7 Towns Perfect for Retirement in Vermont
Surrounded by scenic mountain peaks and dense forest cover, the Green Mountain State presents peaceful natural scenery ideal for spending your senior years. The climate is delightfully mild, and plenty of outdoor opportunities make for the perfect after-work lifestyle. Especially with its charming small towns balancing rural charm with accessibility to cultural attractions and services. Although the cost of living is slightly on the upper side, much of the state is safe, and a few places allow pensioners to live comfortably without burning through their retirement savings.
Learn more about several towns suitable for retirement in Vermont that provide an engaging lifestyle centered around the state's renowned outdoors. No matter one's interests, skiing, hiking, fishing, or simply relaxing in scenic tranquility, these hidden havens ensure a fulfilling quality of life amidst Vermont's breathtaking landscape.
Woodstock
Classic New England charm and captivating historical heritage marinate in this popular Windsor County destination. Woodstock's rustic feel is evident when you stroll through the quaint town square, dotted with antique structures from the 19th century. Retirees can enjoy an exciting trip back in time by touring landmarks like the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park and the Billings Farm & Museum. For a long time, the town has harbored a thriving arts community that it continues to honor through venues like Collective the Art of Craft, which exhibits works by different artists from the region.
Outdoor opportunities abound in the sprawling wilderness surrounding Woodstock. Senior citizens can keep active with a hike to the summit of Mount Tom, home to secluded running and skiing trails, where you will be rewarded with stunning views of the town. The friendly community demonstrates its dedication to caring for the elderly through several assisted living communities, including Thompson Senior Center. For aspiring homeowners, prices are quite steep in Woodstock, featuring a median value of $1.2M (according to realtor.com).
Swanton
Outdoorsy retirees will enjoy settling in this charming Franklin County village to take advantage of the endless opportunities available in its beautiful backcountry. Swanton advocates for an active senior lifestyle, thanks to nature spaces like Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, which sits on the eastern shore of the famous Lake Champlain. The Swanton Recreation Commission guarantees more opportunities to play by offering various sports facilities tailored for all ages. Those interested in the town's past can explore more about this inside the Swanton Historical Society, which hosts an insightful display of related archives and artifacts.
Meanwhile, the downtown corridor boasts a welcoming atmosphere with several family-owned businesses worth checking out. Seniors can channel their inner child to enjoy an ice-cold treat at Maple City Candy, especially when grandkids visit. Finally, Swanton has more reasonable real estate prices for retirees, considering that the median listing price is $439,500.
Wilmington
From glistening lake waters and sprawling park areas to picturesque mountain peaks, Wilmington is chock-full of adventures for the outdoor-centric seniors. The town notably hosts Molly Stark State Park, home to two miles of hiking trails that turn into the perfect snowshoeing and cross-country skiing routes when it snows. Wilmington further provides access to Lake Raponda and Harriman Reservoir, hubs for aquatic adventures like fishing, boating, and water skiing, and some of the most popular local attractions in the summer.
For a change of scenery, retirees should consider several indoor attractions in Wilmington, including The Art of Humor Gallery. This cute venue delights visitors with the works of cartoonist Skip Morrow. Also, the restaurant scene is quite a buzz in the town center, offering seniors a chance to catch up with friends and family over a wholesome meal at trendy spots like Anchor Seafood Restaurant. Investing in a property in Wilmington will require about $687,000, the current median listing price.
Middlebury
This vibrant college town is home to Middlebury College, presenting senior citizens with a chance to go back and fulfill any unfulfilled academic aspirations. The presence of the college has been great for the local art scene, and residents enjoy experiencing captivating art at different venues, such as the Town Hall Theater. Here, pensioners will find a welcoming atmosphere and an opportunity to watch entertaining live performances alongside other community members. Elsewhere, the Mahaney Arts Center at Middlebury College is better suited for visual art enthusiasts.
Outdoor lovers can embrace active living with scenic walks along the 16-mile Trail Around Middlebury. Alternatively, a trip to Middlebury Falls allows you to bask in the beauty of Mother Nature and make the most of the breathtaking photo opportunity. In the event of any health complications, seniors can look to Porter Medical Center for reliable medical attention. Finally, the median home listing price in Middlebury is an average of $497,000.
Bristol
This tiny community in Addison County presents a laid-back atmosphere for pensioners to spend their sunset years. It has a couple of scenic green spaces, ideal for communing with nature, highlighted by the Bristol Falls. The cascade offers ardent outdoorsmen a chance to step into the wilderness, discover the natural wonder, and go for a friendly dip. Bristol Veterans Memorial is another somber outdoor space with a relaxed setting, great for lazy walks. Retirees can also visit the site to pay homage to the departed men and women of the military that the monument was dedicated to.
Art on Main offers a break from the outdoor monotony, allowing residents to support the local art scene by browsing a collection of pieces from various Vermont artists. Meanwhile, retirees can shop for fine decorative pieces at Robert Compton Pottery to add to their homes. Bristol's median home listing price is around $449,000. However, senior citizens can find cheaper housing and benefit from several assisted living programs at Living Well Residence.
Pittsford
If you are planning for a laidback and thrifty lifestyle for retirement in Vermont, Pittsford presents the right mix of factors to actualize this. A cluster of historic covered bridges in the town hints at its rich heritage and serves as the perfect window to the town's past. Seniors can visit Hammond Covered Bridge or Cooley Covered Bridge to explore New England's covered bridge architecture from the 19th century. Also, the New England Maple Museum is an interesting stop that documents the progression of Maple Sugar making in the region going back to the Native American days.
Pittsford provides diverse outdoor opportunities at sites like the Proctor-Pittsford Country Club. Here, pensioners can indulge in an easygoing game of golf in a beautiful setting or increase their variety of recreation options by visiting the Pittsford Recreation Area. Pittsford is only about 10 minutes from Rutland, allowing retirees easy access to better facilities and amenities in the bigger city. Finally, homes are conveniently cheap in the town, with a median listing price of $375,000, falling below the United States average.
Shelburne
Shelburne is considered by many to be one of the best places to live in Vermont. It is easy to see why in a close-knit community that embraces harmonious living while offering plenty of world-class attractions. These include Shelburne Museum, which harbors an impressive collection of almost 150,000 art, Americana, and design exhibits. Also, Shelburne Farms is a National Historic Landmark that invites the public to learn about sustainable agriculture on a working farm sprawled over 1,400 acres. Incoming retirees will find a warm atmosphere at the Shelburne Farmers Market, with a chance to shop for healthy farm produce and interact with happy faces from the community.
Shelburne also advocates for active senior lifestyles by hosting venues like Shelburne Bay Park, a hub for hikers and bikers with stunning water and forest views. It provides several retirement communities to assure seniors peace of mind, including the Arbors at Shelburne. Lastly, median home listing prices sit around $797,500 on average.
From idyllic mountain hamlets to picturesque lakeside villages, these charming locations guarantee fulfilling lifestyles for seniors who contemplate retirement in Vermont. There are plenty of options with access to scenic trails, cultural attractions, and supportive senior services. Whether one craves rural isolation, communal opportunities, or mountain vistas, these beautiful enclaves promise a smooth path to the sunset years immersed in New England's finest scenery. Each of these towns is an excellent retirement destination.
