3 Reasons Why Vermont Is the Best Place To Retire

As one of the most famously gorgeous places to live in the United States, Vermont has a lot to live up to. Luckily, it more than delivers and is an idyllic place for any retiree looking for a little piece of heaven to come home to.

Weather, Climate, and Natural Beauty

With imposing mountains, valleys full of forests, and multiple rivers moving through it all, Vermont is famed for its beauty at every time of year. Winters are long and exceptionally snowy. Thick layers of white blanket every surface and water sources turn to ice, giving way to hockey, ice skating, snowshoeing, skiing, country skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. Spring is the wet season, with snowmelt causing rivers to swell exponentially and rain a frequent visitor. But, this is where new growth begins, both with plants and animals, in addition to being the primary time for maple syrup harvesting (a big deal for the small state).

Summers are warm and gorgeous, but short. This is when people rush to sightsee, hike, bike, fish, and kayak. Autumn starts early with crisp weather and features one of the visuals that Vermont is best known for: fall foliage. The time when the leaves change here is more dramatic than most places in the United States due to the prevalence of the sugar maple, which is known for its vivid reds in autumn. 

Unique Lifestyle Benefits of Vermont

Vermont locals know just how amazing their state’s natural landscapes are and are determined to protect them. As a result, Vermont is one of the most eco-conscious states in the USA and has passed laws like banning the use of billboards so the state can retain its pristine beauty. As a result of a clear focus on the land, as well as a love for it, the farming community is strong, and people are very adamant about using local products and supporting a farm-to-table lifestyle. Vermont actually supplies over half of the US demand for maple syrup (millions of gallons are produced every year) and is a big player in the dairy industry, while also practicing sustainable farming and collecting. Of course, those who work hard, play hard, and Vermont is also known to have more breweries per capita than anywhere else in the United States. 

The other side effect of having one of the most beautiful and pristinely kept states in the country is having a dedicated artist community. Because when the sights are this beautiful, why not take advantage and use them as inspiration? There are artist retreats and residences, as well as multiple galleries and museums, along with venues for music and the theater. There are also local festivals to celebrate both art, nature, and farms, in addition to famous festivals like the Maple Festival in spring (drawing over 30,000 visitors). 

Overall Quality of Life

Outside of the love of nature as well as the activities and products gained from it, there are a few things that anyone looking to retire to Vermont would want to know. In terms of affordability, although Vermont isn’t one of the least expensive states to live in, it is also not one of the most expensive, resting comfortably in the middle. There are also existing and new tax breaks for retirees, including social security exemptions, elderly tax credits, deductions for those who are sixty-five and older, and more. When looking for towns to retire to, consider Brattleboro, Middlebury, Burlington, and Woodstock. 

So, there you have it. Vermont is a gorgeous state, full of locals who love their communities and stocked with many things to do for retirees! Ready to start planning your next trip? Try Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.