8 Top-Ranked Towns in Vermont for Retirees
If you are approaching a time in your life when you might be considering retirement, you will be doing yourself a favor if you add Vermont to your list of relocation possibilities. Known as one of the best states to retire to, Vermont is peaceful, safe, and known to have one of the best healthcare systems in the country. Enjoy a slower pace of life in natural, laidback surroundings, where the residents are friendly and the living is comfortable. These eight retirement towns are exceptionally safe, beautiful, relaxed, and inclusive, with no lack of both natural splendor and small-town charm to make yourself and your loved ones feel at home and at ease.
Dummerston
Generally known as one of the best places to live in Vermont, Dummerston is also an exceptional location for retirees. The crime rates here are much lower compared to the rest of the country, making it an incredibly safe place to be. Many of the Dummerston locals are, in fact, of retirement age and are able to enjoy a beautiful, quaint, calm, and serene location. Dummerston has plenty of natural outdoor beauty, as well as accessible activities that allow locals to get out and enjoy these outdoor assets. This town is home to the West Dummerston Covered Bridge, the state's longest-covered bridge that is still actively used today.
There are also plenty of farms and farmers markets, such as the Scott Farm Orchard, which is lovely to visit and allows you to get your fresh, local shopping done. Lastly, Dummerston is also home to the historic property of Naulakha - the home of Rudyard Kipling and his family when he was first married. Visitors and residents are able to stay in this top-rated accommodation and particularly enjoy it for occasions such as family reunions or retreats.
Shelburne
With beautiful natural surroundings and a charming and connected suburban feel, Shelburne is known to be a very popular location for retirees. It boasts a friendly, clean, and safe community with a low crime rate and has accessible and affordable real estate. There are also several wonderful lodging options for retreats or getaways here in Shelburne. Most notably, the Heart of the Village Inn - Modern Vermont Bed and Breakfast is a five-star rated Bed and Breakfast you won’t want to miss whether you’re a local or just passing through. The town has wonderful farms, museums, and golf courses to visit and enjoy, such as the Shelburne Museum and the Shelburne Golf & Country Club. Shelburne is also home to several excellent hospitals, health care services, and countless resources for seniors, such as the Arbors at Shelburne which is an assisted living facility for seniors.
Guilford
Guilford, Vermont, has a rural and very naturally serene feel to it. With exceptionally low crime rates, it is a quaint and wholesome town to retire to. It is known to be a connected community of people, providing a wonderful, friendly neighborhood atmosphere for its residents. Guilford also offers several natural amenities and accessible outdoor activities, making it effortless to maintain an active and balanced lifestyle here. Enjoy attractions such as the Fort Dummer State Park, and stay at the acclaimed River Bridge Inn or the Viking Villages Resort. There are a number of nearby hospitals such as the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, as well as multiple retirement facilities like Green Grove Inc. All in all, if you are looking for peace and quiet and a tranquil location to get away from the hustle and bustle of things, Guilford is the place to be.
Hartford
Offering a pleasant balance of both suburban comfort and spacious, natural beauty, Hartford has a lovely mix of both small town charm and a bit of a city buzz. Whichever element you are looking for, Hartford is able to pleasantly provide both. The majority of Hartford residents own their homes, and housing prices are reasonably affordable, averaging at $462K. There is a low rate of property crime, making Hartford a safe and accessible town for both families and retirees. The town is also home to the Quechee Gorge, known locally as the state’s ‘Grand Canyon.’ It is known to be the highlight of the Quechee State Park, an overall striking natural gem of Vermont. Otherwise, there is a vibrant arts and theater community in Hartford, as well as museums, distilleries, and several other natural highlights that are able to enhance your time spent here. Another notable point is that Vermont is very highly rated in terms of healthcare. One can rely on excellent hospitals and services all over the state, and residents can find solace in the fact that the hospitals and health centers here in Hartford are consistently able to support those high ratings.
Woodstock
A charming town with spectacular natural beauty, Woodstock is brimming with possibilities for seniors. The town provides excellent housing options, as well as visually stunning and serene hiking trails. Enjoy the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park, one of the points of pride in Vermont. Seniors can also choose to partake in a variety of inclusive community committees, clubs, or events, such as the Working Woodlands Workshops or even through the Woodstock History Center. The town has wonderful small-town appeal while still having an element of cultural richness and countless diverse activities to enjoy. It is walkable and connected with rustic charm, and has an affordable cost of living. Woodstock also has a large variety of different healthcare services that are able to cater to your specific needs and is also known to be very hospitable. It is not difficult to find several cozy accommodation options for whatever you might need on your next retreat into a slower-paced life.
Wilder
Known as one of the best places to live in Vermont, Wilder is, in fact, an ‘incorporated village’ within the town of Hartford. It has a connected and safe suburban environment with very low violent and property crime rates, as well as affordable housing where the majority of residents own their homes. The town is home to the Wilder Village Historic District, which has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You will also be able to find countless homey Country Inns or quaint Bed and Breakfasts, where visitors can enjoy a temporary stay here in Wilder. It is a culturally vibrant town; although it is calm and relaxed, there is no shortage of activities or amenities to enjoy here. Visit the Main Street Museum, or even pay a visit to Tip Top Pottery - an interactive painting and pottery studio. Last but certainly not least, there are also excellent dining options to be found in Wilder.
Moretown
A gorgeous, rural town with exceptional natural beauty, Moretown has a small population where housing is both accessible and affordable for residents. It is very highly rated in the categories of best places to buy a home in Vermont, as well as in one of the best places to retire to. Moretown provides a very safe, welcoming, and connected community with exceptionally low rates of crime. It is known for its excellent hospitality, including top-notch dining and lodging options, and also has several highly-rated medical facilities. There are several lovely, inclusive, and unique activities to enjoy, as well as locations to visit here - including a Tayn - Ayre Horse Farm or mini golfing. In particular, it should also be known that Moretown truly comes alive in the fall. Autumn lovers will be able to enjoy spectacular, unforgettable fall colors and foliage here in Moretown.
Cornwall
The town of Cornwall provides a quaint, visually appealing, and laid-back community. There are very low crime rates - the town is known to be particularly safe and excellent if you are either looking to raise a family or retire to a town away from the world’s hecticness. Cornwall is serene and tranquil with plenty of natural splendor to enjoy and also has a wonderfully supportive atmosphere, especially for seniors. There are also multiple local hospitals in the area. Although spacious and calm, Cornwall is truly able to hold its own when it comes to cultural attractions. Residents can enjoy nearby amenities such as the Ralph Myhre Golf Course, the Mahaney Center for the Arts, or the Lemon Fair Sculpture Park. There are also excellent, highly rated bed and breakfast options here in Cornwall, as well as wonderful, diverse dining locations such as the Otter Creek Bakery or the Two Brothers Tavern.
Whether you choose to retire among nature and away from the hustle and bustle in Moretown or find yourself at home in a culturally vibrant and accessible location such as Hartford, Vermont, has no lack of wonderful options for this next stage of retirement. Life is good in the Green Mountain State - it is meant to be savored, enjoyed, and taken slowly. Senior residents are also able to have peace of mind knowing that they have access and rights to one of the country’s finest healthcare systems. The state of Vermont has so much to offer people from all walks of life - but especially during the finer, golden years of retirement.
