If paradise were a wintry idyll, Vermont would almost certainly be Eden. Here, white-capped peaks and snow-laden boughs delight cross-country skiers, snowshoers and intrepid mountaineers through the coldest months. Families can spend their summers swimming, paddling and picnicking from the shores of Lake Champlain to the Hudson River. Meanwhile, towns throughout the peaks and valleys welcome visitors with cozy, clapboard cottages and family farms. And to be sure, no place in New England is more New England than the Green Mountain State.
And where would we be without this tiny, frost-covered Arcadia of the Northeast? If it weren’t the 14th state in the union, we might never have known the pleasures of Chunky Monkey ice cream or pure Vermont maple syrup — we might simply be cold-handed and dessert-less, surviving on dry pancakes alone.
Vermonters produce half of the nation’s maple crop, and they are seriously serious about their syrup. The state tree is the sugar maple, and the state flavor is maple, and the state would be delighted for you to top all your food with this local confection, including the state vegetable — the Gilfeather turnip.
But Vermont has made a name for itself in more than just maple. Its dairy farms have made Ben & Jerry’s and Cabot Creamery household names. But more than that, Vermont has been a pioneer in promoting social responsibility. Many of the state’s best-known companies are certified B Corporations, including the two mentioned above, as well as Green Mountain Power, Clean Yield Asset Management, King Arthur Flour and others.
With diverse industries, low crimes rates and a picturesque landscape, more and more people are deciding to move to Vermont. Read more about the state below and see if living in this cozy New England hamlet is right for you.
Living in Vermont
Vermont is the second least-populated state in the union, and it’s also one of the least diverse: Vermont residents total only 647,064 and over 92% identify as white. But its diverse industries, entrepreneurial spirit and sustainably minded population are attracting newcomers from near and far. The state’s population has climbed steadily over the past 12 years, adding more than 21,000 more Vermonters than in 2010. While the cost of living here is high, the quality of living seems to be even higher.
Climate and Weather Patterns
Vermont’s unique geographic position makes for cold, snowy winters and pleasantly warm summers. Thanks to the moisture Vermont picks up from the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Champlain, Green Mountaineers can expect to receive up to 80 inches of snow in low-lying areas and well over 100 inches at higher elevations.
But it’s the cold that will make you wish your entire wardrobe were made from flannel and goose down. The mercury can fall below 30 °F here in the winter and the average temperature is only in the 20s °F. That’s cold enough to make your parka ask for its own parka.
Between winter and spring is a time of year that New Englanders are well familiar with (and other regions are not): Mud Season. This is the awkward period when the snow melts but before things spring back to life, and living room floors and human spirits alike are heavier and darker.
One of the sweetest times of year is the summer. Temperatures average only in the 70s, and they rarely break 90 °F. You’ll usually still want an extra layer after dark, too.
The best times of the year to move to Vermont are from late spring through fall. If you need to move during the coldest months, check out some of our best tips for moving in winter.
Vermont Cost of Living and Housing Market
The cost of living in Vermont is considerably higher than in most states but on par with most of its New England neighbors — New Hampshire, Maine and Connecticut. Massachusetts and New York, on the other hand, are in a different league altogether, ranking third and fifth, respectively, as the country’s most expensive states to call home.
Housing prices in Vermont are just below the national level. The median home value is $240,600 and rent averages $1,070 per month. Some of the state’s more popular cities — Burlington, South Burlington and Middlebury — fetch prices over the $300,000 mark, on average, but this is still far less than the most populous cities in neighboring states. At $67,674, the median household income in Vermont also falls just below the U.S. average.
Education and Employment Opportunities
Vermont may be a small state, but it has managed to make big names out of its corporations. One of the most famous, of course, is Ben & Jerry’s, which got America thinking beyond 31 flavors, contemplating the social impact of what they consume, one delicious cone at a time. But let’s not forget the other dairy king, Cabot Creamery, a cooperative headquartered in Waitsfield. Founded in 1919, it became the first dairy co-op to become a certified B Corporation.
If you’re sensing a theme, it’s that agriculture is big business in this tiny state. From farming to food manufacturing, Vermont has nearly 7,000 farms, a quarter of which sell food directly to consumers. They’re real outliers in America’s industrialized agricultural landscape.
The state generates $11.3 billion in annual food output, and — no surprise — produces more maple than any state in the U.S. Plus, it’s the biggest dairy producer in New England. But this isn’t a state that rests on its organically grown laurels. Craft beer and hemp producers in the state are relative newcomers that have quickly made a national name for themselves. But chocolate and roasted coffee were actually the top two food exports in the state behind dairy in 2017.
In 2022, non-farm employment in Vermont increased 1.5% from the previous year. Now, 302,000 people are employed outside of agricultural industries. The unemployment rate in Vermont continues to fall, now sitting at 2.8% — nearly a point lower than the national average. The job market in Vermont is also strong — no sector of the economy has shrunk in the 12 months prior to today.
