Vermont may boast serene landscapes and tight-knit communities, but not every corner of the Green Mountain State is built for retirement. New 2025 data reveals that many retirees are quietly moving out of certain Vermont towns—or avoiding them altogether. The reasons vary: some places lack essential amenities, others are plagued by car dependency, or simply don’t offer the vibrancy and walkability today’s older adults increasingly seek.
This list highlights 16 Vermont towns with the lowest Overall Retirement Scores (ORS), based on criteria like transit access, walkability, cultural amenities, and more. Whether you’re planning your next chapter or helping someone else plan theirs, this data-backed guide shows which towns may be worth skipping—and why.
16. Montgomery – Richford – Limited Amenities and Remote Living
Located near the Canadian border, Montgomery and neighboring Richford are tucked into Vermont’s rural northern corner. While scenic and quiet, they’re a challenge for retirees seeking accessibility and everyday conveniences. Healthcare options are limited, grocery stores are sparse, and getting around without a car can be difficult.
This region may appeal to solitude seekers and second-home owners, but for retirees wanting a blend of nature and nearby essentials, it’s a tough fit. Social isolation can also be a factor due to low vibrancy and limited cultural infrastructure.
Montgomery – Richford – ORS 48.75
- Overall Retirement Score: 48.75
- Quietness: 73.40
- Walkability: 29.26
- Cultural amenities: 35.20
- Vibrancy: 11.85
- Car-Friendliness: 83.26
- Transit-Friendliness: 5.01
Montgomery–Richford scores high for peace and car-friendliness, but it struggles nearly everywhere else. Its low vibrancy and walkability scores suggest a setting that feels isolated—especially for those no longer driving. Cultural activities and transit access are sparse, which makes aging in place harder here than in better-connected towns.
15. Johnson – Quiet But Lacking Services
Johnson is home to a small college and some appealing mountain views, but retirees may find it lacking in practical areas. It’s moderately quiet but not well-equipped with walkable infrastructure or transit options. The cultural scene is minimal, and most errands require a drive.
Younger residents and students may find the pace and price point appealing, but for older adults, the limited services and social opportunities may become frustrating over time.
Johnson – ORS 48.67
- Overall Retirement Score: 48.67
- Quietness: 55.01
- Walkability: 32.83
- Cultural amenities: 26.24
- Vibrancy: 38.01
- Car-Friendliness: 58.92
- Transit-Friendliness: 11.47
Johnson lands in the bottom tier due to limited cultural access and low walkability. Its mid-level car-friendliness means retirees will likely be driving to fulfill daily needs, and with weak transit service, aging without a vehicle isn’t a viable option here.
14. Barre – Busy But Hardly Peaceful
As one of Vermont’s more urbanized areas, Barre has more cultural offerings than most towns on this list. However, its low quietness rating and limited car-friendliness can pose challenges. Retirees seeking calm surroundings might find Barre overwhelming, particularly near the town center.
The city may work well for younger singles or working adults, but noise and congestion detract from the retirement appeal.
Barre – ORS 48.39
- Overall Retirement Score: 48.39
- Quietness: 32.43
- Walkability: 67.49
- Cultural amenities: 54.39
- Vibrancy: 55.34
- Car-Friendliness: 45.90
- Transit-Friendliness: 14.17
Barre stands out for walkability and vibrant culture, but retirees looking for peace and convenience may be disappointed. Low quietness and car-friendliness scores mean it’s neither restful nor easy to navigate for older adults, especially outside downtown.
13. Milton – Suburban but Sparse on Amenities
Milton sits just north of Burlington and offers a suburban feel with pockets of natural beauty. Despite its proximity to more developed areas, it lacks strong cultural amenities and walkability. It’s primarily car-centric, which can make retirement more challenging for those looking to scale back driving.
While families may appreciate the affordable housing and access to Lake Champlain, retirees will find limited public transit and social opportunities here. For those seeking a more stimulating or connected retirement, Milton doesn’t quite deliver.
Milton – ORS 47.23
- Overall Retirement Score: 47.23
- Quietness: 42.24
- Walkability: 43.35
- Cultural amenities: 36.28
- Vibrancy: 27.38
- Car-Friendliness: 58.18
- Transit-Friendliness: 12.94
Milton’s middling scores across most categories show a town that doesn’t quite offer enough for retirees. Transit and vibrancy are weak, and while it’s not extremely isolated, it falls short of providing the rich, low-stress environment many older adults are looking for.
12. South Burlington – Convenient But Not Calm
South Burlington is one of Vermont’s larger municipalities and benefits from shopping centers, restaurants, and relatively robust services. However, retirees looking for peace and quiet might not enjoy the city’s busier, more commercial feel. Its lower quietness score and modest car-friendliness indicate potential daily frustrations.
The town serves younger professionals and families well, but older adults may find themselves overwhelmed by the bustle and spread-out layout.
