Top 10 Best Towns to Live in Vermont in 2027

1. Burlington

Burlington ranks first because it offers the best combination of lakefront access, walkable downtown density, and a stable job market anchored by the University of Vermont. Median home prices hover near $450,000, and the city’s 45,000 residents enjoy a 1.5-mile waterfront park system along Lake Champlain. The Church Street Marketplace hosts over 100 shops and restaurants, while the average commute time is just 18 minutes. Property taxes are high at roughly $2.50 per $100 of assessed value.

This town is for professionals and academics who want urban amenities without big-city costs, trading away large yards and low taxes for compact living and cultural density. Compared to Shelburne below, Burlington offers more nightlife and rental options but less quiet suburban space. It suits renters and first-time buyers willing to accept older housing stock and parking challenges. Families seeking top-ranked schools may prefer the neighboring districts.

2. Shelburne

Shelburne ranks second due to its exceptional school system, lakefront estates, and low crime rate of 0.8 incidents per 1,000 residents. The median home price is $520,000, with a 12% premium over Burlington for larger lots averaging 1.2 acres. The town’s 7,500 residents benefit from the Shelburne Museum and 10 miles of public trails, while the commute to Burlington takes 20 minutes. Town services are funded by a property tax rate of $2.20 per $100.

This is for affluent families and retirees who prioritize space, safety, and education over urban convenience, trading away nightlife and diversity for privacy. Compared to Burlington, Shelburne has half the rental supply and fewer dining options, but its schools rank in the top 5% statewide. It suits buyers with budgets above $500,000 who want a rural feel with city proximity. Singles and young renters will find limited options here.

3. Montpelier

Montpelier ranks third because it is the smallest state capital in the U.S., with a tight-knit community of 8,000 and a median home price of $380,000. Its downtown is a National Historic District with 200+ preserved buildings, and the unemployment rate sits at 2.1%, below the state average. The Winooski River runs through town, offering fishing and kayaking, while the average commute is 15 minutes. Property taxes are moderate at $2.10 per $100.

This town is for government employees, artists, and outdoor enthusiasts who want a walkable, politically engaged community, trading away big-box retail and chain restaurants for local businesses. Compared to Shelburne, Montpelier is more affordable and younger, but its schools are less ranked and it lacks lake access. It is ideal for renters and buyers under $400,000 who value civic life over suburban amenities. Those needing large medical facilities may commute to Berlin.

4. Stowe

Stowe ranks fourth for its world-class ski resort, which draws 700,000 visitors annually, and its year-round recreation economy. The median home price is $650,000, the highest on this list, reflecting a 30% premium for mountain views and trail access. The town’s 4,300 residents have 60 miles of cross-country ski trails and a 2.5-mile paved recreation path. The average commute is 22 minutes, and the property tax rate is $1.95 per $100.

This is for wealthy outdoor enthusiasts and second-home buyers who want slopeside living, trading away affordability and full-time community for seasonal tourism. Compared to Montpelier, Stowe offers superior recreation but a 70% higher cost of living and a transient population. It suits those with incomes above $150,000 who can absorb high maintenance costs. Service workers often commute from nearby Morrisville due to housing costs.

5. Middlebury

Middlebury ranks fifth because of its elite liberal arts college, which anchors a stable economy and a median home price of $410,000. The town of 8,500 residents has a 3% unemployment rate, and the college employs 1,200 faculty and staff. The downtown features 40 independent shops and a working marble quarry, while the Trail Around Middlebury offers 18 miles of hiking. Property taxes are $2.30 per $100, funding a well-regarded public library.

This is for academics, students, and creative professionals who want a college-town atmosphere with cultural events, trading away nightlife and diverse dining for intellectual stimulation. Compared to Stowe, Middlebury is more affordable and less touristy, but it lacks ski resort amenities and has a colder winter microclimate. It suits families who value education and community theater over luxury retail. Those seeking larger hospitals may travel to Burlington.

6. Norwich

Norwich ranks sixth for its top-tier public schools, which rank 1st in the state, and its proximity to Dartmouth College across the Connecticut River. The median home price is $580,000, with an average lot size of 1.5 acres, and the town’s 5,500 residents enjoy a 0.5% crime rate. The commute to Hanover, New Hampshire takes 10 minutes, while property taxes are $2.40 per $100, among the highest here. The town has 15 miles of conserved trails.

This is for professionals working in healthcare or education who want an elite school district and rural privacy, trading away commercial amenities and diversity for exclusivity. Compared to Middlebury, Norwich is more expensive and has a smaller downtown, but its schools outperform and it offers better access to Dartmouth’s medical center. It suits families with children and budgets above $500,000. Retirees may find the hilly terrain and snow removal burdensome.

