Vermont
Northeast · Capital: Montpelier · Green Mountains, maple syrup, and small-town serenity.
Population
645K
Median Home
$350K
Median Rent
$1,350/mo
Avg Salary
$58,000
Income Tax
6.6%
Cost of Living
Why people move to Vermont
Vermont is the quintessential New England idyll — rolling Green Mountains, covered bridges, dairy farms, and a fiercely independent, community-minded culture. Burlington regularly ranks among the best small cities in America, and the state's clean environment and progressive politics draw remote workers and retirees alike.
It's one of the least populous states with a higher cost of living, high property taxes, and long, snowy winters. But safety, natural beauty, world-class skiing, and a slower pace of life make Vermont a beloved destination for those seeking to unplug.
Region
Northeast
Capital
Montpelier
Homeownership
71%
Unemployment
2.4%
Top cities
Burlington
Population 45K
Lakefront college city, the state's cultural hub.
Essex
Population 22K
Suburban town near Burlington with tech jobs.
South Burlington
Population 20K
Fast-growing commercial center on Lake Champlain.
Rutland
Population 15K
Affordable city near Killington ski resort.
Montpelier
Population 8K
The nation's smallest state capital.
Stowe
Population 5K
Iconic ski town in the Green Mountains.
Cost of living breakdown
Indexed to the U.S. national average (100). Vermont's overall cost index is 114 — a high cost state.
Housing
Median Home
$350K
Median Rent
$1,350/mo
Property Tax
1.83%
Homeowners
71%
| City | Cost level | Est. rent (1BR) |
|---|---|---|
| Burlington | High cost | $1,700/mo |
| Essex | High cost | $1,700/mo |
| South Burlington | High cost | $1,700/mo |
| Rutland | Moderate cost | $1,350/mo |
| Montpelier | Moderate cost | $1,350/mo |
About 71% of residents own their homes. Effective property tax runs near 1.83% of assessed value — budget this into any purchase.
Housing assistance in Vermont
Explore Vermont vouchers, affordable apartments, down-payment help, rental & utility assistance, senior, veteran, and disability housing — with eligibility and how to apply.
Jobs & economy
Top industries
Major employers
- University of Vermont Health Network
- GlobalFoundries
- Ben & Jerry's
- Keurig Dr Pepper
Unemployment
2.4%
Remote-friendly
High
Illustrative salaries by sector
Schools & education
K–12 & top districts
Vermont public schools serve families across urban and suburban districts. Sought-after systems cluster around its largest metros — including Burlington area schools, Essex area schools, South Burlington area schools.
Universities & colleges
- University of Vermont
- Middlebury College
- Norwich University
Healthcare
Major hospitals & systems
- University of Vermont Medical Center
- Rutland Regional Medical Center
Access & insurance landscape
Care access is strongest in and around Burlington. Most residents use employer or marketplace (ACA) plans; rural areas can mean longer drives to specialist care, so factor network coverage into where you settle.
Transportation & getting around
Walk score
39/100
Transit
Car-dependent, with Burlington-area buses and the seasonal Amtrak to New York.
I-95 and I-90 connect the region's dense corridor of cities. Average one-way commute is about 23 minutes; walkability scores near 39/100 statewide, higher in the largest cities.
Airports & hubs
Burlington
Regional gateway
Weather & natural disaster risk
Humid continental with warm summers, snowy cold winters, and spectacular fall foliage.
Taxes
State income tax
6.6%
State sales tax
6%
Property tax
1.83%
State income tax: 6.6%. Statewide sales tax is 6% (local add-ons may apply), and effective property tax averages 1.83% of home value.
Driver license & vehicle registration
New-resident timeline
60 days to register, 60 days for license.
Bring proof of identity, residency, and vehicle title. Expect a vision test and title transfer fees; a REAL ID upgrade needs extra documents.
Emissions testing
Required (some counties)
Typical license fee
$55–$110
Business registration & climate
LLC filing fee
$125
Corp income tax
Standard
Startup climate
Growing
Best for founders
Selective
Form an LLC through the Secretary of State's online portal for around $125. Startup resources include the Montpelier Small Business Development Center, local SCORE chapters, and university programs at University of Vermont.
Commercial space & coworking
Office and retail leasing is most active in Burlington and Essex. Rates track the state's high cost profile — expect a premium downtown and value in suburban submarkets.
Vendor & pop-up events
Vermont Maple Festival
A St. Albans tribute to the state's signature syrup.
Burlington Discover Jazz Festival
A beloved lakefront celebration of jazz each June.
Churches & community resources
Faith communities
One of the most secular states, with modest Catholic and mainline Protestant communities.
Getting connected
Community centers, libraries, and newcomer meetups in Burlington and Essex are great first stops to build a network.
Diverse communities
Burlington has welcomed refugee communities from Bhutan, Somalia, and Congo, adding to its diversity.
The honest take on Vermont
Pros
- Stunning scenery and world-class skiing
- Very safe with strong community
- Clean environment and slow pace
Cons
- Long, snowy winters
- High property taxes and cost of living
- Small job market
Create my move plan for Vermont
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