The people who live in the Green Mountain state have a great quality of life thanks to its thriving arts scene, creative food, outdoor activities that can be done all year, lower than average unemployment, and beautiful scenery that draws people from all over the world. But these good things don’t come for free: It costs more to live in Vermont than in many other states.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a cheap place to live here. Housing and utility costs may be higher in Vermont than in other parts of the US, but many of the cities here offer the convenience of small-town life, along with good schools, easy access to high-quality medical care, and short commutes.
It’s easy to see why so many people want to make this their home. These four places are worth the high cost of living.
The Most Affordable Cities in Vermont
Morrisville
Morrisville is only nine miles north of Stowe, a popular vacation spot. Living there has all the benefits of living in a tourist hotspot, but it costs a lot less. With a population of 2,400, the town has all the advantages of a big city, such as the excellent Copley Hospital, several highly rated restaurants and microbreweries, and many recreational facilities, such as the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail.
The typical home price is $174,800, which is 5% less than the national average, even though the median household income is only $38,684. There are only 11 students for every teacher in Morrisville’s public schools, which is much lower than the national average of 12,383.
Each student costs almost $15,000, which is also higher than the national average. A lot of people who live in the area have jobs, and almost 1 in 12 walk to work.
Burlington
Burlington is Vermont’s biggest city, with 42,570 people, but it still feels like a small town. People in the area are involved in the community. For example, they shop at the busy farmers market in City Hall Park, check out the local art scene during the South End Art Hop in September, or go to one of the many music, culture, or food and drink festivals on the Lake Champlain waterfront.
Montpelier
Montpelier is the smallest capital city in the country and the only one that doesn’t have a fast food store. Its 7,705 residents get a lot out of their small home. The city’s small center area is made up of cool cafes, art galleries, and a few well-known restaurants. More than 17% of people here walk to work, and many buy their food at the Hunger Mountain Co-op or the Capital City Farmers Market. Living a healthy life is the norm here.
Brattleboro
Brattleboro is a small city of 7,259 people in the eastern part of Vermont. It gets a little more sun and warmer weather than Vermont’s cities and towns farther north. With a typical household income of $51,472, the median home price of $197,100 is a bit lower than in many other cities in the state. About 58% of people who live in the city own their own homes. The average commute time of 15.6 minutes gives them more time to enjoy their homes and the city.
