Why Vermont's Fastest Growing City Should Be On Your Radar

Essex is one of the Vermont communities on the rise, especially due to its attractive location between the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain. Many factors contribute to Essex's rapid growth, from affordable real estate to a booming job market. The location, with its natural beauty and historical significance, is also promising as a place to live and visit. As Vermont continues its quest for an expanded job market and more substantial infrastructure, cities like Essex will be prominent paving stones in this path.

Learning More About Essex

Essex has been a community that has continued to find ways to grow and thrive without losing its charm, which attracts small businesses and local festivals or events. The town is among the most rapidly growing in the state, increasing its population by nearly thirteen percent between 2010 and 2020. Much of this can be attributed to a few factors:

Affordable Real Estate

Compared to Burlington, Essex offers far more affordable housing without sacrificing the amenities of the nearby metropolis. According to reports on Zillow, the average home cost in Essex is $468,217, nearly six percent lower than the average of $495,758 for properties in Burlington. In addition, the development of residential neighborhoods like Countryside or Saxon Hill gives your immediate space a unique feel while still being part of the larger whole.

Economic Growth

As you would expect, as developing communities increase their population, much of this concerns the city's economic stability. Essex has several core companies that provide countless jobs throughout the immediate area, from the top semiconductor manufacturer in GlobalFoundries to the large production operation for Autumn Harp, a staple of the cosmetics industry. Beyond its commercial successes on this grand stage, the community remains a stable environment for small businesses to thrive.

Quality of Life

Quality of life plays a substantial part in Essex's overall appeal to those looking for a stable place to settle down and plant some roots. Statistically, the town has top-rated schools, like Essex High School, which US News named the fifth best in the state. Low crime rates also increase the overall quality of life, with the town being in the 95^th percentile of the safest places to live in the country. Beyond all this, residents also receive top healthcare from the University of Vermont Medical Center.

Community Events and Cultural Vibrancy

Essex boasts various activities year-round, from farmer's markets to seasonal festivals, encouraging friendly and lively interactions. Events like the Essex Junction Block Party and Champlain Valley Fair bring residents and guests together to enjoy local culture, cuisine, and entertainment. Champlain Valley Expo Center is an all-in-one facility hosting events year-round, including concerts, trade shows, and sports tournaments.

Exploring Essex’s Attractions and Activities

There is something for everyone in the booming community of Essex, whether you are a fan of history, nature, or a unique experience. While there are countless places you should visit, a few places are quintessential:

The Essex Experience

Few places should be on your radar when visiting or scoping out this town other than the Essex Experience, home to over twenty small businesses and boutiques like Addie & Grace or eateries like Bramble. This venue is also one of the area hubs for entertainment, so it hosts live music events, art shows, and other popular community events throughout the year.

Local Dining and Culinary Delights

Vermont’s farm-to-table traditions are a significant component of some of its most successful eateries, which are popular with the area residents. Places like The Lazy Goat Tavern at The Essex Resort & Spa serve locally sourced ingredients combined into delicious comfort food concoctions. Junction, another restaurant in The Essex Resort, also features seasonal Vermont products to create a signature fine dining experience. Those looking for a casual experience without skimping the flavor go to Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling for an excellent menu and a unique assortment of locally brewed beers and spirits.

Historical Significance and Heritage Sites

Multiple heritage and historical sites offer a unique perspective into Essex’s history. With its storied past as a railroad hub, the community maintains many architectural wonders from the early and mid-1900s. This has allowed the National Register of Historic Places to consider the neighborhood of Essex Junction, formerly the site of the bustling train activity, as four tracks converged at this key interchange. Military history buffs can appreciate the preserved Fort Ethan Allen, a former U.S. Army installation established in 1894.

Outdoor Recreation and Natural Attractions

For all the history and bustling business you can find in Essex, this is also a source of relaxation with the beauty of nature at its best in the Green Mountain State. From scenic parks to the mountains near the town, there is something for every level of outdoor enthusiast, from the timid to the adventurer. Perhaps the first natural exploration stop should be the local favorite, Indian Brook Park, which has trails, picnicking sites, and bike paths. In the fall, the park is very popular as a designation for photographers to capture memorable shots of the changing foliage.

Proximity to Lake Champlain

Lake Champlain is one of the premier natural sites in the entire state of Vermont, so its proximity to Essex is a considerable draw for families looking to relocate. The lake provides a scenic, beautiful site for boating and fishing. In addition, cruises from the Burlington waterfront, like the Spirit of Ethan Allen, offer unforgettable views of the Adirondack Mountains from the water.

Winter Sports and Nearby Ski Resorts

Skiing and winter sports are another significant component of Vermont’s economy, and several locations around Essex can be explored for this beloved northern pastime. Bolton Valley and the Stowe Mountain Resort offer skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country options for those looking to hit the slopes when the weather gets cold.

Family-Friendly Activities and Education

Family-focused activities and events offer an inclusive feel for visitors and long-time residents of Essex. The Essex Free Library and the Brownell Library offer unique and ongoing programs catered to all ages, from story time to touring authors reading passages from their latest creations. Families also take advantage of Burlington's proximity's educational wealth, with locations like the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, where visitors can interact with engaging science exhibits.

A Thriving Arts and Culture Scene

Art and culture are priorities for this thriving community, which has multiple performance spaces, art galleries, and theatres like the Double E Performance Center. Numerous seasonal plays and musical productions are staged here. Regional awareness of the arts is prevalent with events like the Art Hop, which encompasses Essex and Burlington and celebrates artistic expression and local crafters and artisans.

Embrace the Growth and Opportunities in Essex

While many come to the Green Mountain State to explore its rich history and connections with Colonial America and the birth and growth of the nation, a similar boom is happening in its communities like Essex. Maintaining this same spirit of adventure with diverse attractions and recreational draws, this town continues expanding its population, small business offerings, and welcoming spirit. Whether it is a visit or a permanent move, few places provide such a shining example of Vermont’s blend of natural beauty and historical significance.