Calais is a decentralized community surrounded by serene landscapes
The rural community of Calais has a decentralized, sprawling layout with six unincorporated villages, each with its own appeal. For example, Maple Corner is home to a community center and restaurant, while Kents Corner is known for its namesake museum and the historic Old West Church. Three out of six villages have small community grocery stores, though residents drive to Montpelier for most other necessities, and many music and theatrical venues are scattered across the area. Between the different villages, there are many ponds and lakes for fishing, and a network of forested hiking trails connects much of the region.
Hiking trails and fishing ponds connect the community
Ponds and lakes are dotted across the terrain. Mirror Lake, also known as Number 10 Lake, is one of the most popular publicly accessible bodies of water, attracting boaters and anglers. “It’s one of the best swimming holes in the state of Vermont,” says Kevin Casey, a local Realtor at Green Light Real Estate with over 15 years of experience. In addition to lakes, Calais has a network of eight different forested trails, totaling over 14 miles and often used for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter. While most of the community is occupied by dense pine forests, the Chickering Bog Natural Area is made up of preserved wetlands, home to bullfrogs, woodpeckers and other wildlife.
Ranch-style homes and cabins sit on multiacre lots
Homes in Calais were mainly built in the late 20th and early 21st century, though some late 19th-century properties are also dotted around the community. Home styles vary from ranch-style properties and Cape Cods to larger wood-built cabins and estate-sized properties. Lot sizes start at a half-acre, with most spanning multiple acres and many even exceeding 10 acres. Some properties close to creeks and brooks are at risk of flooding during severe storms, and some lenders may require flood insurance. Prices generally range from $250,000 to $650,000, though estate-sized properties can range from $870,000 to $1.8 million, depending on the exact square footage and lot size. Some fixer-uppers are available for under $100,000. Empty lots are still available for new custom builds, ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 for between 3 and 55 acres.
Individual villages have local shops and community centers
Maple Corner is home to the Maple Corner Community Store, a small grocer and deli. The Whammy Bar, located in the back room, serves American fare and hosts live music from local and regional acts. Down the street, the Maple Corner Community Center hosts weekly yoga classes and other programs. Adamant Co-op is another community staple, and East Calais General Store sells hot breakfast, groceries and fishing supplies. “East Calais General Store just finished brand new renovations,” Casey says. “It’s a really exceptional community store.” Locals drive to Montpelier for chain grocery stores like Shaw’s and Walmart, as well as restaurants like Wilaiwan’s Kitchen, which offers Thai food.
Strong arts-based community with performance venues and festivals
Calais is home to a strong arts community with institutions like the Kent Museum, which has rotating art exhibits and readings. Additionally, the Frank Suchomel Memorial Arts Center and QuarryWorks Theater stage musical concerts and theatrical performances, respectively. The Unadilla Theatre, founded in 1979, hosts the Vermont Theatre Festival, which includes several plays and musicals performed over several months in the summer.
Lots of support for Calais Elementary School
Calais Elementary, which earns an A-minus from Niche, is a big part of the local community. Friends of Calais, the school’s parent-teacher organization, puts on fundraisers and social gatherings, including a Welcome Back BBQ at the start of the school year. Starting in seventh grade, students are bused to the B-rated U-32 Middle and High School in Montpelier.
Montpelier is under 15 miles away
Country Road and Highway 14 are two of the main roadways in Calais, each leading less than 15 miles south to Montpelier. Some residences are located on private roads, meaning homeowners may be responsible for maintenance. The University of Vermont Central Vermont Medical Center is about 15 miles away, and Burlington International Airport is under 50 miles away.
