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Yes, Vermont can be a great place to retire if you enjoy peaceful surroundings, outdoor recreation, and a strong sense of community in a scenic New England setting.
That said, living in Vermont also has its challenges. Housing and healthcare costs are higher than average, property taxes can add up, and winters are long and cold.
Comparing the pros and cons of living in Vermont can help you make an informed decision about whether the Green Mountain State fits your retirement plans. This guide will walk you through what to know.
What You’ll Learn
The benefits of retiring in Vermont
The challenges of being a retiree in the Green Mountain State
The best places to retire in the state
Summary
Why Retire in Vermont?
Scenic Beauty & Outdoors
Retiring in Vermont means enjoying green hills, clear lakes, and calm small towns. The night skies shine with stars, and 67 mountains rise across the state. The longest trail runs 93 miles, great for hiking or biking. There are 26 ski resorts for winter fun, and in summer, you can kayak on Lake Champlain.
Some natural attractions worth visiting include:
Quechee Gorge: A 165-foot deep gorge carved by glaciers, viewed from bridges and trails in Quechee State Park.
Lake Willoughby: A glacial lake between Mount Hor and Mount Pisgah, known for its deep, clear water and dramatic cliffs.
A unique fact about Vermont: billboards have been banned since 1968. With no large signs blocking the view, the state offers open scenery and peaceful drives. Only four states have this rule.
Community & Safety
Moving to Vermont also means becoming part of a friendly community. The state ranks high in neighborhood watch groups, making it one of the safest states. In fact, Vermont ranked as the 10th safest state in terms of violent crime rate.
But safety isn’t the only thing that makes life here enjoyable. You can visit farmers' markets for fresh produce, listen to live jazz at local festivals, or take part in community events.
These events showcase Vermont’s community spirit:
Tunbridge World’s Fair: A long-running fair held in September, with farm shows, crafts, horse pulling, junior exhibits, and music.
Green Mountain Film Festival: Held annually in Montpelier in March, showing films, talks, and screenings across venues.
Seasons & Lifestyle
Most of Vermont is covered in forests filled with maple trees. In autumn, their leaves turn red, orange, and yellow, creating amazing views. Visitors come from everywhere to enjoy this colorful change, known as leaf peeping.
The cool air and crisp leaves make it a great time for walking or driving in and around Vermont cities.
Fall isn’t the only season Vermont shines in. Each season brings its own charm and is perfect for different activities, such as:
Summer: Ride rail trails or bike on paths like the Stowe Recreation Path.
Winter: Cross-country ski or snowshoe in state forests such as the Groton State Forest.
Culture & Environment
Another part of living in Vermont is visiting the many places that share the state’s rich history. One example is the Robert Frost Farm Historic Site, where the poet lived with his family. You can hear poetry readings or walk trails showing his work.
Another historic place is Mount Independence, an important Revolutionary War site that helped defend against British troops.
To preserve these and other monuments throughout Vermont cities, the state has taken steps to improve its sustainability, such as:
Historic preservation grants: Vermont towns and non-profit organizations use these grants to repair and restore old buildings.
Historic rehabilitation tax credits: This is aimed at encouraging restoration of historic buildings instead of demolition.
What Are the Challenges of Retiring in Vermont?
Climate
Some parts of Vermont can reach 20 below zero in winter. This cold weather brings risks like slipping on ice, breathing issues from heating, and even hypothermia if you’re not careful.
Vermont winters are long and harsh, so being ready matters. Some tips to deal with this include:
Keep walkways clear of snow and ice: Use sand, rock salt, or ash to improve footing.
Don’t overdo snow shoveling: If your health doesn’t allow it, hire help or ask neighbors.
Cost of Living
Vermont has one of the largest gaps between pay and living costs in the country. Healthcare prices are rising faster than inflation, making medical care harder to afford. The state also has the second-lowest minimum wage in New England, which makes it tough for many workers to cover expenses.
In fact, rent across many cities in Vermont can take 30 percent or more of a person’s income, leaving less for other needs. Vermont has beautiful scenery and a strong community, but the high cost of living, especially housing and healthcare, can be difficult for residents.
Nevertheless, other cost factors are lower in Vermont than in the rest of the country:
Groceries: Vermonters pay around 8 percent less than those living in other states.
Electricity: Vermonters pay around 8 percent less than the rest of the country.
