Is Moving to Vermont Worth It in 2026?

If you are reading this, you are probably trying to figure out whether moving to Vermont is actually worth it in 2026.

Over the last few years, Vermont has started attracting people who want something very different from overcrowded city life. Many are looking for quieter towns, stronger communities, and a lifestyle that is more balanced.

But moving to Vermont is not a simple decision based on beautiful scenery alone. The state offers a high quality of life in many ways, but it also comes with some challenges that people need to understand before making the move.

That is why people searching for answers are not only asking about the scenery or lifestyle. They are asking practical questions like should I move to Vermont, whether the cost of living is manageable, what daily life actually feels like, and if the benefits truly outweigh the challenges.

Let’s discuss everything you need to know about moving to Vermont in 2026 so you can make a confident decision.

Why People Are Considering Moving to Vermont in 2026

Most people do not wake up one day and randomly decide to move states. The decision usually develops over time because something about their current lifestyle no longer feels sustainable.

Here are some factors that are influencing people to move to Vermont:

Remote Work Flexibility

Remote work has made it easier for people to live where they actually want to live instead of staying near expensive job hubs. Vermont attracts remote workers because of its peaceful environment, smaller towns, and better work-life balance.

Desire for a Slower Lifestyle

Many people are moving away from fast-paced cities and looking for quieter communities and a less stressful daily routine. Vermont appeals to people who want a calmer lifestyle surrounded by nature and open space.

Access to Nature

Outdoor living is one of the biggest reasons people consider moving to Vermont. The state offers year-round access to hiking, skiing, lakes, mountains, biking, and other outdoor activities that are difficult to find in heavily urbanized states.

Safer and Smaller Communities

Many people prefer smaller towns where life is more connected and manageable. Vermont is known for its low crime rates, community-focused culture, and towns where people value local living and personal connection.

Better Quality of Life

Some people are willing to trade bigger cities for a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. Cleaner air, less traffic, scenic surroundings, and a quieter environment make Vermont appealing for families, retirees, and professionals.

Pros and Cons of Moving to Vermont

Cost of Living in Vermont in 2026

Vermont is not considered one of the cheapest states in the country, but many people still feel the higher costs are balanced by the lifestyle, safety, and quality of living the state offers.

Housing Costs (Rent vs Buying)

Housing is one of the most important factors people research before moving to Vermont. Home prices have increased steadily over the last few years due to limited inventory and growing demand.

Utilities, Groceries, and Transportation

Living expenses outside housing are generally higher than the national average in Vermont.

Taxes in Vermont

Vermont has higher taxes compared to many low-tax states, which is important for people planning a long-term move.

Job Market and Employment Opportunities in Vermont

People researching moving to Vermont usually want to understand one important thing before making the decision: Can you realistically build a stable and comfortable life here financially?

Major Industries and Employers

The Vermont job market is driven more by healthcare, tourism, education, and small business activity than by massive corporate headquarters or large industrial centers.

Key Industries in Vermont

• Healthcare
• Education and public sector
• Tourism and hospitality
• Manufacturing
• Agriculture and food production
• Technology and remote work
• Construction and skilled trades

Major Employers in Vermont

Average Salaries vs Cost of Living

Salaries in Vermont are generally moderate, but living costs can be higher than expected because of housing, utilities, and taxes.

Average Annual Salaries in Vermont (2026 Estimates)

Best Places to Live in Vermont

When people start narrowing down where to live in Vermont, they usually focus on factors like housing costs, safety, healthcare access, schools, outdoor lifestyle, and year-round livability.

Best Cities for Families

These areas are popular among families because of strong schools, safer neighborhoods, healthcare access, and proximity to jobs and everyday services.

• Burlington

• Essex
• Colchester
• Shelburne
• Williston
• Middlebury

Best Places for Retirees

These locations attract retirees because of their quieter environment, healthcare availability, walkable downtown areas, scenic surroundings, and community-focused lifestyle.

• Stowe
• Woodstock
• Manchester
• Brattleboro
• Montpelier

Affordable and Growing Areas

These areas are usually more affordable for both buyers and renters, which is why many people consider them when they want to enjoy Vermont living without paying the higher prices found in more expensive towns.

• Rutland
• Barre
• Newport
• St. Albans
• Bennington

What Daily Life Is Like in Vermont

Education and Schools

Vermont has around 290 public schools and more than 120 private schools serving students across the state.

Around 87% of K-12 students in Vermont attend public schools. The state is consistently ranked among the better-performing states for education quality, student outcomes, and graduation rates.

Here are some of the top-ranked schools in Vermont (2026) based on academic performance and overall ratings:

Healthcare Access

Healthcare access in Vermont is usually good in bigger towns and regional areas, but smaller rural communities may have fewer hospitals, specialists, and medical facilities nearby.

The state is known for good healthcare quality, preventative care, and high health insurance coverage rates compared to much of the country.

