When considering retirement locations in Vermont, evaluating key quality-of-life metrics can help you make an informed decision. Our comprehensive analysis examines five essential criteria: Overall Retirement Score, Walkability, Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities), Vibrant Score, and Transit-Friendly measurements. These factors collectively provide insight into what makes a community suitable for retirees seeking comfort, convenience, and enrichment in their golden years.
Every score presented in this ranking is based on extensive real-world data collection and surveys from residents who experience these communities daily. This is not subjective opinion but data-driven analysis of Vermont’s best towns for retirees. The “Overall Retirement Score” encompasses numerous factors beyond our highlighted criteria, providing a holistic view of retirement suitability.
Here’s the list.
15. Reading – West Windsor Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.02
- Walkability: 25.40
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 87.70
- Vibrant Score: 4.71
- Transit-Friendly: 10.42
About Reading – West Windsor
Reading-West Windsor earns an exceptional retirement score of 97.02, making it the best town for retirement in Vermont according to our analysis. The area offers moderate walkability at 25.40 and excellent cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 87.70. This community provides the most peaceful environment on our list with the lowest vibrant score of 4.71, making it perfect for retirees seeking tranquility. Public transportation options are limited with a transit-friendly score of 10.42. The median home price information for Reading-West Windsor is not available in our current dataset.
14. Randolph Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.06
- Walkability: 39.03
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 51.88
- Vibrant Score: 31.65
- Transit-Friendly: 24.67
About Randolph
Randolph earns an excellent retirement score of 97.06, placing it second in our rankings. The town offers the best walkability among our top towns at 39.03, though its cultural amenities are moderate with an urban sophistication score of 51.88. Randolph features the most vibrant community atmosphere on our list with a score of 31.65, making it ideal for retirees seeking an active community. The town also provides decent public transportation options with a transit-friendly score of 24.67. The median home price for Randolph is not available in our current dataset.
13. Warren Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.07
- Walkability: 15.73
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 76.52
- Vibrant Score: 16.73
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Warren
Warren secures the third position with an impressive retirement score of 97.07. The town has limited walkability at 15.73 but offers strong cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 76.52. Warren provides a moderate level of community vibrancy at 16.73, balancing activity with tranquility. Public transportation is not available in this area. The median home price information for Warren is not available in our current dataset.
12. Hinesburg – St. George Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.12
- Walkability: 30.63
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 90.73
- Vibrant Score: 17.28
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Hinesburg – St. George
The Hinesburg-St. George area earns an excellent retirement score of 97.12, placing it fourth among the top retirement destinations in Vermont. The area provides good walkability at 30.63 and exceptional cultural amenities with one of the highest urban sophistication scores on our list at 90.73. Its vibrant score of 17.28 offers a good balance of community engagement opportunities while maintaining tranquility. Public transportation is not available in this area. The median home price for Hinesburg-St. George is not available in our current dataset.
11. West Fairlee – Fairlee Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.64
- Walkability: 29.60
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 57.93
- Vibrant Score: 14.04
- Transit-Friendly: 11.50
About West Fairlee – Fairlee
The West Fairlee-Fairlee area boasts a high retirement score of 97.64, making it the fifth best town for retirees in Vermont. The area offers moderate walkability at 29.60 and reasonable cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 57.93. With a vibrant score of 14.04, the community provides a calm atmosphere with selective engagement opportunities. Public transportation options are limited with a transit-friendly score of 11.50. The median home price information for West Fairlee-Fairlee is not available in our current dataset.
10. Waterbury Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 97.98
- Walkability: 32.99
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 81.14
- Vibrant Score: 26.49
- Transit-Friendly: 16.77
About Waterbury
Waterbury earns a strong retirement score of 97.98, placing it sixth in our rankings. The town offers good walkability at 32.99 and excellent cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 81.14. Waterbury provides one of the more active community atmospheres among our top towns with a vibrant score of 26.49, while maintaining moderate public transportation options with a transit-friendly score of 16.77. The median home price for Waterbury is not available in our current dataset.
9. Stowe Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.09
- Walkability: 27.02
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 82.37
- Vibrant Score: 19.41
- Transit-Friendly: 11.10
About Stowe
Stowe offers an excellent retirement score of 98.09, making it the seventh best town for retirees in Vermont. The town provides moderate walkability at 27.02 and impressive cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 82.37. Its vibrant score of 19.41 indicates a good balance of community activity and tranquility. Stowe has limited public transportation options with a transit-friendly score of 11.10. The median home price information for Stowe is not available in our current dataset.
8. Andover – Weston Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.21
- Walkability: 20.25
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 88.60
- Vibrant Score: 7.06
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Andover – Weston
The Andover-Weston area earns a high retirement score of 98.21, placing it eighth on our list. The area has limited walkability at 20.25 but compensates with excellent cultural offerings, scoring 88.60 for urban sophistication. With a low vibrant score of 7.06, the community offers a peaceful, quiet lifestyle. Public transportation is not available in this area. The median home price for Andover-Weston is not available in our current dataset.
