8 Best Towns In Vermont To Retire Comfortably
Vermont, a New England treasure, is known for its serene landscapes, strong sense of community, and four-season charm. The state delivers on every front for retirees seeking a slower pace without sacrificing quality of life. From outdoor adventure to top-notch healthcare, Vermont makes it easy to stay active and connected. Since housing is often the largest retirement investment, these eight towns also strike a smart balance between affordability and lifestyle. With scenic Rutland, historic Barre, and nature-rich Springfield leading the way, here are Vermont’s best towns to retire comfortably.
St. Johnsbury
In Vermont’s scenic Northeast Kingdom, St. Johnsbury offers a rich and engaging lifestyle for retirees, combining small-town ease, a close-knit community, and accessible amenities that keep both body and mind active. Each New Year’s Eve, the town comes alive with its First Night celebration, an arts-centered event that has brought together everyone since 1993. Throughout the year, retirees can explore local favorites like the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium, which showcases an eclectic collection of natural wonders, and Dog Mountain, a mountaintop haven for pet-loving seniors to enjoy the outdoors with their furry companions. For those who enjoy a social scene, Whirligig Brewing downtown is a great spot to meet friends and sip on small-batch craft beer.
The town also shines with its affordability and practical amenities. The average home value is around $265,000, a solid bargain compared to Vermont’s state average of $403,000, making it an economical option for those looking to buy property in retirement. The town also supports seniors with reliable care and housing options, including St. Johnsbury House Senior Living, Canterbury Inn, and the St. Johnsbury Center for Living and Rehabilitation. Meanwhile, Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital provides access to dependable healthcare.
Bennington
Bennington, tucked into southwestern Vermont, is a great choice for retirees who value comfort, activity, and affordability. For retirees on a fixed income, the town’s reasonable average home value of around $252,000 can provide peace of mind. From staying active at Anytime Fitness to relaxing at Starr Luxe Day Spa, seniors can find wellness-focused ways to feel good. Bennington College also adds an intellectual bonus to the area, allowing seniors to take classes or attend cultural events.
Furthermore, downtown Bennington is a vibrant hub, packed with unique businesses ranging from a chocolatier and bookshop to antique stores, cafes, a hobby shop, and local craft boutiques. Seniors and their guests can explore area landmarks like the Bennington Battle Monument, which rises more than 300 feet in memory of a Revolutionary War victory. History buffs may also visit the First Congregational Church of Bennington, built in 1805 and now the final resting place of poet Robert Frost. Not far away, the Silk Road Covered Bridge, dating back to 1840, remains a scenic and nostalgic link to Vermont’s past.
Barre
Barre, nestled in central Vermont, blends rich heritage with practical comforts, making it an appealing town for retirees. Known as the “Granite Center of the World,” Barre’s identity was shaped by the discovery of extensive granite deposits at Millstone Hill shortly after the War of 1812. The town continues to celebrate that legacy at the Vermont Granite Museum, where interactive exhibits spark curiosity. The Barre Opera House, hosting about 50 events a year, brings music, theater, and entertainment to the heart of downtown. For history lovers, the Vermont History Center & Leahy Library, housed in the historic Spaulding school building, showcases the state’s cultural past through its archives and rotating displays. When the grandkids visit, the excitement ramps up at Thunder Road International Speedbowl, a fast-paced short track venue that has been a local favorite for generations.
Barre also makes financial sense for those retiring on a fixed income. The average home value sits around $308,000, comfortably below Vermont’s statewide average, leaving room in the budget for the enjoyable parts of retirement. Seniors here benefit from access to quality care and companionship through places like the Barre Area Senior Center, which provides low-cost or free programs for older adults.
Springfield
In southeastern Vermont, Springfield is a peaceful, cost-effective place to enjoy retirement while staying connected and active. The town is rich in charm and local attractions, encouraging exploration and meaningful time with family and neighbors. At Wilgus State Park, retirees can enjoy scenic views, hike wooded trails, or enjoy riverfront serenity. Wellwood Orchards is a favorite seasonal spot, where picking apples or berries and even trying baby goat yoga is a fun way to spend an afternoon. Grandkids will love walking across the Baltimore Covered Bridge near the Eureka Schoolhouse, with its classic windows overlooking the river, perfect for photo ops and memory-making. The Springfield Community Players, Vermont’s oldest all-volunteer theater group, hosts plays, musicals, and events throughout the year, making it easy for retirees to get involved or enjoy live entertainment with neighbors.
Retiring here also makes financial and practical sense. The average home value in Springfield is about $251,000, giving retirees extra financial breathing room. That cushion means more flexibility to enjoy hobbies or travel. Springfield Hospital has reliable medical services, while Senior Solutions supports aging residents with programs that help them live independently and stay socially engaged.