Top Healthcare Systems and Facilities

• University of Vermont Medical Center (Burlington)
• Dartmouth Health Medical Center (Lebanon region serving eastern Vermont)

• Central Vermont Medical Center (Berlin)

• Rutland Regional Medical Center (Rutland)

• Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (Bennington)

Healthcare access facts

• Vermont has more than 14 community hospitals serving residents across the state.
• Over 97% of Vermont residents have health insurance coverage, which is among the highest rates in the U.S.
• Average emergency response times are usually faster in developed areas, while rural mountain regions can experience longer response times.

Crime and Safety

Vermont is generally considered one of the safer states in the country, especially compared to larger and more densely populated states. Violent crime rates are well below the national average, and many smaller towns report very low crime levels overall.

Safest Places with Lower Crime Rates

Several towns and cities in Vermont consistently report lower crime rates than the state average:

• Shelburne
• Essex
• South Burlington
• Middlebury

Crime in Other Areas (Higher Risk)

Although Vermont is overall a safer state, some areas report higher crime levels compared to the state average:

Burlington: Higher property crime rates compared to most Vermont towns.

Rutland: Property and drug-related crimes above state averages.

Barre: Moderate crime rates compared to smaller communities.

Brattleboro: Some increase in theft and property-related incidents in recent years.

Population and Demographics

Vermont has one of the smallest populations in the country and is known for its rural character, smaller communities, and older median age compared to the national average.

Vermont Statewide Population (2026)

• Total population: ~651,820 residents
• Population density: ~68.8 people per square mile
• Median age: ~43.5 years

Race and Ethnicity Breakdown

Income and Economic Demographics

Households and Living Arrangements

• Number of households: ~279,640
• Average household size: ~2.3 people
• Median home value: ~$389,700

Educational Attainment

• High school graduate or higher: ~94.8%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: ~41.7%

Best Attractions in Vermont

Vermont is known for its mountain scenery, small-town charm, outdoor recreation, and year-round tourism.

Popular Attractions in Vermont

These are some of the most visited destinations that attract both residents and tourists:

• Stowe Mountain Resort

• Lake Champlain

• Ben & Jerry's Factory

• Church Street Marketplace

• Quechee Gorge

• Smugglers' Notch

Museums in Vermont

Vermont has a strong mix of history, art, and cultural museums across the state:

• Shelburne Museum

• Billings Farm & Museum

• ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain

• Bennington Museum

• Vermont History Museum

• Brattleboro Museum & Art Center

Parks in Vermont

From mountain trails to lakes and forests, Vermont offers outdoor activities throughout the year:

• Green Mountain National Forest

• Mount Mansfield State Forest

• Camel's Hump State Park

• Quechee State Park

• Smugglers' Notch State Park

• Jamaica State Park

Weather and Climate in Vermont (2026)

Seasonal Highlights

Who Should Consider Moving to Vermont

You should seriously consider moving to Vermont if:

• You want a quieter and less stressful lifestyle.
• You enjoy nature, outdoor activities, and four distinct seasons.
• You work remotely or have flexible work arrangements.
• You prefer smaller communities and slower daily routines.
• You value safety, cleaner surroundings, and a strong sense of community.
• You are a retiree looking for peaceful living and scenic surroundings.
• You work in healthcare, education, tourism, skilled trades, or remote-based industries.
• You are comfortable with colder winters and seasonal weather changes.
• You want better access to outdoor recreation like hiking, skiing, biking, and lakes.

Who Vermont May Not Be Right For

Vermont may not be the right choice if:

• You depend on large-city job markets in finance, entertainment, or major corporate sectors.
• You want lower taxes and cheaper utilities.
• You prefer fast-paced urban living with extensive nightlife and entertainment.
• You are uncomfortable with long winters and heavy snowfall.
• You rely heavily on public transportation for daily life.
• You want abundant housing inventory and lower home prices in every area
• You prefer warm weather year-round.
• You expect the same level of shopping, dining, and big-city convenience found in larger metropolitan states.

Best Moving Company For Your Relocation To Vermont

After reviewing numerous moving companies that handle relocations to Vermont and analyzing customer experiences, we identified the best movers in Vermont that are known for reliability, transparent pricing, and professional long-distance moving services.

If you are planning a move to Vermont in 2026, choosing the right moving company becomes especially important because many areas include smaller towns, mountain roads, and winter weather conditions that can complicate relocation.

American Van Lines

4.4 out of 5

Stress Free Moving

No Deposit Required

Customer Satisfaction

Get Free Estimates

United Van Lines

4.3 out of 5

Full-value damage protection

Virtual walkthrough quotes

International over 150+ countries

Get Free Estimates

Solomon & Sons Relocation Services

3.5 out of 5

Industry Experience

Transparent Pricing

Flexible Scheduling

Get Free Estimates

Cost of Moving to Vermont

The price depends on factors like moving distance, the size of your home, time of year, and whether you choose a DIY or full-service move.

On average, professional movers in Vermont charge around $136 per hour for local moving services, while long-distance relocation costs increase depending on mileage and shipment size.

Average Moving Costs to Vermont (2026 Estimates)

If you want a clearer breakdown, check out our guide on the cost to hire movers in Vermont to plan more accurately.

How you choose to move will heavily affect your total relocation budget.