South Burlington – ORS 47.07
- Overall Retirement Score: 47.07
- Quietness: 29.85
- Walkability: 62.35
- Cultural amenities: 61.29
- Vibrancy: 51.31
- Car-Friendliness: 53.20
- Transit-Friendliness: 26.81
Despite high walkability and culture scores, South Burlington is noisy and moderately difficult to navigate without a car. These trade-offs place it lower on the list for retirement-friendliness, especially for those prioritizing serenity and ease.
11. Georgia – Sleepy and Isolated
Georgia, Vermont is a rural town that offers space and solitude—but not much else. Cultural options are almost nonexistent, and public transit is virtually unavailable. Its car-friendliness makes it manageable for those who can still drive, but beyond that, the town feels remote and limited.
This area may work for active retirees looking to live off the grid, but those needing community, convenience, or healthcare access will find Georgia difficult to age in comfortably.
Georgia – ORS 45.30
- Overall Retirement Score: 45.30
- Quietness: 60.39
- Walkability: 22.82
- Cultural amenities: 8.33
- Vibrancy: 6.28
- Car-Friendliness: 85.52
- Transit-Friendliness: 3.23
Georgia’s high car-friendliness is overshadowed by very low scores in walkability, culture, and vibrancy. While quiet, it lacks the infrastructure retirees increasingly look for when settling down long term.
10. Highgate – Rural Charm, But Very Little Support
Highgate sits on the northwestern edge of the state and offers rural charm with vast open spaces. But its lack of public amenities and poor walkability make it hard to recommend for retirement. There’s little cultural life, almost no public transit, and few day-to-day conveniences nearby.
For those looking to be surrounded by farmland and quiet, Highgate can deliver. But retirees who want community involvement, events, or healthcare access will be hard-pressed to find them here.
Highgate – ORS 44.14
- Overall Retirement Score: 44.14
- Quietness: 75.92
- Walkability: 18.20
- Cultural amenities: 6.63
- Vibrancy: 4.93
- Car-Friendliness: 80.75
- Transit-Friendliness: 1.07
Though peaceful and easy to drive in, Highgate falls flat for retirees needing engagement, transportation, or social connection. Its extremely low scores in culture and transit make it a risky pick for aging in place.
9. Williamstown – Basic Living Without the Benefits
Located in central Vermont, Williamstown offers a modest, small-town feel. While it has some car accessibility and a tolerable quietness level, the town lacks engaging amenities and events. Seniors looking for enriching activities or reliable transit will likely feel cut off.
Williamstown may suit those with family nearby or those who enjoy a slower, more removed lifestyle—but it’s not ideal for independent retirees without local support.
Williamstown – ORS 43.88
- Overall Retirement Score: 43.88
- Quietness: 55.35
- Walkability: 30.09
- Cultural amenities: 35.03
- Vibrancy: 22.69
- Car-Friendliness: 74.08
- Transit-Friendliness: 3.20
Williamstown performs better than some in quietness and cultural options but still struggles with low walkability and transit. It’s manageable if you can drive—but hard to thrive in without a car or strong social network.
8. Swanton – Uneven Experience for Retirees
Swanton has a mix of suburban and rural elements but lacks cohesion. While car access is decent and vibrancy is higher than some towns on this list, cultural life and walkability still lag. The noise level and scattered layout also detract from retirement appeal.
Swanton might appeal to commuters or families, but it doesn’t offer enough comfort or ease of living for aging adults who want to be less dependent on vehicles.
Swanton – ORS 43.82
- Overall Retirement Score: 43.82
- Quietness: 32.40
- Walkability: 42.77
- Cultural amenities: 30.25
- Vibrancy: 32.73
- Car-Friendliness: 69.42
- Transit-Friendliness: 7.24
Swanton shows average scores nearly across the board, which may seem okay at first glance—but for retirees, mediocrity in critical categories like quietness and walkability can lead to a frustrating daily experience.
7. Berkshire – Enosburgh – Quiet but Extremely Isolated
Berkshire and neighboring Enosburgh are tucked into Vermont’s northeastern region, where peace and farmland dominate the scenery. While that sounds ideal for some, it also comes with long distances between services, minimal walkability, and scarce public transit. The cultural and social scenes are nearly nonexistent.
These towns are better suited to self-sufficient residents with strong local ties, not retirees looking for accessible healthcare, vibrant community life, or car-free options.
Berkshire – Enosburgh – ORS 42.07
- Overall Retirement Score: 42.07
- Quietness: 79.10
- Walkability: 22.47
- Cultural amenities: 14.56
- Vibrancy: 6.79
- Car-Friendliness: 80.74
- Transit-Friendliness: 3.08
These two towns rank among the quietest on the list—but also among the most isolating. Without cultural outlets or practical mobility options, they’re unlikely to meet the needs of most retirees, especially those hoping to age comfortably and independently.
6. South Barre – Graniteville – Lacking Key Services
South Barre and Graniteville sit just south of Barre City and serve as residential pockets with limited infrastructure. While not completely cut off, they’re short on the services and amenities retirees often look for—like walkable neighborhoods, public transportation, and local events.