The table below shows how retiring in Vermont costs compared to the national average:
Taxes
When retiring in Vermont, taxes are an important factor. Based on your income, Social Security benefits can be taxed from 3.35 percent to 8.75 percent. Property taxes in Vermont average 1.78 percent, ranking the Green Mountain State fifth highest in the nation for effective rates.
Other taxes to be aware of include:
Sales tax: The base rate is 6 percent, with local option taxes adding up to 7 percent in some areas.
Meals and room tax: This is a state tax on prepared food and lodging at a rate of 9 percent.
Healthcare & Transport
Retirees in Vermont face high insurance premiums, rising out-of-pocket costs, and steadily growing healthcare expenses overall. Health care is a major budget concern in retirement.
There’s also the transport situation. Relocating to Vermont means taking advantage of Amtrak’s Vermonter and Ethan Allen Express lines, which serve towns like Brattleboro and St. Albans. But outside those rail corridors, public transit is thin, especially in rural zones.
Winter makes it harder because of factors like icy roads, heavy snow, and subzero temperatures, which slow travel and raise risks.
A reliable car with snow tires is vital during cold months. Other tips to prepare for winter driving include:
Winterizing your vehicle: Check batteries, top off fluids, and inspect components such as hoses, belts, and filters.
Building an emergency kit: Make sure to include items such as blankets, gloves, jumper cables, and phone chargers.
Best Places to Retire in Vermont
Burlington
Burlington, the largest city in Vermont, lies on Lake Champlain’s eastern shore. In view of the Green Mountains, the city blends lake life, college energy, and walkable streets. It is home to the University of Vermont Medical Center, the largest healthcare facility in the state.
Population: ~44,743
Median home price: $520,489
Notable attractions: Church Street Marketplace, University of Vermont
Montpelier
The state’s capital, Montpelier, rests in central Vermont. It features a backdrop of hills and rivers.
Population: ~8,074
Median home price: $395,327
Notable attractions: Vermont State House, Hubbard Park
Stowe
Stowe lies between Mount Mansfield and scenic valleys, known for its ski resorts, year-round trails, and small-town charm.
Population: ~5,223
Median home price: $983,707
Notable attractions: Stowe Mountain Resort, von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort
Middlebury
Middlebury lies in western Vermont, along rolling hills and Otter Creek, blending college life, river views, and historic charm.
Population: ~9,152
Median home price: $445,674
Notable attractions: Middlebury College, Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History
Brattleboro
Brattleboro lies along the Connecticut River, serving as a cultural and transit hub in southeastern Vermont.
Population: ~12,152
Median home price: $326,829
Notable attractions: Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, New England Center for Circus Arts
Final Thoughts: Retiring in Vermont
Vermont offers peaceful living with forests, mountains, and small communities. Retirees enjoy year-round outdoor beauty. But deciding to live in Vermont means planning for higher costs, limited transit, and long, snowy winters.
In the end, whether Vermont is the right place for your retirement depends on what matters most to you. By weighing the benefits and costs carefully, you can decide whether Vermont’s mountains and small towns fit your ideal retirement.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there any specific property tax relief programs or credits available for seniors in Vermont?
Yes, Vermont offers some property tax relief and credits, although none are exclusively for seniors. One is the Property Tax Credit. This helps homeowners whose property is a homestead, based on household income and eligibility.
How long are the actual harsh winter months in Vermont, and what should new residents expect regarding heating costs and snow removal?
The harsh winter in Vermont usually lasts from December through March. Expect to spend anywhere between $2,000 and $2,700 to heat your home using oil or propane. The costs of snow removal, meanwhile, are between $30 and $70 per visit.
What is “Mud Season” in Vermont, and how does it affect daily life and driving for retirees?
The “Mud Season” in Vermont runs from late March through early May and causes thawing dirt roads and muddy conditions. It makes driving rough, especially on unpaved roads, and can slow down daily travel.
What are the best small towns in Vermont for a retiree seeking a quiet, simple, rural life with access to a library and farmer’s market?
Two examples stand out. One is Shelburne. It is about seven miles from Burlington but maintains a rural feel. The town is known for the Shelburne Museum and local markets.
Another example is Plainfield. It features a community library, farmers’ markets, and a strong local connection to sustainable agriculture.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the content, laws, regulations, and local conditions are subject to change without notice.
Readers should not act upon this information without seeking appropriate professional counsel, especially in financial and legal matters.
