Chittenden County

Home to Vermont’s biggest city, Burlington (population 44,500), Chittenden County makes an ideal destination for those looking for a more urban life set among mountains with a lakefront view. Just over an hour from Plattsburgh, NY and under a six-hour drive from New York City, Burlington offers the state’s largest airport, along with train access to Washington, D.C. and New York City. Easily walkable and bikeable, Burlington was voted No. 4 safest city to live in the U.S., and its neighbor, South Burlington, was voted No. 1. Nearby Essex, Williston, and Shelburne offer the convenience and amenities of city living with the picturesque views and close access to outdoor recreation that characterize life in Vermont.

Vermont Recreation: 4 Seasons of Fun

The Island Line Trail provides a scenic multi-use recreational path along Lake Champlain from South Burlington to Colchester, while the Colchester Causeway offers unique access to Vermont’s Champlain Islands. Sail Vermont adds to the lake’s allure, providing sailing adventures on its pristine waters. Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy Bolton Ski Resort’s slopes, while Mount Philo State Park, Vermont’s oldest state park, offers breathtaking views from its summit trails. Mills Riverside Park and Sand Bar State Park are ideal for hiking, swimming, and picnicking, and Camel’s Hump, Vermont’s third tallest mountain, presents a challenging hike with beautiful views. The Winooski River offers fishing, kayaking, and tubing, adding to the area’s diverse outdoor activities. Shelburne Farms combines agricultural education with miles of walking trails, and Red Rocks Park features cliffside trails and swimming spots. Overlook Park offers panoramic views of the Adirondacks, and Underhill State Park provides access to Mount Mansfield, the state’s highest peak. For year-round outdoor fun, the Catamount Outdoor Family Center offers extensive trails for biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing.

Downtowns: Where Charm Meets Community

Burlington’s award-winning open-air mall is the hub of activity in this city. With historic architecture, year-round festivals, street entertainers, live music, and over 100 places to shop and dine, it offers endless opportunities for shopping, dining, and festivals.

Winooski’s downtown, set against a scenic riverside backdrop known as the Onion River, named after the Abenaki word for the wild onions that grew alongside its banks. The rotary park is the town’s hub, connecting paths with local shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Travel down Interstate 89 and you’ll reach Richmond, home to the Old Round Church. Sitting at the base of two ski areas, Bolton Valley and Cochran’s Ski Area, and close to Vermont’s first fully accessible mountain biking trail network, Richmond is a hub for recreation with a local food scene to pair.

Experience History, Art, and Culture Year-Round

Burlington serves as the cultural epicenter with its vibrant arts community, highlighted by the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, numerous art galleries, and the renowned Burlington City Arts. Burlington hosts several annual festivals, including the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, the Burlington Book Festival, and the South End Art Hop. Nearby, Winooski’s emerging arts district offers a dynamic blend of contemporary galleries and creative spaces. Meanwhile, in Shelburne, the Shelburne Museum stands as a beacon of historical and artistic preservation. Beyond these main hubs, towns like Richmond and Hinesburg contribute to the cultural tapestry through local events, galleries, and community theaters, collectively creating a vibrant and thriving arts scene.

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Chittenden County by the Numbers

Population *
Median Home Value*
Median Household Income*
Chittenden County
169,481
$404,500
$94,310
Statewide
647,464
$290,500
$78,024

Connecting You to Chittenden County

Towns in Chittenden County

Burlington
Cambridge
Charlotte
Colchester
Essex Junction
Fairfax
Hinesburg
Huntington
Jericho
Jonesville
Milton
Richmond
Shelburne
South Burlington
Underhill
Underhill Center
Westford
Williston
Winooski

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