Vermont's Second-Best Destination To Live Is A New England Gem With Local Shops, Tasty Restaurants, And Outdoor Fun

When it comes to Vermont living, the vast majority of the state's population chooses Chittenden County. In fact, one in every four Vermonters calls it home, thanks to the concentration of business, education, entertainment, and culture. But the high cost of living and scarcity of real estate in Chittenden have boosted the profile of neighboring Washington County, making it the second-best place to live in Vermont, according to a ranking published by Niche. 

So too have its vibrant communities, which capture the Vermont spirit with local shops and markets, farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries, sugarhouses, and holiday resorts. Around them rise the Green Mountains, including Vermont's highest peak, forming a postcard backdrop for every view. Interstate 89, Vermont's principal highway, passes through Washington County, making it particularly convenient for commuters and visitors.

The region also counts some of Vermont's most important cities and towns. Chief among these is the state capital, Montpelier, America's only capital city without a McDonald's and the center of Vermont politics. Next door, Barre was once "the granite capital of the world," and displays its history with exquisite stone sculpture. There's also trendy Waterbury, called the "best little foodie town in New England" by the Boston Globe, while in Northfield you'll find Norwich University, the nation's oldest private military academy. Waitsfield and Warren in the gorgeous Mad River Valley are ski havens and recreation hubs. 

A top reason to live in and visit Vermont is the abundant outdoor recreation. Indeed, embracing the great outdoors is a prerequisite for anyone moving to Washington County, be it skiing and snowboarding in winter, leaf-peeping and apple-picking in autumn, hiking and camping in summer, or maple sugaring and wildflower watching in spring. Even if not taking part directly in these activities, residents still must navigate and negotiate the natural surroundings on a daily basis, including the up-and-down elevation, robust wildlife, and rural realities.

Washington County offers a rich selection of outdoor recreation, too. For skiers and snowboarders, it's a heaven, with three resorts: Sugarbush Resort, Mad River Glen, and Bolton Valley Resort. Less than an hour away is Stowe Mountain Resort on Vermont's highest mountain, offering panoramic vistas and challenging trails. That puts hundreds of slopes on tap for county residents, and that still doesn't count cross-country ski centers like Onion River Nordic Ski Club and Blueberry Lake Cross Country Ski Center. 

Many of these same trails and areas open for hiking and camping in warmer weather, along with multiple state parks. Summer also brings pastoral cooldowns at the many lakes and swimming holes. In fall, Washington County becomes prime foliage territory, especially along Route 100, aka "Vermont's Main Street," and at Mt. Elmore State Park.

Planning any trip to Washington County starts with determining what outdoor activities you want to do, since weather will play a role in your decision. Aim for June to September for hiking, early-to-mid October for foliage, and January or February for skiing. That said, there's plenty to do indoors, including the state house, history museum, and Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks in Montpelier, as well as the Granite Museum in Barre. If you arrive in September and October, a visit to Kents' Corner State Historic Site for the annual Art of the Kent exhibition is a must.

The food and beverage scene is another highlight. Waterbury is a good place to start for tasty meals, particularly Hen of the Wood, which specializes in farm-to-table fare in the heart of the historic downtown. Nearby, the Ben & Jerry's Factory and Cold Hollow Cider Mill remain classic crowd pleasers. At Barr Hill Distillery in Montpelier, sample the most awarded gin in the United States, per New York Drinks Guide. While in town, stop into Red Hen Baking Company, which recently moved to Main Street after the popularity of its bread, pastries, and Vermont vibes burst its former Middlesex space beyond capacity. 

The indie mom-and-pop shop is alive and well in Washington County, too. In Montpelier, Bear Pond Books, in business since 1973, ticks all the boxes of a cozy, old-school bookstore. Across the street is Onion River Outdoors, a go-to for hiking, biking, and skiing gear. For quirky gifts and Christmas spirit, look to All Things Bright and Beautiful in Waitsfield, run for 50 years by twin sisters. No trip to Vermont is complete without flannel, making a stop at either the Waterbury or East Barre location of the Vermont Flannel Company a must.