7 Most Neighborly Towns In Vermont

Vermont’s 66.1% rural population and long history of village-scale communities mean residents frequently interact with the same neighbors, fostering familiarity and a consistently neighborly atmosphere. Filled with beloved local landmarks, rich history, and easy access to outdoor adventure in the Green Mountains, these communities invite visitors to slow down and settle in for a while. From Warren’s ski culture, which drew the Kennedys in the 1950s, to sweet rewards like a stop at Ben & Jerry’s in Waterbury, these neighborly Vermont towns make it easy to feel welcome while building lasting memories along the way.

Warren

Settled in the Mad River Valley among two ranges of lush Green Mountains is the tiny town of Warren. Despite its size, though, Warren is an incredibly welcoming and neighborly community, particularly for those with a love of skiing. Sugarbush Ski Area is one of the top ski resorts in the area. It is places like these that have welcomed big names like the Kennedys to ski around the area.

Even for those not big into skiing, Warren has a lot of comfort to offer. Art in the Village is an incredibly colorful gallery featuring an abundance of local artists. In addition, the gallery is surrounded by a cluster of woman-owned businesses that have a welcoming atmosphere for all. And if you are exploring during the hot summer months, many gather at Warren Falls to cool off, a natural swimming spot that's surrounded by mountains.

Middlebury

Another town rich in Vermont history is Middlebury, with places like the Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History displaying a comprehensive collection of art and antiques that explain that history. Beyond history, Middlebury also has a lot of natural beauty, with the town being near Lake Dunmore, a forested area set around the lake that's perfect for biking and hiking. Alternatively, the Trail Around Middlebury offers miles of scenic walking paths encircling the town, with multiple access points and year-round access for an easy outdoor outing.

Waterbury

Situated in the very center of Vermont, amongst the majestic Green Mountains, is Waterbury. Despite its location, Waterbury is a welcoming community for any outdoor enthusiast and foodie alike. The Waterbury Reservoir is an accommodating spot for paddlers, swimmers, campers, and hikers alike. With 850 acres of water to explore, any fan of aquatic activities will find ample enjoyment here. Alternatively, Camel's Hump State Park is great for hikers who want a challenge. The park covers one of Vermont's five mountains, with this mountain being over 4,000 feet tall. And after working up a sweat, a nice place to relax and enjoy a sweet treat is the world-famous Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, where you can get a taste from their local factory.

Burke

Known primarily for Burke Mountain close by, the town of Burke is a small town with a strong sense of community and serves as a gathering spot for skiers, hikers, and outdoor adventurers. The aforementioned Burke Mountain is one of the more prominent displays of natural beauty and exploration, a 1,000-meter peak that people can hike in the warmer months and ski in the winter.

During the warmer months, swimming in the nearby Lake Willoughby is a great way to cool off. And when the trails are maintained by volunteers within the area, taking a hike or biking through the Kingdom Trails is a delight, especially during the fall foliage season.

Hartford

A combination of five villages originally (Hartford, Quechee, West Hartford, White River Junction, and Wilder), Hartford has grown to be a welcoming and neighborly community that has a deep history. Beyond the merging of five villages, Hartford is also on the confluence of three rivers: the White River, the Connecticut River, and the Ottauquechee River.

Despite that, Hartford is neighborly for its vibrant and walkable community alongside excellent fishing spots and swimming holes. Hartford also has a boat launch that grants access to Watson Memorial Park, where people can fish. In addition, the park is large enough to offer a playground, athletic and open fields, and an area for dogs to roam. Exploring the other villages can yield diverse wonders too, as places like the Quechee Gorge in Quechee brought this once mill town into a resort area, with the gorge being referred to as "Vermont's Little Grand Canyon."

Weston

For those who want some old-fashioned charm, the town of Weston is as welcoming and neighborly as they come. One of the best accommodations is The Weston, a grand country home that is a luxury boutique hotel. Another unique experience is the nearby monastery, Weston Priory. It's home to a small community of Benedictine Monks who perform services for the public in the small chapel there on occasion. Otherwise, there is still ample beauty surrounding the area, including four major downhill ski areas, like Magic Mountain Ski Area, to ski and take in the sights.

Bennington

Vermont has a deep American history, and one of the best places to show off that history is in Bennington. Just outside of this town was the site of a major battle, the American War of Independence. Today, that history is now contained in the Bennington Battle Monument. This memorial also happens to be the tallest man-made structure in the whole state, standing at 93 meters tall.

Nearby the memorial is another historically significant place, the Park-McCullough Historic House. Beautifully preserved from its Victorian architecture, this place is arguably one of the best-preserved examples of that architecture. Beyond that, the 35-room mansion is open to the public for exploration and appreciation. The whole historical trip can be wrapped up with a visit to the Bennington Museum, which holds the world’s largest public collection of paintings by Grandma Moses, along with other historically significant works.

From the ski-friendly area of Warren and the beautifully preserved and rich history of Bennington to the splendor of Hartford near the Little Grand Canyon, Vermont is an incredibly beautiful state to explore and appreciate. Part of the beauty of this state lies in communities' efforts to make each spot accommodating and welcoming, and these efforts are paying off, with many natural attractions attracting thousands of people to explore.