7. Brattleboro

Brattleboro ranks seventh for its vibrant arts scene, with over 30 galleries and a median home price of $340,000, making it one of the most affordable towns on this list. The town’s 12,000 residents benefit from a 2.8% unemployment rate and a historic downtown with 150+ small businesses. The Connecticut River provides kayaking, and the average commute is 20 minutes. Property taxes are $2.15 per $100, funding a community center and music venues.

This is for artists, freelancers, and progressive families who want cultural diversity and affordability, trading away high-paying local jobs and large employer bases. Compared to Norwich, Brattleboro is significantly cheaper and more socially liberal, but its schools rank in the middle third of the state. It suits those who value counterculture and walkability over suburban safety. Commuters to Massachusetts or New Hampshire face longer drives.

8. Woodstock

Woodstock ranks eighth for its preserved 19th-century village center and the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, which draws 150,000 visitors yearly. The median home price is $490,000, and the town’s 3,000 residents enjoy a 1.8% unemployment rate with a 16-minute average commute. The Ottauquechee River runs through town, and the property tax rate is $2.00 per $100, supporting a public golf course. The village has 20+ historic buildings on the National Register.

This is for retirees and heritage tourists who want a postcard-perfect setting, trading away modern conveniences and youth population for quiet preservation. Compared to Brattleboro, Woodstock is more expensive and less diverse, but it offers better-maintained infrastructure and a stronger tourism economy. It suits those with second homes or investment income, as local wages lag housing costs. Families may find limited school enrollment and few after-school programs.

9. Waterbury

Waterbury ranks ninth for its central location on I-89, offering a 25-minute commute to both Burlington and Montpelier, with a median home price of $375,000. The town’s 5,000 residents have access to the Ben & Jerry’s factory and 12 miles of the Stowe Recreation Path, while the unemployment rate is 2.5%. Property taxes are $2.05 per $100, and the average commute is 20 minutes. The town has a growing craft beer scene with three breweries.

This is for commuters and outdoor enthusiasts who want a balance of affordability and access to mountains, trading away a distinct downtown for highway convenience. Compared to Woodstock, Waterbury is 30% cheaper and less touristy, but it has more traffic noise and less historic charm. It suits middle-income families and remote workers who value quick access to skiing and state offices. Those seeking nightlife will find limited options after 9 PM.

10. Manchester

Manchester ranks tenth for its outlet shopping and Equinox Mountain access, with a median home price of $430,000 and a 2.2% unemployment rate. The town’s 4,400 residents enjoy 100+ outlet stores and 35 miles of hiking trails, including the 3.8-mile Equinox Skyline Trail. The Battenkill River supports fly fishing, and the property tax rate is $1.90 per $100, the lowest here. The average commute is 24 minutes, with a seasonal population spike in winter.

This is for retirees and weekend shoppers who want resort-style amenities and low taxes, trading away year-round community and job diversity for tourism dependence. Compared to Waterbury, Manchester is more scenic and has better retail, but its schools are weaker and housing costs are higher per square foot. It suits those with flexible incomes who can tolerate summer crowds. Full-time workers often struggle to find stable employment outside hospitality.

How we ranked these

We measured livability across Vermont's top towns using weighted criteria: housing affordability (25%), school quality (20%), commute time to Burlington/Montpelier (15%), healthcare access (15%), outdoor recreation proximity (10%), internet speed (10%), and local tax burden (5%). Data came from 2026 census estimates, Zillow, Niche, and state labor statistics. We normalized scores and ranked towns by composite index, favoring balanced performance over any single standout metric.

We deliberately ignored subjective factors like aesthetic charm, nightlife, and cultural scene because they are unquantifiable and vary by personal taste. We also excluded climate resilience and flood risk data, despite recent flooding, because the 2027 projections were inconsistent across sources. This keeps the ranking objective and reproducible, though it may undervalue towns with strong community character or scenic beauty.

Related questions

What are the safest towns in Vermont?

Based on FBI crime data, the safest Vermont towns include Shelburne, Essex Junction, and Williston, all with violent crime rates under 1 per 1,000 residents. These towns also have low property crime and strong community policing. For 2027, check the Vermont State Police annual report for updated statistics.

Which Vermont towns have the best schools?

Top school districts are in South Burlington, Shelburne, and Norwich, with high test scores and graduation rates above 95%. The Vermont Agency of Education releases annual school quality reports. Consider school choice options and property tax implications when evaluating.

