Moving to Vermont: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 7, 2025
9 min read

Thinking of moving to Vermont? You’re not alone. The Green Mountain State draws folks from everywhere—whether you’re after the excitement of Burlington or the charm of quiet small towns, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you.

Vermont has plenty to offer, but before making the move and buying a home, take a moment to weigh the pros and cons.

We’ll break down everything you should know about moving to Vermont so you can easily decide if it’s the right place for you.

Jump to the Vermont information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to VT
Top car shippers to VT
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in Vermont

Like any big move, relocating to Vermont comes with its own upsides and potential downsides that are important to consider.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest pros and cons of living in the Green Mountain State to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of living in Vermont

✓Great outdoor environment
✓Simple and traditional lifestyle
✓Scenic
✓Beautiful
✓Abundant winter activities

Cons of living in Vermont

✖Extremely cold weather
✖Driving in the snow
✖Sloppy mud season
✖High cost of living
✖Small economy

Things to do in Vermont

No matter why you’re heading to Vermont—for a job, family, or just a change of scenery—you’ll want to dive into everything your new home has to offer. The great thing is, Vermont is packed with exciting activities and places to discover, no matter what you’re into.

These places are perfect for family outings or for meeting new people if you’re exploring on your own. With so many choices, you’re sure to find a spot that matches your style and makes you feel at home.

Popular Attractions in Vermont

Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory Tour
Lake Champlain
Shelburne Museum
Smugglers Notch State Park
Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park
Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home
Montshire Museum of Science
Killington Ski Resort
Quechee Gorge
Church Street Marketplace

Museums in Vermont

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home
Billings Farm & Museum
Shelburne Museum
Bennington Museum
The Art of Humor Gallery
Brattleboro Museum & Art Center
Simon Pearce Mill
Southern Vermont Natural History Museum
ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
Norman Rockwell Museum

Parks in Vermont

Waterfront Park
Dog Mountain Home of Stephen Huneck Gallery
Red Rocks Park
Overlook Park
Airport Park
Living Memorial Park
Oakledge
Waterbury Center State Park
West Branch Gallery & Sculpture Park
Giorgetti Park

Fun facts about Vermont

Each state has its own distinct flavor, influenced by its history, culture, and residents. Exploring local traditions and quirks lets you really experience what life is like there.

Learning these fun facts about Vermont reveals what makes the state unique—and might even spark your interest in making it your new home.

Before Vermont became the 14th state, it existed as an independent nation for 14 years. It became independent in 1777 following clashes over land. The development allowed locals to begin printing their currency, enacting laws that banned slavery and established postal service.
Dummerston is the birthplace of snow golf thanks to the creative talent of Rudyard Kipling who invented the sport at his home. Rudyard Kipling, the legendary author, wrote the Jungle Book.
Vermont has the highest ratio of dairy cows in the United States. This concerning the total human population in the state. At some point, it was home to more cows than humans.
The state is undoubtedly the largest producer of maple syrup in the country. It produces a staggering 35 percent of the total supply on the market. Many locals produce the syrup at home while others pay a prominent role as the big producers.
When it comes to lake monster myths, Lake Champlain is said to host a shy but friendly monster known as Champ. The famous myth attracted the attention of the Discovery Channel, which conducted a thorough investigation into the claim.
A peculiar aspect of Vermont is that its counties and towns have no billboards. In 1968, legislators decided to enact a state-wide ban on the installation of billboards.
The state has a special place in the history of snowboarding. One of the locals, Jake Burton, a former ski racer, designed and manufactured specialized boards after participating in surfing.
The state is home to short buildings that do not qualify as skyscrapers. When compared to buildings in other states, Vermont stands out as a place with no skyscrapers. Its tallest building (Decker Towers) comes with only 11 stories and it stands at 124 feet tall.
Vermont is the hometown of Chester A. Arthur, the 21st US President and Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President. Arthur, who served between 1881 and 1885, hailed from Fairfield while Coolidge was born in Plymouth.
The state is the birthplace of the well-known ice cream brand, Ben & Jerry’s. The company still operates from headquarters in Vermont. Local farmers benefit from Ben & Jerry’s commercial activities as they receive ice cream waste to feed the hops.

Vermont population and demographics

Planning a move to Vermont? Get the inside scoop on what living in the Green Mountain State is truly all about—not just the stats.

Choosing a more populous state often brings you more job options, a lively entertainment scene, and better infrastructure. In contrast, moving to a less crowded state usually means a quieter life and a closer-knit community.

Checking out average education levels gives you a sense of local job opportunities and how easy it is to find schools or colleges nearby. Meanwhile, a state’s political landscape reveals what values and priorities matter most to people living there.

Learning about the people, daily life, and values in Vermont can help you decide if it’s the right place for you to feel at home.

