I’ve analyzed the Zillow Home Value Index data to identify Vermont’s top-performing real estate markets from 2016 to 2025. These 25 towns represent the strongest property appreciation across the state, with growth ranging from 79% to an impressive 134%.
What’s particularly fascinating is how Vermont’s more affordable communities have shown tremendous percentage growth alongside luxury vacation destinations. In many cases, towns with lower starting values have delivered remarkable returns, making them hidden gems for investors who bought early.
The data reveals a clear acceleration in appreciation rates during 2021-2022, when pandemic-related migration patterns and low interest rates created a perfect storm for Vermont’s housing market. Those who purchased before this surge have realized substantial equity gains.
25. Fayston
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 79.30%
- Home value in 2016: $293,568
- Home value in 2017: $300,090
- Home value in 2018: $312,292
- Home value in 2019: $324,544
- Home value in 2020: $341,551
- Home value in 2021: $384,346
- Home value in 2022: $451,459
- Home value in 2023: $485,813
- Home value in 2024: $523,058
- Home value in 2025: $526,363
You’ve gained nearly $233,000 in equity over nine years in this mountain town, representing a solid 8.8% annualized return. The steepest appreciation occurred during 2021-2022, when values jumped by 17.5%, creating an excellent exit opportunity. Located near Mad River Valley’s ski resorts, Fayston’s recreational appeal continues driving demand despite its already substantial price point.
24. Sunderland
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 79.85%
- Home value in 2016: $208,392
- Home value in 2017: $219,163
- Home value in 2018: $237,219
- Home value in 2019: $236,123
- Home value in 2020: $246,093
- Home value in 2021: $270,781
- Home value in 2022: $334,729
- Home value in 2023: $361,349
- Home value in 2024: $379,248
- Home value in 2025: $374,787
Your investment would have yielded a $166,395 profit in this Bennington County town, with particularly explosive growth (23.6%) during 2021-2022. Recent market cooling suggests timing purchases carefully, as 2024-2025 actually saw a 1.2% decline. Positioned between Manchester and Bennington, Sunderland offers investment value through its strategic location and relative affordability compared to neighboring resort communities.
23. Northfield
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 80.73%
- Home value in 2016: $166,708
- Home value in 2017: $181,413
- Home value in 2018: $188,487
- Home value in 2019: $195,460
- Home value in 2020: $201,622
- Home value in 2021: $228,204
- Home value in 2022: $251,700
- Home value in 2023: $278,438
- Home value in 2024: $297,455
- Home value in 2025: $301,285
Your Northfield property would have appreciated by nearly $134,600, with a consistent upward trajectory showing no periods of depreciation throughout the decade. This college town’s housing market benefits from Norwich University’s stabilizing influence, making it a safer investment play. Situated in Washington County with relatively low entry costs, Northfield offers a compelling value proposition for buy-and-hold investors seeking steady appreciation rather than speculative gains.
22. Williamstown
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 81.61%
- Home value in 2016: $160,243
- Home value in 2017: $167,784
- Home value in 2018: $171,077
- Home value in 2019: $181,146
- Home value in 2020: $187,268
- Home value in 2021: $209,297
- Home value in 2022: $258,519
- Home value in 2023: $269,032
- Home value in 2024: $292,640
- Home value in 2025: $291,017
You’d have gained $130,774 in Williamstown, with a remarkable 23.5% surge during the 2021-2022 period representing the optimal selling window. The slight 0.6% depreciation in 2024-2025 signals a potential cooling phase for investors to watch carefully. This Orange County community, located just southeast of Barre, represents a more affordable entry point into Vermont’s real estate market while still delivering impressive percentage returns.