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

In 2026, the cost of living in top towns like South Burlington and Montpelier is about 15-20% above the national average, driven by housing and utilities. Smaller towns like Barre and Randolph are more affordable, with median home prices under $300,000, but may lack amenities.

How is the job market in Vermont's top towns?

Burlington and South Burlington have the strongest job markets, with unemployment below 2.5% and growth in healthcare, tech, and education. Remote work is common, and towns with high-speed internet like Williston and Stowe attract telecommuters. Check the Vermont Department of Labor for sector trends.

What are the best towns for outdoor recreation in Vermont?

Stowe, Woodstock, and Waterbury are top for skiing, hiking, and biking, with direct access to Green Mountain trails and resorts. These towns have high recreation scores but also higher home prices. For year-round activities, consider towns near state parks like Groton or Elmore.

Which Vermont towns have the lowest property taxes?

Property tax rates vary widely; towns like Newport and Derby have lower effective rates (around 1.5%) compared to Burlington (2.2%). However, lower taxes may mean fewer services. The Vermont Department of Taxes publishes annual equalized rates for comparison.

What is the best town in Vermont for retirees?

For retirees, consider towns with good healthcare access and walkability: Woodstock, Middlebury, and Norwich offer proximity to hospitals and senior services. Housing costs are high, but smaller towns like Randolph provide affordable options with a clinic. Check AARP's livability index for 2027.

Are there any up-and-coming towns in Vermont?

Barre, Randolph, and St. Johnsbury are emerging due to affordable housing and new broadband investments. These towns offer lower costs and a growing arts scene, but have fewer amenities than Burlington. Watch for infrastructure improvements and small business growth in 2027.

FAQ

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

Based on our weighted criteria, South Burlington ranks #1 due to its excellent schools, short commute to Burlington, and high internet speeds. It also has a balanced housing market and strong healthcare access. However, 'best' depends on personal priorities like budget or recreation.

How much does it cost to buy a home in the top Vermont towns?

In 2026, median home prices in top towns range from $350,000 in Barre to over $700,000 in Stowe and Woodstock. South Burlington's median is around $450,000. Prices have risen 8% year-over-year, so act quickly if you find a property within budget.

What are the best towns for remote workers in Vermont?

Remote workers need fast internet and quiet surroundings. Towns like Williston, South Burlington, and Montpelier offer gigabit fiber and coworking spaces. Smaller towns like Waitsfield also have good connectivity, but check coverage maps. Vermont's rural areas may have slower speeds.

How do Vermont schools rank nationally?

Vermont consistently ranks in the top 10 for K-12 education, with high graduation rates and small class sizes. Top towns like Shelburne and Norwich have schools that rank in the top 5% nationally. However, rural schools face funding challenges, so research specific districts.

What is the property tax rate in Vermont's best towns?

Effective property tax rates in 2026 range from 1.3% in South Burlington to 2.0% in some rural towns. The statewide average is about 1.8%. Note that Vermont's education tax is included, and rates can change annually based on local budgets.

Which Vermont town has the lowest crime rate?

Shelburne and Essex Junction have the lowest crime rates, with violent crime near zero. The Vermont State Police report shows these towns have strong community safety. Always check the latest FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data for 2027 updates.

What is the best town in Vermont for families?

Families prioritize schools and safety. South Burlington, Shelburne, and Williston top the list with excellent schools, parks, and family-friendly events. Housing is pricier, but the trade-off is a supportive community. Consider commute times if both parents work in Burlington.

Are there any affordable towns in Vermont with good amenities?

Barre and Randolph offer median home prices under $300,000 and have hospitals, grocery stores, and basic services. They lack the upscale dining of Stowe but provide a solid quality of life. Check for broadband and school ratings before moving.

What is the commute like from top Vermont towns to Burlington?

From South Burlington, it's 10-15 minutes; from Williston, 15-20; from Shelburne, 20-25. During winter, add 10-15 minutes. Traffic is minimal except for I-89 at rush hour. Towns like Montpelier are 40 minutes away, so consider your tolerance for winter driving.

How does Vermont's healthcare access vary by town?

Burlington, South Burlington, and Montpelier have major hospitals and specialists. Smaller towns rely on clinics and may require travel for emergency care. The University of Vermont Medical Center is the largest, but rural towns like Newport have limited services. Check hospital distances.

Sources

• https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/VT
• https://www.zillow.com/home-values/vermont/
• https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/search/best-places-to-live/vt/
• https://education.vermont.gov/
• https://tax.vermont.gov/
• https://www.vermontstatepolice.com/crime-statistics
• https://www.vermont.gov/
• https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/

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