$485,045Average Value$333Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
West Barre's rural setting near Barre City
Tucked within the expansive landscape of Washington County, West Barre is one of several quiet corners that make up Barre Town, which surrounds Barre City , often called the "Granite Capital of the World." Set amidst rolling hills, wooded valleys and the meandering Stevens Branch, West Barre encapsulates the best of Vermont's rural charm. "We first moved to town for my husband's job," says Sue Aldrich , Real Estate Broker with Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman. "It was small and rural; we thought we wouldn't like it. But six months later, we looked at each other and said we're never moving."
The town emerged as a residential community for quarry workers and artisans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the quarry continues to excavate tons of Barre Gray granite today. Throughout town, quiet country roads weave past classic New England farmhouses, while open fields and forested trails beckon those seeking scenic vistas, fresh air and rural tranquility. "The nature around here is amazing," Aldrich says. "Our communities may be small, but they are extremely welcoming and active. There are book clubs, hiking clubs, you name it." Residential clusters highlight the area's development over the years, while recreation offers residents year-round access to Vermont's outdoor playground.
Recreation around Barre
Scenic vistas and distant mountain peaks offer an abundance of recreational activities, ranging from open green spaces to forested terrain. Stevens Branch, a tributary of the Winooski River, flows through West Barre, offering riverbank retreats and fishing spots off the beaten path. In Barre City , Rotary Park's bike path leads residents to a hidden swimming hole along the river.
Rotary Park itself stands as a community hub, featuring a municipal pool, a skate park, sports courts and a playground nestled along the river. The Barre Town Recreational Area is the town's largest green space with sports facilities that cater to youth leagues, a skate park, a dog park and access to the Barre Town Forest, a 355-acre area open to hikers and bikers. The Forest extends from the heart of Barre to Millstone Hill. The Forest is home to 20 miles of the 70-mile Millstone Hill Trail Network, which traverses over 1,500 acres and passes by abandoned quarries and old rock piles. "There are these huge mountains of unused pieces of granite, and artists have gone out and carved granite figures in these piles right by the bike trail," Aldrich says.
Nearby forests offer more adventures among Vermont's rugged terrain. L.R. Jones State Forest provides an opportunity for a hike up Spruce Mountain, culminating in panoramic views from a fire tower. In the winter, the annual average of over 100 inches of snow turns hiking trails into a haven for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Skiers also have easy access to premier destinations: Killington is just 60 miles away, Sugarbush is 30 miles from town and Stowe lies 35 miles north.
Farmhouses, ramblers and bi-levels
Housing in West Barre includes traditional farmhouses, Colonial Revivals, mid-century ramblers, Cape Cods and bi-levels. Winding roads pass farmland, secluded farmhouses and custom-built homes. Most properties are spread out, while other roads lead to small clusters that line suburban streets with rural landscapes and spacious lots. Most homes date to the 20th century, with prices generally ranging from $450,000 to $550,000. Properties with significant acreage can sell for over $1 million, but those tend to be rare. Buildable 2-acre-plus plots are available from just under $100,000 to nearly $200,000. The area is prone to flooding, especially low-lying Barre City. West Barre sits on higher ground, but some areas may still flood. The neighborhood garners a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Public and higher education around Barre
The Barre Unified Union School District garners an overall C-minus rating from Niche. C-plus-rated schools include Barre Town Middle and Elementary School and Spaulding High School. The district participates in the Community Eligibility Provision, which ensures universal free meals for all district students, regardless of household income eligibility. Vermont is unique in offering high school students the opportunity to apply to any public school in the state for grades nine through 12, regardless of where in Vermont they live.
The area is near Vermont Technical College and Norwich University—the nation's first private military college and birthplace of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)—in Northfield . Montpelier is also home to the Vermont College of Fine Arts.
Barre's granite heritage
Though the Rock of Ages Visitors Center closed in 2025, visitors can explore Barre's history at the Vermont Granite Museum. Hope Cemetery is another local landmark that showcases stone carvings by Rock of Ages artisans, with memorials and mausoleums as works of art. Barre's granite legacy is honored during Barre Heritage Days, the city's biggest annual event at the end of July, featuring live entertainment, vendors, and food from local restaurants.
Amenities in Barre City and Montpelier
West Barre maintains its rural character, with open lands giving way to agri-businesses. A short drive leads to Barre City , the area's commercial center. Along Main Street, local establishments range from restaurants and coffee shops to offices and local stores. "There are art galleries and little granite carvings peppered around downtown," Aldrich says. Down the street, the Meltdown Grilled Cheese and Tap Room takes a creative twist on comfort food, offering gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches paired with local craft brews in a casual setting. Ladder 1 Grill, located in a converted historic firehouse, is a crowd favorite for hearty American fare and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.
Locally owned markets line Main Street; hardware stores, pharmacies and other essentials are close by. Hannaford, on South Barre Road, is the only chain grocer. Big-box stores line Berlin Mall Road and U.S. Route 302. Montpelier , located about 8 miles north, provides additional shopping and dining options. The town is also home to Thunder Road, a popular race track. "Our current governor has raced there," Aldrich says.
Getting around Central Vermont
West Barre is primarily car dependent. U.S. Route 302 is the main route and merges with U.S. Route 2 in Montpelier, less than 10 miles north. Central Vermont Medical Center is about 7 miles away. Edward F. Knapp State Airport serves private aircraft outside the neighborhood, and Burlington International Airport is around 45 miles northwest via Interstate 89.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in West Barre, Barre sell after 20 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in West Barre, Barre over the last 12 months is $622,500, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover a rare Vermont estate at 260 Morrison Road in Barre Town. This striking 3-bedroom contemporary home combines native Vermont stone and walls of glass to capture sweeping mountain views. Set on 89± acres with over 4,000 feet of road frontage, the property offers a private sanctuary with a spring-fed pond and fountain tucked into the backyard—perfect for quiet reflection or entertaining. A
Ready-to-go, fully permitted building lot in the desirable Barre Town area! This open and sunny parcel offers an ideal setting for your future home, complete with sweeping views across the surrounding countryside. The lot is cleared and features a gentle slope, making it well-suited for a variety of home designs. It is permitted for a four-bedroom home, offering flexibility for families or those
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
