8 Secretly Amazing Places to Retire in Vermont

When the bustle of business quiets down and you’re ready to retire, Vermont beckons with cozy small towns and mountainous beauty. Spend your golden years surrounded by real maple trees and incredible skiing resorts in the Green Mountain state. We’ve found eight welcoming and secretly amazing places to retire in Vermont.

Ready to dive in? You might find your next place to live on this list!

1. Shelburne

Population: 7,000

Shelburne is the type of village that belongs on postcards — small, community-oriented, and intensely picturesque. This is where to go to shrug off the stress of busy corporate life and immerse yourself in nature.

Around 7,000 residents live within Shelburne’s borders; many are fellow retirees. Make a friend and visit the Shelburne Museum for lessons in history, or go to the Shelburne Farms and learn about modern agriculture. You can even take the grandkids to the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory and get a factory tour, plus let them make their own bear. If the great outdoors calls your name, Shelburne offers all the major attractions: hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, kayaking, boating, and an array of additional sports.

Costs in Shelburne are average for the state.

2. Woodstock

Population: 942

Does a town with 7,000 people sound like a throbbing metropolis? You can settle in an even smaller village by moving to Woodstock. Just 949 residents live in this town full-time. However, the streets throng with vacationers in spring and summer, so you should be okay with a constant flow of visitors during busy seasons if you retire here.

In the months when the sun barely warms and snow crunches under your feet, Woodstock transforms into a winter wonderland. Enjoy yourself with community events and movies at the historic Town Hall Theatre or a trip to Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park. The area also features abundant housing options.

3.  Brattleboro

Population: 12,000

Brattleboro lies along Interstate 91 near the New Hampshire border. It’s the first stop for many travelers driving into the state. It’s also a launch point for skiers and snowboarders visiting nearby resorts.

If you decide to retire in Brattleboro, there are plenty of options for a leisurely day. On weekends, you can visit art galleries and watch plays at the local theater. Quieter days offer boundless outdoor entertainment.

4. Guilford

Population: 2,120

Nestled in the Green Mountains that give Vermont its nickname, Guilford is a small town far away from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life. Unlike a few entries on this list, Guilford isn’t much of a tourist town. This is one of the best places to retire in Vermont if you want to embrace a slower-paced life.

You can entertain yourself with outdoor adventures. Fort Dummer State Park has three easy hiking trails accessible to seniors of all abilities.

5. Wilmington

Population: 2,315

Wilmington’s the type of cozy town you might read about in books, with a friendly community, scenic appeal, and an elevated boho atmosphere. It sits in the southern part of the state and has a history dating back to 1751. 

Head to the art gallery and view pieces from local artists, or visit Molly Stark State Park. There are also numerous golf courses to keep you occupied. Wilmington’s resources can provide for a very comfortable retired life.

6.  Morrisville

Population: 2,086

Morrisville exudes soft charm. It’s not as flashy as nearby Stowe, but an enduring appeal springs from the tranquil backdrop and friendly residents. Retiring here lets you connect peacefully with nature.

Of course, worldly pleasures still exist in Morrisville. There are buzzing restaurants and theaters, active breweries, and festivals like the annual block party Roctoberfest. Morrisville offers so much cultural enrichment and entertainment it’s more like a suburb than a small town.

7. Manchester

Population: 786

Retirees love this Green Mountain village because it’s highly walkable. Forget about your car. You can breathe fresh air as you move about town and complete the day’s errands. Staying healthy gets more complex as we age, so walking as much as possible is beneficial. 

But what are you walking to? Manchester’s streets are full of boutique shops and artisan restaurants. Or, you can visit the Lincoln Family Home or American Museum of Fly Fishing if you have more cultural interests.

8. Vergennes

Population: 2,553 

Vergennes is a paradise if you want to retire near the water. You’ll get easy access to Lake Champlain, Vergennes Falls Park, Otter Creek, Otter Creek Falls, and more. If just seeing pristine beauty is enough, Vergennes offers a lovely view of the Adirondack Mountains in the west.

Artists flock to this town, so multiple art galleries feature thought-provoking local pieces. Whether your soul finds nourishment in majestic nature or human art, you can get it in Vergennes.

Summary of 8 Secretly Amazing Places to Retire in Vermont