Bennington is all about location, location, location. To the immediate west is the New York state line, to the south is Massachusetts, to the north is Burlington, and then Quebec. It rests at an intersection of the northeastern corridor, an access point through which you can reach the rest of New England, New York, and even Canada, making it ideal for those who do business on the road. It is also home to Bennington College, one of the most storied and prestigious liberal arts institutes in the country, with varied alumni including author Bret Easton Ellis and actor Peter Dinklage, as well as the Bennington Battle Monument, commemorating a turning point in Green Mountain campaign of the Revolutionary War. Its historic district is excellent albeit it has suffered along with other New England towns during the collapse of the textile industry, its live theater and arts scenes are excellent, and the beautiful landscape brings in tourists en masse during the fall and winter. For those with a vested interest in nature, American history, or the arts, Bennington is an ideal home. 

In many ways, Bennington demonstrates the contrasting features of the northeastern corridor of the United States in the twenty-first century. Once a town with a thriving factory, many blue-collar workers have found themselves out of work in the past twenty years so feedback from locals and newcomers feels very different.  

LookyLOO Review of Bennington?

Like much of Vermont, Bennington prides itself on its closeness to nature. The Green Mountain National Forest is within driving range, as are the Shaftesbury and Woodford State Parks and Long and Appalachian Trails respectively. Skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing are popular winter activities. Additionally, the town boasts a modest golf course and recreation center, as well as a vibrant arts scene including the famed Sage City Symphony and the Oldcastle Theatre Company. And of course, the historical district offers opportunities to dive into the experience of the Revolutionary War. Finally, the highly decorated high school sports program and local eateries such as Blue Benn Diner lend it a charming small-town atmosphere. 

Check out the Bennington [calendar of events](https://www.bennington.com/calendar) to see what's happening in the community. 

We highly recommend visiting Bennington and staying in the community in a [VRBO](https://vrbo.com/affiliate/p4JS4ZC) rather than a hotel to get a feel for living among the locals. You can receive discounted fares on travel via our [partnership with Expedia](expedia.com/affiliate/9NZ8LBQ) as well.



Lifestyle

While factory jobs are on the decline in Bennington, there are other forms of work available. Bennington is home to the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, which provides interstate service and is known for its excellence in nursing and cancer research. Agriculture, forestry, fishing, tourism, and retail are also common fields of occupation. And of course, the elite Bennington College provides opportunities to professors, administrators, researchers, and other staff members. 

It is also worth noting that while the location is appealing to those with a work-from-home lifestyle, high-speed internet connection in Bennington has historically been considered problematic. It is improving, though, but just double-check the area and neighborhood for wifi speeds. 


Worklife 

The past is alive in Bennington. The amount of local history, state history, and national history contained within the town limits is staggering, as is the beautifully preserved natural landscape of the area. If you want to live in the epicenter of the northeastern corridor and are willing to take a chance on a town in recovery, and the prices reflect that early stage revival then put it on your list. 


The Opportunity

Why You Should Move Here Now

**Orion_Pirate**
1y ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉


We actually moved from SoCal to Bennington this year. I highly recommend it, but...

It will get cold and dark here, for a long time. (We're originally from northern climes so we know what to expect). Be prepared to deal with that. It also rains throughout the year, less in the summer but it still rains. Be ready to just embrace getting wet. Also, ensure you have good all-weather tires and know how to drive in the wet. If you're born and raised Californians you have no idea. ;)

Please leave your California expectations at the state line. Vermont is incredibly different from CA, and you should be prepared to embrace the lifestyle change!

Bennington is a lovely, welcoming town. There is a mix of multi-generational VT families and relative newcomers. The town has all the basic amenities you would expect, but there aren't many options. Want a fast food burger - there's McDonalds or nothing. (although we are getting a burger king soon. - So cosmopolitan!! :) ) but having said that, the local restaurants and craft breweries here are excellent. (The craft beer scene here is far better than California! And we also have excellent cider.)

If your home has Fidium fiber, you will be fine. We have it and it is ideal for remote working.

Bennington is well located - in the Green Mountain National Forest, with beautiful views everywhere you go, but 45 mins from Albany NY, and 3hrs or so from Boston, so if you need big city life, it is easily reachable.

For more reviews of what living in Bennington is like from locals, check out [The Reviews](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/bennington/reviews).


