8 of the Friendliest Towns To Retire In Vermont
Across Vermont, many retirees choose to stay in towns where daily life still revolves around a compact downtown and a familiar weekly routine. Burlington's Church Street stays busy well past foliage season, and in Montpelier and Brattleboro, farmers’ markets and independent theaters anchor the week. In places like Bennington and Newport, lakes and mountain views sit just minutes from walkable centers. Below are the friendliest towns to retire in Vermont for every senior looking to spend their golden years in a New England hidden-gem!
Burlington
Burlington is a vibrant community for students and seniors alike. For those of you who are keen to keep busy volunteering at the University of Vermont or stay active with your neighbors kayaking on Lake Champlain, Burlington is an excellent option.
Walk along the Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian-friendly hub filled with shops, cafés, and local events. With the yearly Burlington Discover Jazz Festival and the Champlain Valley Fair at the Champlain Valley Exposition in nearby Essex Junction, you won't run out of things to do with all your new friends.
Montpelier
As Vermont’s capital, Montpelier offers small-town warmth, civic pride, and easy access to health care and community services. Its compact size makes daily errands manageable without long drives. Tour the beautiful Vermont State House, catch a film at the cozy Savoy Theater, or enjoy the walking trails at Hubbard Park.
The thriving local farmers’ markets and independent bookstores add to the town’s charm. Montpelier appeals to seniors seeking a quiet yet culturally rich environment. With strong community ties and low crime rates, it offers peace of mind and a slower pace of life.
Colchester
Colchester, a short drive north of Burlington, offers the conveniences of the lakeside with the tranquillity of the suburbs. For retirees seeking a peaceful lifestyle while remaining close to all the urban conveniences Burlington offers, Colchester is a strong option. Catch a movie under the stars at the Sunset Drive-In Theatre, bike the picturesque Island Line Trail that crosses Lake Champlain, or spend afternoons at Niquette Bay State Park. Colchester is well-liked by seniors for its peaceful residential areas, proximity to Burlington's medical facilities, and abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities.
Bennington
In southern Vermont sits the town of Bennington. The town is surrounded by mountains, offering affordable housing with natural beauty, making it a desirable community. Compared to northern ski towns, housing is frequently more accessible here for retirees on a tight budget.
But if you have a little more saved up, Bennington has plenty of exquisite properties to offer. Explore local art at the Bennington Museum, take in the expansive views from the Bennington Battle Monument, or take in the stunning Taconic Mountains in the area. Catch a live performance at Oldcastle Theatre Company, a long-running local performing arts venue.
Brattleboro
Brattleboro is a creative, community-focused town with a wide range of cultural and outdoor activities. Enjoy a warm summer afternoon kayaking down the river, exploring the vibrant Brattleboro Area Farmers’ Market, or seeing a performance at the historic Latchis Theatre. Downtown is a delight to explore due to its independent bookstores, galleries, and cafés.
For retirees who appreciate culture and a tight-knit seniors' community, Brattleboro is known for its arts community. The town boasts a vibrant senior center, excellent healthcare options nearby, and a walkable downtown that promotes social interaction and everyday mobility. It is easy for newcomers to feel at home thanks to its progressive spirit and friendly atmosphere.
Springfield
Springfield is a sensible and serene option for those seeking affordability and a slower pace of life. Explore Hartness Park's trails, take in local performances at the Springfield Community Players, or unwind by the Black River's banks. Springfield is particularly attractive to retirees looking to stretch their retirement income. Property sizes are frequently larger, and housing costs are typically lower than in many Vermont towns. Springfield is a sensible and comfortable place to settle down, thanks to its strong community pride, friendly neighbors, and plenty of relaxing activities.
Stowe
For retirees who value fresh mountain air and four-season recreation, Stowe remains one of Vermont’s most established resort towns. Explore the quaint stores and eateries in Stowe Village Historic District, go skiing at Stowe Mountain Resort, or hike beautiful trails in Smugglers' Notch State Park.
Active retirees who value wellness and a high quality of life are drawn to Stowe, which is typically more upscale. Because of its thriving tourism industry, the town offers year-round events, fine dining options, and well-maintained infrastructure. Stowe provides a motivating environment for seniors who wish to maintain their social and physical activities in a picture-perfect setting.
Newport
Newport provides charm, scenery, and reasonably priced accommodations close to the Canadian border. Walk along Newport’s waterfront boardwalk to take in views of the lake and marina, or spend your days lounging at Prouty Beach or boating or fishing on Lake Memphremagog.
Visit the MAC Center for the Arts for exhibits, concerts, and community programs. Retirees who yearn for tranquillity and space will find this town appealing; also, strong ties between neighbors are fostered by the small-town atmosphere, and home prices are typically lower than in many resort-driven communities.
Why Vermont Appeals to Retirees
In Vermont, retiring means choosing a way of life centered on connection and the beauty of nature. The state routinely scores highly in safety, community involvement, environmental quality, and general well-being, even though it may not always rank at the top for tax benefits. Towns are big enough to offer access to essential services, cultural events, and high-quality healthcare, while still small enough for neighbors to know each other by name. Vermont offers a lifestyle that fulfills your retirement vision, whether you're looking for a mountain town that keeps you active year-round, a lakeside getaway with serene morning views, or a walkable city full of cafés and bookstores.
