9 Safest Towns In Vermont For Senior Living
For many seniors, Vermont may not be the first place they think of when they retire. After all, it is known for its cold weather, which is something that may not seem that amenable to them. However, it would very much be a mistake to overlook Vermont as a location for seniors to consider living in. Vermont boasts a number of cities that offer affordable living, excellent medical centers, low crime rates, and activities that they can do both individually and with visiting family members. Here are the nine safest towns in Vermont for senior living.
Berlin
Berlin, Vermont, is a historical town that has been active since 1763 and occupies the area between Barre and Montpelier. It is popular among retirees due to its quiet, quaint lifestyle and its low cost of living, as well as its safety. It currently has a violent crime rate lower than the national average. The median home price in Berlin typically hovers around the upper $300,000s, which still makes it affordable for many seniors. The Central Vermont Medical Center is nearby and provides medical care for the town’s residents. Popular attractions in town include the Boyer State Forest.
Dummerston
Dummerston, Vermont, is quickly becoming popular with retirees, especially those within the tri-state area. It is known for being very safe; the violent crime rate in Windham County has long been lower than the national average and is currently lower than the state average, too. The median home value is around $400,000, which is much cheaper than many cities in the state. Nearby Brattleboro Memorial Hospital and Grace Cottage Hospital are two of the hospitals in the area. Visiting Scott Farm Orchard and Naulakha, the former home of author Rudyard Kipling, are popular activities among the locals.
Guilford
Guilford, Vermont, offers residents an ideal combination of serenity, scenery, and safety, all within an affordable location with hospitable residents. Like Dummerston, the crime rate is very low; as part of Windham County, the violent crime rate is lower than both the state and national average. The median home price is typically around $350,000, making it one of the most affordable entries on this list. For those in need of medical attention, Brattleboro Memorial Hospital is both nearby and highly recommended. Popular attractions in the area include the Guilford Welcome Center, Gaines Farm (established in 1782), and the Otter Pond Bindery, which offers classes and workshops to visitors.
Hartford
Hartford, Vermont, has become popular among retirees because of its combination of affordability and the fact that it is centrally located near several major cities in Vermont. It has a crime rate lower than the national average. Additionally, it boasts a median home price in the $400,000s. Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center is the nearest medical center to the town; it's about 17 miles away. Residents and visitors often enjoy going to places like the nearby Quechee Gorge and the Vermont Institute of Natural Science.
Mendon
Mendon, Vermont, is an ideal town for those seniors looking for a way to maintain an active lifestyle and have a small-town ambiance in the same location. The area is safe, with Rutland County's crime rate much lower than both the state and national average. The median home price is around $320,000. Rutland Regional Medical Center and Killington Medical Clinic both provide medical services to residents of the area. Locals and visitors often enjoy hiking on the Bucklin Trail or — for something a little more slowly paced — playing miniature golf or taking yoga classes from local practitioners.
Montpelier
Montpelier, Vermont, is the state's capital, known for both its beauty and historical significance. It is a safe city, with its violent crime rate typically below the state and national average. Additionally, the median home price is usually in the $400,000s. The area's primary hospital is the nearby Central Vermont Medical Center. Thankfully, the town has many exciting activities for both residents and visitors to partake in. These include going to the Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks and the Vermont Historical Society Museum.
Rockingham
Rockingham, Vermont, is a small suburban town near the Connecticut River. It is known for both its quaint charm and affordability, with the average home price being under $300,000. Like a couple of other towns on this list, Rockingham is in Windham County, where the violent crime rate is lower than the national and state average. The two nearest medical centers to the area are Grace Cottage Hospital and Springfield Hospital, both of which are respected in the area. Popular attractions within the town include the Windham Antique Center, Bellows Falls Opera House, and the Old North Meeting House.
Rutland
Rutland, Vermont, offers seniors a winning combination of affordable living and an excellent medical center that is nearby to the town. The crime rate is below the national average. The median home price is around $250,000, which puts it far below the national median. Nearby Rutland Regional Medical Center won the Patient Safety Excellence Award for 2024. For those looking for something to do, consider making a visit to the Paramount Theatre or Green Mountain National Forest.
St. Johnsbury
St. Johnsbury, Vermont, offers residents a highly affordable cost of living and many activities to choose from, making it an ideal choice for those looking to retire somewhere quiet and non-expensive. The town's violent crime rate is currently below the national average. It is also helpful that the median home value is less than $250,000, which is very helpful for those seniors who are on a fixed income or pension. Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital is the primary care facility for those who live in the area, and it won a Pulmonary Care Excellence Award in 2023. Popular activities in the area include going to the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium and the Dog Mountain Dog Chapel, a well-known art installation.
Final Thoughts
Vermont offers seniors a stunning combination of beautiful scenery, friendly neighbors, affordable living, great health care, and many activities to choose from. The result is a friendly and inviting state that seniors who are looking to relocate should investigate further. Vermont is a hidden gem in many cases, waiting to be discovered by those with an adventurous spirit and a love for nature and the outdoors. It offers a lovely collection of culture, comfort, and camaraderie to its residents, especially in the nine safest towns in Vermont for senior living.