Reviews of Bennington from Locals

Bennington doesn't draw a huge population of young professionals but those that do live here gravitate to Downtown. The revival of the city is centered here and it's where you find the densest concentration of condo/apartment options, historic cultural/entertainment options like the Oldcastle Theater, the Bennington Museum, the Bennington Battle Monument, and finally it is the heart of the bar and restaurant scene so you can walk to party and recreate and never need a car. 
- Downtown

Young Professionals

Downtown

Old Bennington is the historic district in the city. It's dominated by older classic New England architecture homes but also has newer construction housing if you prefer. If you crave proximity to downtown but want the beautiful homes, brick sidewalks and classic tree-lined streets of early Bennington then this is your neighborhood. You get easy access to the best of boutique shopping, eats/drinks and great recreational options. 

Check out North Bennington if you're looking to be more removed from Downtown. It has very quiet, tree-lined streets, big reasonably priced homes, easy walks to public schools, and tons of parks and trails for you outdoorsy types. 
- Old Bennington
- North Bennington
- Southshire

Families

Old Bennington

Bennington 

**facethenoun**
7mo ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉

Hi! I also work remotely and am in my early thirties, recently married. I'm originally from Vermont but not Bennington. Been here since 2021. Pros:

Affordable. Many decent houses in the $200-300k range.

Proximity to other places. 1 hr from great ski resorts. 1 hr to Albany airport. 30 min from scenic Manchester and Williamstown. 3.5 hrs from NYC/NYC. 2.5hr from Burlington. Tanglewood, Saratoga, Lake George in driving distance. Great nature areas in every direction.

Ability to make a difference. Civic engagement is important to me and there are so many opportunities to get involved.

Close knit community. My friend group is strong and the broader network I have is made up of some amazing people

increasing diversity

haven't been hit by flooding (yet?)

Cons:

Limited employment opportunities/low wages for most local based work

Rural/small town economic challenges. The town of Bennington is not affluent.

Not as diverse or crunchy as some other parts of VT (which is a con for me)


**Weak_Refrigerator_85**
7mo ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉

We just moved to the area too! Not exactly in Bennington but in North Adams, Mass, so about 25ish minutes away. We go up to Bennington all the time though, and I actually have a job interview up there tomorrow.

One thing I always notice about Bennington when we walk around is how many families there are, I love it! We have two kids ourselves and it's nice to see other families out and about 😄 You'll be close to the Berkshires and everything going on down there too. It's a great area!

**Orion_Pirate**
1y ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉


We actually moved from SoCal to Bennington this year. I highly recommend it, but...

It will get cold and dark here, for a long time. (We're originally from northern climes so we know what to expect). Be prepared to deal with that. It also rains throughout the year, less in the summer but it still rains. Be ready to just embrace getting wet. Also, ensure you have good all-weather tires and know how to drive in the wet. If you're born and raised Californians you have no idea. ;)

Please leave your California expectations at the state line. Vermont is incredibly different from CA, and you should be prepared to embrace the lifestyle change!

Bennington is a lovely, welcoming town. There is a mix of multi-generational VT families and relative newcomers. The town has all the basic amenities you would expect, but there aren't many options. Want a fast food burger - there's McDonalds or nothing. (although we are getting a burger king soon. - So cosmopolitan!! :) ) but having said that, the local restaurants and craft breweries here are excellent. (The craft beer scene here is far better than California! And we also have excellent cider.)

If your home has Fidium fiber, you will be fine. We have it and it is ideal for remote working.

Bennington is well located - in the Green Mountain National Forest, with beautiful views everywhere you go, but 45 mins from Albany NY, and 3hrs or so from Boston, so if you need big city life, it is easily reachable.

**Time_Parking_7845**
1y ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉

I have visited family in Bennington for 6 years. I adore this town and the whole area in general. World-class museums and fantastic restaurants are within a short driving distance, flights and trains into Albany are a snap, and Bennington seems to be having a bit of a renaissance lately. Popping into NYC or Boston is super easy when you want a little getaway. The beauty of the Green Mountains is reason alone to strongly consider this little gem of a town. All the best to you!

Are you interested in living in Bennington VT but you're having trouble finding much information on it? Well this is the video for you! I'll be giving a brief history of Bennington, going over the amenities, the schools, the neighborhoods etc. and then stick around to the end to hear about Bennington's crime & drug rates and other cons. Throughout I'll be showing footage from my drone, and footage from driving around in my car to give you a good idea of what the Bennington VT area looks like.


Bennington , Vermont

The Bennington Triangle

Looklyloo Score: 89