Many historians credit the name “Vermont” as well as the state nickname “the Green Mountain State” to the French Explorer Samuel de Champlain who, in the early 1600’s, referred to the area on his exploration maps as Vert Mont, which when translated from French to English, means Green Mountain.
In modern times, Vermont is known not only for the year-round picturesque beauty created by the stretch of the Appalachian Mountains that intersects the state from North to South, but also maple syrup, exceptional skiing & snowboarding, striking fall foliage, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and locally sourced artisan food, cheese, and craft beverages.
This, combined with the state's rich heritage and abundant historic locations offers its residents a high-quality of life. Vermont also provides a multitude of educational opportunities at the many reputable higher-learning institutions including the University of Vermont, Champlain College, Middlebury College and Norwich University.
For these and many other reasons, The Lipkin Audette Team in Burlington have assisted in helping hundreds of clients successfully relocate to Vermont. In fact, a recent study published by United Van Lines currently ranks the state as number one in the nation for percentage of inbound moves. For those considering making a move, here are some additional aspects to take into account.
Safety First
Despite current economic, political, and other factors creating turmoil across the country, recent reports indicate that Vermont remains one of the safest states in the nation. Ranking in the top 5 for key metrics such as violent crime rate, assaults per capita and percentage of uninsured people, Vermont receives high marks for both personal & residential safety.
Small Town Atmosphere
Even with modest population growth over the past decade, Vermont's entire population sits just below 650,000 people. The state's largest city, Burlington has a population of approximately 45,000 residents and is also home to many students attending one of the local universities. When combined with neighboring towns like South Burlington, Colchester, Essex, Shelburne and others, the Burlington Metropolitan area consists of about 215,000 people. Thus, cities, towns, and villages alike offer residents the chance to live in close-knit communities that exude a charming small-town atmosphere, even though many provide access to big-city amenities and culture.
Abundant Outdoor Activity Opportunities
The Green Mountains run approximately 250 miles from the southern border with Massachusetts to the northern border with Quebec, Canada. With five peaks stretching over 4,000 feet above sea level, they offer a variety of seasonal attractions including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, camping, mountain biking and more.
Vermont is also home to a number of substantial lakes including Lake Champlain, Lake Bomoseen, Lake Dunmore and Lake Willoughby. Champlain, in particular, is the eighth largest body of freshwater in the nation. Boating, camping, fishing, and hiking are popular recreational activities that are enjoyed throughout the year. Many also hope to get a glimpse of the legendary aquatic creature known locally as “Champ”.
A Wealth of U.S. History
Indigenous peoples, including the legendary Abenaki tribe, made the region their home for thousands of years before the French arrived and established settlements during the 17th century. During the past 300 years, the French and Indian War, the American Revolutionary War, and the Civil War all had battles that took place inside Vermont’s borders.
The state also boasts a number of famous former inhabitants and iconic properties. One popular destination is the stately Hildene manor, once home to Abraham Lincoln's son Robert and his family. Just south of Burlington lies another gem, Shelburne Farms, founded by railroad magnate William Henry Vanderbilt. The homes of former well-known residents like Calvin Coolidge, Rudyard Kipling, and Robert Frost are also popular sites for those with an interest in history.
Find Your Dream Home
When contemplating a move to the state of Vermont, let The Lipkin Audette Team be your guide to finding a home and property that suits your wants, needs and desires. Since 1985, we’ve helped thousands of clients buy and sell real estate in Northwest Vermont. Our goal is to provide you with the local insight, information and resources necessary to make your purchase a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Contact us today to begin to make your Vermont dreams a reality!