Planning on moving to Vermont? You’re not alone! Over 26,000 people relocated to the state in 2022. The Green Mountain State ranks #7 in the nation for healthcare, education, and overall quality of life. Hence, the state’s population has reached 647,818 in 2024.
With a low unemployment rate of 2.8% and a median household income of $85,190, Vermont offers strong job opportunities and financial stability. The state’s scenic mountains, vibrant college towns, and outdoor recreation make it an ideal place for families and individuals alike.
3 Reasons to Move to Vermont
Vermont is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are three reasons to move to VT:
| # | Reasons to Move to VT | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cost of Living | The average cost of living in Vermont is 0.8% higher than the national average. |
| 3. | Education | The Green Mountain State serves over 83,534 students across 138 school districts. |
| 3. | Safety Index | Vermont ranks 2nd nationwide for personal and residential safety. |
1. Affordable Cost of Living
The cost to live in Vermont is 0.8% higher than the national average. It’s an attractive option compared to other New England states like Connecticut and Rhode Island, where living costs are 12.5% and 11.8% above the national average.
Here’s a breakdown of monthly expenses in Vermont’s popular cities:
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Public Transport | Utilities | Food |
| Burlington | $450,000 | $2,535 | $51.1 | $192.91 | $657 |
| Essex | $563,750 | $1,736 | $52.6 | $118.73 | $648 |
| Barre | $319,000 | $1,350 | $52.5 | $118.73 | $649 |
| West Windsor | $305,000 | $1,725 | $52.3 | $127.1 | $648 |
2. Education and Schools in Vermont
Vermont serves over 83,534 students across 98 school districts. The state provides multiple schooling options including:
- Public Schools: The state has 305 public schools known for their academic excellence. It includes top-rated schools like Brewster Pierce School and Ferrisburgh Central School.
- Private Schools: Vermont is home to over 141 private schools. The average tuition for private schools is around $25,163 annually. The Putney School and Vermont Academy are the top private schools in the state.
- Higher Education: Vermont is home to five public colleges and universities governed by the Vermont State Colleges System. University of Vermont (UVM), Castleton University, Northern Vermont University, Vermont Technical College, and Community College of Vermont.
3. High Safety Index
Vermont is one of the safest states in the U.S. The state has one of the lowest violent crime rates in the country, with only 2.22 violent crimes per 1,000 residents. About 65% of Vermonters report feeling safe in their state, well above the national average of 45%.
The state also ranks 2nd nationwide for personal and residential safety. Cities like Barre Town and Swanton are among the safest in Vermont, with violent crime rates as low as 0.9 per 1,000 residents.
Cost of Moving to Vermont 💲
There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to VT:
1. Moving Costs ≈ $886 to $6,750
Moving to Vermont involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.
- VT moving service typically costs $200 per hour. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
- If you want to DIY your move, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day.
- 👉 Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLS company to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to Vermont.
2. Utility Expenses ≈ $400 to $500 Per Month
Apart from moving and housing costs, you will have to incur utility expenses when migrating to Vermont.
- When relocating to Vermont, you must set up utilities like gas, electricity, water, etc. The average utility bill in VT is around $350/month.
- You will have to register your vehicle in Vermont. The first-time registration cost of a passenger vehicle in VT starts at $76. A standard title fee costs $35.
3. Housing Costs
Housing costs in the Green Mountain State can vary depending on your location.
- In popular cities like Newport, Burlington, and Rutland the average rent ranges between $1,400 and $2,500.
- However, buying can be complex as home prices vary across the state. Make sure you find cheap houses for sale in Vermont in your budget. Popular cities like Burlington have a median home price of $528K. On the other hand, the average cost of a home in inland cities like Rutland is $273K.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to Vermont ✅
Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.
- Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
- Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you migrate. Before moving to VT, get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location.
- Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that Vermont neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.
