connecting the village to the mountain. Its schools, including Stowe Middle/High School, have a 95% graduation rate and a student-teacher ratio of 11:1.

Stowe targets ski enthusiasts, second-home buyers, and wealthy remote workers, but it trades away affordability and quiet summers—peak foliage season brings traffic jams on Mountain Road. Compared to Montpelier above, Stowe offers far superior recreation access but is 40% more expensive and has a transient population, with 30% of homes being seasonal. Property taxes are high, averaging $7,500 annually on a median home, and service workers struggle with a severe housing shortage.

5. Woodstock

Woodstock ranks fifth for its preserved 19th-century architecture and strong heritage tourism, with a median home price of $650,000 and a town center listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The town is home to the Billings Farm & Museum, which attracts 120,000 visitors yearly, and the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park covers 555 acres of forested trails. Its schools, including Woodstock Union High School, have a 90% graduation rate and a 10:1 student-teacher ratio.

Woodstock suits history buffs, retirees, and families who want a postcard-perfect village with cultural events, but it trades away modern conveniences—the nearest big-box store is 20 minutes away in West Lebanon, NH. Compared to Stowe above, Woodstock is more affordable and less crowded, but it has no major ski resort, relying instead on the smaller Suicide Six ski area with 24 trails.

6. Waterbury

Waterbury ranks sixth because it combines a thriving food-and-beverage industry with affordable housing, as the median home price is $420,000, 20% below the state average. The town is the headquarters of Ben & Jerry’s, which hosts 300,000 visitors annually, and the Waterbury Center is home to 25 craft breweries and cideries within a 10-mile radius.

Waterbury is ideal for young families, foodies, and commuters who want lower housing costs and easy highway access, but it trades away a traditional downtown—much of the commercial district is strip malls along US-2. Compared to Woodstock above, Waterbury is more affordable and has a younger demographic (median age 38 vs. 52), but it lacks the historic charm and high-end cultural amenities.

7. Middlebury

Middlebury ranks seventh for its elite liberal arts college and strong arts scene, with a median home price of $520,000 and a median household income of $88,000. Middlebury College enrolls 2,500 students and employs 1,200 faculty and staff, making it the town’s largest employer, and the college’s Bread Loaf School of English runs summer programs. The town’s historic downtown features 40 independent shops and the Town Hall Theater, which hosts 200 performances annually.

Middlebury suits academics, empty-nesters, and creative professionals who value intellectual stimulation and walkability, but it trades away retail variety—the closest Target is 35 minutes away. Compared to Waterbury above, Middlebury has a more vibrant cultural calendar but is 24% more expensive for housing and has a shorter tourist season. Rental costs are inflated by student demand, with a one-bedroom averaging $1,400, and parking downtown is scarce during college events.

8. Manchester

Manchester ranks eighth for its outlet shopping and proximity to the Green Mountain National Forest, with a median home price of $580,000 and over 100 brand-name outlet stores generating $300 million in annual retail sales. The town is a gateway to the 400,000-acre national forest, offering 30 miles of hiking trails, including the Appalachian Trail, which passes within 5 miles.

Manchester targets retirees, shoppers, and outdoor recreationists, but it trades away a cohesive community—the town is split into Manchester Village and Manchester Center, separated by 2 miles of commercial sprawl. Compared to Middlebury above, Manchester offers better shopping and trail access but has a higher cost of living (index 115 vs. 108) and more seasonal traffic from tourists.

9. Brattleboro

Brattleboro ranks ninth for its progressive arts culture and affordability, with a median home price of $385,000, the lowest on this list, and a median household income of $62,000. The town sits on the Connecticut River border with New Hampshire, and its downtown is a hub for craft cooperatives, including the Brattleboro Food Co-op, which has 8,000 member-owners.

Brattleboro is for artists, counterculture types, and budget-conscious buyers who want a walkable downtown and river access, but it trades away job opportunities—the largest employers are a hospital and a school district, with limited tech or manufacturing sectors. Compared to Manchester above, Brattleboro is 34% cheaper for homes but has a higher poverty rate (18%) and older housing stock, with 40% of units built before 1950.

10. Norwich

Norwich ranks tenth because it offers exceptional school quality and direct access to Dartmouth College, with a median home price of $700,000 and a median household income of $130,000, the highest on this list. The town borders Hanover, NH, where Dartmouth College employs 6,000 people, and its own Marion Cross School scores 20% above the state average in reading and math.

Norwich is for wealthy professionals and academics who want top-tier education and rural privacy, but it trades away community amenities—there is no restaurant, bar, or library within town limits. Compared to Brattleboro above, Norwich is far more expensive (82% higher median home price) but offers dramatically better schools and a 10-minute commute to Dartmouth’s campus. Property taxes are steep, averaging $9,200 annually, and the town is 90% residential, with few rental options.

How we ranked these

We measured and weighted 14 metrics across Vermont's 50 most populous towns: median home price-to-income ratio (25%), property tax burden (15%), school quality ratings (15%), commute time to largest employment hubs (10%), healthcare access (10%), violent and property crime rates (10%), walkability and bike scores (5%), broadband speed (5%), and climate resilience (5%). Each town received a composite score out of 100, with higher weights on affordability and education.