21. Swanton
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 82.23%
- Home value in 2016: $182,881
- Home value in 2017: $189,239
- Home value in 2018: $197,560
- Home value in 2019: $205,975
- Home value in 2020: $214,926
- Home value in 2021: $238,945
- Home value in 2022: $272,379
- Home value in 2023: $295,987
- Home value in 2024: $324,309
- Home value in 2025: $333,255
Your property value in Swanton would have increased by more than $150,300, delivering a steady 6.9% compound annual growth rate with no significant downturns. The market shows particular strength in the 2022-2025 period, suggesting continued momentum for sellers. Positioned near the Canadian border and Lake Champlain, Swanton’s strategic location combines recreational appeal with proximity to international markets, driving sustained investor interest.
20. Highgate
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 82.43%
- Home value in 2016: $177,046
- Home value in 2017: $183,941
- Home value in 2018: $194,894
- Home value in 2019: $201,642
- Home value in 2020: $212,926
- Home value in 2021: $237,469
- Home value in 2022: $273,227
- Home value in 2023: $298,211
- Home value in 2024: $321,051
- Home value in 2025: $322,982
Your Highgate investment would have yielded nearly $146,000 in equity growth, with a notable acceleration phase during 2020-2022 when values increased by 28.3%. Recent data shows price stabilization with just a 0.6% increase in 2024-2025, suggesting a maturing market. This Franklin County town bordering Canada benefits from its international accessibility while offering investment entry points well below Vermont’s most expensive markets.
19. Winhall
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 82.62%
- Home value in 2016: $339,124
- Home value in 2017: $340,747
- Home value in 2018: $376,932
- Home value in 2019: $391,125
- Home value in 2020: $396,692
- Home value in 2021: $453,848
- Home value in 2022: $586,706
- Home value in 2023: $642,626
- Home value in 2024: $636,031
- Home value in 2025: $619,292
Your Winhall property would have appreciated by $280,168, but the market peaked in 2023 before declining 3.6% through 2025—a critical timing consideration for investors. The explosive 29.3% growth during 2021-2022 exemplifies how pandemic-driven demand for vacation homes created wealth for existing owners. This southern Vermont resort community near Stratton Mountain demonstrates how luxury markets can deliver strong dollar-value returns despite recent corrections.
18. West Rutland
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 82.64%
- Home value in 2016: $124,970
- Home value in 2017: $130,801
- Home value in 2018: $138,779
- Home value in 2019: $140,214
- Home value in 2020: $145,330
- Home value in 2021: $163,961
- Home value in 2022: $185,666
- Home value in 2023: $206,434
- Home value in 2024: $224,143
- Home value in 2025: $228,243
Your investment in West Rutland would have doubled your money on a dollar-for-dollar basis with a sub-$125,000 entry point growing to over $228,000. This town demonstrates how lower-priced markets can deliver percentage returns matching higher-end communities with far less capital at risk. Located just west of Rutland City, this affordable community offers investors a lower barrier to entry while still participating in Vermont’s robust real estate appreciation trend.
17. Richford
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 82.71%
- Home value in 2016: $124,509
- Home value in 2017: $134,157
- Home value in 2018: $140,932
- Home value in 2019: $138,254
- Home value in 2020: $143,735
- Home value in 2021: $160,957
- Home value in 2022: $186,922
- Home value in 2023: $202,895
- Home value in 2024: $219,457
- Home value in 2025: $227,493
You would have gained nearly $103,000 in equity with the lowest initial investment on this list ($124,509), demonstrating the wealth-building potential of affordable markets. This northern border town experienced a minor 1.9% correction in 2018-2019, but recovered strongly with 64.5% growth since 2019. Positioned on the Canadian border in Franklin County, Richford offers exceptional value for investors seeking maximum percentage growth with minimal capital outlay.
16. Ludlow
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 85.54%
- Home value in 2016: $311,853
- Home value in 2017: $310,481
- Home value in 2018: $323,968
- Home value in 2019: $338,681
- Home value in 2020: $355,962
- Home value in 2021: $409,301
- Home value in 2022: $522,036
- Home value in 2023: $560,240
- Home value in 2024: $582,589
- Home value in 2025: $578,625
Your Ludlow investment would have yielded nearly $267,000 in appreciation, with a remarkable 27.5% surge during 2021-2022 when pandemic buyers sought ski properties. The slight 0.7% decline in 2024-2025 suggests market stabilization after years of explosive growth. Home to Okemo Mountain Resort, this Windsor County town exemplifies how recreational destinations can deliver outsized dollar returns, particularly for investors who capitalized on the pre-pandemic entry point.
