9 Liveliest Vermont Towns For Active Seniors

The Green Mountain State offers an excellent mix of supreme natural beauty, trademark New England charm, and down-to-earth communities, compelling senior citizens to see it as the perfect retirement pad. Scattered across its rolling mountains, verdant valleys, and pristine lakes are hidden little towns that allow retirees to settle down away from the fast-paced life in the city. Despite their nonchalant atmosphere, they serve as four-season recreational hubs to keep pensioners engaged in activity around the year.

Whether drawn to the natural allure of the Green Mountains or the easygoing lifestyle of rural New England villages, there is no shortage of Vermont towns for active seniors. From cozy green communities like Swanton to artsy enclaves like Bellows Falls, here are suitable options to consider when planning to spend your after-work life in New England.

Brandon

Popularly known as the "Art & Soul of Vermont," Brandon is just over an hour south of Burlington and promises retirees rich cultural encounters with a vibrant arts community. The Brandon Artists Guild displays a range of pieces by over thirty local creatives in a beautiful gallery space. Like the arts, Brandon is also known for its craft breweries, and Foley Brothers Brewing is where locals enjoy great-tasting beers. The establishment also serves delicious meals and demonstrates exemplary service to patrons.

For outdoor activity, pensioners can practice their swing at Neshobe Golf Club. This well-maintained course challenges amateurs and professionals alike while spoiling them with breathtaking vistas of undulating mountains and lush forests. Given a median home price of $329,000, buying a home in Brandon doesn't cost a fortune.

Bellows Falls

Bellows Falls' vibrant arts and theater scene impressively complements its delightful outdoors to keep retirees active throughout the year. Outdoor opportunities aplenty at Riverfront Park, which lies on the banks of the Connecticut River. This peaceful escape supports hiking, fishing, camping, and picnicking. Residents also enjoy laid-back tee time at the Bellows Falls Country Club. The 9-hole course is tailored for all skill levels and boasts terrific surroundings framed by the picturesque mountains of southern Vermont.

The Bellows Falls Opera House entertains townsfolk with screenings of the latest Hollywood releases. One of the most anticipated local events is the Bellows Falls Festival, which brings people together through music and live performances. Finally, the median housing cost is $229,000.

Northfield

This tiny town, about 15 minutes from Montpelier, is known for its covered bridges and has a rustic feel that stems from its rich historical heritage. Pensioners feel a sense of nostalgia when exploring its top points of interest, such as the Northfield Historical Society. This quaint venue preserves the area's chronology using a collection of old photographs, manuscripts, and archives. Living in Northfield gets residents used to its gorgeous covered bridges. Between Northfield Falls Covered Bridge and Slaughterhouse Covered Bridge, these iconic landmarks are not only a feast for the eyes but also a stark reminder of the old days.

Downtown Northfield might be small, but it has an eclectic atmosphere with various local businesses. After a long day, pensioners can connect with peers over a glass of homegrown craft beer at Good Measure Pub & Brewery. Lastly, the town's median home price is around $384,500.

Hardwick

Hardwick is a tiny village in Caledonia County steeped in history and teeming with outdoor opportunities. According to the Hardwick Historical Society, the town's rich beginnings go back to the 18th century, and numerous displays at the facility bring the railroad and mining past back to life. Hardwick has a network of four-season trails that provide an escape to the open spaces. The Buffalo Mountain and Hardwick Trails are accessible year-round and are suitable for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, and mountain biking.

The White Water Gallery invites residents to browse and support the works of local artists. This quaint studio exhibits all art forms, including those by internationally recognized artists. Also, Hardwick's average housing cost is $372,500, lower than the state average.

Windsor

From its captivating history and beautiful outdoors to an adorable downtown district, Windsor is one of the top Vermont towns for active seniors. The town hosts a trove of historical treasures, but the Historic Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge is the most aesthetically appealing. This photogenic bridge is over 150 years old and spans 460 feet across the Connecticut River. Mount Ascutney is the highest peak in Windsor County, rising to 3,144 feet. It challenges hikers with a demanding climb to the summit along the 2.7-mile Windsor Trail, culminating in spell-binding views of the town.

However, those with old legs can opt for a more easygoing activity, particularly golfing at the John P. Larkin Country Club. The well-maintained course features nine holes and pristine greens with serene natural surroundings. Buying a home in Windsor costs around $314,000, less than the average in the United States.

Thetford

Thetford is a charming little town on the Connecticut River Valley with a rich rural feel and access to outdoor activities. It is home to the Union Village Dam Recreation Area, the local hub for all things outdoor recreation. This lovely countryside location provides indulgences like swimming, hiking, and fishing while housing amenities such as picnic tables, a horseshoe pit, and a volleyball net. Retirees who relish the ultimate outdoor experience can skip the comfort of their homes for a quiet night under the stars at Rest-N-Nest Campground.

For an indoor alternative, Parish Players treats residents to compelling stage performances that seniors will fancy. It showcases engaging plays featuring creatives from the region. If you consider purchasing a home in Thetford, be prepared to spend around $354,500 for a lovely property.

Swanton

This relaxed village of Franklin County stands out for the rich ecosystem that makes up its outdoor scenery, inviting residents to bask in its natural splendor. It is famously home to the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, which presents acres of wetlands along the Missisquoi River. The nature space is a popular gathering spot for hiking, boating, canoeing, and wildlife-watching enthusiasts. Hudak Farm Stand provides exciting opportunities to interact with other community members. It is where townsfolk congregate to shop for fresh groceries, and the atmosphere is always warm and welcoming.

The Swanton Historical Society helps preserve and interpret the area's history. It organizes engrossing walking tours through dozens of major historic stops around downtown, featuring historic churches, buildings, and cemeteries. When it comes to investing in a home, the local median home rate is $362,500.

Richmond

Richmond has a little bit of everything to ensure no dull times for retirees, no matter the time of year. In summer, residents access world-class skiing slopes at Cochran's Ski Area. This friendly location provides an escape for family fun, with moderate terrain designed for snowboarding and skiing. On the other hand, summer cultivates off-the-beaten-path adventures such as wild treks to Huntington Gorge. This spectacular site, carved by the Huntington River, has pristine waterfalls and natural swimming holes amidst a tranquil setting.

For retirees who feel like eating out, there is no better spot than Stone Corral Brewery. This neighborhood joint serves delicious American fare alongside handcrafted beers. Finally, a decent real estate property in Richmond sells for around $317,500.

Bristol

Bristol balances its quaint downtown area with magical outdoor scenery, encouraging senior citizens to stay active while discovering the open spaces. It is awash with terrific sights, such as Bartlett Falls. This heavenly cascade plunges 15 feet into a cozy natural swimming hole set against the backdrop of green woodlands. The Gateway Farm provides an authentic taste of life in the Vermont countryside. It invites residents to sample handcrafted maple syrup and birch products, synonymous with the state's tradition.

Meanwhile, the delectable downtown district has a chain of trendy eateries where pensioners can revel in delicious cuisine. Prominent among these is The Tillerman Restaurant, serving farm-to-table eats in a romantic setting. Finally, Bristol is less than an hour from Colchester, and senior citizens planning to buy a home can expect to pay an average of $395,000.

If you are contemplating pulling the plug on your career in the near future, these Vermont towns for active seniors welcome you to settle down in the perfect retirement pad. Thanks to their slow pace of life, an abundance of outdoor adventures, and locals with a strong sense of community, the stage is set to live a fulfilling life with fun activities year-round. Together, they demonstrate to fresh retirees what to expect from the lush backcountry of the Green Mountain State.