Vermont is famous for it’s picturesque quaintness, ubiquitous covered bridges, and sweeping rural vistas, but it is so much more than that. The Green Mountain State offers culture, high quality of life, close-knit communities, and a plethora of outdoor activities for active adults.
Here are some of the most popular spots in Vermont to retire.
Burlington
Burlington may be a bit on the chilly side due to its location in northern Vermont, but for many retirees the amenities are worth it.
AARP Bulletin included Burlington on its list of 10 Great Small Cities for Retirement in 2013. The city boasts easy access to skiing in the winter, sailing via Lake Champlain in the summer, and an artistic community filled with local businesses, great architecture, restaurants, galleries, and performing arts. There are plenty of recreational spaces and public transportation in this college town that’s only 75 miles from Montreal, Canada, and 180 miles northwest of Boston. Burlington is the home of Ben and Jerry’s, and is Vermont’s most populous city at 42,000 residents.
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Brattleboro
This city is great for active adults,
according to TopRetirements.com. Sitting alongside the Connecticut River, Brattleboro is small with a population of only 12,000, but is an artistic community with both urban and rural atmospheres. The nearby mountains offer a wealth of hiking, biking, and skiing. Brattleboro was featured in John Villani’s book, “The 100 Best Art Towns in America.” A wealth of galleries and festivals make the town a great place for retirees to express their creativity or volunteer.
Rutland
Eight covered bridges, stately brick buildings, and quaint, steepled churches make Rutland “postcard perfect,” Tom Donahue, the CEO of
Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce, told MarketWatch. Two ski resorts, including Killington, are nearby as well as eight golf courses and plenty of hiking trails as the town is surrounded by 4,000 acres of national forest, making it an ideal retirement spot for active adults. Shopping, history, and the arts abound in this city of just under 16,500 people.
Montpelier
It may be the least populated state capital with residents numbered at under 8,000, but in Montpelier cultural activities abound,
MarketWatch noted. The Green Mountain Film Festival takes place in Montpelier. It’s also where the Vermont College of Fine Arts and the New England Culinary Institute are located, and it's home to a senior center where classes ranging from yoga to pottery can be taken. Much like many other cities in Vermont, there are many hiking trails, and the city itself is walkable. There are also no big box stores, further enhancing the city’s quaintness.
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