Vermont's Best Destination To Live Is A New England Gem With Charming Cities And Endless Outdoor Fun

Vermont's reputation is built upon its outstanding ski resorts, Ben & Jerry's, fall foliage, maple syrup, and a certain octogenarian Senator. Ok, there's a bit more to it than that. But travelers may pass through the Green Mountain State and feel the urge to stick around a little longer. In this case, New England's gem of Chittenden County rewards both long and short-term stays, offering residents and travelers charming cities and endless outdoor fun — along with a bit of everything Vermont is known for. 

Chittenden is home to nearly 170,000 residents spread across municipalities ranging from 29 residents to over 40,000. Its diversity of locales is also reflected in its terrain, with 350,000 acres made up of mountains, forests, islands, rivers, and rural countryside. Residents and travelers interested in outdoor activities can visit a farm promoting long-term, sustainable agricultural practices — like Shelburne Farms in Shelburne — then drive five miles southeast to the free shooting range at Laberge's Farm. That diversity also translates to the economy.

Chittenden County is home to several statewide institutions, from the largest university in the state (more on that later) to Vermont's largest medical center, as well as several tech companies and the state's largest manufacturing firm. This milieu of private sector success, educational opportunities, healthcare accessibility, and natural beauty has earned Chittenden County the top spot on Niche's list of the Best Counties to Live in Vermont. The area scored well in nearly all the most important facets of daily life, from public schools to health and outdoor activities, with crime rates well below the national average per capita. 

The only downside: it's not necessarily cheap. The median home price is more than $100,000 above its national counterpart, according to Niche. The median household income is also well above the national equivalent. Still, a closer look at what Chittenden has to offer reveals why it's worth its price of admission.

Chittenden manages to throw a bevy of charming cities into its mix. The chief among them is Burlington, the largest in the state and a top college city with indie shops, local eats, and fun campus energy. Burlington, home to the University of Vermont, features a South End where the looser arts scene merges with local eateries to create a cultural hub. Cities like Burlington also tend to have their own gravitational force, one that's nice to escape. 

In comparison, Winooski, which labels itself the 'most interesting 1.5 square mile city on Earth,' offers a counterweight to Burlington's buzz. As a home to some of the highest-rated eateries in the county — such as Somali-inspired Kismayo Kitchen and cozy neighborhood favorite May Day — the city of 8,300 deserves the attention of any foodie traveling through the area. If your trip or life needs a bit of cheering up, head over to South Burlington (separate from Burlington), which financial advisory site WalletHub ranked the fourth-happiest city in the country, bolstered by its residents' knack for adequate sleep and physical activity. Armed with a smile, it's time to head outside.

Chittenden County's location, sandwiched between Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains, creates the perfect environment for endless outdoor fun. Just on the county's eastern border lies Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest mountain, which offers panoramic fall vistas and challenging trails. Reaching it takes about an hour's drive from Burlington. 

Travelers and residents would be remiss to skip ski season in Vermont, with Bolton Valley and Cochran's Ski Area offering local outlets for snow lovers. Water fiends should head to the county's western edge, where Lake Champlain offers everything from beaches to fishing charters.

Despite being relatively isolated in the northeast, reaching Chittenden is surprisingly easy. If you happen to be within driving distance, by all means, hop behind the wheel. Being home to Vermont's largest city has its perks; the state's largest travel hub, Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV), is within the county itself in South Burlington. Travelers making the trip in autumn should book a ride on the Amtrak Vermonter, which passes through Chittenden County, letting you see the best fall colors across the heart of New England.

Once you arrive, finding a place to stay shouldn't be an issue. Accommodations in Chittenden range from cookie-cutter chain hotels and charming bed-and-breakfasts to high-end secluded mountain escapes that cost more than $700 per night. Wherever you decide to stay, bear in mind that you're in the heart of Ben and Jerry's territory. The company's headquarters are in South Burlington, and its factory is just east of the county in Waterbury. If you've ever downed a Cherry Garcia without regrets, make the pilgrimage to where all those delicious calories are made.

You may have to combat the self-defeating sense that comes when downing ice cream in cold weather. In Chittenden County, the summers, while warm, are short-lived. Those preferring warmer travels should target a visit around mid-to-late July.