7. Richmond Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.32
- Walkability: 33.43
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 91.18
- Vibrant Score: 15.92
- Transit-Friendly: 11.55
About Richmond
Richmond boasts a strong retirement score of 98.32, making it the ninth best town for retirees in Vermont. The town offers reasonable walkability at 33.43 and outstanding cultural amenities with one of the highest urban sophistication scores on our list at 91.18. Richmond provides a balanced community feel with a vibrant score of 15.92 and limited but existing public transportation options with a transit-friendly score of 11.55. The median home price for Richmond is not available in our current dataset.
6. Brighton Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.34
- Walkability: 28.17
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 35.84
- Vibrant Score: 8.28
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Brighton
Brighton offers an excellent retirement score of 98.34, placing it tenth in our rankings. The community has moderate walkability at 28.17 but more limited cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 35.84. Brighton provides a quiet lifestyle with a low vibrant score of 8.28 and no public transportation options. The median home price information for Brighton is not available in our current dataset.
5. Woodstock Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.37
- Walkability: 38.42
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 89.91
- Vibrant Score: 17.87
- Transit-Friendly: 56.18
About Woodstock
Woodstock earns an impressive retirement score of 98.37, making it the eleventh highest ranked town for retirees. The town offers good walkability at 38.42 and exceptional cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 89.91. Its vibrant score of 17.87 provides a balance of activity and tranquility. Notably, Woodstock features the best public transportation options among our top towns with a transit-friendly score of 56.18. The median home price for Woodstock is not available in our current dataset.
4. Dover Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.61
- Walkability: 13.34
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 50.55
- Vibrant Score: 23.48
- Transit-Friendly: 8.02
About Dover
Dover ranks well with a retirement score of 98.61, making it the twelfth best town for retirement in Vermont. The town has limited walkability at 13.34 and moderate cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 50.55. Dover offers a relatively active community atmosphere with a vibrant score of 23.48, and minimal public transportation options with a transit-friendly score of 8.02. The median home price information for Dover is not available in our current dataset.
3. Dorset – Rupert Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 98.75
- Walkability: 27.90
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 79.87
- Vibrant Score: 10.40
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Dorset – Rupert
Dorset-Rupert earns a high retirement score of 98.75, placing it thirteenth in our rankings. The area offers modest walkability at 27.90 and strong cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 79.87. With a vibrant score of 10.40, the community provides a peaceful atmosphere with select opportunities for engagement. Public transportation is not available in this area. The median home price for Dorset-Rupert is not available in our current dataset.
2. Winhall – Peru Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.11
- Walkability: 10.30
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 84.25
- Vibrant Score: 6.82
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Winhall – Peru
The Winhall-Peru area boasts an impressive retirement score of 99.11, placing it fourteenth on our list. While the area has limited walkability at just 10.30, it compensates with excellent cultural amenities, scoring 84.25 for urban sophistication. The community is quite peaceful with a low vibrant score of 6.82, making it ideal for those seeking tranquility. There is no public transit infrastructure in this area. The median home price for Winhall-Peru is not available in our current dataset.
1. Waitsfield Home Prices Chart
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 99.61
- Walkability: 26.56
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 72.80
- Vibrant Score: 23.56
- Transit-Friendly: 0.00
About Waitsfield
Waitsfield offers the highest overall retirement score of 99.61, making it the #1 town for retirement in Vermont according to our analysis. The town provides moderate walkability at 26.56 and impressive cultural amenities with an urban sophistication score of 72.80. Its vibrant score of 23.56 indicates a reasonable level of community activity and engagement opportunities. However, the town lacks public transportation options with a transit-friendly score of 0. The median home price information for Waitsfield is not available in our current dataset.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Retirement Score: A comprehensive metric that evaluates a location’s suitability for retirees based on numerous factors including safety, healthcare access, climate considerations, tax friendliness, and other quality-of-life elements specific to retirement needs.
- Walkability: Measures how pedestrian-friendly an area is, considering sidewalk availability, distance to amenities, street connectivity, and pedestrian safety. Higher walkability contributes to greater independence and health benefits for retirees who may eventually drive less.
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): Quantifies access to cultural attractions like theaters, museums, educational opportunities, fine dining, and other enrichment activities that contribute to a fulfilling retirement lifestyle and intellectual stimulation.
- Vibrant Score: Indicates the level of community activity, social engagement opportunities, and general liveliness of an area. This measure helps retirees determine if a community offers their preferred balance between tranquility and social interaction.
- Transit-Friendly: Evaluates the availability and quality of public transportation options, which becomes increasingly important for maintaining independence as retirees age and may choose to drive less frequently.
Resources: In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
- Zillow Vermont Home Values https://www.zillow.com/vt/home-values/
- Redfin Vermont Housing Market https://www.redfin.com/state/Vermont/housing-market
- Vermont Real Estate Information https://www.vermontrealestate.com/
- U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Vermont https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/VT