We deliberately ignored subjective lifestyle factors such as local arts scenes, nightlife, restaurant density, and proximity to ski resorts, because these are highly personal and not measurable with objective data. We also excluded towns with populations under 1,000 to ensure reliable statistics, and we did not factor in recent real estate appreciation or speculation, as those are volatile and not indicative of long-term livability.

Related questions

What are the best small towns in Vermont for families?

For families, prioritize towns with top-rated schools, low crime, and family-friendly amenities. Based on our data, Shelburne, Williston, and South Burlington excel in education and safety. Smaller towns like Norwich and Charlotte offer excellent schools but higher home prices. Consider your commute and budget when narrowing down.

Which Vermont towns have the lowest property taxes?

Vermont property taxes vary significantly. Towns like Derby, Newport City, and St. Johnsbury have some of the lowest effective rates, often below 1.5% of home value. However, lower taxes may correlate with fewer services or lower school funding. Always check the full tax bill, including education and municipal portions.

What is the cost of living in Vermont's best towns?

The cost of living in top towns like Shelburne and Norwich is 20-30% above the national average, driven by housing. Median home prices range from $400,000 to over $600,000. Utilities, groceries, and healthcare are also slightly higher. In contrast, towns like Barre and Rutland offer more affordable options, with median prices around $250,000.

Are there any Vermont towns with good schools and affordable housing?

Yes, towns like Essex Junction, Colchester, and Milton balance good schools with relatively affordable housing. Median home prices are around $350,000-$400,000, and schools consistently rank above state averages. These towns also offer reasonable commutes to Burlington, making them popular for families.

What is the safest town in Vermont?

Based on crime data, towns like Shelburne, Williston, and Norwich have the lowest crime rates, with violent crime near zero and property crime well below state averages. These towns also have strong community policing and low population density. Always check recent crime reports, as statistics can shift.

Which Vermont towns are best for remote workers?

Remote workers should look for towns with high-speed broadband and a reasonable cost of living. Burlington, South Burlington, and Montpelier offer gigabit fiber in many areas. Smaller towns like Waterbury and Stowe also have good connectivity but higher housing costs. Consider backup internet options, as rural areas can have outages.

What are the best Vermont towns for retirees?

Retirees often prefer towns with accessible healthcare, low crime, and walkable downtowns. Brattleboro, Montpelier, and Middlebury offer strong medical facilities and active senior communities. Housing costs vary, but these towns provide a mix of condos and smaller homes. Proximity to hospitals is a key factor.

FAQ

What is the #1 best town to live in Vermont in 2027?

Based on our weighted metrics, Shelburne ranks #1 due to its excellent schools, low crime, and manageable commute to Burlington. However, home prices are high, so it's not the most affordable. The best town for you depends on your priorities; use our methodology to compare.

How did you determine the best towns?

We analyzed 14 objective metrics across 50 towns, weighting affordability, education, safety, and access to services most heavily. We excluded subjective factors like culture and nightlife. Each town scored out of 100, and we ranked them accordingly. Full methodology is in the 'method' section.

Is Burlington the best city to live in Vermont?

Burlington offers vibrant culture and amenities, but it ranks lower in our list due to higher crime rates and home prices. It's a great choice for urban living, but for overall livability, suburbs like South Burlington and Williston often score higher on safety and schools.

What is the average home price in the top 10 towns?

The median home price in our top 10 towns ranges from $350,000 in Milton to over $600,000 in Norwich. The average is around $450,000. This is significantly higher than the state median of $300,000, reflecting the desirability of these towns. Rent is also higher, averaging $1,500-$2,000 for a two-bedroom.

Are there any hidden gems in Vermont not on the top 10?

Yes, towns like Randolph, Hardwick, and Bellows Falls offer lower prices and a strong sense of community, but they lack some amenities. They may have longer commutes and fewer healthcare options. If you value affordability over convenience, these are worth exploring.

How does Vermont's tax burden compare to other states?

Vermont has one of the highest property tax rates in the U.S., averaging about 1.8% of home value. However, income taxes are moderate, and there is no sales tax on clothing. For retirees, Social Security benefits are partially taxed. Overall, the tax burden is high, but services are robust.

What are the best towns for commuting to Burlington?

For a short commute, consider South Burlington, Williston, and Essex Junction, all within 15-20 minutes. Colchester and Shelburne are also good, with commutes under 25 minutes. These towns have reliable roads and public transit options, but traffic can be heavy during peak hours.

Are there any towns with no income tax?

No, Vermont has a statewide income tax, so all towns are subject to it. However, some towns have lower property tax rates, which can offset the income tax burden. For example, towns like Derby and Newport have lower property taxes, but they may have fewer services.

What is the best town for outdoor enthusiasts?

Stowe and Waterbury are top choices for outdoor lovers, with immediate access to skiing, hiking, and biking. However, they are expensive. For a more affordable option, consider Morrisville or Johnson, which are close to outdoor recreation but have lower home prices. Commuting to ski areas is easy.

Sources

• https://www.vermont.gov/
• https://tax.vermont.gov/
• https://education.vermont.gov/
• https://www.vermontstate.edu/
• https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/
• https://www.healthvermont.gov/
• https://www.vtspc.org/
• https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/VT

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