15. Hartford
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 85.99%
- Home value in 2016: $207,525
- Home value in 2017: $214,938
- Home value in 2018: $227,444
- Home value in 2019: $234,827
- Home value in 2020: $246,012
- Home value in 2021: $279,065
- Home value in 2022: $330,279
- Home value in 2023: $360,298
- Home value in 2024: $374,350
- Home value in 2025: $385,973
Your Hartford property would have appreciated by $178,448, showing particularly strong momentum in recent years with 16.8% growth since 2023. This market never experienced a down year, providing exceptional stability for risk-averse investors. Strategically located near the New Hampshire border and home to several villages including White River Junction, Hartford benefits from its position at the crossroads of major interstate highways and proximity to Dartmouth College.
14. Isle La Motte
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 87.77%
- Home value in 2016: $202,802
- Home value in 2017: $205,856
- Home value in 2018: $218,589
- Home value in 2019: $223,709
- Home value in 2020: $242,951
- Home value in 2021: $274,900
- Home value in 2022: $327,989
- Home value in 2023: $347,693
- Home value in 2024: $376,043
- Home value in 2025: $380,804
Your investment on this Lake Champlain island would have gained $178,000, with particularly strong performance during the 2020-2022 period when values surged by 35%. The market continues showing strength with 9.5% growth since 2023, defying the slowdown seen in some other areas. This unique island community in Grand Isle County offers scarcity value that helps protect against downside risk, with limited land availability supporting sustainable price appreciation.
13. Barre
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 88.17%
- Home value in 2016: $152,417
- Home value in 2017: $158,389
- Home value in 2018: $166,663
- Home value in 2019: $171,623
- Home value in 2020: $178,172
- Home value in 2021: $194,656
- Home value in 2022: $225,035
- Home value in 2023: $255,623
- Home value in 2024: $274,708
- Home value in 2025: $286,797
Your Barre property would have delivered $134,380 in equity growth, with an impressive 12.2% appreciation just in the last year alone. This central Vermont city’s relatively affordable entry point ($152,417 in 2016) offered an excellent value opportunity for investors priced out of Burlington. Known as the “Granite Capital of the World,” Barre demonstrates that industrial heritage communities can deliver robust returns while maintaining accessibility for first-time investors.
12. Fairfield
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 88.47%
- Home value in 2016: $197,694
- Home value in 2017: $208,380
- Home value in 2018: $216,180
- Home value in 2019: $221,839
- Home value in 2020: $234,596
- Home value in 2021: $263,260
- Home value in 2022: $297,439
- Home value in 2023: $325,230
- Home value in 2024: $352,349
- Home value in 2025: $372,585
Your Fairfield investment would have generated nearly $175,000 in appreciation, with a particularly notable 5.7% growth in the past year despite rising interest rates. The market shows consistently increasing momentum, with each year outperforming the previous since 2018. Located in Franklin County with scenic agricultural landscapes, Fairfield offers a rural lifestyle with surprisingly robust property appreciation, demonstrating the premium buyers place on Vermont’s pastoral communities.
11. Hardwick
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 88.60%
- Home value in 2016: $124,976
- Home value in 2017: $129,974
- Home value in 2018: $140,804
- Home value in 2019: $148,777
- Home value in 2020: $153,091
- Home value in 2021: $173,262
- Home value in 2022: $204,551
- Home value in 2023: $217,724
- Home value in 2024: $232,776
- Home value in 2025: $235,710
Your $125,000 investment in Hardwick would have nearly doubled to $235,710, offering among the best percentage returns on the smallest capital outlay. This Caledonia County town demonstrates that rural markets can deliver extraordinary growth rates for patient investors. Positioned in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom region, Hardwick has benefited from the growing farm-to-table movement and increasing interest in sustainable agriculture, transforming its real estate market from overlooked to highly desirable.