Newport
Situated along the scenic shores of Lake Memphremagog, Newport mixes natural allure, outdoor recreation, and a welcoming community spirit, making it one of the top towns in the state to retire with comfort and ease. The town’s lakefront appeal shines through with Northern Star Cruises, where locals and visiting families enjoy narrated tours, light refreshments, and Friday night dinners aboard the boat. Lake Memphremagog itself invites residents to swim, fish, or head out on the water for a relaxing day. The Newport Derby Bike Path is a great way to stay active and social, while Prouty Beach Campground provides a scenic setting for family visits, picnics, or just quiet time enjoying the view. With tennis courts, shuffleboard, and equipment rentals, it is a popular go-to for day use and overnights.
Retirees benefit from Newport’s manageable cost of living, where an average home value of $259,000 brings financial relief and stability. Quality care is close at hand with North Country Hospital, and aging-related support is readily available through the Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging. For maintaining an active lifestyle, the Kingdom Racquet & Fitness Club helps seniors stay fit and connected.
Lyndonville
Lyndonville, located in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, delivers tradition and local color. Since 1932, the town has hosted the Caledonia County Fair, keeping a sense of continuity and small-town celebration alive for generations. A favorite landmark is the bronze Florentine Boar statue, affectionately called the “puking pig” by locals, thanks to the playful fountain water streaming from its mouth. In addition, the Chapel of the Holy Family, a peaceful and beautifully crafted Catholic chapel, invites moments of reflection. Seniors spending time with grandchildren often head to the Fenton Chester Arena for indoor fun. At the same time, those looking for an active challenge may join the Lyndon Outing Club’s Fallback Ride and Run, a spirited endurance event where participants of all ages walk, bike, or run laps through scenic trails.
Housing in Lyndonville is reasonably priced, with the average home value around $240,000, helping retirees find financial ease without sacrificing comfort. Health support is readily available through Pines Rehabilitation & Health and Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital, both within easy reach. To stay strong and physically active, seniors gravitate toward Creative Healing & Fitness, a lively space with dance and fitness studios that support everything from gentle movement to ballet classes led by Kingdom Community Ballet.
Rutland
Set in the heart of Vermont, Rutland blends historic character, vibrant culture, and easy outdoor access, earning it a well-deserved place among the state’s best towns to retire. Art lovers flock to the Art in the Park Festival, while the Downtown Rutland Street Party & Sidewalk Sales bring neighbors together in a lively, social setting. The Downtown Historic District showcases 19th-century architecture, independent shops, and restaurants, all within a walkable landscape framed by mountain views. Seniors with grandkids and a camera in hand can stroll through Pine Hill Park, a sprawling wooded area filled with trails, scenic lookouts, and opportunities for peaceful reflection or adventure.
For retirees planning the long term, Rutland supports peace of mind with dependable resources. The Pines at Rutland Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation provides full-time care for those who may eventually need it, and Rutland Regional Medical Center stands ready for healthcare needs, both routine and urgent. Wellness and relaxation also find a home here — A Signature Day Spa brings massage therapy into the mix. At the same time, the Rutland Free Library gives book-loving seniors a cozy, enriching place to spend time. With all this in place, an average home value of around $278,000 makes living here not just feasible, but a smart and comforting next chapter.
Poultney
In southwestern Vermont, Poultney stands out as a peaceful and picturesque retirement choice, where nature and recreational perks come together in all the right ways. When family comes to town, Lake St. Catherine State Park is a go-to spot for shared memories, swimming, boating, and easy picnics filling sunny afternoons. Just beyond, the Slate Valley Trails wind through forests and meadows, with 60 miles of routes for all skill levels. Whether walking or biking, seniors can guide loved ones along scenic loops. For golfers, the Lake St. Catherine Country Club delivers a welcoming round with light fare and a post-game drink at Fairways Grille, best enjoyed on the deck overlooking the greens.
Retirees looking to put down roots find stability in Poultney’s real estate, where an average home value runs around $275,000. That leaves room in the budget for life’s other pleasures, like a membership at Vermont Sport & Fitness Club, where staying active becomes a daily habit, or a relaxing session at New Thai Spa to unwind and recharge.
Vermont’s best retirement towns combine small-town delight with practical benefits. From scenic trails and cultural festivals to quality healthcare and affordable home values, these eight communities offer retirees a fulfilling lifestyle without financial strain. Whether enjoying lakeside afternoons in Poultney or downtown strolls in Bennington, each town brings special character and comfort. With accessible amenities and welcoming neighborhoods, retiring in Vermont means more than just slowing down; it is about living well, staying active, and feeling truly at home.
