Cresswind at Spring Haven
Newnan, Georgia
Burlington, Vermont
What It Is Like to Retire in Burlington
Burlington is a lovely small college town on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain. It is home to the vibrant University of Vermont. Burlington is very popular with outdoor loving retirees who also want the youth and enthusiasm provided by a major university. Mountain bikers enjoy many great trails such as "The International", which is about 20 minutes outside of town. Nearby resorts including Sugarbush, Mad River Glen, Smugglers Notch, and Stowe offer some of the very best skiing in the east - powder is frequently available. For the recreational bicyclist/walker/jogger there is the Island Rail2Trail path, 8 miles right along Lake Champlain. There is a three mile causeway out into the middle of the lake. Residents enjoy spectacular views across the lake over the the Adirondack Mountains in New York. The city has a strong arts and cultural component with frequent festivals and shows.
Here is Topretirements Mini-Guide to Retirement in Vermont.
Where to Retire in Burlington and Home Prices
The city of Burlington has many old neighborhoods such as the Hill District with its historic homes in the Queen Anne and Colonial Revival styles. There are newer single family homes as well as apartments. The National Association of Realtors reported the median sale price of a home in Burlington-South Burlington to be $529,000 during the 2nd quarter of 2024, a huge increase compared to just a few years ago.
What Is Special about Burlington
The skiing at nearby resorts like Sugarbush and Mad River Glen is tops, and so is the hiking and boating. The University of Vermont gives the town a vibrant, interesting feel. With less than 50,000 people, it has a small town feel but many interesting options for entertainment. Lake Champlain is an amazing and beautiful source of recreation.
What Is Not Special about Burlington
Cold, long winters. About April you are usually eager for spring to arrive.
Who Will Like Retirement in Burlington
People who like living in a bustling college town. Boaters and those who enjoy outdoor recreation will also love Burlington.
Local Economy Is Driven by
The University of Vermont is the big driver of Burlington's economy, followed by tourism.
Climate and Physical Environment
Burlington is located in northern Vermont on the eastern shores of Lake Champlain. The winters are cold and long. Summers are pleasant.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
UVM (University of Vermont) offers many cultural events. It has the largest public library in Vermont, a building which is also on the National Register of Historic Places. The Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian mall in the heart of the city, hosts many festivals during the year. The Flynn Center for the Performing arts features broadway, theater, dance and family performances throughout the year.
Crime
Burlington's crime rate is higher than the national average.
Medical facilities
Fletcher Allen Hospital of Vermont.
Transportation
Burlington International Airport; Amtrak services Burlington; The city is average in walkability when compared to other towns.
Valuable Links
City of Burlington Church Street Market Place Flynn Center for the Performing Arts
Comments on "Burlington"
Larry says:
My daughter is a graduate of UVM and works for the state as a social worker. She lives north of Burlington where median home prices are a bit lower. Notwithstanding the higher cost of living and cold, snowy winters, Vermont is a wonderful place to live — in retirement and to raise children. And if you love craft beer and farm to table restaurants, there are few better states. Although Vermont leans progressive, there is respect for responsible gun owners and hunting. It really is more libertarian than liberal. One reason for Burlington’s relatively high crime rate is that the town’s police force has been pretty much gutted by local politicians. But during daylight hours, the downtown area buzzes with energy and youthful vitality. We have enjoyed many strolls and meals on the Church St. mall with our daughter, son in law, and grandson.