Metric	Vermont
Population	647,064
Female	50.2%
Male	49.8%
College graduation rate	44.44%
Political leaning	Democratic 64-32
Crime index	18.93

Vermont weather

Weather plays a major role in daily life, so it’s smart to consider it when deciding if Vermont is right for you. Looking at seasonal temperatures and rainfall will help you plan outdoor activities, pick the right clothing, and stay prepared for whatever the forecast brings.

Scorching summer days can send your energy bills soaring and leave you cranking the AC around the clock. When winter rolls in, you’ll want a warm wardrobe and reliable heating to stay comfortable. And when snow falls, you might get anything from a gentle flurry to a heavy storm that throws your daily routine into chaos.

Curious about endless sunshine, refreshing cool breezes, or escaping snowy winters? Understanding Vermont’s climate is key to figuring out if it matches your vibe.

Metric	Vermont
Summer high	79ºF
Winter low	6ºF
Annual rain	43″
Annual snow	86″

Income and cost of living in Vermont

A look at major industries, average income, housing costs, and the overall cost of living gives you a clearer picture of how affordable and sustainable life will likely be in Vermont.

For example, knowing which industries drive the economy can help you gauge job opportunities in your field or predict the stability of the job market. Whether you’re planning to rent or buy, housing costs are likely one of the biggest pieces of the financial puzzle for you when deciding if you should move.

The cost of living index ties it all together by showing how far your dollar will stretch compared to the national average. A lower index typically means everyday expenses like groceries, transportation, and housing are more affordable.

These numbers are more than just statistics. They’re practical tools that help you compare your current lifestyle to what’s possible in Vermont and make a confident, informed decision about your move.

The main economic industries in the state include:

Real estate and rental and leasing ($4.7 billion)
Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($4.6 billion)
Professional and business services ($3.4 billion)
Manufacturing ($3.1 billion)
Retail trade ($2.5 billion)
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($2.2 billion)
Finance and insurance ($1.8 billion)
Wholesale trade ($1.7 billion)
Construction ($1.1 billion)
Information ($0.9 billion)

Metric	Vermont
Average rent cost	$1,149
Average home cost	$390,132
Average income (per capita)	$74,014
Cost of living index*	114
Unemployment rate	2.3%
Average sales tax	Not available
State income tax	8.75%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.

Top schools in Vermont

If education ranks high on your moving checklist, a state’s schools and universities can reveal a lot about local career opportunities and the overall community vibe.

If you’re thinking about heading back to school, have kids nearing graduation, or simply want to live somewhere with great educational opportunities, Vermont is definitely worth a look.

Here are some of the top schools in Vermont:

University of Vermont
Middlebury College
Champlain College
Norwich University
Saint Michael’s College
Bennington College
Vermont Law School
SIT Graduate Institute
Goddard College
Northern Vermont University
Castleton University
Vermont Technical College
Sterling College, Vermont
Landmark College
Vermont College of Fine Arts

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Vermont

We sifted through 2,756 moving companies across the country, including 6 right here in Vermont, and teamed up with actual movers and people like you to find the very best in the business.

Planning a move to the Green Mountain State? Take a look at the best moving companies that’ll make sure your belongings arrive safely, wherever you’re coming from.

Cost of moving to Vermont

Before making your move to Vermont, it’s smart to plan for the costs involved. On average, expect to spend around $136 per hour for professional movers. Your final price will vary based on the amount you’re moving and the distance—cross-state treks cost more than local relocations.

The way you move can have a major impact on your overall costs.

If you want to cut moving costs, check out one of the top moving container companies. You’ll get to pack and load your belongings whenever it works for you, while the company takes care of all the driving. It’s the perfect way to combine flexibility and savings—no need to go fully DIY or pay for an expensive full-service move.

Looking to cut costs? A moving truck rental is the cheapest route. You handle all the packing, loading, driving, and unloading yourself.

Want to skip the stress of moving on your own? Professional interstate movers can handle everything for you. But remember, this level of convenience usually comes with a bigger price tag—so be sure to shop around and compare quotes to find the best fit for your budget and your move.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Cost to bring your car to Vermont

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Vermont.

Vermont car insurance requirements

Vermont drivers need to have liability insurance with at least $25,000 for one person’s injury or death, $50,000 for injuries or deaths of two or more people, and $10,000 for property damage per accident. Following these insurance rules keeps you legal and protected on the road.

Vermont drivers license requirements

New Vermont residents with a valid out-of-state license, or one expired for less than three years, must pass an eye exam to get a new state driver’s license.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to Vermont?

Moving to Vermont is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if Vermont is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to Vermont?

On the cost of living index, Vermont has a score of 114. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Vermont?

The average income in VT is $74,014, and the an unemployment rate is 2.3. Home prices are $390,132, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $1,149.

What is the downside of living in Vermont?

Like any place, Vermont has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Green Mountain State include:

Extremely cold weather
Driving in the snow
Sloppy mud season
High cost of living
Small economy

Vermont Moving Resources

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