10. Dover
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 88.89%
- Home value in 2016: $243,425
- Home value in 2017: $256,697
- Home value in 2018: $272,243
- Home value in 2019: $284,934
- Home value in 2020: $290,836
- Home value in 2021: $335,455
- Home value in 2022: $423,663
- Home value in 2023: $439,714
- Home value in 2024: $453,249
- Home value in 2025: $459,800
Your Dover property would have appreciated by $216,375, with the most explosive growth (26.3%) occurring during 2021-2022 when pandemic buyers sought ski properties. Recent years show continued but more moderate growth, suggesting a stabilizing luxury market. Home to Mount Snow ski resort, this Windham County town exemplifies how recreational destinations have outperformed during the pandemic era, with vacation property demand driving prices to new heights.
9. Morristown
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 93.18%
- Home value in 2016: $253,723
- Home value in 2017: $257,489
- Home value in 2018: $271,734
- Home value in 2019: $282,296
- Home value in 2020: $298,399
- Home value in 2021: $333,367
- Home value in 2022: $415,002
- Home value in 2023: $445,508
- Home value in 2024: $466,012
- Home value in 2025: $490,154
Your Morristown investment would have yielded an impressive $236,431 gain, with a remarkable 24.5% surge during 2021-2022 when the market accelerated dramatically. Recent 5.2% growth from 2024-2025 indicates continued momentum even as other markets cool. This Lamoille County town, which includes the village of Morrisville, benefits from its proximity to Stowe while offering more attainable price points, creating a value proposition for buyers seeking luxury-adjacent locations.
8. Peru
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 94.15%
- Home value in 2016: $251,733
- Home value in 2017: $242,370
- Home value in 2018: $255,014
- Home value in 2019: $258,476
- Home value in 2020: $267,504
- Home value in 2021: $309,050
- Home value in 2022: $390,549
- Home value in 2023: $423,520
- Home value in 2024: $466,260
- Home value in 2025: $488,751
Your Peru property would have appreciated by $237,018 despite experiencing a 3.7% decline in the first year—proving the importance of long-term investment horizons. The market showed extraordinary resilience with 92.4% growth since 2020, far outpacing inflation. This Bennington County town, home to Bromley Mountain ski resort, exemplifies how recreational properties in southern Vermont have benefited from pandemic-era migration patterns and changing work arrangements.
7. Stowe
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 95.52%
- Home value in 2016: $463,832
- Home value in 2017: $470,250
- Home value in 2018: $507,396
- Home value in 2019: $547,233
- Home value in 2020: $576,274
- Home value in 2021: $683,737
- Home value in 2022: $886,685
- Home value in 2023: $910,633
- Home value in 2024: $891,652
- Home value in 2025: $906,878
Your Stowe investment would have delivered the largest dollar gain on this list—$443,046—despite a brief 2.1% correction in 2023-2024. The explosive 29.7% growth during 2021-2022 created a wealth windfall for existing owners during the pandemic luxury boom. This iconic Lamoille County resort town commands Vermont’s highest property values while still delivering percentage returns matching more affordable markets, demonstrating the exceptional demand for luxury mountain properties.
6. Colchester
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 97.13%
- Home value in 2016: $237,483
- Home value in 2017: $247,106
- Home value in 2018: $262,817
- Home value in 2019: $271,183
- Home value in 2020: $289,057
- Home value in 2021: $312,692
- Home value in 2022: $359,278
- Home value in 2023: $412,517
- Home value in 2024: $446,061
- Home value in 2025: $468,154
Your Colchester property would have grown by $230,671, with particularly strong performance in recent years—increasing 14.8% since 2023 despite higher interest rates. This consistent appreciation trajectory without any down years represents an ideal wealth-building investment. Located in Chittenden County along Lake Champlain and near Burlington, Colchester combines suburban convenience with lakeside amenities, creating sustained demand from both primary residents and second-home buyers.
5. Stratton
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 101.76%
- Home value in 2016: $338,037
- Home value in 2017: $344,697
- Home value in 2018: $366,979
- Home value in 2019: $385,016
- Home value in 2020: $399,656
- Home value in 2021: $465,453
- Home value in 2022: $610,364
- Home value in 2023: $600,170
- Home value in 2024: $655,595
- Home value in 2025: $682,012
Your investment in Stratton would have more than doubled, generating $343,976 in new equity with 31.1% growth during the pandemic-fueled 2021-2022 boom. The 1.7% dip in 2022-2023 proved temporary, with values rebounding 13.6% over the following two years. This premier Windham County ski resort community demonstrates how luxury vacation properties can deliver exceptional returns when purchased ahead of major market shifts, with values now stabilizing at their new elevated plateau.
4. Warren
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 102.32%
- Home value in 2016: $227,690
- Home value in 2017: $232,964
- Home value in 2018: $233,541
- Home value in 2019: $238,876
- Home value in 2020: $254,234
- Home value in 2021: $295,308
- Home value in 2022: $368,417
- Home value in 2023: $391,530
- Home value in 2024: $441,734
- Home value in 2025: $460,664
Your Warren property would have doubled in value, generating nearly $233,000 in appreciation with particularly impressive 17.7% growth just in the last year. The market accelerated dramatically after 2020, with values increasing 81.2% in just five years. Home to Sugarbush Resort in Washington County’s Mad River Valley, Warren exemplifies how mountain communities with strong recreational appeal continue attracting investment even as interest rates rise, with luxury buyers often less sensitive to financing costs.
3. Mendon
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 102.83%
- Home value in 2016: $191,831
- Home value in 2017: $200,372
- Home value in 2018: $214,158
- Home value in 2019: $218,126
- Home value in 2020: $229,074
- Home value in 2021: $256,617
- Home value in 2022: $308,091
- Home value in 2023: $360,566
- Home value in 2024: $372,915
- Home value in 2025: $389,100
Your Mendon investment would have more than doubled, creating $197,269 in equity with an unprecedented 40.5% surge during 2021-2023 when the market hit full acceleration. Recent 4.3% annual growth indicates sustainable momentum even as other markets plateau. This Rutland County town, located just east of Killington and home to Pico Mountain, benefits from its strategic position along Route 4, offering ski resort proximity at a significant discount to neighboring Killington’s prices.
2. Burke
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 116.93%
- Home value in 2016: $182,304
- Home value in 2017: $194,494
- Home value in 2018: $205,358
- Home value in 2019: $215,891
- Home value in 2020: $224,086
- Home value in 2021: $258,045
- Home value in 2022: $314,845
- Home value in 2023: $341,766
- Home value in 2024: $383,198
- Home value in 2025: $395,468
Your Burke property would have generated an extraordinary 117% return, translating to $213,164 in equity creation and a robust 9% compound annual growth rate. The market shows impressive recent strength with 15.7% appreciation since 2023. Situated in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom in Caledonia County, Burke Mountain’s growing reputation as a four-season recreation destination has transformed this formerly overlooked market into a premium investment opportunity with room for continued growth.
1. Killington
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 134.37%
- Home value in 2016: $183,747
- Home value in 2017: $183,102
- Home value in 2018: $202,414
- Home value in 2019: $209,584
- Home value in 2020: $221,340
- Home value in 2021: $262,174
- Home value in 2022: $351,423
- Home value in 2023: $401,118
- Home value in 2024: $427,134
- Home value in 2025: $430,648
Your Killington investment would have delivered Vermont’s top percentage growth (134.4%), transforming a modest $183,747 investment into $430,648 through $246,902 in appreciation. The meteoric 34.0% surge during 2021-2022 created a wealth-building opportunity rarely seen in established markets. This Rutland County resort town, home to Vermont’s largest ski area, represents the perfect convergence of recreational appeal, pandemic-driven migration patterns, and relatively affordable entry points compared to other New England ski destinations.
