Riverside living in Bradford, Vermont
At the confluence of the Connecticut River and Waits River, Bradford is a small town hidden amongst the Upper Valley's landscape of rolling hills dotted with pines and maple trees. Like many nearby communities, this small town of nearly 2,800 residents was once a thriving mill town surrounded by fertile farmland. Today, Interstate 91 runs parallel to the river, further contributing to Bradford's growth as a regional commercial hub in an otherwise rural corner of eastern Vermont. "I like to say that Vermont is very much a pick-your-own-adventure type of state," says Darren Sherburne, an associate broker with Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty and Bradford native. "Bradford specifically offers a balance of rural and town living. You can live a secluded life in the woods but still have access to public resources or live near town if you're an extrovert."
Officially chartered in 1790, Bradford's quiet Main Street features an eclectic mix of 19th- and 20th-century buildings that give way to a handful of restaurants, shops, houses of worship and other local establishments. Sidewalks cater to pedestrians headed into the village for a cup of coffee or students on their way to school. "We see a lot of families moving into these small towns that want their kids to be able to walk to school, the library or the local ice cream shop," Sherburne says. Chain retailers draw in residents from around the region, including those across the river in New Hampshire. Farther west, a mix of rural and residential streets quickly gain in elevation, offering residents sweeping mountain views on their way to and from town.
Bradford’s commercial and entertainment offerings
Main Street's village center, or the Bradford Village Historic District, was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. The Waits River marks the start of the village as residents and visitors approach its southern edge. A steep, cascading waterfall and small picnic area greet patrons to the left, while a historic 1847 gristmill sits just below the falls. Today, the restored brick gristmill is home to The Little Grille at the Mill, a casual eatery that offers scenic views from its outdoor patio. Up the road, "Colatina Exit is hands down a favorite for dining seven days a week," Sherburne says, serving up Italian classics like pizza and pasta. Across the street, Rae's Corner Cafe is another local favorite with its whimsical mismatched chairs and tables that cater to breakfast and lunch crowds. Other local establishments include a bookstore, an antique shop, a hair salon and a teen center. "There's also a newly opened dispensary," Sherburne says, highlighting Bradford's openness for continued economic growth.
The village is home to the Old Church Theater, which is a performing arts venue housed in the town's oldest building. At the intersection of Main Street and U.S. Route 5, Bradford's public library is another community gathering place that hosts weekly events for kids, teenagers and adults. "The Bradford Business Association also hosts many events on Main Street," Sherburne says, including an annual holiday tree lighting and street clean-ups. Entertainment options don't stop there, as the town hosts an annual fair with livestock competitions, motorsports races, carnival games and rides.
Down the road, chain stores like Hannaford and Tractor Supply Company line U.S. Route 5. Farm-Way Inc., tucked just off Route 5, stands out as a regionally famous family-owned outfitter store that sells everything from outdoor gear and streetwear to home decor and animal food. "It's a highly renowned store," Sherburne says. "Many people know about Bradford just because of it," further attracting locals and tourists as a quick pit stop off the highway.
Historic village homes and secluded mountain retreats
The Bradford Village Historic District, which encompasses most homes along Main Street, features primarily 19th and 20th-century Greek Revival-style brick houses, some with Italianate detailing, interspersed with colonial-style farmhouses and bungalows. Mid-20th-century ramblers, bi-levels and Cape Cods that sit close together surround the village. Elevation increases just east of Main Street, offering residents distant views of blue-tinted mountain ranges. Other rural roads lead to a smorgasbord of secluded properties that range from restored historic cottages to manufactured homes. Sales prices in Bradford typically range from the mid-$200,000s to the mid-$500,000s. However, some properties can sell below $200,000, while the occasional mountain retreat with acreage can sell into the $900,000s. Although low-lying areas near the riverfront can pose flooding concerns, many residences sit along higher ground.
Riverside access, nearby trails and local recreation
Elizabeth's Park stands out with its sprawling wooden castle-themed playground and adjacent beach volleyball court along Fairground Road. Farther south, Bradford Golf Club, a 9-hole course open to the public, sits at the junction of the Waits River and Connecticut River. Adjacent baseball fields, soccer fields and a tennis court cater to youth leagues behind the town hall. At the far end of the fields, Bugbee Landing access point features a boat ramp and a small dock, attracting boaters, kayakers and paddleboarders along the Waits River.
Less than 10 miles south, Lake Morey is a popular 550-acre lake surrounded by hiking trails and public boat ramps. A small town beach sits next to Lake Morey Resort, which is known for its summer concert series, but is only open to Fairlee residents. "Lake Morey is more popular amongst boaters than swimmers or beachgoers," Sherburne says. "If you want a bigger public beach, you can head up to Halls Pond or the state park in Groton." Fifteen miles north, a narrow stretch of sand and a boat launch offer access to the quieter Halls Lake.
Winding rivers, meandering streams and hidden lakes are interspersed among Vermont's vast forests. West of Interstate 91, Wright's Mountain and the Devil's Den Town Forest, located within the overarching Bradford Town Forest, consists of a 507-acre parcel with almost 12 miles of trails and three trailheads.
Education in Bradford
The Orange East Supervisory Union oversees the Oxbow Unified Union School District, which garners a B-minus rating from Niche. Local pre-kindergarteners through sixth graders may attend Bradford Elementary School, which earns a C-plus. Oxbow High School, which scores a B-minus, enrolls less than 400 middle and high school students across the towns of Bradford and Newbury. The high school shares a building with a daycare center and the River Bend Career and Technical Center, which offers vocational programming for students and adults.
Commutes on U.S. Route 5 and Interstate 91
Bradford's town center is walkable, boasting a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10. Tri-Valley Transit services the area, but the overall community is car-dependent. U.S. Route 5 is the main road through town, connecting residents to Woodville's Cottage Hospital, 14 miles north. Alternatively, the highly regarded Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, New Hampshire's only academic medical center, is about 30 miles south via Interstate 91. Burlington International Airport is about 70 miles northwest via Interstate 89.
