If you are intrigued by the Green Mountain State, you’re not alone! Vermont has experienced slow population growth in recent years, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth putting on your list of potential places to settle down and buy a home. If you’re the type that feels best when you’re out in nature, then you will love living in Vermont. Many Vermonters live active lifestyles. The state has plenty of outdoor places such as national and state forests, parks and campgrounds. Moving to Vermont is a great opportunity to explore the natural world.

Moving Advice

• The best time to schedule moving to Vermont is between May and October. This is after the messy spring thaw and before winter weather can create a dangerous environment for driving, lifting and carrying.
• Vermont still has many dirt roads that are not properly marked with clear street signs. It is best to map out your route ahead of time so you do not get lost.
• The state has about 100 covered bridges, so make sure you check weight limits in advance if your route takes you across one. If your truck will exceed those limits, you can find an alternate route.

Change your address online. To make your move from California to Vermont easier, consider changing your address online. It is easy to do, inexpensive, and will ensure that your mail arrives to your new home with you.

Cities and Metro Areas

Tucked away on the east coast of the United States of America, nestled between New Hampshire and New York lies peaceful and picturesque Vermont. Home to countless acres of mountains which attract families and backpackers alike every year to hit the slopes for skiing and snowboarding.

Homes in Charlotte all come equipped with generous-sized gardens and the town holds tight to a rural feel. Outdoor activities are a key player in Williston, and with plenty of health and fitness amenities, there are no excuses not to be in tip-top condition when residing in Williston. Neat and tidy rural Jericho is a quaint and unchanging neighborhood.

Other notable cities/towns include Essex, Colchester, Cornwall and Dummerston.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Vermont is lower than some of the other states in New England, but it does exceed the national average.

Home prices in Vermont have appreciated above the national level. Looking back at prices in Sept 2019 compared to Sept 2022, prices have increased by 51% in Vermont VS 38% nationwide.  As of Sept 2022, the median price for a home in the state was $365,600, which is up 16.1% above last year’s median price. Looking at the peak of the last three years, prices have decreased 6.4%  from the peak of  $390,700 in June 2022. In the more urban regions and those popular with tourists, rent and housing prices can far exceed state averages.

Climate

Vermont is a beautiful state but if you hate winter, you may have a hard time dealing with winters in Vermont, even if you recognize the majesty of the snow-covered mountains. The average high temperature in Vermont in January is 27 degrees, and the average low temperature is just 10 degrees. On average, summer days can reach highs in the low 90s with evenings cooling off to a high in the low 60s. July and August are generally the hottest months, but at some elevations, there is no hot weather.

Education

Education in Vermont is relatively traditional. There are public and private school options as well as homeschooling, should parents decide that’s an option they are willing to explore. There are no charter schools in the state and the first magnet school was opened in Burlington during the 2010 school year.

The Vermont Department of Education website has an interactive assessment report that will allow residents to check out the performance of schools in their district. To take a look and try it yourself, go here.

Current school rankings (elementary, middle and high schools), campus and district zoning/location maps, information and reviews are available online for parents moving to Vermont.

Government

• Each town and county has its own ordinances regarding permits that may be required for construction and environmental issues. To find out about local permits and licenses, check out the Vermont Permitting Portal.
• There will also be certain licenses required for hunting and fishing in the state. For hunting and fishing licenses, you can go to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. This site will also explain the approved dates for hunting various game.
• To find the nearest location, you can go to the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles page.
• You can download the Vermont voter’s registration application on the Secretary of State’s website. Another little housekeeping item you’ll want to handle will be to update your address with the USPS, which you can do at your local post office or online.
• While some areas in Vermont offer curbside recycling, most towns and villages in the state will require that you drop off your recycling in a designated area. The Waste Management Division site has more about the state’s recycling programs and about local garbage pickup, visit the state’s
• Vermont has a sales tax and a use tax for residents who buy property online or in states with no sales tax (such as New Hampshire) and intend to use and store the property in Vermont. There is also a state income tax and property tax. You can get full information about Vermont taxes by visiting the state’s website.