Quiet and convenient enough for commuters, these towns simply don’t offer enough for older adults hoping to settle down and stay connected without constant driving.
South Barre – Graniteville – ORS 40.85
- Overall Retirement Score: 40.85
- Quietness: 37.22
- Walkability: 42.15
- Cultural amenities: 29.83
- Vibrancy: 28.78
- Car-Friendliness: 67.05
- Transit-Friendliness: 6.62
South Barre–Graniteville’s moderate scores reflect a town that offers very little in terms of vibrancy or aging-friendly features. It’s not the worst town for retirees—but it doesn’t stand out in any helpful way, either.
5. Franklin – Sheldon – Too Remote for Comfort
Franklin and Sheldon are peaceful farm towns in northern Vermont, known for quiet roads and wide open spaces. Unfortunately, they rank near the bottom due to their lack of walkability, cultural activities, and any meaningful transit options. The area feels cut off, especially for retirees who want community, services, or even basic daily convenience.
The few amenities here are spread out, and the social infrastructure simply isn’t built to support an aging population.
Franklin – Sheldon – ORS 36.21
- Overall Retirement Score: 36.21
- Quietness: 81.72
- Walkability: 15.78
- Cultural amenities: 3.00
- Vibrancy: 2.66
- Car-Friendliness: 85.82
- Transit-Friendliness: 0.01
These towns offer some of the highest quietness and car-friendliness scores—but everything else is rock-bottom. Without a car and strong health, living here long-term as a retiree could be a serious challenge.
4. Berlin – Lacking Identity and Connection
Berlin sits between Barre and Montpelier and functions more as a pass-through town than a destination. It lacks a cohesive downtown, cultural presence, or senior-specific resources. Despite having a few retail areas, it scores poorly in areas that matter most for retirement, including quietness and public transit.
Berlin may work for those who commute to nearby cities, but it’s an awkward fit for older adults wanting connection, calm, or walkable daily life.
Berlin – ORS 35.71
- Overall Retirement Score: 35.71
- Quietness: 37.94
- Walkability: 38.55
- Cultural amenities: 50.42
- Vibrancy: 38.35
- Car-Friendliness: 73.34
- Transit-Friendliness: 3.74
Berlin gets some points for access to retail and highways—but fails to deliver what retirees need most. Without a defined center or strong services, it feels like a place to pass through, not settle down in.
3. Winooski – Urban Buzz, But Too Much Noise
Just across the river from Burlington, Winooski offers urban vibrancy, a dense layout, and solid walkability—but that energy comes at a cost. It’s noisy, congested, and not ideal for retirees seeking peace. Despite decent cultural amenities and transit access, it lacks the calm and car convenience that older adults often prioritize.
Younger professionals might love it, but retirees may find it chaotic and overstimulating, especially without strong local support networks.
Winooski – ORS 32.39
- Overall Retirement Score: 32.39
- Quietness: 21.25
- Walkability: 77.97
- Cultural amenities: 59.72
- Vibrancy: 70.67
- Car-Friendliness: 41.05
- Transit-Friendliness: 30.37
Winooski excels in city-style perks but fails in tranquility and ease of driving. Its low quietness and car-friendliness scores reflect how challenging day-to-day life can be for older adults here.
2. Burlington – Culture Hub, But Hard on Seniors
Vermont’s largest city offers an exciting cultural and food scene, along with some of the best walkability and transit access in the state. But for retirees, it’s far from perfect. Burlington scores poorly in quietness and car convenience, and housing costs can be high. The constant bustle and urban pace can wear down those looking for calm and simplicity.
It’s a great place to visit—but aging comfortably here without stress is another story entirely.
Burlington – ORS 31.79
- Overall Retirement Score: 31.79
- Quietness: 14.32
- Walkability: 82.06
- Cultural amenities: 75.82
- Vibrancy: 80.01
- Car-Friendliness: 37.14
- Transit-Friendliness: 34.42
Despite its strong cultural and transit offerings, Burlington ranks second-worst due to its low quietness and car-friendliness. It’s exciting—but exhausting—for most retirees.
1. Fair Haven – The Worst Town for Retirement in Vermont
Fair Haven sits at the western edge of the state, bordering New York. While the town does offer modest walkability and cultural access, its low quietness, limited transit, and middling car access combine to create a less-than-ideal retirement setting. The town can feel isolated from major hubs, and lacks many of the comforts older adults rely on.
Fair Haven’s low Overall Retirement Score reflects a town that doesn’t do anything particularly well—and for retirees, that’s a deal-breaker.
Fair Haven – ORS 28.72
- Overall Retirement Score: 28.72
- Quietness: 35.39
- Walkability: 56.95
- Cultural amenities: 43.49
- Vibrancy: 46.44
- Car-Friendliness: 59.13
- Transit-Friendliness: 5.94
Fair Haven lands at the bottom thanks to weak scores across all categories. It’s not especially vibrant, accessible, or peaceful—making it a tough place to enjoy retirement.
