42,545
Population
Sunny Days: 157
53100 Affordability
85100 Schools
36100 Diversity
76100 Safety
Burlington, Vermont
So Quaint It Will Make You Puke
The Best Thing About Burlington?
Healthy Living
Everything about Burlington drives health living. For starters it is surrounded by the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain. It has great skiing, hiking, biking throughout and nearby and a population that takes advantage of all these outdoor lifestyle opportunities. If that wasn’t enough it also has nearly universal single-payer healthcare, access to amazing medical facilities at the University of Vermont, and a well educated, engaged community.
A local point of view: Plenty of people around if you're the social type, enjoy going out to bars, seeing live music shows, etc. Nice sunsets over the lake. You can live and work in the city without a car (I biked or walked everywhere, year round for several years). Burlington (and Winooski) have great options for dining out, or shopping for different cuisines (Vietnamese, Himalayan, and African Markets on North Street). Probably the most diverse and highest paying job market.
The Worst Thing About Burlington?
Do-Re-Mi
While Burlington doesn’t approach the price-iness of say Boston or NYC, it has acquired the higher cost of living of other popular groovy, beautiful, escape-the-big-city, lifestyle burgs. One other note, if you trend red-state, it should go without saying but you will not feel chill in Burlington.
Quick note from a local about the city: cost of living is absurdly high for a town of its size, but not for a major metro area.
- wages are about average for a town of its size, but hideously awful for a major metro area.
Lifestyle of Burlington
Tree-Lined Streets
While there is a growing condo scene downtown much of Burlington is as you might expect. Lots of beautiful tree-lined streets with older homes that all seem to have exposed brick, vintage floorings, wood trim and big fireplaces for the long winter -- you know the drill.
Check out the local calendar of events for a better understanding of the daily lifestyle options: https://www.helloburlingtonvt.com/events/
Why You Should Move Here Now?
Ditch The Big Cities
We’re going to assume you live in some crazy expensive city and are craving a new groovy, outdoorsy, liberal lifestyle but can’t completely give up city amenities? If the answer to all of those points is a resounding yes, then move to Burlington, now.
Living in Burlington
Neighborhoods in Burlington
View All
Old North End
College Students
Burlington has five major neighborhoods and the Old North End is where most of the students end up. Older homes that have been cut up into apartments for rent are the dominant form of housing for students. The neighborhood is relatively diverse and is a short walk to downtown if you’re looking to head out for the night. There are also restaurants and pubs in Old North End but the bigger nightlife and activities are downtown. Young Professionals looking for a more cool vibe will often choose Old North End over Downtown.
- Old North End
Downtown
Young Professionals
Downtown is the dominant neighborhood for young professionals. Housing is mostly condos and apartment buildings that are sprinkled throughout the commercial district. Bars, clubs, parks, beach access and performing arts are all short walks from anywhere downtown making it the most convenient choice for those who either work downtown or who simply want to be near where they socialize.
- Downtown
- Old North End
South End
LGBTQ+
The entire city of Burlington is LGBTQ+ friendly but the neighborhood that pulls together the community the most is the South End post-industrial section. Housing and commercial operations are primarily converted warehouses where artists set up galleries and new condos were built to house the emerging population. Anywhere in Burlington works but South End is the starting point. https://www.gayrealestate.com/news/usa/vermont/burlington/burlington-vermont-lgbtq-city-guide.html
- South End
New North End
Families
The New North End is a popular neighborhood for families. Nice homes overlooking Lake Champlain are available, some with beach access, and plenty of bike trails and parks to keep the kiddos on their outdoor toes. The Hill is another beautiful neighborhood for families. Big homes, great yards, plenty of outdoor space and the Burlington Country Club for those who like to chase that little ball around the course. Lake views come with a premium and is one of the primary selling points of homes here. https://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/a-guide-to-burlington-home-buying-by-neighborhood/Content?oid=2539262
- New North End
- Hill