Rural, growing community just south of Montpelier
Berlin, Vermont offers a uniquely different vibe than the German capital it’s named after and even than the state’s capital, which it borders. While Montpelier brims with historical Victorian homes and charming New England shops, Berlin provides a more bucolic and rural feel while staying within reach of the energy. “We’re a pretty small community with lots of beautiful scenery and farmland, and all the neighbors know each other,” says Town Clerk Rachel Giroux, a Berlin resident of almost 12 years. “Berlin is in a little corner where we are surrounded by popular things but we’re enough in the country where we can get away from the hustle and bustle.” Still, the town is creating its own legacy as it works to grow its footprint and appeal. “We’re not large but we’re a destination for various reasons, and lots of people come to Berlin during the day,” Giroux says. “But in the evening, it’s about 3,000 people who call it home.” Berlin is home to the Central Vermont Medical Center, one of the largest hospitals in the area, yet doesn’t have its own post office, she continues. Additionally, Berlin offers access to outdoor recreation, strong schools and established homes.
Established vernacular homes on larger lots
Vernacular, New England-style homes dot the wooded, hilly Vermont terrain. Larger lots sizes lend a spread-out feel and offer more spacious living. Country cottages, Cape Cods and charming bungalows make up a majority of the housing stock for single-family homes. These typically range between $120,000 and $550,000, though outliers include historic estates and established colonial-era homes that may fetch just under $1 million. Townhouses and condos are also available and tend to price between the low-$300,000s and low-$400,000s.
Strong schools with career education
Washington Central Unified School District No. 92 serves the five towns that surround Montpelier, including Berlin. The district earns a B from Niche and is in the top 10 best school districts in Vermont. Students may begin their education at Berlin Elementary School for prekindergarten through sixth grade. U-32 Middle and High School serves seventh through twelfth grade. Both schools earn a B from Niche. UMHS offers co-curricular activities, including the high-performing Stage 16 Theater program, and is also known for its strong career-related programs. Together with local community colleges and career centers such as the Central Vermont Career Center in Barre, the program emphasizes experiential learning and vocational skills with pathways including culinary arts, automotive technology and agriculture.
Outdoor recreation including ice skating and fishing
The Berlin Pond is a centrally located destination for outdoor recreation. Kayakers and anglers take to the freshwater, which serves as the supply for much of the area’s drinking water, while hikers, cyclists and birdwatchers enjoy the scenic trails that hug the pond’s banks. “We have a lot of outdoor amenities, including the Berlin Pond and wooded trails that are maintained but not developed,” Giroux says. “And of course, the local skating rink is a big draw.” Open seasonally on the weekends from October to February, the L-shaped Berlin skating rink offers public skating for hockey and recreation. The Dog River Natural Area also offers a few swimming holes and opportunities to catch trout. Proximity to Montpelier and Barre provide residents with access to city pools and additional recreation along the Winooski River.
A developing central mall and shopping in Montpelier
Conveniences are centrally located in Berlin, including local restaurants and retailers for daily necessities. The Central Vermont Marketplace is a mall housing big-box retailers and services, such as Kohl’s and Hobby Lobby. Locals can enjoy a baked good and specialty coffee at Central Perks coffee shop or pick up groceries from the Walmart Supercenter. Giroux says the mall is a destination for shopping and is working on expanding. “We don’t have a central village like most towns do, so we are developing the area around the mall to become the major local town hub,” Giroux says. Plans include outfitting the mall with additional stores and restaurants as well as common grounds. “They’ll be constructing apartment buildings, developing housing and hopefully integrating more walking spaces.”
Locals are also close to the quaint shops and eateries lining Montpelier’s downtown district, with favorites including Sarducci’s and Bohemian Bakery. Wayside Restaurant sits at the border of Montpelier and Berlin and is a long-time community stalwart. “It’s been there a hundred years,” Giroux says. “It’s a family favorite for gathering.” The mom-and-pop diner has been serving American dishes, bakery items and ice cream to the community since 1918.
Major thoroughfares to Montpelier and beyond
Interstate 89 is the largest thoroughfare that runs through Berlin, connecting residents to Montpelier and Burlington. State Route 62 links the interstate to U.S. Route 302, or Barre-Montpelier Road, another popular thoroughfare in town that connects to Barre. Bus routes are scattered around Berlin, taking commuters to Montpelier and surrounding towns.
Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola
