6 Best Places To Retire In Vermont
Vermont is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. The Green Mountain State is famous for its lush green valleys and towering mountains, with the added bonus of welcoming communities. These are just a few reasons why Vermont is one of the best states to retire—retirees here enjoy top-notch healthcare, comfort, community, and abundant recreational activities. Furthermore, Vermont has one of the lowest populations in the country, offering a relaxing lifestyle from the hustle and bustle of large metro cities, which provides an ideal environment for retirees to connect with their neighbors and form new friendships. This article will explore the top six towns in Vermont for retirement.
Burlington
Love mountain views? You'll love Burlington. This charming town offers superior views of the Adirondack Mountains and Lake Champlain. While it is Vermont's largest town, its population is only around 44,000 residents, giving it a cozy small-town feel while still boasting your typical big-city amenities. A few noteworthy landmarks include Church Street Marketplace, a vibrant shopping district with pedestrian-friendly sidewalks with over 100+ small local businesses. Another prominent place to check out is Waterfront Park, where you can relish scenic sunsets, and if you're feeling extra adventurous, participate in sailing classes by renting a kayak for the day. Retirees here also benefit from the proximity to several medical clinics and hospitals, such as the University of Vermont Medical Center and Riverside Community Health Center.
Middlebury
Middlebury is a historic town full of scenic surroundings and outdoor activities. Take Otter Creek for instance, the longest river in Vermont, a perfect destination for kayaking and canoeing lovers. This town also houses the 224-year-old Middlebury College, the state's first to operate in Vermont, adding a pleasant cultural richness to the heritage while also blessing the town with a wide range of cafes since caffeine is a staple in college. A few notable coffee shops worth exploring are Royal Oak Coffee, Little Seed Coffee Roasters, and Marquis Theatre & Cafe—a classic cinema known for showcasing international documentaries and movies. To fully appreciate the Green Mountain State's natural scenery, hike the thrilling Bread Loaf Mountain to relish stunning views in the middle of your hike. Bread Loaf stands at 3,822 feet, allowing for unforgettable panoramic views of nearby streams, lush forests, and all of Vermont's unspoiled wilderness.
Woodstock
Colloquially known as "The prettiest small town in America," Woodstock is in a league of its own thanks to its natural surroundings and historic covered bridges. Here, you'll have access to a welcoming, close-knit community, two hospitals, numerous paved paths for scenic nature walks, and abundant opportunities for hiking and skiing. Interestingly, Woodstock has a skiing legacy that dates back several decades ago, as it became home to the first-ever ski tow in 1935. Another point of interest for outdoor lovers is the famous Appalachian Trail, a must-visit for hiking enthusiasts. This iconic trail offers valleys, mountains, and forests with breathtaking views. For a more relaxed activity that combines indoor and outdoor experiences, visit the Billings Farm & Museum, an active farm and cultural site that highlights Vermont's innovative agriculture industry and history through interactive exhibits and demonstrations. And unbeknownst to most, Woodstock is home to the Quechee Gorge, known as "Vermont's Little Grand Canyon." But don't let the name fool you, as the 13,000-year-old canyon plunges to a massive depth of 165 feet, making it the deepest in the state.
Stowe
Stowe is mainly known as a world-class ski town due to its geography. A great way to experience this is by exploring the prestigious four-season Stowe Mountain Resort, where you can challenge yourself across 116 trails, and whether your skill level is novice, intermediate, or expert, you're bound to find a thrilling slope to match your ability. Stowe offers more than just premier ski resorts; it is also home to the Copley Hospital and various medical practices to meet your healthcare needs. Additionally, the town boasts a vibrant commercial district with 50 establishments that include fine dining options, boutique shops, and art galleries. Two prominent art galleries worth inspecting are Northwood Gallery and The Current—the former is a hub for discovering premier artwork from Vermont's local talent, with stunning paintings, jewelry, and souvenirs—while The Current, housed in a historic 1861 Greek Revival building, offers stunning paintings, engaging exhibitions, classes, and community events.
Montpelier
Montpelier is a unique town. For starters, this town is not a fan of chain establishments, so its downtown core is overwhelmingly locally-owned small businesses. This includes bookstores, antique shops, cookware, and other collectibles. Secondly, Montpelier is where the 186-year-old Vermont Historical Society Museum is located and one of the oldest in the state. The museum boasts an ample collection of displays, programs, and a library possessing 50,000 treasured books that are cataloged for public access. And located a short nine-minute drive away, the Wrightsville Beach Recreation Area provides a tranquil escape, offering a pristine beach with amenities for beachgoers to swim, play disc golf, or enjoy a relaxing picnic. And despite the relatively small size of Montpelier, there are eight art organizations and galleries here, making it a vibrant hub for collectors and devotees. For healthcare services, the town offers highly reputable medical clinics like North Branch Health, in addition to other local specialists.
Brattleboro
Brattleboro is one of Vermont's oldest towns, having been established all the way back in 1753. As a result, it boasts a wide range of historical landmarks like the Brooks Memorial Library, which opened its doors in 1887 and, fascinatingly, is still operational today. This town's residents also enjoy proximity to Molly Stark State Park, Wantastiquet Mountain Natural Area, and Wendell State Forest. The latter features a sprawling vast forest for endless outdoor fun, including hiking trails and jogging areas. And since the Connecticut River also nestles Brattleboro, grab a refreshing cup of coffee at Patio Coffee. This outdoor coffee stand enables you to not only order a delicious hot and soothing drink, but also provides the added perk of beautiful outdoor views. And when you need a doctor, Brattleboro Memorial Hospital and ClearChoiceMD Urgent Care provide reliable healthcare services when in need, ensuring you have access to quality care when it matters most.
In summary, Vermont offers a variety of scenic and welcoming towns for retirement, each with its unique charm and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. From the stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains in Burlington to the historic richness of Middlebury, retirees can find a peaceful, fulfilling lifestyle filled with new friendships and experiences, nature, and a strong sense of belonging.