The manufacturing sector in Vermont employs over 29,000 workers in mostly small operations with fewer than 20 employees. The 9.5% of Vermonters working in this vital industry produce $2.69 billion in manufactured good exports annually. One of the major national brands based here is Seventh Generation, which produces plant-based household cleaning products.
Naturally — and we mean that both figuratively and literally — tourism is considered one of the most crucial industries for Vermont. About 13 million people visit Vermont each year, all looking for the best outdoor adventure and the unprocessed spoils of the land. In turn, $3 billion is generated by lodging, food, goods and services each year.
Fueling all of these high-performing sectors are the highly educated Vermonters — nearly 94% of residents have graduated from high school and 41% have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. Vermont also has some impressive educational institutions of its own, including the flagship public school in Burlington, the University of Vermont. Add that to the private schools in their namesake towns, Bennington College and Middlebury College.
Best Places to Live in Vermont
Rural Towns
If you’re moving to Vermont, you have 10 wonderful cities to choose from. That’s right — there are only 10 cities in this quaint New England state! Places like Middlebury and Hanover are considered towns, but nobody moves to Vermont looking for a bustling metropolis. Many come here for rural settings like Stowe, Manchester and Woodstock.
Stowe is a renowned resort town known for its skiing but hiking on Mount Mansfield — the state’s highest peak — is every bit as popular. To get to the top of the mountain, you can go the hard way and hike or just ride the Gondola SkyRide to snap those panoramic selfies without breaking a sweat.
Manchester is part of a unique area between the Taconic and Green Mountains known as the Shires. And if Hobbits appeared in town? They would not seem a stitch out of place. This picturesque region is quietly spectacular, with gems like the Seven Springs Garden & Sculpture Park, located on the grounds of the Doubleday publishing family’s former estate. Each summer, it also hosts the long-running Manchester Music Festival, now in its 49th year.
In east central Vermont, Woodstock is a sweet spot to connect with the land. The Billings Farm & Museum, just a short walk from town, is a place to make new friends in cows, sheep and even oxen, taste unbelievably good raw-milk cheeses and take sleigh rides in the winter.
Burlington and Beyond
Burlington, the biggest city in the state, is no big city by any stretch of the imagination. Its population comes in just under 45,000 people — a gain of only 2,300 in the last decade. South Burlington (the second-largest city in the state) and Essex, both located within a 15-minute drive of the city, add another 30,000 area residents.
Founded 1791, the University of Vermont’s flagship location is in Burlington. The city is a true college town, one where nearly half the city’s population is affiliated with the school. Roughly 13,000 students are enrolled in its degree programs and 4,100 faculty and staff members are employed there.
The cost of living in Burlington is on par with state averages. The median home value is $240,600, rent averages $1,070 per month, and the median household income is $59,331.
UVT is the area’s biggest employer, but Burlington is also Vermont’s industrial and financial center. Manufacturing is the leading industry in the city, and some of the many products produced here include electronics and computer parts, food, textiles/apparel, lumber/paper and even toys.
The second-largest industry in Burlington is tourism. Lake Champlain is a major draw in this mountain region, giving outdoor enthusiasts an outlet for adventures beyond hiking and skiing. Sailing and paddling are popular on this lakefront connecting Burlington to New York and Canada. The region boasts many waterfalls. Then there’s the secret favorite of cold-water swimmers — emerald mountain waters in surrounding towns.
Burlington has diverse cultural assets — the Fleming Art Museum and the Flynn Performing Arts Center are just two of the most prominent venues in town. If you want to get to know the city’s makers, visit the BTV Market at City Hall Park or any number of local shops. You’ll find custom lighting manufacturers like Conant Metal & Light, jewelry designers like Akweley, and even custom electric guitar craftsmen, like Creston Electric.
Vermont’s Unique Attractions and Events
Vermont has nearly 200 distinct historical museums and societies to learn about the Green Mountain State’s rich and exciting history. For one thing, you can get a great introduction to the state of right in the capital city of Montpelier at the Vermont History Museum. Exhibits begin with the area’s first residents, the Paleoindians, and continue through contemporary times.
On the Vermont African American Heritage Trail, the Rokeby Museum brings the story of the Underground Railroad to life. The abolitionist farmstead provided refuge to individuals fleeing slavery. Other stops include the Winooski United Methodist Church, the Clemmons Family Farm and the Old Stone House Museum, where you can learn about Vermont’s fist Black legislator, Alexander Twilight.
The Vermont Folklife Center in Middlebury brings together the multitude of cultural experiences in Vermont, offering educational programs in traditional crafts and practices, from blacksmithing to Nepali folk dancing.
But the past isn’t the only living thing to explore in state, of course — Vermont is a place to be outdoors. Bikers consider this something of a mecca. As such, there are outlets for every kind of ride, be it mountain, road or gravel for the casual enthusiast. Bolton Valley has trails for every level of rider, from novice to fearless. A lift can even take you to the top of the mountain, letting you wind through the knobby, gnarly paths back down. It also offers mountain bike lessons for the whole family. For everyday excursions, the Burlington Greenway is a well-trod path for pedestrians and bikers. The eight-mile trail originates at Lake Champlain and travels past several parks before terminating at the Winooski River.
Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Vermont. You won’t find a weekend where families aren’t flocking to state parks. With easy-to-advanced trails, Camel’s Hump State Park is one of our favorite spots. There’s a flat, accessible loop that has three viewing spots, so everyone from the toddlers to the great-grandparents can take in the scenery. If you’re into trail running, Underhill State Park and Little River State Park offer invigorating and adventuresome paths. Sand Bar State Park on Lake Champlain is a popular spot for watersports and swimming, even for migratory birds — the adjacent marshland is a dedicate wildlife refuge.
Wintertime is when the real fun begins outdoors in Vermont. Skiing, sledding, skating and fat biking are favorite diversions when the snow has arrived. If you have ice climbers in your family, Smuggler’s Notch State Park is a popular place to go. The Ragnarock is a highly rated run with steep ice in the final pitch and a glorious view from the top.
For a full weekend of family snow fun, Okemo is one of the best resorts to try out. Alpine skiing, snow tubing, ice skating and snowshoeing will keep your crew high on snow life all day and tired by 9pm. Freestyle skiers will want to head straight to the Stash at Killington Ski Resort. This woodland terrain extravaganza is the only Burton Park on the East Coast and has over 65 features to test your tricks on.
If you’re looking for something a little lower key, why not meet the sheep who helped make your favorite blanket at Johnson Woolen Mills? Fair warning, after viewing this much high-quality flannel, you may begin to see everything with a tartan plaid filter. Once you’ve gotten your family a fully matching flannel wardrobe from work shirts to fanny packs, complement those cozy outfits with a cuddly new plushy from the Vermont Bear Factory, where you can make your own stuffed friend and even have a Teddy Bear Picnic.
Eat Like a Local in Vermont
In this agriculturally bountiful place, it’s hard to find a town that doesn’t have a restaurant serving up farm-to-table delights. You’ll find around 75 farmers markets across the great, small state. With hundreds of certified organic farms to visit, it’s easy to buy directly from the growers.
In Burlington, there’s no finer place to sample the local flavor than at Hen of the Woods. This cozy-chic establishment pulls no punches with its unfussed plates.
If you are looking for a truly special experience, SoLo Farm & Table — located in a charming farmhouse in South Londonderry — offers a five-course chef’s tasting menu on Thursday and Saturday evenings. The atmosphere is intimate, and the food is divine.
There are so many great sugar houses where you can see how sugar maple sap is turned into liquid gold in Vermont. Baird Farm in Chittenden is a 560-acre, family-run operation that’s been in business since 1918. Sugarbush Farm in Woodstock is a place to satisfy your dairy and syrup fixes. In Brattleboro, the Robb Family Farm produces fine maple syrup, but the farm also raises its own beef.
Other states may try to vie for the championship title in the syrup category, but nobody can topple Vermont’s maple creemees. Our favorite place to get them is Canteen Creemee Company in Waitsfield, where you’ll also find incredible “miracle dredge” fried chicken and burgers made with local VT beef.
In the category of ice cream, it’s hard to compete with Vermont’s finest, Ben & Jerry’s. This once small outfit, begun in a converted filling station, has grown into a frozen empire of confection. Its factory in Waterbury is open to the public on select dates for tours.
If you’ve got a pint of excellent vanilla from a local creamery, you’re one third of your way to the state dessert: Apple pie. Eat your slice with the traditional accompanying slice of cheddar, but you can usually get away with wedge on the side. Bonus points if the pie is made with an heirloom variety like Allington Pippin, Black Oxford or Blenheim Orange. Visit Scott Farm Orchard in Dummerston to pick your own from their magnificent orchard.
Traveling around the small state, you’ll notice that there are almost as many craft breweries in Vermont as there are historic sites.
You’ll give thanks for the highly creative kegs at Dirt Church Brewing Company in East Haven — especially the Full Vermont, a 100% Vermont-made smoked pilsner, as well as the Mud Season’ Pre-Prohibition Coffee Porter, which goes down awfully easy with breakfast for dinner.
In Northfield, Good Measure Pub & Brewery has great drinks and dining, with new spins on savory classics like the spent grain pretzel, Jaeger schnitzel and prime rib Reuben. Vegetarians can even sub in tempeh for the beef.
Get Ready to Move to Vermont
When you’re ready to move, Mayflower is here for you Every Step of the Way®. Get a quote from Mayflower on moving to Vermont.
When you’re relocating, hiring a trusted, reliable mover like Mayflower can make all the difference. Whether you’re moving within the state or making a long-distance move to Vermont, Mayflower’s experienced team of movers can help make your move smooth and worry-free. The Mayflower Move Portal keeps all the details of your move organized and easy to find.
Mayflower offers long-distance moving services to Vermont from anywhere in the country. We can provide you with a custom, full-service moving package — even a personal moving coordinator — to streamline the process.
Mayflower’s Vermont movers can help you with your move within the state. The local agents perform local moves in Vermont under local brands and businesses.
Even if you’re planning to move to Vermont by yourself, Mayflower’s essential moving tips, checklists and DIY resources can help keep you on track.
