The 49th state in terms of population, Vermont may be near Connecticut and Boston—but it’s no wealthy suburb. Vermont retirement communities offer postcard-perfect New England towns nestled among forested hills, rolling green landscapes, and a relaxed, rural pace of life bounded by the Green Mountains, the Connecticut River, and gorgeous Lake Champlain. The state’s largest town, Burlington, has only 39,000 people—the rest of the state features lovely rural towns of varying sizes, none exceeding “small.”
Vermonters are a hardy lot, and tend to thrive in the cold, snowy winters. Generous snowfall means a good ski season and lots of tourist revenue, so you’ll find your neighbors cheering rather than complaining at the snow. Summers are mild, though, rarely getting above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Senior living in Vermont isn’t cheap. Median home prices are considerably higher than the national average, although prices are generally higher in towns that cater to tourists and areas near ski resorts. Vermont is a high-tax state; its overall tax burden is the 8th highest in the nation. Property taxes are relatively high, and Vermont levies taxes on Social Security income as well as other types of retirement income.
Despite its small size, Vermont has the second-lowest population of any state—making it ideal for those who really love rural living. If you’re interested in Vermont assisted living communities, here are a few areas worth a closer look.
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Located on the shores of Lake Champlain, Burlington is the town most people have visited if they’ve visited Vermont. Home to the University of Vermont, Burlington is a charming college town featuring gorgeous fall colors, summer lakeside activities, and plenty to occupy you in town—including cultural events, art galleries, gourmet dining, sidewalk cafés and shopping.
Located on the New Hampshire side of the state, Woodstock is one of those towns you’d expect to see on a postcard. It features picturesque covered bridges and beautiful historic buildings surrounding a lovely town green where festivals and events occur in the warmer months. Power and telephone cables throughout the town are buried beneath the sidewalks—so not even telephone poles disturb the town’s picturesque image. Woodstock is a small town, but you’ll still find shopping and gourmet dining here—and the town provides close access to excellent skiing, hiking, fishing, and camping in the surrounding Vermont wilderness. It’s also not far from the world-renowned Dartmouth Medical Center in New Hampshire.
Located on the banks of the Connecticut River, Brattleboro has about 12,000 residents—making it one of Vermont’s larger towns. It’s a great place for active retirees, some of whom only live in the town during the summer months. Brattleboro has a thriving artistic community and a lovely downtown characterized by several beautiful historic homes. You can also find the Brattleboro Retreat, a modern medical facility serving area residents. Brattleboro has a laid-back, 70’s-counterculture personality; the Brattleboro Food Cooperative, for example, is the largest organization of its kind in New England. Like all Vermont towns, Brattleboro offers easy access to outdoor activities including skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, biking, camping, and more. Nearby ski resorts include Killington, Okemo, Bromley, and Stratton Mountain.
If you’re interested in Vermont independent living for seniors, you’ve come to the right place. Vermont senior living offers a fun, outdoor-oriented lifestyle with plenty to do—even in the winter. Many retirees love Vermont for its gorgeous mountains and lakes, relaxed small towns, and tight-knit communities. Our free listing of retirement communities in Vermont encompasses villages and towns throughout the state. Start your search today—the perfect Vermont retirement community may be out there waiting for you.
